| Updated On - Jun 5, 2026
TOEFL iBT is accepted by 13,000+ institutions across 160+ countries. If you are planning to study abroad, a 3-month study plan is one of the most structured ways to prepare.
According to ETS (the official body that conducts TOEFL), the plan covers 4 skills — Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking — across 3 clear phases. The test takes approximately 2 hours to complete, and scores are now reported on a 1–6 scale (as of January 2026). This article breaks down exactly what to do each month, week by week.
What is the TOEFL iBT Test Format?
Before you start preparing, know what you are preparing for. The TOEFL iBT test pattern has 4 sections.
| Section | Number of Questions | Approximate Time |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 50 | 30 mins |
| Listening | 47 | 29 mins |
| Writing | 12 | 23 mins |
| Speaking | 11 | 8 mins |
- The total test time is approximately 90 minutes.
- Scores are on a 1–6 scale (from January 2026 onwards).
- You also get a comparable 0–120 score for a 2-year transition period.
- Scores are available in just 3 days after your test date.
Month 1: Build Your Foundation
The first month is about knowing where you stand and building core English skills. Do not skip this step — it sets the direction for the next 2 months.
Start with a practice test. ETS offers 2 free full-length TOEFL practice tests on its official website. Take one before you start studying. This helps you:
- Find out which sections are weak.
- Know your current score level.
- Set a target score based on your university's requirements.
Important for Indian students: Each university sets its own TOEFL score requirement. Check the score needed for your target university before setting your goal.
Check: TOEFL Score Requirements for Top Universities Abroad 2026
Focus on All 4 Skills
Reading
- Read news reports, short essays, and academic articles.
- Practice identifying main ideas fast.
- Learn to skim without losing meaning.
Listening
- Listen to lectures and conversations in English.
- Take short notes while listening.
- Focus on key ideas — do not try to write everything.
Speaking
- Speak in English with friends or family.
- Build a list of words you find hard to pronounce.
- Focus on clarity, not perfection.
Writing
- Practice structuring ideas clearly.
- Work on spelling and vocabulary.
- Simple, well-organized writing often scores higher than complex but unclear writing.
Month 2: Build a Revision Strategy
Month 2 is about creating a study routine that you can actually follow. Consistency matters more than long study sessions.
ETS recommends a weekly structure like this:
- 4 sessions of 1 hour each for focused study.
- 1 practice test per week.
- 1 review session to go over mistakes.
You can also improve your English outside of study hours:
- Watch English TV shows or movies (with English subtitles)
- Listen to English podcasts
- Read English content online
Key tip: Short, regular sessions work better than cramming. Do not burn yourself out in Month 2.
Month 3: Test Simulation
The final month shifts focus from learning to performance. By now, you should be comfortable with the test format. It is time to practice under real exam conditions.
Build a Test Schedule
Add 2-3 practice tests per week to your routine. During each test:
- Follow the exact timing of each section.
- Sit in a quiet, distraction-free space.
- Do not check answers in the middle of the test.
This builds test confidence and reduces anxiety on the actual test day.
Work on Time Management
Time management is a skill many students overlook. Train yourself to:
- Move through questions without overthinking
- Stay focused from start to finish
- Avoid spending too long on one question
Fix Your Weak Areas
By Month 3, you know which sections need more work. Spend more time on weak areas than on sections where you already score well.
Final 7 Days Before the Test
The last week is for refinement — not new learning. Here is what ETS recommends:
- Practice speaking every day.
- Complete 2–3 final practice tests.
- Review your weaker areas and past mistakes.
Avoid:
- Learning new techniques.
- Overloading your schedule.
- Studying for too many hours at a stretch.
Official TOEFL Prep Resources
ETS offers both free and paid resources to support your preparation.
Free resources:
- Full-Length Practice Test 1 — Free
- Full-Length Practice Test 2 — Free
- Interactive Sample Test — Free
Paid resources:
- Official TOEFL iBT Prep Course — $149
- TOEFL Practice Online (1 test) — $49
- TOEFL Practice Online Trio (3 tests) — $99
- TOEFL Practice Online Six Pack (6 tests) — $179
- TOEFL iBT Readiness Pack — $69
According to an ETS survey of 315 users across the US, India, China, and Japan, 90% felt more prepared, and 82% felt less anxious after using official TOEFL prep.
TOEFL iBT is a 2-hour test with 4 sections, scored on a 1–6 scale. A 3-month plan — foundation in Month 1, revision strategy in Month 2, and test simulation in Month 3 — gives you a structured path to your target score. Use ETS's free practice tests to track your progress and register at least 2–3 months before your university deadline.
FAQs
Ques. How many times can I take the TOEFL iBT in a year?
Ans. You can take the TOEFL iBT once every 3 days, and there is no limit on how many times you can take it in a year. This is useful for Indian students who want to improve their score before a deadline.
Ques. How long are TOEFL scores valid?
Ans. TOEFL iBT scores are valid for 2 years from the test date. Make sure your score does not expire before your university application deadline.
Ques. Can I send my TOEFL scores to universities for free?
Ans. Yes. Your test fee includes up to 4 free score reports sent to institutions. You can add recipients until 10 p.m. on the day of your test. Additional reports cost $25 per institution.
Ques. What is the new TOEFL scoring scale in 2026?
Ans. From January 21, 2026, TOEFL iBT scores are reported on a 1–6 scale (in half-point increments). For a 2-year transition period, you will also receive a comparable score on the 0–120 scale. A score of 6 on the new scale equals 114+ on the old scale.
Ques. When should I register for the TOEFL if I am applying to universities abroad?
Ans. ETS recommends registering at least 2–3 months before your earliest admissions deadline. This gives you time to retake the test if needed, since scores are sent to institutions within 4–16 business days.
Ques. What is MyBest Score, and does it help Indian students?
Ans. MyBest Score shows your best section scores across all your TOEFL attempts. Many universities accept MyBest Scores, which means even if you did not score well in all sections in one sitting, your best individual section scores can still count.
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