TOEFL Exam 2025: The Definitive Guide for Indian Study Abroad Aspirants

Q: How long is a TOEFL score valid?

TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years from your test date. After they expire, ETS won’t send them to institutions. For example, if you took TOEFL on August 1, 2023, you can use that score until July 31, 2025. Plan your test date such that your scores will be valid through your application season and when you start your program.

Q: Should I take the TOEFL iBT or TOEFL Essentials?

As discussed, TOEFL iBT is the safer choice because it’s accepted everywhere. TOEFL Essentials is shorter and cheaper, but far fewer institutions explicitly accept it (around 500 worldwide), and top schools might not. If you are targeting mainly U.S. universities that have said they accept Essentials, and you are confident in an adaptive test, you could consider it. But in general, unless you have a compelling reason, taking the TOEFL iBT will keep all your options open.

Q: Do I need to get a certain score in each section or just overall?

Check the requirement: some schools have an overall minimum , some have section minimums , some have both. For instance, a school might say “at least 90 overall, with no section below 20”. Others say “100 overall; no other stipulations.” When prepping, try to be balanced. If you’re weak in one section (say Speaking), work to not let that drag you down if a section minimum exists.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is one of the world’s most popular English proficiency exams, trusted by universities and institutions across the globe. This comprehensive guide by University Insights is designed to be a one-stop resource for students – especially those from India – looking to master the TOEFL for their study abroad plans. We’ll cover everything from the exam format and registration steps to preparation tips and how TOEFL compares with other tests like IELTS, PTE, and Duolingo. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear roadmap to ace the TOEFL and confidently take the next step toward your international education dreams.

Introduction to TOEFL and Its Global Significance

TOEFL is a standardized test that evaluates the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. It is administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service), a U.S.-based organization. Since its launch in 1964, the TOEFL has become a premier English-language exam for academic purposes. Here’s why TOEFL holds such importance worldwide:

Global Acceptance: TOEFL scores are accepted by over 12,500 universities and institutions in more than 160 countries including the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and much of Europe and Asia. Whether you’re aiming for the Ivy League, Oxbridge, the Group of Eight in Australia, or the IITs of Singapore – chances are they recognize TOEFL. Leading universities like Harvard, MIT, Oxford, University of Toronto, and the University of Melbourne all accept TOEFL as proof of English proficiency. In fact, 100% of universities in the USA and most top institutions in the UK and Canada accept TOEFL scores for admissions.
Academic Focus: One reason universities trust TOEFL is its strong academic orientation. The test simulates real classroom and campus scenarios – like understanding university lectures, reading textbooks, participating in discussions, and writing essays. Admissions officers often consider TOEFL a reliable indicator of whether a student can handle coursework in English. A good TOEFL score assures them that you can understand professors, engage in group projects, write research papers, and thrive in an English-speaking academic environment.
Preferred by Many Institutions: According to ETS, TOEFL is preferred by over 80% of graduate programs when an English test is required. Many institutions view TOEFL as a gold standard for English testing because of its quality control and scoring fairness. It’s no surprise that more than 40 million people worldwide have taken the TOEFL to date as part of their journey to study or work abroad.
Visa and Immigration Use: Beyond admissions, TOEFL scores are also used for visa and immigration purposes in certain countries. For instance, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) now accepts TOEFL iBT for the Student Direct Stream study visa program, and Australia’s Department of Home Affairs accepts TOEFL iBT for student visas and skilled migration. We’ll explore these details in a later section, but it underscores that TOEFL isn’t just an exam – it can be your ticket to living and studying in an English-speaking country.
Indian Test Takers on the Rise: In recent years, India has seen a surge in students taking the TOEFL. According to ETS data, the number of Indian TOEFL takers jumped by over 50% in 2021 and another 59% in 2022 compared to previous years. Indian students now form over 12% of TOEFL’s global test-taker population, reflecting how popular study abroad has become. Indian applicants are increasingly considering TOEFL alongside (or instead of) other exams like IELTS. One reason is the expanded acceptance of TOEFL in countries like the UK and Canada, and another is familiarity with American-accented English through media and technology. The average TOEFL score of Indian test-takers is also relatively high – around 90–94 out of 120, which is well above the global average of ~84. This indicates strong English training in Indian schools and colleges, giving many Indians an edge on the exam.

In summary, TOEFL is a globally recognized, academically rigorous test that can open doors to universities worldwide. For Indian students, a strong TOEFL score can significantly boost your applications, demonstrating that you can integrate smoothly into an English-speaking academic environment. Now, let’s dive deeper into the formats of TOEFL you can take and which one might be right for you.

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Understanding TOEFL Formats (iBT, Essentials, and PBT)

The TOEFL has evolved over the decades, and today there are a couple of formats you should know about. Primarily, students opt for the TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test), but ETS also introduced a shorter TOEFL Essentials test, and until a few years ago, had a Paper-Based Test (PBT) in limited regions. Let’s break down each format:

TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test)

The TOEFL iBT is the flagship and most widely taken version of the exam. As the name suggests, it is administered via the internet on a computer. Key points about the TOEFL iBT format:

Test Delivery: Taken on a computer at an authorized TOEFL test center (with secure internet) or via the TOEFL iBT Home Edition (which is the same test taken on your own computer at home, monitored by an online human proctor). The content and scoring are identical whether you take it at a center or at home.
Test Structure: The iBT evaluates all four language skills – Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. We will detail each section’s format in the next section. Historically, the iBT used to be around 3 hours long, but from July 2023, ETS shortened the test substantially to be under 2 hours without reducing its effectiveness. The current iBT has fewer questions and a streamlined structure (more on this soon).
Scoring: The iBT is scored on a 0–120 scale, with each of the four sections graded from 0–30. You’ll receive a score report with section scores and a total score. ETS also provides percentile rankings so you can see how your score compares to other test-takers worldwide. TOEFL iBT scores are mapped to CEFR levels (Common European Framework) as well – for example, a total score around 72–94 corresponds to B2 (Upper-Intermediate), 95–110 is C1 (Advanced), and 110+ falls in C2 (Highly Proficient) range.
When and Where: TOEFL iBT is offered over 170 times a year at centers (essentially on most weekends and many weekdays). In India, there are test dates available multiple times each month in major cities. The Home Edition is available four days a week (Monday through Thursday), 24 hours a day – giving flexibility if you can’t travel to a center. The TOEFL iBT Paper Edition is a variant of the iBT offered in some locations (including India) where internet-based testing might be challenging for test centers. The Paper Edition has the Reading, Listening, and Writing sections delivered on paper at a test site, and the Speaking section is taken at home on a computer within 3 days of the paper test. Keep in mind, the Paper Edition is still an iBT (same content) just delivered differently; it’s not the old PBT.
Why Choose iBT: For most students, the TOEFL iBT is the recommended option. It is universally accepted and carries the full weight of TOEFL’s reputation. If you’re applying to competitive programs, especially at the graduate level, or to multiple countries, the iBT is generally preferred. All the discussion in this guide about TOEFL preparation, scoring, etc., primarily refers to the TOEFL iBT.

TOEFL Essentials

TOEFL Essentials is a newer test format launched by ETS in 2021. It’s a shorter, adaptive test that combines academic and general English. Here are its features:

Test Duration: About 1.5 hours (90 minutes), making it roughly half the length of the iBT.
Format and Content: Essentials also tests Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing, but in a more rapid-fire way. The tasks are shorter and often reflect everyday English usage alongside academic language. For example, you might encounter vocabulary questions, short conversations or messages, and a mix of general topics and campus-based situations. Uniquely, TOEFL Essentials includes a Personal Video Statement – after the scored sections, you record a brief unscored video where you answer two casual questions. This video isn’t graded but is sent to universities along with your scores (it gives them a snapshot of your personality and communication style).
Adaptive Testing: Essentials is section-level adaptive, meaning the difficulty of questions can adjust to your performance. You might get between 30–45 questions in Reading and Listening each, with timing varying (roughly 22–34 minutes per section). The Writing section has 15–19 questions (mostly very short responses) plus 2 writing tasks, and Speaking has 3 tasks (like brief responses to questions) taking about 13 minutes. Because it’s adaptive, a strong English user might see a few harder questions, whereas someone with more basic English might get slightly easier ones as the test gauges their level.
Scoring: Essentials uses a score scale of 1–12 for each section. An average is taken for a total score (also 1–12). ETS provides comparison tables to equate Essentials scores with TOEFL iBT scores. For instance, a perfect 12 in Essentials equates roughly to 114–120 on TOEFL iBT, and around 8 on Essentials corresponds to roughly 72–94 on iBT. You get to see unofficial Reading and Listening scores immediately at the end of the test, and official results in 6 days (just like iBT).
Cost: The Essentials test is marketed as a more affordable option – about half the price of TOEFL iBT. In India, the iBT costs around $190 (₹16,900), so Essentials is roughly half that (around $90–$100, which is about ₹7,000–₹8,000). We’ll cover exact fee details later.
Acceptance: This is the crucial part – TOEFL Essentials is accepted by fewer institutions compared to iBT. Many universities have been cautious in adopting it. As of late 2023, ETS has listed around 500 institutions worldwide that explicitly accept TOEFL Essentials scores. In the US, around 80+ universities (including some big names) had approved it within its first year, and surveys indicate many are open to it. However, top-tier programs often still prefer or require the TOEFL iBT. If you choose Essentials, you must verify each target university’s policy to ensure they accept it.
When to consider Essentials: If you are applying to a broad range of schools that explicitly accept it, and you prefer a shorter test or feel more comfortable with a mix of general and academic English, Essentials could be an option. It might also be useful if you’re on a tight budget or timeline (faster to take and prepare for). That said, since TOEFL iBT remains the gold standard, many consultants recommend sticking with the iBT unless you have a compelling reason. Essentials is still new, and while its recognition is growing, you don’t want to risk a target school not accepting your test. Think of Essentials as a convenient alternative for certain situations, but do your homework on acceptance.

TOEFL PBT (Paper-Based Test) – Legacy Format

In the past, ETS offered a TOEFL Paper-Based Test (PBT), which was a completely different exam from the iBT. It tested Listening, Structure (Grammar), Reading, and a separate TWE (Test of Written English) essay. The PBT was phased out in most countries after the iBT was introduced (mid-2000s), but it lingered in a few regions without internet testing capabilities. As of April 2021, the TOEFL PBT has been discontinued globally. ETS no longer offers a purely paper, non-internet TOEFL for international admissions.

Currently, when people mention a “paper-based TOEFL,” they usually mean the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition, which we described under iBT. That format is basically the iBT on paper (plus an online Speaking part) and is available in India and some other countries to increase access. But the old PBT (with its different sections and scoring out of 677) is not used for academic admissions anymore. So, for all practical purposes, TOEFL = TOEFL iBT today. We mention this so you’re not confused if you come across outdated references to PBT. Some institutes might still use TOEFL ITP (Institutional Testing Program), which is similar to PBT, for internal assessment or placement, but those scores aren’t valid for university admissions abroad.

Bottom line: If you’re planning your TOEFL, you will likely take the TOEFL iBT. You might consider TOEFL Essentials if your target schools accept it and you want a quicker exam. Now, let’s look at what exactly the TOEFL iBT entails in terms of sections and questions.

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TOEFL Test Structure: Section-by-Section Breakdown

The TOEFL iBT evaluates your abilities in Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing – the core language skills required for academic success. It’s important to understand the structure of each section so you know what to expect on test day. In mid-2023, ETS updated the TOEFL format to streamline it, so the information below reflects the latest TOEFL structure as of 2025 (a shorter, 2-hour test format):

Reading Section

Duration: ~30–35 minutes (on the new format)
Number of Questions: 20 questions (based on 2 reading passages)

Task: You will read 2 passages from academic texts, each roughly 700 words long, and answer 10 questions per passage. Earlier, the TOEFL had 3-4 passages, but now it’s fixed at 2 passages, making this section shorter and more focused.

Content: Passages are excerpts from university-level textbooks or academic articles across a variety of subjects (humanities, science, social science, etc.). Don’t worry – you aren’t expected to have prior knowledge of the topics. Each passage comes with a glossary for difficult terms. The language is formal or semi-formal academic prose.

Question Types: Mostly multiple-choice questions with 4 options, asking about main ideas, details, inferences, vocabulary in context, etc. There are also some special question types:

Insert Text: Where you decide the best place to insert a new sentence in the passage.
Table or Chart: You might categorize information from the passage into a table or chart (drag-and-drop style).
Summary: Selecting 2 or 3 correct summary points out of 4-6 options for the whole passage.

Skills Tested: Reading comprehension in an academic context. Specifically:

Understanding the main idea and purpose of the passage.
Picking out factual details and specific information.
Making inferences or seeing implications not directly stated.
Understanding the meaning of a word or phrase in context (vocabulary questions).
Recognizing the organization of information (e.g., cause-effect, compare-contrast structure).
Distinguishing between major points and minor points (hence the summary/table questions).

Scoring: Each question is worth 1 point (some drag-and-drop or table questions might be worth 2-3 points with partial credit). The raw score is converted to a scaled 0–30. Performance levels are often labeled Advanced (24–30), High-Intermediate (18–23), Low-Intermediate (4–17), Below Low (0–3) on your score report.

Tips for Reading: Read actively. Skim the passage for structure (know where the introduction and each big idea is) and then tackle questions one by one. The questions follow the order of information in the passage (mostly), so you can find answers sequentially. Use context clues for vocabulary. Practice reading not just for meaning but also for the author’s intent and tone (is the author citing research? arguing a point?). Manage your time – about 18 minutes per passage on average, so don’t linger too long on one tough question. Mark it and move on; you can come back if time allows. We’ll cover more reading strategies later in the prep tips section.

Listening Section

Duration: ~35–40 minutes
Number of Questions: 28 questions (covering 3 audio lectures + 2 conversations in the current format)

Task: You will listen to a series of recordings – some are lectures or talks on academic topics, and others are conversations (often a student with a professor or a student with campus staff). After each recording, you answer a set of questions about it. The test now typically includes 3 lectures and 2 conversations, down from the earlier 4-6 lectures and 2-3 conversations, thanks to the 2023 update (and no more extra unscored experimental set).

Content:

Lectures: These are 3–5 minutes long, resembling a professor’s lecture in class. Topics can be academic (similar to reading: science, history, arts, etc.). They might be monologues or include student questions (like a mini discussion).
Conversations: Usually 2–3 minutes long. Common scenarios: a student discussing a problem with a campus librarian, advisor, or admin; or two students talking about an assignment. They revolve around university life or academic situations.

The accents in the recordings can vary – typically North American, but sometimes British, Australian, or other native English accents appear (ETS diversified accents to reflect real international campus environments). Don’t worry about Indian accents here – TOEFL uses native-speaker accents, so expect perhaps one British or Australian voice among the lectures, but mostly American accents.

Question Types: All are multiple-choice or multiple-select:

For each lecture, ~6 questions; for each conversation, ~5 questions.
Questions test both listening for details and listening for overall understanding. For example:
- Main idea/purpose of the talk.
- Detail questions on specific points mentioned.
- Inference questions (what can be inferred about speaker’s attitude, or what would the speaker likely agree with).
- Function questions (why did the speaker say X – e.g., to correct a student, to give an example, to show surprise?).
- Attitude questions (what is the speaker’s feeling or opinion on something?).
- Some questions may ask about organization (e.g., how is the talk structured) or to classify information from the talk.
A few questions may allow multiple correct answers (like “choose 2 answers”).

Importantly, you only hear each recording once, and you cannot see the questions while listening. This means note-taking is critical in the Listening section. You will have scrap paper (or a whiteboard if at home) to jot notes. Make sure to capture key points, examples, numbers, names, and any opinions expressed.

Skills Tested: This section measures your ability to understand spoken English in both academic lectures and everyday campus contexts. It looks at:

Comprehension of main ideas and overall gist.
Retention of factual details and specific points.
Understanding the relationships between ideas (cause-effect, steps in a process, comparisons).
Grasping the speaker’s intent and attitude (tone, implied meaning).
Following the logic and organization of a spoken argument or explanation.

If you can follow a typical college lecture in English and understand a normal conversation between two English speakers, you’re in good shape.

Scoring: Again scaled 0–30. The number of correct answers (out of 28) is converted to the scaled score. Performance levels are often described as Advanced (grounded understanding of spoken English), Intermediate, Low etc., on the score report.

Tips for Listening: Take good notes – develop your own shorthand for common words. Don’t try to write everything (you’ll fall behind), instead note the structure: e.g., “Topic: greenhouse effect – defn, causes(3), effects(2), solutions(2)”. Write down keywords, numbers, names, and any listed items. Pay attention to the speaker’s tone – if a professor sounds annoyed or enthusiastic, that could be asked. After the audio ends, you’ll see the questions; use your notes to answer confidently. If you missed something, sometimes you can infer the answer logically. Practice listening to English podcasts, news, and lectures to sharpen your ears to different accents and speeds. Remember, unlike reading, you can’t re-listen to the content, so train yourself to concentrate fully for those few minutes of each recording.

Speaking Section

Duration: ~16–17 minutes
Number of Tasks: 4 speaking tasks

The Speaking section requires you to speak into a microphone in response to prompts. ETS records your responses for scoring. In the updated TOEFL format, there are 4 tasks (previously 6 tasks in older formats, but it’s streamlined to 4 now):

Task 1: Independent Speaking. You will be asked a question on a familiar topic – basically an opinion or personal experience question. For example: “Describe a book that has influenced you and explain why,” or “Do you agree or disagree that students should be required to attend all classes?” You get 15 seconds to prepare your answer and 45 seconds to speak.
Tasks 2, 3, 4: Integrated Speaking. These involve a combination of listening/reading and then speaking:
- Task 2 (Integrated): You read a short passage (e.g., a campus announcement or a textbook excerpt, ~100 words, 45–50 seconds to read) and then listen to a short conversation or part of a lecture on the same topic (about 1–2 minutes). Then you have to summarize or combine information from both. Typically, the reading might present a proposal or concept, and the conversation/lecture gives an opinion or example. You prepare for 30 seconds and speak for 60 seconds.
- Task 3 (Integrated): Often academic – you listen to part of a lecture on a term or concept, after reading a short definition or description of that concept. Then you explain the concept using the points from the lecture. (30 sec prep, 60 sec speaking).
- Task 4 (Integrated): Typically a campus scenario – you listen to a student conversation about a problem and two possible solutions (no reading for this one). Then you might be asked to state the problem and recommend a solution with reasoning. (20 sec prep, 60 sec speak).

(Note: In current TOEFL, the exact structure of tasks 2-4 can vary a bit, but you will definitely have tasks that involve reading+listening, and purely listening inputs, which you then speak about. Regardless of the specifics, two tasks involve reading+listening, and one task involves just listening.)

What’s New: The Independent Speaking task remains (giving your opinion on something familiar). The integrated tasks remain similar to before. What changed in 2023 is mostly the number of tasks (cut from 6 to 4, removing one independent and one integrated campus task to save time). This means no more long unscored breaks in the middle either – the Speaking section flows straight after Listening now.

Skills Tested: Speaking section measures your ability to speak English clearly and coherently in an academic context. It evaluates:

How well you organize and express your ideas on the fly.
Your pronunciation and clarity (speaking so that an English speaker can understand you – note, you do NOT need a “foreign” accent; even an Indian accent is fine as long as it’s clear and intelligible).
Use of vocabulary and grammar – is it appropriate to the task and generally correct.
For integrated tasks: how well you can summarize and connect information from written and spoken sources and convey it accurately.
Fluency – speaking at a natural pace, not too slow or halting; using filler words (“um”, “uh”) minimally; and maintaining a good flow of sentences.

Scoring: Each of the 4 tasks is scored on a 0–4 raw scale by human raters (and AI assist). Those raw scores are averaged and converted to 0–30. Typically, speaking scores of 26+ are considered excellent (many universities consider 26 as evidence of strong spoken English, especially for roles like teaching assistants). Scores 18–25 are fair/good, and below 17 might indicate issues to work on. You’ll receive performance feedback like “Delivery: generally clear” or “Language use: minor errors not affecting meaning” etc. with your score. Note that ETS uses multiple trained raters anonymously, so bias is minimized – they don’t know who you are or what accent you have; they just evaluate what they hear against defined rubrics.

Tips for Speaking: Practice structuring your responses quickly. For independent tasks, a good template is: state your main point in one sentence, then give 2-3 reasons or examples, and a quick conclusion if possible. You only have 45 seconds, so maybe aim for 5-6 sentences. It’s okay if you don’t fill the entire time perfectly; quality over quantity. For integrated tasks, focus on note-taking during the listen/read portions: jot down the main point from the reading and the main points from the audio. In your answer, usually you’ll summarize what the reading said and then what the speaker said, highlighting whether the speaker supports or opposes the reading, etc. Always speak clearly – don’t rush. If you notice you mispronounced a word or made a grammar slip, it’s better to keep going than to pause too long to correct yourself (a quick correction is okay). Indian speakers: you do not need an American accent. Just enunciate clearly, and be mindful of certain sounds (for example, ensure v and w are distinct, “world” not sounding like “word”, etc.). We have a section later with specific tips for Indian English speakers. Also, use the preparation time to jot a brief outline – a few keywords to keep you on track. With practice, you’ll get comfortable speaking into the void (since in the real exam, you speak into a mic, not to a person as in IELTS). Don’t be unnerved by hearing other test-takers around you speaking (noise-cancelling headphones help, but you might still hear murmurs). Stay focused on your own response.

Writing Section

Duration: ~28–30 minutes
Number of Tasks: 2 writing tasks

The Writing section tests your ability to write in English in an academic style. In the updated TOEFL, there are two tasks:

Integrated Writing Task (Writing Task 1): You will read a short passage (around 250-300 words, 3 minutes reading time) on an academic topic, then listen to a lecture (about 2 minutes) on the same topic that offers a different perspective or counters some points from the reading. Then you must write an essay summarizing the points from the listening and explaining how they relate to the reading. Essentially, you’re comparing/contrasting the lecture with the reading. Time: 20 minutes to write your response. A good response is typically 150-225 words. The key is to convey the main arguments from the lecture and how they rebut or support points in the reading. Your own opinion should not be included; this is purely a summary and synthesis task.
Independent Writing Task – “Writing for an Academic Discussion” (Writing Task 2): This is new as of July 2023, replacing the old independent essay. Instead of a traditional open essay question, it’s framed like you’re participating in a class discussion board online. You’ll see a prompt with a question or topic and some brief responses from other students (or a professor) – usually two opposing opinions. You are then asked to write your own post answering the question or adding to the discussion. Time: 10 minutes to write. A typical good response might be 100-150 words (there’s no strict length requirement, but you have only 10 minutes). For example, the discussion might be about whether a university should allocate more budget to libraries or sports facilities, with one student opinion given for each side; you’d then write your take on it with reasoning. This task assesses your ability to express an opinion clearly and concisely in writing, using an academic tone (imagine you’re addressing classmates/professor).

The introduction of the “Academic Discussion” task makes the writing section more reflective of modern classroom interactions. It’s more concise than the old 30-minute essay and requires you to think quickly and articulate a viewpoint.

Skills Tested:

For Integrated Writing: Synthesizing information from two sources (reading & listening), paraphrasing effectively, and writing in a clear, structured way that compares content. It tests how well you can integrate and convey others’ ideas (a key skill for writing reports or research summaries).
For the Independent Discussion Writing: Stating and supporting an argument or opinion succinctly. It checks your ability to be coherent and relevant in a short format, similar to contributing to a class discussion with a written comment. You need to take a stance or provide a clear answer and back it up with at least a couple of reasons or examples, all within a short paragraph or two.

Both tasks evaluate your grammar, vocabulary, and organization as well. Even if you have great ideas, you must express them with reasonable accuracy and academic tone. Minor grammar mistakes won’t hurt if your essay is understandable and well-organized, but systematic errors or unclear phrasing will lower your score.

Scoring: Each writing task is scored on a 0–5 scale by human raters (and checked by software as well), then converted to the 0–30 scale (the two tasks are weighted equally). A score of 5 on a task is a well-developed, well-organized essay with only minor language errors. A 4 might have slight issues but still strong. Commonly, a total Writing score of 24+ is considered good; 27-30 is excellent. You’ll get feedback like “addresses the topic and task well, with good detail” or “minor lexical/syntactic errors” on your score report.

Tips for Writing:

Integrated Task: Structure your essay clearly. Typically, 3 paragraphs work well: an introduction stating the topic and that the lecture disagrees or adds to the reading, then one or two body paragraphs detailing specific points. Identify 3 major points from the reading, and note what the lecturer says about each (often the lecture will directly refute or explain each point). Don’t copy full sentences from the prompt; use synonyms and paraphrasing. For example, if the reading says “Many people believe X,” and the lecture says “The professor, however, points out that X is incorrect because…,” your sentence could be: “The lecturer challenges the belief that X, arguing that …”. Focus on covering all the key points from the listening; it’s fine if your essay isn’t very long as long as it’s complete and accurate. Also, use connectors like however, moreover, in contrast to show relationships.
Academic Discussion Task: Treat it like you’re writing a thoughtful forum post. You might start directly with your opinion: e.g., “I believe the university should invest more in libraries than sports facilities.” Then give a couple of supporting sentences: “Libraries directly enhance academic research and learning. While sports are important for health, a well-resourced library benefits the entire student body’s education by providing access to knowledge.” It’s okay to refer briefly to points mentioned by the “other students” in the prompt, but focus on your own contribution. Aim for clarity and make each sentence count (with only 10 minutes, fluff will hurt you). Because it’s short, every sentence should add a distinct point or example. Keep your tone academically polite (don’t use texting lingo or very casual language; write as you would in a class assignment). Try to leave a few seconds to quickly proofread – common issues like subject-verb agreement or a misspelled word can be caught in a quick glance.

By understanding the makeup of the TOEFL – Reading (2 passages, 20 Qs), Listening (5 audios, 28 Qs), Speaking (4 tasks), Writing (2 tasks) – you can create a targeted study plan for each part. In the next sections, we’ll explore the scoring in more detail and how to interpret your results, and then move on to registration, preparation, and other crucial comparisons.

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TOEFL Scoring System and Score Interpretation

After you take the TOEFL iBT, you’ll receive a score report that can seem a bit overwhelming at first. Let’s demystify how TOEFL is scored and how you should interpret your scores:

Section Scores and Total Score

As mentioned, each section (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing) is scored out of 30, and these add up to a total score out of 120. So a breakdown might look like: Reading 24, Listening 26, Speaking 23, Writing 25, for a total of 98.

How raw scores convert to scaled scores: For Reading and Listening, each question is worth 1 (or occasionally 2) points. You might get, say, 35 out of 40 raw points in Reading. ETS converts that to the scaled 0-30 using a formula that can adjust for difficulty (so one test’s 35/40 might be 27, another test’s 35/40 might be 28, if one test was deemed slightly harder). You don’t need to worry too much about this – just aim to answer as many correctly as possible.

For Speaking and Writing, human raters score your responses using rubrics:

Speaking: Each task 0 to 4. A score of 3 is “good” with minor lapses; 4 is “excellent response”; 2 might have some unclear speech or missing info, etc. ETS averages them (total out of 16) and scales to 30.
Writing: Each essay 0 to 5. A 5 is a well-organized, well-developed essay; 4 is good but perhaps with minor mistakes or slightly less development; 3 might have some issues etc. They sum to 10 and scale to 30.

What Is a Good TOEFL Score?

“Good” depends on your context:

For top universities: Competitive programs often look for scores in the 100+ range. For example, an Ivy League or top MBA program might want at least 105, and many successful applicants have 110+. Some specific requirements: a university might say “minimum 25 in each section” or such, especially for graduate programs like MBAs, or for roles like Teaching Assistant (where many U.S. universities require international TAs to have 24+ in Speak, or an overall 100).
For most universities: A score of 80 or above is usually acceptable at a majority of institutions for undergraduate admission. Many master’s programs like to see 90+. A score in the 90s is generally considered good and likely sufficient for a wide range of programs (with the exception of the very elite).
Minimum score requirements: Always check your target school’s requirements. Some may have an overall minimum (e.g., “TOEFL iBT of 80 or higher required”), and some may have section minimums (like “at least 20 in Speaking and Writing”). If you’re applying for something like a teaching assistantship, as mentioned, a Speaking score of 26 is often required separately.
Percentile perspective: ETS periodically publishes percentile tables. Roughly, a 120 is 99th percentile (perfect score, very rare). A 110 might be around 90th percentile. 100 is around 80th percentile. A 90 around 60-65th percentile. And the global average is about 84 (50th percentile). Indian students’ average (~91) sits around the 60-65th percentile globally, which is quite solid. So if you score, say, 95, you did better than perhaps 70% of test-takers worldwide. Keep in mind percentiles can shift slightly year to year.
CEFR levels: Many European institutions state scores in terms of CEFR. TOEFL iBT score mappings (approximate) to CEFR:
- C2 (Mastery): ~110–120.
- C1 (Advanced): ~95–109.
- B2 (Upper Intermediate): ~72–94.
- B1 (Intermediate): ~42–71.
- Anything below that is A2 or A1 (which, if you’re aiming for university study, you definitely want to be at least B2, preferably C1).

So, for example, the UK student visa requires a B2 level for degree courses – in TOEFL terms around mid-70s. Canada’s SDS (Student Direct Stream) requires at least 83 (which is also roughly B2). We’ll detail those in visa section.

MyBest™ Scores (Superscoring)

ETS offers a feature called MyBest™ Scores on your TOEFL score report. This is essentially a superscore – it combines your highest section scores from any tests you took in the past 2 years into one composite. For example, if you took TOEFL in August and got R22, L24, S20, W25 (total 91), then took it again in October and got R20, L26, S24, W23 (total 93), your MyBest might show R22, L26, S24, W25 = 97 as a superscore.

This can be advantageous if you excelled in different sections on different attempts. However, not all universities accept MyBest scores. Many do – especially in the US – but some explicitly say “we consider only scores from a single test date”. Always check the admissions policy. On your score report that universities receive, they’ll see both the individual test date scores and the MyBest composite. If MyBest is higher, and the school accepts it, great. If not, they’ll look at your best single attempt.

Score Validity and Reporting

Validity: TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years from the test date. After 2 years, they expire (because language skills can change over time). For example, if you took a test on August 1, 2023, it’s valid until July 31, 2025 for sending to schools.
Official Score Reports: When you register for TOEFL, you can select up to 4 institutions to receive your scores for free. You can (and should) use this to automatically send scores to your top choices – the reports will be sent after your score is ready. If you want to send scores to more places later, you can order additional score reports for a fee (each report costs around $20, i.e., roughly ₹1,600 per institution in India). These can be sent via your ETS account online.
Receiving Scores: You as the test-taker will be able to view your scores online about 6 days after your test (for iBT). ETS will then send out the official score reports to universities either electronically or by mail. In India, scores release in 4–8 days after the test date (often on the quicker side now). You also get an email when scores are ready.
Score Review & Cancellation: If after the test you felt one section went terribly and you immediately decide you don’t want it scored, you have the option to cancel your scores at the test center (before seeing any result). This is usually not advised unless something disastrous happened, because you won’t even know how you did. Canceled scores can be reinstated within 60 days for a fee (about $20). If you keep your scores and later aren’t happy, no worries – you’re not obligated to send them anywhere. Universities only see the scores you choose to send (though some applications ask “have you taken TOEFL before?” – but that’s up to your disclosure).
Score Improvement: Many students improve their score on a second or third attempt once they know what to expect. There’s no limit to how many times you can take TOEFL, as long as you wait at least 3 days between tests. In practice, this means you could take a test almost every week if you wanted, but that’s rarely necessary. Just plan retakes wisely (with additional preparation in between) if needed.

Interpreting Your Performance:

Your score report will include some feedback for each section:

Reading/Listening: They might list if you are “high” or “intermediate” in certain skills, etc. For example: Reading: Test takers who score in this range typically understand academic texts in English very well. If you’re lower, they might suggest you need to improve understanding of complex passages or vocabulary.
Speaking/Writing: The report gives a brief performance descriptor. E.g., for Speaking: “Your responses indicate you are able to speak fluently and express ideas clearly, with minor difficulties with complex structures.” Or for Writing: “Your responses address the task well with generally well-developed explanations; some minor errors in grammar or usage.” These can give you a clue on what to work on if you plan to retake or just as a self-assessment.

Example Scenario:

Let’s say Rishi from India took TOEFL and got: Reading 22, Listening 25, Speaking 21, Writing 24, Total = 92. He checks his universities: one requires 90 (so he’s above it, good), but another requires at least 23 in Speaking (oops, he has 21). In this case, Rishi might decide to retake to boost Speaking. He studies more and retakes, getting this time: Reading 23, Listening 24, Speaking 23, Writing 25, Total = 95. Now he meets all requirements. He can send the second score to all programs. (His MyBest would be R23, L25, S23, W25 = 96, but he doesn’t even need to rely on that since his single score now is fine).

Conclusion: A “good” TOEFL score is the one that meets your target programs’ requirements and makes you a competitive applicant. For many Indian students aiming for reputable universities, shooting for 100+ is a safe bet and puts you above the minimum at virtually any institution. But even a score in the 80s can be enough for a lot of decent programs (and remember, TOEFL is often just a checkbox – many schools care more that you pass a threshold than exactly how high you got, as long as it’s above their bar). Of course, a very high score can strengthen your application or qualify you for certain opportunities (like TA positions). Use the score report feedback to identify weak areas. If you fall short of your goal, take it as a learning experience, prepare further, and try again – ETS allows retakes fairly soon.

Now that we’ve covered the scoring, let’s move on to the practical aspects of registering for the TOEFL, the fees involved, and where you can take the test.

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Registration Process, Fees, and Test Centers (with an Indian Context)

Getting registered for the TOEFL is straightforward, but it’s important to be aware of the procedures and costs, especially for Indian test-takers. This section covers how to register, payment and fees (globally and in India), available test centers, and what to expect on test day.

How to Register for the TOEFL iBT

Create an ETS Account: Start by making an account on the official ETS TOEFL website. You’ll need to provide personal details exactly as per the ID you’ll use on test day (for Indians, this is typically your passport). Ensure your name’s spelling and date of birth match your passport to avoid any issues at the center.
Choose Your Test Type and Format: When scheduling, you’ll choose between:
- TOEFL iBT (Test Center) – you then select a location and date.
- TOEFL iBT Home Edition – you select a date and time to take it at home.
- TOEFL iBT Paper Edition – available in select cities; you book the paper test date (the Speaking section at home will be scheduled separately within 3 days of the paper date).
- (TOEFL Essentials would be a separate option if you choose that, but assume iBT here.)
Select Date and Center: ETS provides a calendar with available dates. In India, TOEFL tests are offered very frequently – major cities have multiple dates every month, often multiple times a week. For example, in Delhi or Mumbai, you might find slots almost every Saturday and quite a few weekdays. Smaller cities might have fewer dates. Plan ahead because popular dates (like right before application deadlines in Oct/Nov or Jan/Feb) can fill up quickly.
- Home Edition slots are often available as late as 24 hours in advance, and you can book 24×7 for the given days (Mon-Thurs currently).
- If opting for Paper Edition, ensure you can do the speaking section at home soon after.
Fill in Details: During registration, you’ll answer some background questions (intended major, etc. – these are optional research questions from ETS).
Choose Score Recipients: Input up to four universities to send scores to for free. You can search by institution name. It’s wise to use all four free sends if you already know where you’ll apply, as sending later costs money.
Payment: Pay the exam fee to confirm your registration. Fees vary by country. As of 2025:
- Global standard fee: around US $190 (this is roughly what most regions charge for TOEFL iBT).
- India: The fee is listed as ₹16,900 for the iBT (which is approximately $205). This can fluctuate with exchange rates or tax inclusion. (It was ₹16,900 in 2024; check ETS India or the latest ETS bulletin for current figures).
- TOEFL Essentials fee in India: roughly ₹10,000–₹11,000 (since it’s about half the iBT cost).
- Payment in India can be made with an international debit/credit card. ETS also allows PayPal. Locally, ETS India has facilitated payments via domestic methods like netbanking or UPI in recent times as well (they’ve been expanding local payment options).
After payment, you’ll get a confirmation email with your test appointment details.

Note: In India, there is no requirement for a TOEFL voucher from any college or such – you register and pay directly. Some students ask if they need to be admitted somewhere first – you don’t. You can take TOEFL anytime independently.

TOEFL Exam Fees – Detailed Breakdown

Beyond the base registration fee, be aware of additional charges that might apply:

Late Registration: If you book a slot within 7 days of the test date, ETS charges a late fee of US $40 (roughly ₹3,000). To avoid this, register at least a week in advance.
Rescheduling Fee: If you need to change your test date, it costs US $60 (around ₹5,000) to reschedule. Also, you must reschedule at least 4 full days before the test date, otherwise you forfeit the fee (e.g., if your test is on Friday, you must reschedule by Monday).
Cancellation and Refund: If you cancel at least 4 days ahead, you get a 50% refund of your fee. Cancel any later, it’s no refund.
Additional Score Reports: As mentioned, sending scores to more than 4 institutions costs $20 (₹1,600–₹1,950) per institution. Plan to use the free ones smartly.
Speaking or Writing Score Review: If you think your Speaking or Writing was scored unfairly, you can request a review (re-scoring) within 30 days of test. It costs US $80 for one section or $160 for both. Honestly, unless you were just 1-2 points shy of a requirement, reviews rarely change scores significantly. Use with caution.
Returned Payment/Declined Card: If your payment bounces, ETS might charge a $30 fee.

To summarize:

TOEFL iBT registration (India): ~₹16,900.
Late reg: ~₹3,900 extra.
Reschedule: ~₹5,900.
Cancel (refund): get ~₹8,450 back (half).
Additional report: ~₹1,600–₹1,950 each.

(These INR figures may change slightly with conversion rates; always check the latest ETS info.)

Investing ₹17k is significant, so be sure you’re ready for the date you register to avoid reschedules or cancellations.

ETS sometimes offers fee waivers or discounts in certain cases or regions, but generally not in India for TOEFL. However, one can keep an eye on ETS India announcements or student scholarship programs – for instance, ETS has run contests or scholarships where high scorers get fee reimbursements or awards. These are not common, so plan assuming you’ll pay the standard fees.

Test Centers in India

India has a wide network of TOEFL test centers, typically run by organizations like Prometric, ETS India, or universities/colleges. There are test centers in most major cities and educational hubs.

Major TOEFL test cities in India include:

North: New Delhi (and NCR like Noida, Gurugram), Jaipur, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Dehradun.
West: Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Indore.
South: Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Coimbatore.
East: Kolkata, Guwahati, Bhubaneswar.
Central and others: Bhopal, Nagpur, Patna, Amritsar, Allahabad (Prayagraj), and more.

For example, in New Delhi there are multiple centers (e.g., in Defence Colony, Gurugram, etc.). In Mumbai, centers in areas like Andheri, Churchgate, etc. Basically, wherever there’s a high concentration of students, you’ll find a TOEFL center.

When you search dates on ETS, it will show available centers near you. You can choose what’s convenient.

Home Edition in India: If you live far from a center or prefer the comfort of home, the Home Edition is a savior. Just ensure:

You have a quiet room, a reliable computer, webcam, microphone, and stable internet.
A mirror or phone to show the proctor your screen, if requested.
On test day, nobody else is in the room and your table is clear of any unauthorized items.
The test is proctored via ETS’s partner (ProctorU). Many Indian students have taken Home Edition successfully. Just be mindful of scheduling – slots are at fixed times (24/7 on designated days). One catch: The Australian and UK visa authorities do NOT accept Home Edition scores for visa purposes (though universities accept them). If you need the score for a visa (like Australia student visa), take it at a center to be safe. For pure admissions, Home Edition is typically fine, but again check your target school if they have any stance (most treat it equally).

ID Requirements: In India, Passport is the mandatory ID for taking TOEFL. No other ID (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.) is accepted. Make sure your passport is valid and has your name, photo, and signature. You’ll present this at the test center (or show to the webcam for Home Edition). Minor test-takers (under 18) should also have a passport; parental accompaniment is usually not required inside the center (though check center rules if under 18; a parent can often wait outside).

On Test Day at Center: Arrive at least 30 minutes early. You’ll go through a check-in: show passport, perhaps get a photo taken, and sign a log book. Belongings (phone, wallet, bag) will be stored in a locker. You can usually keep small snacks or water in the locker for your break (though in the new shorter format, note that there is no longer a 10-minute break in the 2-hour TOEFL – previously after 2 hours there was a break, but with the 2-hour test, it’s straight through). So plan to be in the testing room the entire duration without a formal break. You can still request to use the restroom if absolutely needed, but the clock will not stop (unlike before when a scheduled break paused it). Try to go fresh and rested.

At your computer station, you’ll be given a noteboard or scratch paper:

Some centers provide a spiral-bound erasable noteboard and marker.
Others might give paper and pencils. (You must return these after; don’t remove any notes.)

Noise-cancelling headphones are provided (for the Listening section and to block out sound while speaking). If not provided automatically, they’re usually hanging at the station – wear them especially during Listening.

The test interface will guide you section by section. Remember, after you finish Listening now, it goes straight to Speaking (no 10-min break). The test ends after Writing. You’ll have the option to report or cancel scores – always choose “Report” unless you have a dire reason not to.

For Home Edition: The check-in is via the computer. You’ll show ID, do a room scan with your webcam, and then the proctor launches the test. Ensure no one interrupts (put a do-not-disturb sign). Use a wired internet connection if possible for stability. You’ll use a whiteboard or paper with transparent sheet for notes (and you must show erasing it at end). The experience is similar, just that you’re at home. And yes, you must remain on camera; any attempt to seek help will be flagged. So treat it with the same discipline as being in a center.

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TOEFL vs. IELTS, PTE, and Duolingo – Fee Comparison in India

While on fees and registration, a quick note on how TOEFL’s cost compares to other tests (since budget is a factor for many students):

IELTS (Academic) fee in India: around ₹18,000 in 2025. Very similar to TOEFL’s fee. (IELTS for UKVI is a tad higher, ~₹18,250).
PTE Academic fee in India: recently increased to around ₹17,000–18,000 (including taxes). It used to be ~13k, but now similar range to IELTS/TOEFL after tax.
Duolingo English Test fee: $59 (approx ₹4,800). Way cheaper, since it’s an online-only test. That is a draw for some test-takers on a tight budget or as a quick attempt.
GRE/GMAT etc (if applicable): Much higher (₹21k+), but not directly comparable as they test different things.

So, TOEFL, IELTS, PTE all cost roughly the same in India (₹16k–18k), whereas Duolingo is the budget option.

With registration sorted, you should have your TOEFL date scheduled. Next, it’s wise to know how TOEFL stacks up against its competitor exams (IELTS, PTE, Duolingo) to ensure you made the right choice and to understand differences that might matter to you or the universities.

TOEFL vs IELTS vs PTE vs Duolingo: Choosing the Right English Test

Students often wonder which English test to take: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, or the Duolingo English Test. All four are widely used for university admissions, but they have differences in format, focus, availability, and acceptance. Let’s compare them on key aspects to highlight why you might choose TOEFL and how it differs from the others.

At a Glance: Comparison Table

For a quick overview, below is a summary comparing TOEFL iBT with IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, and Duolingo English Test on major factors:

Aspect	TOEFL iBT (2025)	IELTS Academic	PTE Academic	Duolingo English Test
Mode & Format	Computer-based (internet). Speaking via microphone (recorded). Entire test in one go (at center or home).	Paper-based or Computer-based. Speaking is face-to-face interview (in IELTS Speaking) or via computer for IELTS Online. Conducted in separate sections (Speaking interview may be separate day for paper IELTS).	Computer-based at test centers. Uses AI scoring. All sections done on computer in one session.	Online from home, via computer. Adaptive test (difficulty adjusts).
Duration	~2 hours (after Jul 2023 changes).	~2 hours 45 minutes (Listening, Reading, Writing ~2h30 + Speaking 11-14 min). Often with short breaks between sections.	~2 hours (recently shortened from 3h).	1 hour (about 60 minutes).
Sections	Reading (2 passages), Listening (lectures & convos), Speaking (4 tasks), Writing (2 tasks).	Reading (3 passages), Listening (4 recordings), Writing (2 tasks), Speaking (3-part interview).	Integrated format: Speaking & Writing combined (various tasks), Reading, Listening (with integrated tasks like dictation).	Graded on various interactive questions measuring reading, listening, writing, speaking together (adaptive). Includes video interview (ungraded).
Scoring	0–120 (30 per section). Human + AI scoring for Speaking/Writing.	0–9 Band (0–9 in each skill, average for overall). Human scoring (and some AI for computer-based).	10–90 scale (aligned to Global Scale of English). Completely AI scored.	10–160 scale. AI scored.
Score Validity	2 years (like others).	2 years.	2 years.	2 years.
Results Time	~6 days (online score report). (13 days for Paper score report by mail if needed). Instant unofficial R/L scores shown at test end.	13 days for paper-based IELTS; ~3-5 days for computer-delivered IELTS. (Some centers give TRF hardcopy, and preview online on result day).	Typically 1-2 days (very fast results, often within 48 hours).	2 days (48 hours) – extremely fast.
Test Availability	> 60 times/year at centers (almost weekly). Home Edition 4 days/week. Widely available in 160+ countries.	On fixed dates (3-4 times a month at centers on average, some flexibility with computer IELTS). 140+ countries.	Very frequent dates, on demand at Pearson centers in 50+ countries.	On demand, 24/7 online (just log in and schedule – essentially daily).
Accent/Language	American English focus (with some British/Aussie in listening). Academic language.	Mix of British & other accents (especially in listening). Academic plus some general (writing task 1 is sometimes a letter).	Uses international English, tasks cover both academic and everyday.	Uses general American English primarily. Tasks can include everyday content.
Speaking Interaction	Speak into computer; no human examiner present.	Live conversation with an examiner (in-person or via video for IELTS Online). Many find it more personal; some feel more pressure.	Speak into computer; no human present (the computer AI scores you).	Speak into computer; AI scores (and the interview recording is sent to schools).
Key Question Formats	Mostly multiple-choice in Reading/Listening. Speaking: structured tasks; Writing: essay and discussion post.	Varied: MCQs, fill-in-blanks, matching info, short answers, etc. Writing: essay + graph/letter; Speaking: Q&A with examiner.	Very varied: reading fill-in-blanks, re-order paragraphs; listening to write dictation, highlight words; speaking: repeat sentence, describe image, etc. It’s a mix of many short tasks.	Adaptive mix: cloze (fill blanks), vocabulary, listening to speak/write, reading aloud. Mostly short, intuitive tasks.
Difficulty Perception	Considered moderately challenging; very academic contexts in reading/listening. Requires typing skills and focus for 2 hours straight.	Also challenging; some find IELTS writing tough (due to strict band descriptors), or speaking stressful (due to face-to-face element). Reading has varied question types that need practice.	Can be tricky due to the AI scoring nuances and integrated tasks. Fast-paced and tests good listening memory (for repeat sentences). Highly speed-based.	Adaptive means it gets harder until you miss. It’s shorter and “gamified”, but one needs strong overall English. Less academic depth than TOEFL/IELTS.
Acceptance (Universities)	Accepted by virtually all universities worldwide that require English test (including 100% of US, UK, Canada, Australia universities). Preferred in USA.	Also accepted by almost all universities globally (US, UK, etc.). Preferred in UK/Commonwealth countries. Some US universities might prefer TOEFL but still accept IELTS.	Accepted by thousands of institutions (popular in Australia, some parts of Europe, and growing elsewhere). Many US universities accept PTE, but double-check if all do.	Accepted by many, but not all, universities. Over 4,000 programs worldwide accept DET, but often with conditions. Many top universities still prefer TOEFL/IELTS. Always verify with each institution.
Acceptance (Visas)	USA: for student visa, any accepted by school is fine (TOEFL fine). Canada: accepted for student visa (SDS needs min 83). Not for PR. UK: accepted for student visa (if degree level admission). Not accepted as SELT for immigration routes. Australia/NZ: accepted for all visas (student, skilled) except not the Home Edition for Aus visas.	USA: accepted for student visa (if school accepts). Canada: accepted for study permit (SDS needs IELTS 6.0 each). Also accepted for immigration (Express Entry) – General Training version is required for PR. UK: IELTS for UKVI required for visa if not going via university’s exemption. Australia/NZ: accepted for visas (academic or general version as needed).	USA: accepted for student visas if school accepts (and now even some immigration use like certain professional visas if needed proof). Canada: now accepted for SDS (min PTE 60) and other study permits. Not for PR. UK: recently approved for UK student visas (UKVI) as of 2020s with certain conditions. Australia/NZ: accepted for visas (Australia accepts PTE Academic for all visa classes).	USA: Student visa depends on school’s acceptance (many accept DET post-2020). Not for immigration. Canada: Not accepted for SDS visa (they require IELTS/PTE/TOEFL). Some colleges may accept DET for admission but visa might be an issue. UK: Not accepted for visa purposes; only for admission where allowed. Australia: Not accepted for visa; only some schools for admission.

(The above visa info is a broad strokes summary; details in next section.)

As the table shows, TOEFL and IELTS are the two titans – widely accepted everywhere. PTE Academic is a strong third option, especially gaining ground in Canada and Australia, and increasingly accepted in the USA and UK. Duolingo is an up-and-comer, with the advantage of cost and convenience, but still not accepted by many elite programs or for visas.

TOEFL vs IELTS

Format differences: TOEFL is entirely computer-based (no human examiner), whereas IELTS has a human speaking interview (if you take IELTS on paper or computer at a center). Some students who are uncomfortable speaking face-to-face in a test prefer TOEFL’s recorded speaking. Conversely, if you’re more comfortable talking to a person, IELTS might feel more natural.

IELTS has more variety in question types (especially in Reading and Listening: e.g., matching headings, fill in blanks, etc.) – some find this challenging, others find it less boring than multiple-choice-heavy TOEFL. IELTS Writing task 1 involves describing a chart or letter, which is a different skill than TOEFL’s integrated writing.

Scoring: It’s tricky to compare because of different scales. Roughly, an IELTS 7.0 is often equated with TOEFL 94-101, and IELTS 6.5 ~ TOEFL 79-93, IELTS 7.5 ~ TOEFL 102-109, IELTS 8.0 ~ TOEFL 110-114, though official concordances vary a bit. Universities often set similar standards: e.g., “TOEFL 80 or IELTS 6.5” for undergrad, “TOEFL 100 or IELTS 7.0” for grad.

Acceptance: For U.S. universities, TOEFL has historically been the default, but now over 3,400 US institutions accept IELTS too. In UK and Australia, IELTS is more ingrained, but TOEFL iBT is equally accepted for universities. Essentially, either is fine for academic admissions in most cases. For visa: UK requires IELTS for UKVI (a specific version) if you don’t go via university language proof; Australia and Canada accept both (Canada SDS originally was IELTS-only but now TOEFL/PTE too).

Indian test-taker perspective: IELTS test centers are plentiful (IDP administers IELTS in India). TOEFL and IELTS costs are similar. Some Indian students find IELTS easier because the listening and reading can be a bit more straightforward (IELTS listening is considered slightly slower-paced than TOEFL’s academic lectures, and reading has shorter passages but trickier question formats). Others prefer TOEFL because all answers are objective (in IELTS Writing and Speaking, scores can feel subjective). It really depends on individual skills. If you have good typing skills and are comfortable with American accent, TOEFL can be smooth. If you have neat handwriting or prefer paper, IELTS paper-based could appeal.

One advantage of TOEFL for Indian students: Accent tolerance. IELTS examiners (for speaking) are trained to handle various accents, but there is always a slight concern of bias or understanding. TOEFL’s recorded speaking is judged by multiple raters, so as long as you’re clear, accent isn’t an issue at all. In either test, you don’t lose points for accent – clarity is key.

TOEFL vs PTE Academic

PTE Academic (by Pearson) is entirely computer-based like TOEFL, but uses AI for all sections scoring (no humans scoring your speaking or writing). It has a very different task format: lots of fill-in-the-blanks, and some unusual prompts like “Repeat this sentence” (testing your listening + speaking memory) or “Describe this image” spontaneously. It’s fast-paced; multiple small tasks within each section. Some students like that PTE is shorter (now ~2 hours) and gives results in 48 hours, which is a big plus if you’re in a hurry.

Acceptance of PTE is now widespread for universities in Australia (100%), New Zealand, UK (most), Canada (most), and many in USA. Not all US schools list PTE, but many do. Always check each university’s policy: e.g., a few might only accept TOEFL/IELTS. But PTE has made strides – e.g., top schools like Harvard Business School accept PTE, etc.

For visas: Australia accepts PTE for all visa types (they consider PTE scores equivalent to IELTS in immigration). Canada now accepts PTE for SDS student visas (min score 60). UK added PTE as a SELT for visas too. So PTE matches IELTS/TOEFL in many ways now.

TOEFL vs PTE difficulty: PTE’s AI scoring can be unforgiving. It often requires very crisp enunciation and fast responses (for example, if you pause too long in speaking, the mic may cut off). Indian students with strong grammar but perhaps heavy mother-tongue influence on accent might find PTE challenging on speaking scoring. TOEFL allows a bit more leeway as humans can understand accented but correct responses. PTE also heavily penalizes spelling mistakes (even one letter off can zero a whole answer in fill-in-blank). TOEFL’s multiple-choice format might be more forgiving in that sense. On the other hand, PTE doesn’t have an extensive academic lecture listening like TOEFL does; some find PTE Listening a bit easier (though it has tricky bits like write-from-dictation which requires exact spelling).

PTE’s point scoring (10-90) correlates with CEFR similarly. E.g., PTE 65 ~ IELTS 7.0 ~ TOEFL 94; PTE 79 ~ IELTS 8.0 ~ TOEFL 114, etc.

One more consideration: PTE is not offered in as many Indian cities as TOEFL/IELTS, but still quite a few (mostly metro cities).

TOEFL vs Duolingo English Test (DET)

Duolingo’s test became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic when centers were closed. It’s cheap ($59) and you can take it from home anytime. It’s adaptive and only an hour long. It’s definitely convenient and student-friendly in format (lots of quick questions, some interactive).

However, acceptance is the main issue. Many universities – especially big state universities and less selective colleges in the US – do accept Duolingo scores now. But a number of top-tier universities remain cautious. For instance, MIT and some Ivy Leagues accept it for undergrad admissions, but many prestigious grad programs might not. Always check: some may accept DET for certain programs or as a supplementary test, but still prefer TOEFL/IELTS for proving language proficiency.

For countries like Canada, UK, Australia – Duolingo may be accepted by universities for admission, but immigration authorities do not accept Duolingo for visa. So a Canadian college might admit you with DET, but you would still need an IELTS or TOEFL later for the visa (especially under SDS which mandates one of the approved tests). This reduces the practical usefulness of DET for non-US destinations. For the US, the student visa doesn’t require a specific test (just proof of admission and funding), so if your US university admits you based on DET, you’re fine visa-wise.

Difficulty: Duolingo’s test is adaptive, meaning questions get easier or harder based on your performance. It includes various item types: listening to type what you hear, identifying real English words vs fake ones, describing an image, short essays, and speaking a short response. It measures similar skills, but it’s not purely academic – it’s a mix of general and academic language. Many find it less stressful (because it’s shorter and can be taken at home). But reaching a high score (e.g., 120+ out of 160) requires strong English proficiency. One downside: because it’s adaptive and shorter, if you have a bad day or one section trips you up, it could swing your score more dramatically. Whereas TOEFL’s longer format might average out performance over many questions.

Scoring comparison: Duolingo scores are out of 160. Roughly, many universities say DET 115 = TOEFL 80/IELTS 6.5, DET 125 = TOEFL 95/IELTS 7.0, DET 135 = TOEFL 105/IELTS 7.5, etc. A DET 120-130 is often the range top schools ask for if they accept it.

Which to choose?

If you’re applying to multiple countries or very selective schools, TOEFL (or IELTS) is the safest bet due to universal acceptance.
If you’re only targeting the USA and you see your schools accept Duolingo, DET could save money and time.
TOEFL vs IELTS vs PTE often comes down to your personal test-taking style. Some Indian students attempt two tests and send the best score. But that doubles cost and effort. A strategy: take some practice tests of each (free/paid mock tests are available) to see which format you naturally perform better in. Then focus on that test.
Universities do not prefer one over the other in admissions generally (except where one is required explicitly). They just want to see a sufficient score. So choose the exam you think you’ll score the highest in.

Combination approaches: Note, some students take Duolingo as a baseline to quickly get an idea of their level, then later take TOEFL/IELTS. That’s fine if you have time. But if applications are nearing, focus on one main test.

In summary, TOEFL iBT remains a top choice for Indian students, especially those headed to North America, because:

It’s trusted and recognized everywhere.
It aligns well with the academic skills needed abroad.
The test content is often familiar (many Indian students are tuned to American media, which helps).
You avoid the variability of human examiners (as in IELTS speaking).
And frankly, many find getting a high TOEFL score very achievable with practice – evidenced by the high average scores Indians get.

Next, let’s assume you stick with TOEFL. How should you prepare to maximize your score? We’ll cover preparation tips, study plans, and recommended resources in the following section.

Want To Study Abroad?

Preparation Tips, Study Plans, and Recommended Resources

Scoring high on the TOEFL requires a mix of strong English skills and smart test strategies. Fortunately, there are abundant resources and techniques to help you prepare effectively. In this section, we’ll provide tips for each TOEFL section, guidance on creating a study plan, and recommend some of the best resources (books, online platforms, and apps) to boost your preparation.

General TOEFL Preparation Strategies

Before diving into section-specific advice, keep these overall tips in mind:

Assess Your Current Level: Take a full-length TOEFL mock test at the start (official practice test or a high-quality simulation). This will show you which sections are your strength or weakness. Maybe you score great in Reading but low in Speaking – that tells you to allocate more time to speaking practice. Knowing your baseline also helps set a target (e.g., you got 75 on a mock, and you need 95+, so you need ~20 points improvement).
Learn the Test Format and Question Types: As detailed earlier, TOEFL has specific question types (like inference questions in Reading, attitude questions in Listening, etc.). Familiarize yourself with each type so you know what it’s asking and how to approach it. Often, half the battle is knowing what the question wants. For example, if a Reading question says “What does the author imply…”, you should know it’s an inference question and not directly stated in text, so you have to read between lines.
Build English Skills in Context: Apart from doing TOEFL-specific practice, work on general English improvement:
- Read regularly – academic journals, quality newspapers (The Hindu or Indian Express editorials, for instance), magazines like National Geographic or websites like BBC, ScienceDaily, etc. This improves reading speed and vocabulary.
- Listen to English audio – YouTube lectures (TED Talks, Khan Academy), educational podcasts, news (BBC, NPR). Try listening without transcripts to simulate test conditions. You’ll get used to following spoken English on various topics.
- Speak in English daily – If you have friends or family to practice with, great. If not, even record yourself summarizing an article or talking on a topic. Analyze your recording for clarity and coherence. You could also find a speaking partner or join online forums (there are TOEFL speaking practice groups on platforms like Facebook, Reddit, etc.).
- Write frequently – Maintain a journal, or practice writing responses to tasks. Even writing emails or answers on Quora in English helps. For TOEFL, practice summarizing something you read or heard (this mimics integrated tasks).
Time Management: Each section is timed, so part of practice is learning to pace yourself:
- In Reading, don’t spend 5 minutes on one question – if stuck, guess and move on.
- In Speaking, practice finishing responses within the given 45 or 60 seconds consistently.
- In Writing, practice completing the integrated task in 20 min and the discussion post in 10 min. Initially, you might go over time; gradually train to fit in time by slightly trimming your content or typing faster.
- Use a stopwatch for practice sessions.
Review Your Mistakes: This is crucial. After practice tests or exercises, always review errors. Understand why the correct answer is right and why your choice was wrong. For speaking/writing, get feedback if possible (either from a teacher, or compare to sample high-scoring answers). If self-studying, ETS’s official guides have sample answers; you can gauge if yours is of similar quality.
Practice under Real Conditions: Simulate test day. Take at least a couple of full practice tests in one sitting, with no interruptions, using a computer, wearing headphones, etc. This builds stamina and comfort. If taking at a center, practice with some background noise (since on test day, other test-takers speaking might be audible). If taking at home, practice with the exact setup (quiet room, proper desk). Familiarity reduces anxiety.

Now, section-wise tips:

Reading Section Preparation

Expand Academic Vocabulary: A lot of TOEFL reading questions test understanding of words in context. Build your vocab by learning word roots, prefixes, and academic word lists (like the Academic Word List). There are TOEFL vocab books and flashcards (e.g., Barron’s 5000 words, Magoosh TOEFL flashcards app, etc.). But don’t just memorize in isolation – see words used in sentences. Practice guessing meaning from context when reading.
Practice Skimming and Scanning: Get used to skimming a passage to grasp its structure (you don’t have to read every word initially). Know how to scan for specific info (dates, names) when needed. Some training exercises: take random articles and time yourself to find a particular detail.
Target Specific Question Types: Do drills for each question type:
- Vocabulary: Pick a random page of a book and underline unfamiliar words, try to deduce meaning.
- Inference: After reading a paragraph, ask “What can I infer that isn’t directly stated?”
- Purpose/Function: Think why a certain example or detail was included by the author.
- Summary/Table: Try summarizing paragraphs in one sentence, or making a brief outline of the passage. There are practice books (like Cambridge or Kaplan) that categorize questions for targeted practice.
TOEFL Reading Passages Practice: Use official sources first (Official TOEFL iBT Tests Volumes, Official Guide) because they mirror difficulty. Then additional sources: Cambridge TOEFL prep book, Barron’s, etc. Online, ETS has free practice sets on their website. Also, you can use similar difficulty texts from SAT/GRE practice for reading comprehension.
Track your reading speed: Aim for a reading rate that allows you to comfortably read ~700 words in about 5 minutes or less (since you need time for questions too). If you find you’re slow, push yourself with timed readings daily.

Listening Section Preparation

Expose Yourself to Various Accents & Speeds: TOEFL uses standard American accent mostly, but sometimes others. Listen to British/Australian speakers occasionally (TED Talks by international speakers, BBC documentaries). Also, train with audio slightly faster than comfortable to push your comprehension speed (podcast apps sometimes allow 1.2x speed – useful training, though TOEFL won’t be unnaturally fast).
Improve Note-Taking: While listening, practice taking notes that are organized. Develop a shorthand for common words (e.g., “→” for leads to, “Δ” for change, “&” for and, “ex” for example, etc.). Don’t try to write full sentences. Practice with TED talks: listen 2-3 min, take notes, then pause and summarize from notes. Check if you captured main ideas.
Listen Actively Daily: Set aside time to actively listen to something without multitasking. It could be a 10-minute podcast. Afterward, verbally summarize what you heard. This builds focus. Passive listening (music, TV in background) won’t help as much as active listening where you consciously process content.
Simulate TOEFL Listening Tasks: Many prep resources have TOEFL-like audio + questions. The Official TOEFL Practice Online tests (TPOs) are great if accessible. Alternatively, use academic lecture recordings – some sites have open courseware lectures (MIT OCW, NPTEL, etc.) – and then write down 5 questions for yourself about it (or have a friend quiz you).
Common traps: In TOEFL listening questions, often there are answer choices that were mentioned in the lecture but are not answering the question asked (they are there to mislead those who just remember a word). So practice identifying what the question is looking for, not just matching words. For example, if the question is “Why does the student visit the professor?”, an answer choice might mention something that came up in conversation but isn’t the reason for visit. Training this needs careful review of practice question explanations.

Speaking Section Preparation

Develop a Template for Each Task: Having a rough framework in mind helps you organize quickly:
- Independent Speaking: Template could be “I [agree/disagree] that … for two reasons. First,… [give reason + detail]. Second,… [reason + example]. Therefore,…[conclude].” Just an example structure – don’t make it sound memorized, but a mental structure is good.
- Integrated (Campus) Task: Typically, you’ll state what the reading was about and then what the speaker’s opinion was and why. E.g., “The announcement proposes X. The woman in the conversation is against this change for two main reasons…”. Then detail reasons.
- Integrated (Academic) Task: “The term/concept from the reading is… The lecture provides an example (or provides three points) to illustrate this. First,… Second,… etc.”
- Problem-Solution Task: “The student’s problem is … Two solutions are discussed… I would recommend … because ….”
Practice using these frameworks so it becomes second nature.
Practice Speaking with a Timer: Use your phone’s timer or a stopwatch app. Get a list of practice questions (many free ones online for TOEFL independent speaking). Practice answering within 45 seconds. When time’s up, stop, even if mid-sentence – this trains you to be concise. Then try again, refining to fit in time.
Record and Review: Recording yourself is one of the best ways to improve. Listen to your recording: check for clarity, pace, and if you answered the question fully. Non-native speakers often have these issues:
- Speaking too fast (causing words to blend) or too slow (not enough content).
- Using a rising intonation for every sentence (?) – sounds unsure.
- Dropping plural ‘s’ or articles (“cat” vs “the cat”).
- Overuse of fillers like “um, uh, you know”. Try to minimize these.
- Logical flow: did your answer jump around or was it coherent? Identify one or two things to improve each time and focus on them in the next attempt.
Expand Speaking Content: For integrated tasks, practice summarizing reading + listening out loud. For independent, prepare a list of common topics (e.g., friends vs family influence, online vs traditional classes, your favorite place, agree/disagree some statement, etc.). You can pre-think some examples from your life or common knowledge that fit many scenarios (like a project you did, a festival experience, a book you read – these can be adapted as examples in many answers).
Fluency and Pronunciation: You don’t need an American accent, but pronunciation must be clear. If certain sounds are problematic, practice them (for many Indian speakers, sounds like “v/w”, “th” in “think” or “the”, or ending consonants might need attention). Use online pronunciation guides or mimic native speakers. Tongue twisters can help clarity too. Also, aim for natural phrasing – grouping words into phrases rather than word-by-word choppiness. Listening to a lot of English and shadowing (repeating what you hear with the same intonation) can help improve your spoken rhythm.
Get Feedback if Possible: If you have access to an English teacher or a friend fluent in English, ask them to listen to a few of your responses and give critique. If not, you can even use services: some online platforms (like My Speaking Score, ETS’s SpeechRater demo, or tutors on iTalki, etc.) can evaluate your TOEFL speaking.

Writing Section Preparation

Practice the Integrated Task Thoroughly: Many neglect practicing this, but it’s a unique task. Use official examples (ETS Official Guide has some) or trusted prep books where you have a sample reading and lecture and can practice writing the response in 20 minutes. After writing, compare to the sample response or use ETS’s scoring guidelines to self-grade. Key skills to practice:
- Paraphrasing: say things in different words than the original. For example, if reading says “The theory has several shortcomings,” you might write “The passage outlines a few weaknesses of the theory.” Same meaning, different wording.
- Selecting relevant points: don’t include minor details, focus on main points.
- Using transition words to show contrast (the lecture often contradicts the reading): use phrases like “however, on the contrary, the author states…, but the lecturer argues…”.
- Keeping it objective: don’t inject personal opinion or outside info.
Improve Typing Speed: Since you’ll type your essays, ensure you can type reasonably fast without many typos. If you’re slow on the keyboard, practice typing out passages or transcribing something – it helps build muscle memory. Aim for at least 30 words per minute. The faster you type, the more time you have to think and tweak content.
Independent Writing (Academic Discussion) Practice: This new format is shorter. To practice:
- Take any issue (e.g., “Should smartphones be allowed in classrooms?”). Write a short response in ~10 minutes giving your stance and a couple of reasons. Aim ~120 words. Check if it’s coherent and answers the question.
- Practice being concise yet specific. You don’t have space for flowery introductions – get to the point in sentence one, support in sentences 2-5, maybe a closing line.
- Grammar and sentence structure matter: at least use one or two complex sentences (using connectors like “because, although, which”) to show range, but don’t write run-ons.
- Since it’s like a discussion post, you can write in first person (“I think…”) – that’s fine and expected. Just maintain a polite and reasoned tone (imagine you’re trying to persuade classmates, not ranting on social media).
Get Essays Graded: If possible, have someone proficient read your practice essays and point out mistakes or areas to improve (like argumentation or grammar). If that’s not available, use ETS’s writing rubrics (available online in their scoring guides) to self-assess. There are also some online services and forums (like r/Toefl on Reddit or TestMagic forum) where people sometimes review essays. Some prep apps have AI essay scoring, which can be hit-or-miss but may give rough feedback.
Common Indian-ESL issues in writing: Watch out for:
- Overly long sentences with multiple ideas jumbled – better to split into two clear sentences.
- Misuse of articles (“the”/“a”) – e.g., saying “in the college” vs “in college” – these nuances can slightly affect impression.
- Ensure subject-verb agreement (e.g., “Everyone have their books” -> “Everyone has their books” ).
- Avoid using informal abbreviations or SMS language (no “&” or “u”).
- Provide enough support: TOEFL raters want either examples or explanations for your statements. A claim like “Libraries are more beneficial” should be followed by a “for example…” or “because…”.
- Time management: 20 min for integrated might feel tight – practice finishing slightly early (like 18-19 min) so you have a minute to proofread. Same for the 10-min task – try to write it in 9 and use 1 min to revise quickly.

Creating a Study Plan

How you schedule your study depends on how far away your test is and how much time you can dedicate daily. Here’s a general guideline:

Long-term prep (2-3 months or more): Start with general skill building. Spend first month focusing on one section each week while also doing general reading/listening practice. For example:
- Week 1: Reading focus – learn vocab, do reading drills every day; also do a bit of listening practice on side.
- Week 2: Listening focus – practice note-taking, listen to 1-2 lectures per day; maybe one practice speaking task daily too.
- Week 3: Speaking focus – practice several speaking prompts and record; continue a bit of reading practice to keep vocab fresh.
- Week 4: Writing focus – practice integrated and independent tasks; etc. After a month of section focus, start mixing and doing integrated practice tests. Use the remaining time to take a full mock test every week or two, and work on weak areas discovered. In a 3-month plan, last 4-6 weeks should be mostly taking practice tests, reviewing, and polishing strategies, rather than learning new words last-minute.
1 month prep: If you have only about 4 weeks, you need a more intensive, balanced approach. For instance:
- Weeks 1-2: Learn strategies for each section quickly (perhaps via a prep course or book). Do at least one practice set of each section every two days. For example, Mon: Practice 2 reading passages + 1 listening set; Tue: 4 speaking tasks + 2 writing tasks; Wed: Reading + Listening again; Thu: Speaking + Writing, etc. And review answers.
- Week 3: Take a couple of full-length practice tests (maybe one mid-week, one on weekend). Analyze results, pinpoint issues. Target those issues with specific drills. E.g., if listening note-taking was weak, do extra listening exercises.
- Week 4 (final week): Focus on fine-tuning. Don’t try to cram huge new vocab – revise what you know. Do light practice to keep pace. If your test is at week’s end, earlier in the week do one last full practice test to build confidence. Rest adequately the day before test.
Cramming (1-2 weeks or less): Not ideal, but if that’s the situation:
- Immediately take a practice test to gauge where you stand. Identify the absolute necessities to fix (like if your speaking is fine but writing is poor, focus there).
- Use official practice questions – quality over quantity. It’s better to thoroughly go through a smaller number of practice questions and really understand them, than to superficially rush through many.
- Consider a quick online course or tutor session for your weakest part (sometimes a tutor can give you shortcuts or feedback that you might not figure out alone in short time).
- In the last days, practice to maintain rhythm, but also prioritize rest. An over-stressed mind may perform worse, so manage time to sleep well and stay healthy.

Regardless of timeline:

Consistency is key. Daily engagement with English and practice problems yields better results than sporadic cramming.
Simulate real test scenarios weekly (timed, quiet environment, etc.) to build exam-day familiarity.
Use official materials as much as possible because some third-party questions can be either too easy or not reflective of TOEFL style.

Recommended Resources

Here are some highly recommended resources that can aid your TOEFL prep:

Official Resources:

The Official Guide to the TOEFL iBT (6th Edition) – by ETS. It provides a comprehensive overview of the test, sample questions for each section, and 4 full practice tests. Being from ETS, the practice tests are very realistic. A must-have for many.
Official TOEFL iBT Tests Volume 1 & 2 – each has 5 real past TOEFL tests. These are great for practice, though they only include the older format (with some extra passages/questions since test was longer). You can still use them; just know your test will have fewer questions. ETS might release updated volumes in future.
TOEFL iBT Free Practice Test (Online) – ETS offers a free full-length practice test on their website. Also sample questions per section.
TOEFL Practice Online (TPO) – ETS sells these online tests that simulate the exam interface, with real past questions. They can be pricey (~$45 per test). Some third-party websites or language labs offer access to TPO tests cheaper. If you can get these, they are excellent for practice, especially for giving you scores.
TOEFL Official App – ETS has an app with some sample questions and useful articles/tips. Not a main resource, but nice for quick practice on the go.

Books (Third-party):

Cambridge Preparation for the TOEFL iBT – a bit old but thorough in skill-building, comes with a CD of practice tests.
Barron’s TOEFL iBT – provides strategies and practice tests (the latest edition should reflect the new format by adjusting sections). Barron’s is known to be slightly tougher than the real test, which can be good for training.
Delta’s Key to the TOEFL iBT – another comprehensive practice book with plenty of exercises.
Kaplan or Princeton Review TOEFL – good for strategies, slightly easier practice questions.
Cambridge “Complete Guide to TOEFL” – good all-around prep if you find that edition.

However, be cautious: focus on quality of questions. Official ones are best. Use others mostly for additional practice once you’ve exhausted official material.

Online Courses and Websites:

edX TOEFL iBT Prep Course (by ETSx) – a free MOOC called “TOEFL Test Preparation: The Insider’s Guide” created by ETS, available on edX. It’s a self-paced course covering each section with advice and some practice. Good supplement, especially if you like structured learning modules.
Magoosh TOEFL Online – popular for its video lessons and a large bank of practice questions. Subscription-based, but many students find it valuable. Their questions are pretty close to the style and they provide detailed explanations and vocabulary tools.
BestMyTest TOEFL – another online platform with a question bank, practice tests, and feedback for speaking/writing. They also have an estimate scoring feature.
Notefull YouTube videos – Notefull is a tutor who has many free videos on TOEFL Speaking and Writing tips that have helped lots of students (like templates for speaking tasks, etc.).
TST Prep – a site and YouTube channel by a TOEFL expert that offers free practice tests, especially for the new format, and very useful section-wise tips.
ETS’s Official YouTube channel – has some webinars and sample question explanations.

Mobile Apps:

TOEFL Go! Official App – by ETS, which includes sample questions and the ability to buy practice tests.
Magoosh TOEFL Vocabulary App – flashcards to learn common TOEFL words.
Quizlet – you can find user-made flashcard sets for TOEFL words or even templates.
TOEFL Practice apps – there are apps like TOEFL Skills, TOEFL English, etc., but verify their content quality.

Preparation Classes in India: If self-study isn’t your thing, many coaching centers in India offer TOEFL prep (though IELTS coaching is more common). Big ones include Jamboree, Manya (Princeton Review), Edwise, etc. They often give you study materials and classroom practice. However, since TOEFL is quite coachable by self-study, you may or may not need classes unless you really want guided help or struggle with motivation.

Simulated Speaking Partners:

Some find speaking practice through language exchange (find someone learning Hindi who speaks English natively, for example, via apps like Tandem or HelloTalk).
Others join TOEFL Facebook groups or WhatsApp groups where people practice speaking prompts together. Just ensure the group is serious and provides constructive feedback.

After preparation – simulate stress: Do one practice test with strict timing and perhaps after a long day (to see how you perform when slightly tired). TOEFL can be taken early morning or afternoon; try practicing in the same slot as your actual test time so your body clock is adjusted.

Special Tips for Indian Test-Takers

Indian students often have certain common experiences with English learning that can both help and hinder in TOEFL:

Strengths: Many Indian students have strong grammar fundamentals and are used to reading/writing in English from school. They may also be used to exam scenarios and can pick strategies quickly. The fact that India is a multilingual environment means you’re used to switching languages or accents to some extent, which can help in listening/speaking.
Challenges: The primary challenges can be accent/pronunciation differences, sometimes overly formal writing (using very flowery or archaic phrases taught in school), or lack of exposure to everyday spoken English nuances (if you haven’t conversed a lot with native speakers).

Here are India-specific tips:

Pronunciation and Accent Clarity: Indian English has its own tonality. TOEFL raters are used to it, so don’t worry about having an “Indian accent”. Focus on clarity:
- Ensure certain sounds are clear: e.g., make a clear distinction between “v” and “w” (e.g., in “vine” vs “wine”), between “b” and “v” (sometimes Indians pronounce “vacuum” like “wacuum”), and “th” sounds (as in “think” and “this” – practice placing your tongue correctly).
- Avoid adding an extra vowel sound after words ending in consonants (some Indian languages default a vowel sound; e.g., saying “development-uh” instead of “development”).
- Intonation: Indian English can sometimes be flat or go up at end of statements. Try to use natural intonation patterns – listen to how native speakers raise or drop pitch.
- Speed: Some Indian speakers talk very fast in English. TOEFL speaking is not a race – moderate pace is better. If you tend to speak quickly, consciously slow down a touch during practice. Conversely, if you’re too slow, practice increasing pace with fluency drills.
- There are resources specifically for Indian speakers (like Magoosh blog posts on Indian English pronunciation) – these can highlight typical problem areas.
Listening to Different English Accents: In India, you might be more familiar with British or Indian English accents in media. TOEFL will have mostly American accent content. Immerse yourself in American media – watch documentaries, movies, or YouTube channels with American presenters. Also, note that TOEFL dialogues might include an international student with an accent interacting – sometimes an Indian or Chinese accented English in a conversation. That could actually be easier for you to understand! But also be ready for American slang or casual phrases in campus conversations (like “hit the books” for studying, etc.). Learning some common idioms helps.
Avoid Translating from Mother Tongue: When speaking or writing, think in English, not in your native language structure. Translation can lead to unnatural phrasing. For example, in some Indian languages you might say something like “My heart is wanting that I go abroad for study” if translated literally – but in English you’d say “I really want to go abroad for study.” Practice expressing thoughts directly in English.
Use of Idiomatic Expressions: It’s good to use a few idiomatic or phrasal expressions if you can, to sound more natural. But use only ones you fully understand. For instance, saying “It’s raining cats and dogs” might sound forced if off-topic. However, phrases like “keep an eye on” (meaning monitor) or “on the other hand” (for contrast) are useful. Avoid overly formal or archaic expressions like those we learned in school essays (e.g., “Henceforth, I shall elucidate my views…” is not how anyone writes or speaks in TOEFL).
Spelling (UK vs US): TOEFL uses American spelling (color, organization). Either US or UK spelling is accepted in your writing, but be consistent. If you learned British spelling in school, it’s fine to use that (e.g., “favour” instead of “favor”) – it won’t be marked wrong. But don’t mix them oddly. Also ensure your spelling is correct because misspelled words in writing might detract (though you won’t lose points for one or two minor typos if meaning is clear).
Examples in Speaking/Writing: If giving examples, you can draw from Indian context, but clarify for an international listener if needed. For instance, if you mention “my Intermediate exam” – non-Indian raters might not know that means 12th board exams; instead say “my 12th-grade board exams (Intermediate exams)”. Or if you mention a festival or place unique to India as an example, just quickly explain (“our Diwali festival – the festival of lights – ….”). This ensures raters understand your point. However, you don’t have to avoid Indian contexts – using something from your life (college, city, etc.) is absolutely fine and can make answers unique.
Units and Numbers: If talking about measurements, US uses miles, Fahrenheit etc., but you can use metric since the raters will understand (just be consistent). For currency, perhaps mention in dollars if talking hypothetically (because $ is globally understood), unless context is clearly local. Minor detail, but unlikely to matter unless your answer is about money or distance.
Handling Nerves: Culturally, many Indian students aren’t used to speaking for marks in an exam setting – that can cause anxiety. Remind yourself: the at-home style of TOEFL speaking (talking to a computer) means nobody is staring at you, and the evaluators later are strangers who just evaluate content. So try to simulate that environment at home enough that it feels routine. If you’re at a center and hear others, treat it like background noise.
Time Zone and Rest: If you take TOEFL in India’s morning slot, be aware it’s early (some tests start at 8 or 9 AM). If you’re not a morning person, adjust your sleep schedule a few days prior so you can be alert in the morning. Eat a light breakfast (so you’re not distracted by hunger or feeling too full). If your test is afternoon, eat a balanced lunch but not heavy on oil/spice to avoid lethargy. These seem like small things but can affect concentration.
Tech familiarity: Most Indian students are comfortable with computers nowadays, but if you aren’t, practice with a computer for reading passages and typing, because the test is digital. Also, some older test center computers might have a different keyboard layout (US keyboards have “ and @ in different places than some Indian keyboards). It’s minor but just be ready.
Dealing with Regional Influence: Sometimes, mother tongue influence (MTI) shows in English usage – like direct translations of phrases or certain local filler words (“basically”, “actually” used excessively). Try to minimize these. If from a region where English education was limited, consider an immersive approach for a few weeks: converse more in English with friends, watch English news daily, etc., to start thinking more in English.

Lastly, remember that confidence plays a big role. Indian education often emphasizes perfection in grammar and writing, which can make students afraid of making errors. In TOEFL, it’s okay if you make a minor mistake while speaking or writing – just correct quickly and move on. Fluency and overall communication matter more than tiny grammatical slips. Don’t let one mistake throw you off-balance during the test. Keep going.

By following these preparation strategies and tailoring your study to your needs, you’ll be well-equipped for TOEFL success. Now, let’s look at where your TOEFL scores will take you – which countries and institutions you can target, and how TOEFL ties into your student visa process for popular destinations.

Want To Study Abroad?

Accepting Countries and Institutions (Top Universities & Programs)

TOEFL’s reach is truly global. In this section, we highlight the major countries where TOEFL is widely accepted and valued, and provide examples of top universities that accept TOEFL scores. We’ll also discuss any specific score expectations or policies in those regions.

United States of America

Universities: Nearly every university and college in the USA that requires proof of English will accept TOEFL iBT scores – this includes all Ivy League schools, MIT, Stanford, state universities, community colleges, etc. In fact, TOEFL was developed in the U.S., and historically, American institutions have favored it. A notable point: 100% of U.S. universities accept TOEFL iBT, and many actually prefer it because of its academic focus.

Top Schools: Harvard, Yale, Princeton, MIT, UC Berkeley, UCLA, University of Chicago, Columbia – you name it, they accept TOEFL. For example:

Harvard’s graduate programs often look for 100+ TOEFL.
MIT requires graduate applicants to demonstrate English but doesn’t have a rigid cutoff; however, admitted students often have high scores (105+).
State schools like University of Illinois or Texas A&M might set a minimum around 80 or 90, with some departments asking higher.
Community colleges may accept lower scores (like 61 or 70) since they often offer ESL support.

Typical Requirements: Undergrad admissions might require anywhere from 80 to 100 iBT depending on selectivity. Graduate programs often require 90+, and some specific ones (like English-heavy fields, or teaching positions) require 100+. Many universities also have a speaking score requirement for teaching assistant roles – often 26+. If you’re aiming to be a TA as a grad student, be mindful of that.

Notes: If you have a high TOEFL (say 110+), it can be a plus but it won’t overshadow other parts of your application – once you meet their English requirement, additional points don’t significantly boost chances, but a very low score can eliminate you. So treat TOEFL as a checkbox for US admissions: important to clear the bar, but beyond that, focus on other parts of your profile.

Canada

Universities: All major Canadian universities accept TOEFL (and most accept IELTS too). This includes University of Toronto, McGill, University of British Columbia, University of Waterloo, McMaster, etc. According to ETS, Canadian institutions often favor TOEFL for accuracy in academic skills. In fact, for Canada’s SDS visa stream, TOEFL iBT is now accepted (we’ll detail in visa section), indicating its strong acceptance.

Top Schools:

University of Toronto typically asks for a TOEFL iBT overall 100 (with 22+ in Writing).
McGill often requires 100 (with sub-score minimums, e.g., 21 in each).
UBC asks for 90 overall (with 22 in Reading/Listening and 21 in Writing/Speaking as a common baseline).
Waterloo: around 90 with 25 speaking for grad, or 100+ for some programs.
These vary by program; always check program-specific requirements.

Colleges: Canadian colleges (like diploma or certificate programs) also accept TOEFL. Many set a requirement around 80 or so for 2-year programs.

Notes: Canada has two official languages (English & French); for English-taught programs TOEFL is fine. If you studied in an English-medium school, some Canadian universities might waive TOEFL, but typically Indian students still have to provide it unless they completed prior degree in English in certain countries.

United Kingdom

Universities: The UK recognizes TOEFL iBT for both admissions and student visa purposes now. All Russell Group universities (like Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, Edinburgh, etc.) accept TOEFL. A few years back, there was confusion due to UK Home Office suspending TOEFL briefly in 2014, but that’s resolved for degree-level visas. 100% of UK universities accept TOEFL for admissions, but be aware of specific conditions (some may require you take it at a center, not at home, for visa).

Top Schools:

Oxford asks for TOEFL 110 with minimum 25 in each section for most graduate programs (very high standard).
Cambridge similarly high, often 110 with section minimums.
Most other universities vary: e.g., Manchester might ask 90, Edinburgh ~92 with 20 in each section for undergrad, etc.
For undergrad via UCAS, typically a B2 level is required (TOEFL ~ 80). But top courses will want higher.

Notes: Some UK universities list requirements in terms of IELTS score but will have a TOEFL equivalency in footnotes. For example, “IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 100” etc. If you don’t see TOEFL clearly on a requirement page, check their approved tests page or ask admissions – almost always they’ll accept it.

One thing: UK visa (for degree courses) allows the university to vouch for your English if they accept your TOEFL score, so essentially TOEFL is fine. Just ensure to send your score to the university in time.

Australia and New Zealand

Universities: All Australian and NZ universities accept TOEFL iBT for admission. This includes Group of Eight in Australia (Melbourne, Sydney, ANU, etc.) and Group of Eight in NZ (Auckland, Otago, etc. though NZ doesn’t call it that). TOEFL iBT is widely accepted and now again valid for visas in Australia.

Top Schools:

University of Melbourne, Sydney, ANU typically require around 94–96 TOEFL for undergrad or taught postgrad, with section minimums like 19-23. For instance, ANU might say “A minimum overall score of 80, with at least 20 in Reading and Writing and 18 in Speaking and Listening” for some programs, but competitive ones ask higher.
Australian universities sometimes use a system of English requirements: e.g., some courses are “Category A” requiring higher English, etc.
New Zealand’s University of Auckland asks about 90 iBT (with 21 in writing) for undergrad; some programmes higher.

Notes: Australia’s visa authority temporarily didn’t accept TOEFL during the update from 2023 (tests between Jul 26, 2023 and May 2024 were not valid for visa), but as of 2025, TOEFL iBT is fully accepted again for all visa purposes (except home edition). This reaffirmation by the Dept. of Home Affairs means universities are also completely on board. So there’s no concern using TOEFL for Australia.

Europe (Other Countries)

TOEFL is accepted by thousands of institutions across Europe, including non-English speaking countries where programs are taught in English:

Germany & Netherlands: Most universities offering English-taught programs accept TOEFL and IELTS equally. For instance, ETH Zurich (Switzerland) asks for TOEFL 100 or IELTS 7.0 for masters taught in English. TU Munich, TU Delft, etc., all accept TOEFL (common requirement is 90 or 100 for masters).
France, Italy, Spain: Many business schools (HEC, ESADE, Bocconi) and technical universities accept TOEFL. Some might ask for 95-100 in top programs.
Scandinavia: Universities in Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway – all accept TOEFL. Many require around 90 as a general cut-off for masters.
CEFR usage: European schools often specify “must have C1 level”. They typically list what scores correspond. TOEFL 95+ is C1, so that’s often the target.

Notes: In Europe, IELTS has been common too, but TOEFL is just as valid. One tip: If applying through centralized systems (like UniAssist in Germany), they often accept TOEFL results electronically (use DI codes to send). Some programs, e.g., in Germany, might exempt you if medium of prior instruction was English, but many still want a test from non-English countries like India.

Asia and Other Regions

Asia (outside India): Many universities in Asia (like in Singapore, Hong Kong, etc.) use English as medium and require TOEFL/IELTS from international applicants. E.g., NUS or NTU in Singapore accept TOEFL (and often expect very high scores for certain programs, since competition is stiff). The University of Tokyo’s English programs accept it; Chinese universities offering English programs accept it, etc.
Middle East: Universities like those in UAE, Turkey, etc., also accept TOEFL. American universities in the Middle East (NYU Abu Dhabi, etc.) definitely do.
Africa: Many programs taught in English (like in South Africa or Egypt) accept it as well.

Essentially, TOEFL is a globally trusted test, so you can use one good TOEFL score to apply to multiple countries’ universities – ideal if you’re considering, say, both American and European universities.

Institution Types and Programs

Undergraduate (Bachelors) Programs: TOEFL is usually required if you did not complete secondary education in an English-medium in certain countries. Indian students often still need to provide it because even if instruction was in English, universities want a standardized test. Top undergrad scholarship programs (like those in Japan or the US) also look at TOEFL sometimes.
Graduate (Masters/PhD) Programs: This is where TOEFL is very commonly asked. Unless you have a degree from an English-speaking country already, you’ll need it. Even MBA programs accept TOEFL (or IELTS/PTE). Some MBA programs have a slightly flexible approach if you’ve worked in an English environment, but most still require a test.
MBA/Business Schools: All major B-schools accept TOEFL. E.g., INSEAD (France) minimum 105, Harvard MBA recommended 109+, ISB Hyderabad accepts TOEFL or IELTS, etc.
Medicine/Law: Programs like medicine or law (JD) also require TOEFL for international applicants to prove English.
Short-term Programs and Exchanges: If you plan an exchange semester abroad during your Indian college, TOEFL might be needed for that too, depending on host university requirements.
Language Preparatory Programs: Some universities give “conditional admission” if your TOEFL is slightly below requirement, where you attend their English language program first. But better to meet the requirement and avoid that.
Scholarships: TOEFL score can sometimes strengthen scholarship applications or is a criterion. For example, the Fulbright program in some countries asks for a TOEFL score for eligibility. ETS also had programs like “TOEFL Scholarship” in certain regions historically.

Specific Institutional Policies

Some institutions have special policies:

MyBest Scores: Many universities, especially in the US and Canada, accept TOEFL MyBest (superscores). Some explicitly say they do not, preferring a single-test score. Check the FAQ of the admissions page. For instance, University of Michigan used to say they don’t accept MyBest – meaning you must send your best single attempt. Always send your full score report and the university will decide what to consider.
Minimum sub-scores: A lot of grad schools say something like “Minimum 21 in each section”. So even if overall you meet the number, if one section is below the threshold, you might have to retake or they might admit you conditionally. If your score is lopsided (e.g., 105 total but speaking 18), be aware some schools might have an issue. Try to get at least 20+ in each to be safe (for top schools, 25+ in each ideally).
Validity & Session: They consider scores valid within 2 years. So a 2019 TOEFL score won’t work for 2025 admission. Plan accordingly so your scores are valid during application cycle.
ETS Code: Every institution has an ETS code to receive TOEFL scores (called DI Code). You’ll use these to send scores. For example, MIT’s code is 3514, Stanford 4704, etc. You can search these on ETS site while sending.

Given this wide acceptance, TOEFL opens doors to universities in virtually all popular study destinations. Next, let’s connect this to the visa processes for studying abroad, since proving English ability can also factor into getting a student visa or even immigration down the line.

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TOEFL for Visa and Immigration Purposes

A high TOEFL score not only strengthens your university applications, it can also fulfill visa language requirements in many countries. Here we’ll discuss how TOEFL is used in student visa applications for the USA, Canada, UK, and Australia, and touch on immigration (permanent residency) where relevant.

United States Student Visas (F-1 Visa)

For the USA, the student visa (F-1) process itself does not mandate a particular English test. The U.S. consulate’s concern is that you have a valid admission (I-20 form from a SEVP-approved school) and sufficient finances. If you have an admission to a US university, it implies you met their English requirement (often via TOEFL/IELTS).

TOEFL’s role: It is mostly on the university side. Once admitted, the visa interview might sometimes touch on your English ability (the interview is conducted in English, so you inherently demonstrate your skills). It’s rare for a visa officer to ask specifically about your TOEFL score, but they could ask, “How will you manage the coursework in English?” You can confidently say that you scored well on TOEFL (e.g., “I scored 105 on TOEFL which shows I’m proficient”).

Conclusion: For the U.S., focus on using TOEFL to get admission. As long as you have that, TOEFL itself doesn’t need to be shown to the embassy. Just make sure your TOEFL score is still valid when you apply to university – if it expires before your course start, some schools may ask you to retake or prove proficiency by another means.

Canada Study Permits (SDS and General)

Canada requires proof of English or French for certain faster visa processing and sometimes for admissions:

SDS (Student Direct Stream): This is an expedited visa process for residents of certain countries (including India) applying to Canadian colleges/universities. Until recently, SDS only accepted IELTS (with 6.0 in each band). As of August 2023, IRCC (Immigration Canada) has approved TOEFL iBT for SDS. The requirement is a TOEFL iBT score of 83 or higher. This is great news: Indian students can use TOEFL for SDS if they meet that score. SDS also accepts PTE (min 60) now, by the way. If you go SDS route, you provide the test results as part of visa application.
General Study Permit (non-SDS): If you don’t use SDS, a language test isn’t mandatory for the visa, but you still need admission. Most admissions will have asked for TOEFL or IELTS. Visa officers can, however, consider your language ability as one factor (they check if you’ll likely succeed in studies). It’s wise to include your TOEFL score sheet in your visa file even if not required, as supporting evidence of your ability.
Quebec (CAQ): If studying in Quebec, sometimes French or English proof might come into play, but TOEFL is accepted there for English programs.

Permanent Residency (immigration): For Canada PR (Express Entry), they only accept IELTS General or CELPIP for English. TOEFL is not accepted for PR points. So later when you go for PR, you’d likely need to take IELTS General. But that’s after studies, separate from TOEFL’s academic use.

Summary: TOEFL is now fully useful for Canadian study visas, especially SDS which most Indian grad students use. Just ensure you hit the magic number 83 for SDS (though realistically, if your school needed 90, you’d have 90+ anyway).

United Kingdom Student Visas (Tier 4 / Student Route)

The UK has slightly confusing rules historically:

For degree-level courses (RQF level 6 and above, basically Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD), if you’re going to a university (which is a licensed sponsor), the university can assess your English level and UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) will accept that as proof. This means if the university accepted your TOEFL score for admission, you’re set; they will mention on your CAS (Certificate of Acceptance for Studies) that you meet English requirements. TOEFL iBT is accepted for UK student visas as long as it’s through this route.
For lower-level courses or certain institutions not exempt, UKVI usually requires a Secure English Language Test (SELT). TOEFL iBT is not on the UKVI’s SELT list currently (IELTS UKVI, PTE Academic UKVI, etc., are). But most Indian students go for degree courses, so this isn’t an issue.

In practice: If you apply to, say, University of Manchester for a Master’s and they admit you with TOEFL 95, your CAS will indicate you met English via TOEFL. The visa officer won’t need anything else. You don’t need to separately show a test certificate to UKVI beyond what’s in CAS. But do carry the TOEFL score report to visa appointment just in case.

Post-study/Immigration: If you later try for UK’s work visa or ILR, you might need an English test if you didn’t study there. But having studied there usually covers it. TOEFL isn’t used for UK immigration aside from student route; IELTS or others are used if needed.

Special note: Post-2014, UK had banned ETS tests briefly due to a scandal with some UK test centers. That stigma is gone for universities, but UKVI still doesn’t list TOEFL as SELT. Important: If you plan to take TOEFL for UK, do it at a test center (not Home Edition) to be safe. Some UK universities might not accept Home Edition for CAS because UKVI doesn’t recognize at-home tests. Check with your uni; many accepted them during COVID, but things evolve.

Australia Student Visas and Immigration

Australia recognizes TOEFL iBT for all visa types with recent updates:

Student Visa (Subclass 500): The Dept. of Home Affairs accepts TOEFL iBT as proof of English. For streamlined visa, if you’re from a country like India, you typically need to show an English test unless exempt. Australian visas categorize English levels:
- For instance, “Competent English” (for visa) could mean TOEFL iBT overall 64 (with at least R4, L4, S14, W14 – fairly low bars). But student visa requirements usually align to what your university offer requires.
- Most Indian students will automatically meet visa English requirement if they got into an Aussie uni, since admission standards are usually higher than visa minimum.
In 2023, Australia temporarily invalidated scores from tests taken during a specific period due to the format change (July 26, 2023 to May 2024). This was a one-time thing; going forward, new TOEFL scores are fine.
Important: Australia explicitly says no at-home or online tests for visas. So do NOT use TOEFL Home Edition if you intend to use that score for an Australian visa. Use a test center version only.
PR Visas (Skilled Migration): Australia’s immigration uses English tests for points. TOEFL iBT is accepted. They have categories:
- Functional, Vocational, Competent, Proficient, Superior English with corresponding test score thresholds.
- E.g., for Competent English (no points, but minimum requirement): TOEFL iBT R/L/W/S: 13/12/21/18 needed (roughly equals IELTS 6).
- For Proficient (10 points): maybe TOEFL iBT R/L/W/S: 24/24/27/23 (equiv to IELTS 7).
- For Superior (20 points): TOEFL iBT R/L/W/S: 28/28/30/26 (equiv to IELTS 8). These details change, but yes, TOEFL can be used for skilled visa instead of IELTS.
Partner visas or citizenship might require a test (usually IELTS or PTE are common), not sure if TOEFL is used often, but for any case if they accept it, it would be center-based only.

New Zealand: Similar to Australia, they accept TOEFL for student visa and skilled migration. NZQA equates TOEFL scores to IELTS for various visa categories.

Other Countries’ Visas

European countries: For non-EU students, many European countries just go by the university admission. For example, Germany doesn’t require a separate English test for visa if the admission letter says medium of instruction is English. TOEFL is usually not directly sent to embassies but indirectly it helps since admission is contingent on it.
France: Campus France might ask for proof of English (TOEFL/IELTS) for the NOC/interview process if your program is in English.
Others: Always check country-specific requirements, but in general, having an English-medium admission means visa officers are satisfied with your language ability. TOEFL being globally recognized works for this.

Summary of Visa Tips:

Use test center if visa might be an issue: Especially for UK (non-degree courses) and Australia, don’t rely on at-home tests for final visa step.
Keep score report ready: Sometimes visa application asks for an upload of language test. Have your PDF score report or TRF ready.
Check validity during visa: Ensure the score won’t expire before you start your program or before visa is issued. Ideally, it should be valid through your visa application date at least.
TOEFL Essentials and Visa: Note that for visas, likely only TOEFL iBT is considered. Essentials, being new and not as widely recognized, probably wouldn’t count for visa proof in most countries yet. So stick to iBT for visa-critical purposes.
Medium of Instruction letters: In some cases, students bypass TOEFL by getting a letter that their previous degree was in English. Some visa offices accept that, many don’t (SDS certainly doesn’t). TOEFL is a more straightforward, universally accepted proof.

By leveraging your TOEFL scores, you can satisfy both university and visa language requirements, particularly now that major destinations either accept TOEFL or allow universities to use it as proof. Always double-check the latest embassy guidelines.

Moving on, let’s lighten up and address some common misconceptions about the TOEFL that often worry students unnecessarily, and set the record straight with facts.

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Myths and Facts about the TOEFL

There are many myths floating around about the TOEFL exam. Believing in these misconceptions can sometimes hinder effective preparation or cause undue stress. Let’s bust some of the common myths and reveal the facts:

Myth 1: TOEFL is easier if you take it in certain countries.
Fact: The TOEFL is a standardized test – regardless of where you take it, the format and difficulty are consistent. Some students think, for example, taking TOEFL in a country where English isn’t widely spoken will give easier questions. Not true. However, one kernel of truth: test dates have different question sets, so one date might feel easier than another, but that’s random and not location-based. Focus on your preparation; don’t try to game the country. Many Indian students score high taking it right in India.

Myth 2: You can take TOEFL only once, or only a limited number of times.
Fact: You can take the TOEFL as many times as you want. ETS imposes just a small restriction: you cannot retake within a 3-day period. This means, conceivably, you could take it twice in one week (one on Monday, next on Friday). There’s no lifetime limit. Of course, it costs money each time, so ideally you prepare well and take it a minimal number of times. But if your first attempt didn’t go well, you are absolutely allowed to try again after a few days. Universities generally do not penalize multiple attempts – they care about the highest score you send (and with MyBest, even combination of your best section scores).

Myth 3: Having a foreign (American/British) accent in Speaking will get you a better score.
Fact: Accent is not a criterion in TOEFL Speaking scoring. Clarity and intelligibility are what matter. You are not judged on sounding American; you’re judged on how well you communicate your ideas. TOEFL raters are trained to understand various accents. If your pronunciation is clear (even if distinctly Indian, Chinese, etc.), you can still score a full 30. In fact, many Indian test-takers get 26+ in Speaking without faking any accent. Conversely, someone imitating an American accent poorly might become harder to understand, which could hurt their score. It’s best to speak naturally and focus on enunciation, coherence, and grammar.

Myth 4: If you speak for the full time and use big words, you’ll get a high Speaking score.
Fact: Content and delivery quality trump length or fanciness. It’s not about frantically filling every second with speech; it’s about giving a structured, relevant answer. Similarly, using a couple of advanced vocabulary words appropriately can help, but stuffing your answer with obscure words can backfire if used incorrectly or if it sounds memorized. Raters can tell if you’re using memorized phrases that don’t fit the question (that can actually reduce your score). It’s far better to use simple, correct English than complicated words or sentences that end up awkward or wrong.

Myth 5: Exceeding the word limit in Writing guarantees a higher score.
Fact: There is no official word limit, just suggestions (Integrated ~150-225 words, Independent Discussion no specific, but you have 10 minutes). Writing more words is not automatically better – quality matters more. If you write a long essay full of repetitive or off-topic sentences, your score can be lower than someone who wrote a concise, well-organized essay. That said, extremely short responses might miss content. Aim to meet or slightly exceed the recommended range with relevant content. Many high-scoring essays do have more words, but that’s usually because those test-takers had more to say and said it well, not because they were padding for length.

Myth 6: The first Reading passage or first Listening conversation is always the hardest/easiest.
Fact: Difficulty can vary, but there’s no set rule that the first passage is the hardest. Some people perceive the first passage hardest because they’re just getting used to the test environment. Others find they get fatigued by the last passage. Each test can differ. Don’t assume a pattern – treat each section with equal attention. Also, TOEFL used to have extra unscored experimental passages; after 2023 changes, they removed those extras, so now you know exactly 2 passages are what count.

Myth 7: Only native speakers can get full 120/120.
Fact: While 120 is rare, many non-native speakers have achieved it or near it. There are recorded instances of Indian, Chinese, etc. students scoring 118, 119, even perfect 120. It’s very high, but possible with top-notch English skills and preparation. The TOEFL is designed so that a proficient non-native can demonstrate full control. So aim high – don’t think a native speaker has a magical advantage in the test room. In fact, natives sometimes underperform if they don’t prepare for the test format, whereas a well-prepared non-native can excel.

Myth 8: If you make one grammar mistake in Speaking or Writing, you’re doomed.
Fact: The scoring allows for a few mistakes. TOEFL rubrics mention that minor errors that do not impede understanding will not drastically hurt your score. It’s when mistakes are frequent or obscure meaning that scores drop. So, if you slipped once (“he go to the market” instead of “he goes”), don’t panic mid-test. Keep going confidently. A few slip-ups in an otherwise good response might still get you a 4/4 or 4/5. The key is overall intelligibility and task completion.

Myth 9: You can’t prepare for TOEFL; it’s an “IQ” or innate language test.
Fact: You can absolutely prepare and improve your TOEFL performance, even if you have strong English. It’s not an IQ test – it’s a test of language skills that can be honed. Familiarity with the question types, practicing under timed conditions, learning useful phrases for speaking/writing, and receiving feedback all can significantly raise your score. We have seen students go from say 85 to 100+ with a month or two of focused practice. Native-like fluency helps, but knowing the test strategies is equally important.

Myth 10: TOEFL isn’t accepted in X country or by X universities.
Fact: As we covered, TOEFL is accepted by over 12,500 institutions in 160+ countries – including all the major study destinations. There were times when rumors spread that “UK doesn’t accept TOEFL” (post-2014) or “Canada prefers IELTS” – but the reality today is that virtually everywhere that matters accepts TOEFL iBT. Always double-check specific program requirements, but you’ll almost never encounter a well-known university that refuses TOEFL scores. If a certain visa or program doesn’t (like maybe a small UK college requiring IELTS UKVI), that’s the exception, not the norm.

Myth 11: Taking the TOEFL shortly before application is fine because universities get scores instantly.
Fact: Score reporting isn’t immediate. After your test, it takes about 6 days for the scores to be generated, and then if you designated recipients, ETS sends them electronically or by mail. Many universities get scores electronically within a week after release, but some may take longer to process internally. It’s advised to take TOEFL at least a month or more before your application deadlines to ensure your scores arrive in time and to allow a retake if needed. Last-minute attempts are risky.

By dispelling these myths, you can approach the TOEFL with a clearer, more confident mindset. Know that the exam is fair and controllable with preparation. Next up, we’ll address some frequently asked questions (FAQs) that students often have regarding the TOEFL.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long is a TOEFL score valid?

TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years from your test date. After they expire, ETS won’t send them to institutions. For example, if you took TOEFL on August 1, 2023, you can use that score until July 31, 2025. Plan your test date such that your scores will be valid through your application season and when you start your program.

How soon will I get my scores, and how can I access them?

You’ll receive an email from ETS when your scores are ready, about 4–8 days after the test (often around 6 days for iBT). Log in to your ETS account to view and download the score report PDF. If you need a physical copy, you can request one, but generally the electronic score is what you (and universities) use. Universities you designated will get the scores electronically around the same time.

Can I cancel my score if I think I did poorly?

Immediately after finishing the test (before you see any results), the TOEFL interface asks if you want to Report or Cancel your scores. If you cancel, you won’t get a score, and no report is sent. However, you can reinstate a canceled score within 60 days for a fee (USD $20) if you change your mind. Honestly, unless you know you had a tech issue or you left sections blank, it’s usually better to report. You might be pleasantly surprised. And if not, you can retake; universities mostly only see the scores you choose to send them.

Do universities see how many times I’ve taken TOEFL or all my scores?

They see the scores that you have ETS send. If you send a particular test date’s score, they see that, and they will also see your MyBest superscore (which combines past scores). They do not automatically see all your attempts. There is no notation like “this was John’s 3rd attempt”. So you can take multiple times and just send your best. Only caveat: if applying via certain centralized systems (like applying to multiple SUNY schools, etc.), or if you send multiple score reports, they might then know you had different attempts. But there’s generally no penalty for multiple attempts. Most universities simply consider the highest score.

Should I take the TOEFL iBT or TOEFL Essentials?

As discussed, TOEFL iBT is the safer choice because it’s accepted everywhere. TOEFL Essentials is shorter and cheaper, but far fewer institutions explicitly accept it (around 500 worldwide), and top schools might not. If you are targeting mainly U.S. universities that have said they accept Essentials, and you are confident in an adaptive test, you could consider it. But in general, unless you have a compelling reason, taking the TOEFL iBT will keep all your options open.

What is the TOEFL ITP? Is it useful for admissions?

TOEFL ITP (Institutional Testing Program) is a paper-based test similar to old TOEFL PBT, often used for internal assessment in universities or by organizations for placement. It’s not valid for university admissions abroad. It doesn’t include Speaking/Writing and is not accepted in place of TOEFL iBT. So, for study abroad, ignore ITP – ensure you take the TOEFL iBT (or Essentials if applicable, but iBT is safest).

What’s a good TOEFL score for Ivy League or top grad schools?

Top programs often expect high proficiency:

For undergrad Ivies: they might not publicize a cutoff, but admitted students typically have 105+.

For grad: many top programs set minimum around 100. But, for example, Harvard and Stanford grad applicants often have 108-115 in reality. Some specific programs (journalism, literature, etc.) might even want higher writing scores. In short, aim 100+ for top 50 universities, 110+ if you want to be extra safe for the most competitive ones. Remember, TOEFL alone won’t guarantee admission, but not meeting their minimum can exclude you.

Do I need to get a certain score in each section or just overall?

Check the requirement: some schools have an overall minimum, some have section minimums, some have both. For instance, a school might say “at least 90 overall, with no section below 20”. Others say “100 overall; no other stipulations.” When prepping, try to be balanced. If you’re weak in one section (say Speaking), work to not let that drag you down if a section minimum exists.

Can I take both IELTS and TOEFL and send both scores?

Yes, you can, but it’s usually unnecessary. Universities accept either. They don’t favor one over the other in admissions. If you did take both, you could send whichever is higher or whichever you prefer. Sending both won’t typically increase your chances (they’ll consider one as proof you meet English requirement). Perhaps if one has a weird imbalance (TOEFL speaking low but IELTS speaking high), you might choose the one that better reflects your ability. It might indirectly help if a university thinks one test was easier than the other, but officially they have equivalence charts. Generally, save your money and do one well.

Top universities (Ivy League, MIT, Stanford, etc.): 1450+
Competitive universities: 1300+
Moderate universities: 1100+
It’s always best to check the required SAT scores for your target colleges.

What if I am unhappy with my score? How soon can I retake?

You can register for a new test date as soon as 3 days later. Many students do multiple attempts. Use the time between to analyze what went wrong: Was it nerves? Time management? Specific sections? Tweak your study and try again. Some have big jumps in second attempt after understanding the test day feel. Keep in mind, test content will be different each time.

Does TOEFL have an essay (like GRE or SAT have Analytical Writing)?

Yes, the Writing section in TOEFL includes writing tasks (the Integrated task and the Discussion post). But it’s not like a generic “analyze an argument” essay – it’s more specific to what you read/hear for integrated, and a short opinion piece for independent. There isn’t a separate essay section outside of the main test sections.

Are there any scholarships for high TOEFL scores?

ETS at times has offered TOEFL Scholarships in certain countries (including India in past years) – e.g., awarding some money to top scorers who apply for it. Check ETS India’s website periodically to see if such a program exists currently. Apart from that, some universities or governments have scholarship programs where a very high TOEFL might strengthen your profile, but not usually a formal “TOEFL scholarship” from the university.

How do I send my scores to universities?

When you register for the test, you can list 4 institutions to send scores for free. Use the institution codes or search by name/city. After the test, if you want to send to more places, log in to your ETS account and request Additional Score Reports (for the fee per report). You’ll select the university and possibly department (for grad schools, selecting department helps route it, but generally all go to admissions office). The scores will be sent electronically if the school accepts that (most do nowadays). It’s a good idea to send to your main choices in the free sends to save money.

Will my IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo scores be compared or converted by universities?

Universities typically have their own concordance tables or minimums for each test. They won’t convert your TOEFL to an IELTS band themselves; they’ll just check if you meet their stated requirement for that test. They won’t favor one test’s score over another’s inherently. Some internal conversions exist (like earlier mention: TOEFL 80 ~ IELTS 6.5), but you just need to hit the mark on whichever you submit.

Should I answer every question on TOEFL, even if I’m unsure?

Yes! There is no penalty for wrong answers on TOEFL. Never leave a question blank. If time is running out, quickly guess. A random guess has a chance (25% on a 4-option MCQ) to fetch a point, whereas blank is 0% chance. On Reading and Listening, use process of elimination to increase odds. On Speaking/Writing, at least attempt something for each task, because leaving it blank or not speaking/writing at all yields a 0 for that task, which drags your score significantly. Even a so-so attempt can get some points.

Can I use British spelling or accent?

Absolutely. TOEFL scorers are used to both. If you learned British English, you can spell “colour” with a ‘u’, or say “maths” instead of “math”. These are understood and not penalized. Just be consistent and clear. Similarly, accent can be Indian, British, etc., as discussed.

What if my computer malfunctions or there’s noise disturbance?

If you encounter a technical issue at the test center (e.g., audio not working, power outage), immediately raise your hand and inform the proctor. They might resolve it or reschedule you without charge if it’s a major problem. If someone next to you is extremely loud or there’s a disruption, alert the staff – they might provide earplugs or allow you to move if possible. After the test, if you truly feel your performance was hurt by a test center issue, you can file a complaint with ETS. They sometimes allow a free retake in such cases. For Home Edition, if your internet drops or software crashes, the proctor will assist to reconnect or give instructions. If it can’t be fixed, ETS may reschedule you for free. Always run the Equipment Check beforehand to minimize home issues.

TOEFL Exam 2025: The Definitive Guide for Indian Study Abroad Aspirants

Introduction to TOEFL and Its Global Significance

Want To Study Abroad?

Understanding TOEFL Formats (iBT, Essentials, and PBT)

TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test)

TOEFL Essentials

TOEFL PBT (Paper-Based Test) – Legacy Format

Want To Study Abroad?

TOEFL Test Structure: Section-by-Section Breakdown

Reading Section

Listening Section

Speaking Section

Writing Section

Want To Study Abroad?

TOEFL Scoring System and Score Interpretation

Section Scores and Total Score

What Is a Good TOEFL Score?

MyBest™ Scores (Superscoring)

Score Validity and Reporting

Interpreting Your Performance:

Example Scenario:

Want To Study Abroad?

Registration Process, Fees, and Test Centers (with an Indian Context)

How to Register for the TOEFL iBT

TOEFL Exam Fees – Detailed Breakdown

Test Centers in India

Want To Study Abroad?

TOEFL vs. IELTS, PTE, and Duolingo – Fee Comparison in India

TOEFL vs IELTS vs PTE vs Duolingo: Choosing the Right English Test

At a Glance: Comparison Table

TOEFL vs IELTS

TOEFL vs PTE Academic

TOEFL vs Duolingo English Test (DET)

Want To Study Abroad?

Preparation Tips, Study Plans, and Recommended Resources

General TOEFL Preparation Strategies

Reading Section Preparation

Listening Section Preparation

Speaking Section Preparation

Writing Section Preparation

Creating a Study Plan

Recommended Resources

Special Tips for Indian Test-Takers

Want To Study Abroad?

Accepting Countries and Institutions (Top Universities & Programs)

United States of America

Canada

United Kingdom

Australia and New Zealand

Europe (Other Countries)

Asia and Other Regions

Institution Types and Programs

Specific Institutional Policies

Want To Study Abroad?

TOEFL for Visa and Immigration Purposes

United States Student Visas (F-1 Visa)

Canada Study Permits (SDS and General)

United Kingdom Student Visas (Tier 4 / Student Route)

Australia Student Visas and Immigration

Other Countries’ Visas

Summary of Visa Tips:

Want To Study Abroad?

Myths and Facts about the TOEFL

Want To Study Abroad?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Quick Info

Admission Queries

Want to Study MBBS Abroad?

Want to Study Abroad?

Register