TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
Preferred English Test for US Universities
TOEFL iBT is one of the world’s most widely accepted English-language tests, recognised by more than 13,000 universities and institutions in over 160 countries including the US, UK, Canada and Australia. From January 2026 it is a shorter, adaptive test (about 90 minutes) reported on a 1-6 band scale.
6.0
Maximum Band (new scale)
~90 min
Test Duration
60+
Test Dates Per Year
₹16,900
Approx. Fee (India, incl. GST)
Free Full-Length TOEFL Practice Test
Take a timed, real-format test and get your score instantly
What is TOEFL?
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a standardized test that measures the academic English ability of non-native speakers. The TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) is administered by ETS and tests Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking. The updated TOEFL iBT launched on January 21, 2026: it is about 90 minutes long with no break, Reading and Listening are adaptive, and scores are reported on a 1-6 band scale aligned with CEFR levels (A1 to C2). Until January 2028 every score report also shows a comparable score on the old 0-120 scale.
Why is TOEFL Important?
TOEFL is widely preferred by US universities and accepted by over 13,000 institutions worldwide. It tests academic English in an integrated way, similar to how English is used in lectures and seminars. Many scholarship and fellowship programs also require TOEFL scores, and the new 1-6 scale maps directly to the CEFR level a university asks for.
Who Should Take TOEFL?
Non-native English speakers applying to undergraduate or graduate programs at English-medium universities, especially in the US. TOEFL is also accepted for professional licensing, immigration and scholarship applications in many countries.
TOEFL Test Format
Understanding the test structure is the first step to effective preparation
Reading
Adaptive section. Short academic and everyday texts, with a mix of question types including passage questions, vocabulary in context and cloze-style tasks.
Listening
Adaptive section. Short conversations, announcements and academic lectures, followed by comprehension questions.
Writing
Build-a-sentence tasks, a short written email or message, and an academic discussion response.
Speaking
Read-aloud, listen-and-repeat, a short interview and a task where you take part in a conversation. Scored by a combination of AI and human raters.
TOEFL Scoring
Understanding how the test is scored helps you set realistic targets
Score Scale
Score Benchmarks
TOEFL Test Dates & Registration
Test Frequency
Available more than 60 times per year at test centres, plus the TOEFL iBT Home Edition available 24/7 on 4 days per week. You can retest as often as every 3 days with no limit on total attempts.
Registration
Register on the ETS website. In India the fee is about ₹16,900 including GST (the same for test centre and Home Edition; ETS prices in USD, so the rupee amount moves with the exchange rate). Late registration within 7 days of the test date costs extra.
Results
Scores are typically available about 72 hours after the test via your ETS account. Score reports show your CEFR level, 1-6 overall and section scores, and a comparable 0-120 score. MyBest scores combine your best section scores from all valid tests taken in the past 2 years.
Score Validity
TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years from the test date.
Test Centers
TOEFL iBT is available at ETS-authorized test centres worldwide and at home with online proctoring. Test centres are available across India in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Kolkata and more.
TOEFL Fees & Costs (2026-27)
Complete fee breakdown including registration, rescheduling, and additional services
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Test Fee (Centre or Home Edition, India) Priced in USD by ETS; the rupee amount varies with the exchange rate | ₹16,900 approx. (incl. GST) |
| Rescheduling Fee Must reschedule at least 4 days before the test | US$69 (₹5,900 approx.) |
| Express Registration For booking within 7 days of the test date | US$49 |
| Additional Score Reports 4 free reports included | US$29 each |
| Speaking or Writing Score Review | US$80 per section (US$160 for both) |
| Express Scoring Faster score delivery | US$129 |
| Score Reinstatement | US$20 |
Fees are subject to change. Verify current fees on the official test website before registering.
TOEFL Preparation Tips
Expert tips to help you prepare effectively for the TOEFL
Prepare for the January-2026 format — older 4-task Speaking and 2-essay Writing materials no longer match the test
Practise the new item types: cloze reading, build-a-sentence, listen-and-repeat and the academic discussion post
Because Reading and Listening are adaptive, accuracy early in each section matters — do not rush the first stage
Build academic vocabulary through reading journals and textbooks
Practise speaking responses aloud within tight time limits; the section is only about 8 minutes
Use the free official ETS practice test to learn the on-screen layout
Check what band your universities require — most now list a 1-6 score (for example 4.5 or 5.0) alongside the old 0-120 requirement
Need Expert Guidance?
While KGC does not provide test coaching, we offer expert advice on test selection, timing, and how your scores fit into your overall application strategy.
We can recommend trusted test prep partners and help you plan your standardized testing journey for maximum impact on your university applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What changed in the TOEFL iBT in 2026?
From January 21, 2026 the TOEFL iBT is about 90 minutes long (down from about 2 hours), has no break, uses adaptive Reading and Listening sections, adds shorter everyday-English tasks alongside academic ones, and reports scores on a 1-6 band scale aligned to CEFR instead of 0-120. Score reports until January 2028 also show a comparable 0-120 score.
What TOEFL score do I need on the new scale?
ETS recommends universities that asked for 100 on the old scale set 5.0, those that asked for 90 set 4.5, and those that asked for 80 set 4.0. So aim for 4.5-5.0 for most universities and 5.0-5.5 for top programs. Check each university’s updated requirement.
TOEFL vs IELTS — which should I choose?
US universities often prefer TOEFL, while UK/Australia/Canada may prefer IELTS, though almost all accept both. TOEFL is now shorter (about 90 minutes vs 2 hours 45 minutes for IELTS) and fully computer-based, with Speaking recorded rather than face-to-face. Check your target universities’ preferences.
Can I take TOEFL at home?
Yes, the TOEFL iBT Home Edition allows you to take the test at home with online proctoring. The content, format, scoring and fee are identical to the test centre version.
What is MyBest Score?
MyBest scores combine your best section scores from all valid TOEFL tests taken in the past 2 years, giving universities your highest possible score across attempts. Check whether your university accepts MyBest scores.
How soon can I retake TOEFL, and how long are scores valid?
You can retake the TOEFL as often as every 3 days with no limit on attempts. Scores are valid for 2 years from the test date.
TOEFL Articles & Tips
Latest blog posts about TOEFL preparation, scoring, and strategies
IMO Olympiad Explained: The Official Pathway in India
Two exams in India are called IMO. Only one is the official pathway to India's International Mathema...
Read more Career Guidance5 Ways to Get Into an IIM Without CAT
CAT is not the only way into an IIM. Discover five non-CAT routes, from IPMAT and JIPMAT to IIMB's B...
Read more Study AbroadThe U.S. Government Website Every College Applicant Should Know
College Scorecard is the free U.S. government tool that lets students research college costs, earnin...
Read more Career Guidance6 Secret Doors to IITs Beyond JEE: Alternative Admission Routes
Six alternative routes can take students to IITs beyond JEE—from online BS degrees and UCEED to IAT,...
Read moreRelated Guides & Resources
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Get personalized guidance on test selection, timing, and application strategy from our expert consultants.