The TOEFL exam (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a popular English test that assesses the English language skills of non-native speakers who wish to study, work, or live abroad. 13,000+ universities and institutions in over 160 countries accept the TOEFL iBT score.
The TOEFL test is of four types: TOEFL iBT Test, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, TOEFL Essentials Test, and TOEFL Junior® Tests. You can take the TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) at a test center or from home. The test includes 100% academic content and tasks to evaluate the proficiency of test-takers.
The TOEFL exam pattern includes four main skills: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The total duration of the TOEFL is about 116 minutes, and candidates are scored out of 120. The TOEFL exam dates are available all through the year, with over 170 test dates at centers and home testing slots 4 days a week, 24 hours a day.
The TOEFL exam fee in India (2025) is INR 16,900, and your TOEFL scores will be available on your ETS account in about 4 to 8 days after the test. Here, we will discuss the TOEFL exam details, how to register, fee structure, test dates, scoring pattern, and latest updates.
TOEFL 2025 Latest Updates
If you are planning to take the TOEFL exam in 2025, there is no change in the current test format. The major TOEFL updates will start from January 2026. But it is still important to know what’s coming ahead.
Right now, the TOEFL iBT, Home Edition, and Essentials will follow the same structure and scoring in 2025. You will still get 4 main sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing, and your scores will be out of 120 points.
What’s Coming in 2026? (Heads-up for Students)
Though nothing changes in 2025, ETS (the official body that runs TOEFL) has shared some big updates for 2026:
Reading and Listening will become adaptive, which means question difficulty will change based on your answers.
The test will now use current academic topics, like AI research and climate science, instead of old topics like Greek myths.
New scoring will be added: a 1–6 band scale along with the old 0–120 score to match with CEFR levels.
A faster registration system – only 2 clicks to choose home or center test.
Types of TOEFL Exams
The TOEFL exam is of 4 types: TOEFL iBT Test, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, TOEFL Essentials Test, and TOEFL Junior® Tests. Check the table below to understand the main types of TOEFL exams:
TOEFL Exam Type
Format
Purpose
Who Should Take It
TOEFL iBT Test
Test centre-based; 4 sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing
Used for college and university admission abroad
Students applying to universities in other countries
TOEFL iBT Home Edition
Online, taken at home with monitoring; same as iBT
Same use as the test centre version
Students who prefer to give the test from home
TOEFL Essentials Test
Short, online (1.5 hrs); academic + general English
Accepted by some universities abroad
Students who want a quicker and easier test
TOEFL Junior® Tests
Paper or computer-based; for ages 11+
Used for school-level English progress tracking
Younger students (K–12); not for college admission
How to Choose the Right TOEFL Exam?
For university admission, choose TOEFL iBT Test or TOEFL iBT Home Edition.
If you want a faster and more flexible test, try TOEFL Essentials (make sure your university accepts it).
If you’re a school student, then TOEFL Junior is the right choice, but it is not accepted for university.
Always check which TOEFL exam type your school or university accepts before booking the test.
The TOEFL iBT stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test. It is the online version of the TOEFL exam that is taken using a computer and an internet connection. The TOEFL iBT is mainly taken by students from non-English-speaking countries who want to study in English-speaking universities or colleges.
The "iBT" in TOEFL iBT simply means that the test is Internet-Based, not paper-based. It checks how well you can use and understand English in academic settings, especially in reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
More than 98% of candidates worldwide prefer the TOEFL iBT format compared to other TOEFL test types. TOEFL iBT is known for its flexibility, faster results, and wide acceptance. It is accepted by over 13,000 universities and institutions across the world, including top countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
In India, the TOEFL iBT exam is available in many major cities at authorised test centres. Candidates also have the option to take the TOEFL iBT from home under monitored conditions, known as the TOEFL Home Edition.
Whether you choose the test centre or the home version, the TOEFL iBT follows the same format and scoring system. It is one of the most trusted and recognised English tests for studying abroad.
TOEFL full form is the Test of English as a Foreign Language. It is a standardized exam designed to assess the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers. TOEFL is widely accepted by universities, employers, and immigration authorities in English-speaking countries.
Why is the TOEFL Exam Required?
The TOEFL exam is required to assess the English language proficiency of non-native speakers in academic and professional settings. It is primarily used for:
University Admissions: TOEFL is widely accepted by universities and colleges worldwide as proof of English proficiency for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs.
Scholarship Applications: Many institutions and organizations require TOEFL scores to evaluate candidates for scholarships.
Immigration Purposes: Some countries accept TOEFL scores as part of visa and immigration applications to demonstrate language proficiency.
Professional Certification: TOEFL is often required for professional licenses or certifications in English-speaking countries.
Employment Opportunities: Employers may use TOEFL scores to gauge the English proficiency of potential employees in global or English-focused roles.
TOEFL Exam Eligibility
The eligibility criteria for TOEFL 2025 test are as follows:
There are no age restrictions for the TOEFL Exam, but candidates must have completed their 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board.
A valid passport is mandatory for identification on the test day.
Candidates must also have a confirmation letter from ETS with their registration number, test date, and test location.
The TOEFL exam fee 2025 is not the same everywhere. It changes from country to country. In India, the TOEFL exam fee is INR 16,900. If you want to register late, change your exam date, or request a score review, you need to pay extra charges.
TOEFL Fees in Different Countries
Below is a table of TOEFL fees 2025 in some major countries:
Note: All TOEFL test fees and services include taxes like sales tax, VAT, or other local taxes, depending on the country. If your country requires you to pay any local taxes separately, it is your responsibility. ETS does not collect or pay taxes on behalf of students.
TOEFL Registration 2025
TOEFL registration 2025 is open all year round. Students can register anytime as ETS TOEFL registration is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The most common way to register is through the online method.
Candidates should note that the TOEFL online registration closes 7 days before the test date. If you miss this deadline, you can still apply through late registration, which closes 2 days before the test. But for late registration, you have to pay an extra late fee of USD 40.
If you are registering from India, the TOEFL exam fee is INR 16,900.
How to Register for TOEFL Exam 2025?
Follow the steps below for TOEFL 2025 registration:
Visit the official ETS website – www.ets.org/toefl
Create a free ETS account
Choose your test format – TOEFL iBT or TOEFL Home Edition
Select your test center or home test date
Pay the exam fee (INR 16,900 in India) to confirm your slot
TOEFL Slot Booking 2025
When you are ready to take the test, choose your most convenient TOEFL test date and test centre. The TOEFL slot booking process involves:
Selecting your preferred date
Choosing a nearby TOEFL test centre
Booking your slot by paying the exam fee
Note: You must carry a valid passport on the test day as ID proof, or you may not be allowed to take the exam.
TOEFL Exam Dates 2025
The TOEFL exam is held multiple times throughout the year at various ETS-authorised test centres and also as an online test. To avoid stress, students should plan to take the TOEFL iBT at least a month before their first university application deadline. This will give them time to prepare their documents, and if needed, retake the exam. The TOEFL can be taken again after 3 days of the previous attempt.
Below is a table showing the TOEFL iBT exam dates 2025 (both online and centre-based):
Note: The above TOEFL dates are based on current availability and may change. Please check the official ETS website to find the latest TOEFL exam dates near your city.
TOEFL Exam Centre 2025
The TOEFL exam is conducted in over 40 major cities in India. Some of the top cities where the TOEFL iBT exam is held include Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, and Coimbatore, among others.
To locate the nearest TOEFL test center, visit the official ETS website or check during the registration process. You will also have the option to choose the TOEFL iBT Home Edition, which allows you to take the test from the comfort of your home if you meet the required criteria.
TOEFL Exam Pattern 2025
The TOEFL exam pattern has been divided into four sections, namely, Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each section evaluates specific abilities, such as comprehension, articulation, and written expression, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of your English proficiency.
Here's a breakdown of the TOEFL test pattern for 2025:
Section
Details
Time
Reading
20 questions based on academic texts
35 minutes
Listening
28 questions from lectures and conversations
36 minutes
Speaking
4 recorded tasks, academic & campus topics
16 minutes
Writing
2 tasks: Integrated & Independent responses
29 minutes
TOEFL Exam Syllabus 2025
The TOEFL exam syllabus is designed to test your English language skills in a university-style environment. The exam has four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Here's a simple breakdown of the TOEFL iBT syllabus for 2025:
1. TOEFL Reading Syllabus
In the Reading section, test-takers will read 2 long passages, each around 700 words. Each passage will have 10 questions, and you will get 35 minutes to finish this part. This section tests how well one can understand academic texts and answer comprehension questions.
No. of passages: 2
Total questions: 20
Total time: 35 minutes
2. TOEFL Listening Syllabus
The TOEFL Listening section includes 3 lectures and 2 conversations. Lectures are 3–5 minutes long with 6 questions each, and conversations are about 3 minutes long with 5 questions each. Candidates can take notes while listening. This section checks your ability to understand spoken English in classrooms and everyday conversations.
Lectures: 3 (6 questions each)
Conversations: 2 (5 questions each)
Total questions: 28
Total time: 36 minutes
3. TOEFL Speaking Syllabus
In the TOEFL Speaking section, students will answer 4 speaking tasks. One is independent, where they speak based on their own ideas. The other three are integrated tasks, where you read, listen, and then speak. One will be scored on their delivery, language use, and topic development.
Tasks: 1 independent + 3 integrated
Prep time: 15–30 seconds
Response time: 45–60 seconds
Total time: 16 minutes
4. TOEFL Writing Syllabus
The Writing section includes 2 writing tasks. First is an Integrated task, where you will read, listen, and write a response in 20 minutes. The second is a Writing for an Academic Discussion task, which you complete in 10 minutes. You must write clearly, stay on topic, and use proper grammar and vocabulary.
Test-takers can start their TOEFL test preparation via two types: self-study or joining a TOEFL coaching centre. If you want to save money, then self-study using TOEFL books and resources is a good idea. The official site of ETS (the body that conducts TOEFL) offers both free and paid study materials on their platform TOEFL TestReady. It has mock tests, sample papers, study guides, and feedback tools. You can also find e-books, test day tips, and personalised insights from the same team that creates the TOEFL exam.
On the other hand, if you think you need expert help or want to clear doubts quickly, then joining a TOEFL coaching class might help you better. A trainer can guide you on how to improve your performance in each of the four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.
Before starting your prep, try to understand the TOEFL exam format and how TOEFL scores work. Then choose study material that suits your level: beginner, intermediate, or advanced. Some of the best TOEFL books focus on grammar, vocabulary, or full-length practice tests.
The TOEFL exam evaluates the English language skills of non-English speakers. Therefore, to improve their English language knowledge, candidates should take regular TOEFL practice tests in all four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Students can take the official TOEFL Practice Test through TOEFL Test Ready on the ETS website. Practicing with TOEFL sample papers and mock tests will improve your time management and confidence.
After you finish the TOEFL exam, you don’t have to wait long for your TOEFL scores. You can see your unofficial Reading and Listening scores right after the test ends. The official TOEFL scores are available online about 4 to 8 days after your test date. If you took the TOEFL Home Edition, you will also get your results in the same time frame. If you asked for a paper copy of your score report before the test, it will be sent to you by mail within 11 days after the exam, but delivery depends on your local postal service.
TOEFL Cut-Off
There is no fixed TOEFL cut off score for all universities and organisation. The TOEFL passing marks can be different for each school and program. It is important to check the official website of the university for any updates on their TOEFL score requirements.
A TOEFL score of 100 out of 120 is widely regarded as a strong score. Scoring above 100 is considered an excellent TOEFL score, showcasing a high level of English proficiency. Achieving such a score makes candidates eligible to apply to the majority of universities abroad that accept TOEFL scores, enhancing their chances of admission to top institutions.
The TOEFL exam is a popular English proficiency test accepted by universities worldwide. In 2025, you can register for the TOEFL iBT or Home Edition online, with flexible dates available year-round.
The exam fee in India is INR 16,900, and the test covers Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing sections. To prepare, use official TOEFL materials, take practice tests, and focus on your weaker areas.
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The TOEFL exam 2025 is a famous English test. It checks how well you can read, listen, speak and write in English. More than 13,000 universities in the world accept this test. Many students take it if they want to study abroad.
How many types of TOEFL exams are there in 2025?
There are 4 types of TOEFL exams in 2025:
TOEFL iBT Test (in exam center)
TOEFL iBT Home Edition (from home)
TOEFL Essentials Test
TOEFL Junior Tests
What is the TOEFL fee in India for 2025?
The TOEFL exam fee in India is around INR 16,900 in 2025. If you register late or want to change test date, you need to pay extra.
What is the TOEFL exam pattern 2025 like?
The TOEFL 2025 pattern has 4 sections, Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The test takes around 116 minutes and is scored out of 120.
How to do TOEFL registration 2025 online?
Go to the official ETS website, make an account, choose your TOEFL test type, select a date, and pay the fee online. You can register any time in the year.
What are the TOEFL exam dates 2025 in India?
The TOEFL iBT test is available almost every week in 2025. You can pick a test date at a test center or take it as a Home Edition.
Can I take the TOEFL iBT at home in 2025?
Yes, in 2025, you can take the TOEFL iBT Home Edition from your home. It has the same pattern and score like the test center one. A person will watch you online while you give the test.
Is the TOEFL syllabus 2025 different from last year?
No, the TOEFL 2025 syllabus is same like before. It checks your academic English in all four skills, reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
How do I prepare for the TOEFL exam 2025?
You can study with TOEFL books, give mock tests, or join coaching classes. ETS also gives free and paid practice materials on their website called TOEFL TestReady.
When will I get my TOEFL score 2025?
You will see your Reading and Listening scores just after the test. The full TOEFL scores come in 4 to 8 days. If you asked for a paper score report, it may take 11+ days.
What is a good TOEFL score for top universities?
A TOEFL score of 100+ is very good for top colleges. Many good universities accept 90+ scores, but it’s best to check your target university’s TOEFL cut-off.
What are the latest TOEFL updates 2025 and 2026?
There is no big change in TOEFL 2025 format. But in 2026, ETS may bring new updates like:
