TOEFL Exam 2026
Planning to study at a university abroad? Then clearing an English proficiency test is likely your first step. The TOEFL exam (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is one of the most respected and widely accepted English-language tests in the world.
Whether you are aiming for the Ivy League in the USA or top colleges in Canada and Australia, a good score on this test is your gateway. This guide covers everything from the exam format and fees to the best TOEFL exam practice strategies for 2025. Let’s get you ready to ace it!
What Is the TOEFL Exam? (Meaning, Purpose & Acceptance)
Overview of the TOEFL Test Exam
The TOEFL exam is a standardized test that measures your ability to use and understand English at the university level. It is designed and administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service).
Unlike general English tests, the TOEFL exam test evaluates how well you combine your listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills to perform academic tasks. It is accepted by more than 12,000 institutions in over 160 countries, making it a truly global credential.
Who Should Take the TOEFL Exam?
You should consider taking this exam if:
- You are a student planning to study at a higher education institution where English is the primary language.
- You are applying for a student visa or migration visa to English-speaking countries (like Australia and New Zealand).
- You need to demonstrate English proficiency for scholarship and certification programs.
- You are a professional using the TOEFL exam for medical or licensing agencies.
TOEFL Exam Structure – Sections & Format
| Section | Duration | Questions/Tasks | Skills Measured |
| Reading | 35 mins | 20 questions | Reads and understands academic texts and answers questions. |
| Listening | 36 mins | 28 questions | Comprehends lectures, classroom discussions, and conversations. |
| Speaking | 16 mins | 4 tasks | Expresses an opinion on a familiar topic and speaks based on reading/listening tasks. |
| Writing | 29 mins | 2 tasks | Writes an essay based on reading/listening and supports an opinion in an online discussion. |
How Long Is a TOEFL Exam?
One of the best updates to the TOEFL exam is the reduced duration.
Total Test Duration
The test now takes less than 2 hours to complete. This makes it the shortest of the three major English-language tests (compared to IELTS or PTE).
There are no long breaks during the TOEFL exam because it is designed to be completed in a single sitting. This reduction in time helps reduce test fatigue, allowing you to focus better on the TOEFL exam questions.
TOEFL Exam Online Practice – Prepare Anytime, Anywhere
To score 100+, you cannot rely on luck. You need consistent TOEFL exam online practice. Since the actual test is digital (Internet-Based Test or iBT), practicing on a computer is essential.
Benefits of TOEFL Online Practice
Using TOEFL exam online practice tools allows you to simulate the real testing environment.
- Instant Scoring: You get immediate results for Reading and Listening sections.
- Real-time Feedback: Advanced AI tools can now grade your speaking clarity.
- Time Management: Online tools feature countdown timers, exactly like the real TOEFL exam.
- 24/7 Availability: You can study whenever you want, without carrying heavy books.
What You Get with Online Prep
- Authentic TOEFL exam practice questions from past tests.
- Samples of high-scoring speaking and writing responses.
- Vocabulary builders to help with the Reading section.
- Listening comprehension exercises with various accents.
TOEFL Exam Practice – Study Resources & Official Prep Tools
Popular Ways to Practice for the TOEFL Exam
- Official ETS Guides: The creators of the TOEFL exam offer the most accurate practice books.
- Flashcards: Great for memorizing academic vocabulary.
- English News/Podcasts: Helps improve your listening skills naturally.
| Resource Type | Purpose |
| Sample Papers | Helps you understand the different question types in the TOEFL exam. |
| Online Tests | Crucial for improving time management and computer navigation skills. |
| Listening Audio | Builds comprehension of academic lectures and fast-paced conversations. |
| Vocabulary Apps | Expands word power needed for the Reading and Writing sections. |
TOEFL Mock Exam – Free & Paid Full-Length Tests
A TOEFL mock exam is a rehearsal for the main event. You shouldn’t walk into the exam center without having taken at least 2 or 3 full-length mock tests.
Why Take a TOEFL Mock Exam?
- Assess Readiness: It tells you if you are ready to book the actual TOEFL exam.
- Identify Weak Areas: You might realize your Reading is strong, but your Speaking needs work.
- Improve Speed: It teaches you how to pace yourself so you don’t run out of time.
- Build Confidence: Familiarity with the interface reduces anxiety on test day.
Types of Mock Tests Available
- Full-length practice tests: These mimic the full 2-hour TOEFL exam test.
- Section-wise mock exams: Focus just on Writing or Speaking.
- Timed and untimed versions: Use untimed versions for learning and timed versions for testing.
How to Take the TOEFL Exam (Booking & Test Process)
Ready to book? The registration process for the TOEFL exam is straightforward and online.
Steps to Register for the TOEFL Exam
- Visit the Website: Go to the official ETS website.
- Create an Account: Use your name exactly as it appears on your ID.
- Choose Format: Select between TOEFL iBT (at a center) or TOEFL Home Edition.
- Select Date & Location: Find a center near you or a time slot for the home test.
- Pay the Fee: Complete the payment for the TOEFL exam fee.
- Confirmation: You will receive an email confirmation. Print this for exam day.
Requirements for Taking the TOEFL Test
- Valid Passport: In India, a valid original Passport is mandatory for the TOEFL exam.
- Stable Internet: Essential if you are taking the TOEFL exam test from home.
Quiet Room: For the Home Edition, you must be alone in a room with a clear desk.
TOEFL Exam Fee (Updated Cost Details)
| Fee Type | Amount (Approx.) |
| TOEFL Exam Fee | ₹16,900 – ₹17,500 ($205 USD) |
| Rescheduling Fee | ₹5,000 approx. ($60 USD) |
| Late Registration Fee | ₹3,300 approx. ($40 USD) |
| Additional Score Reports | ₹1,600 approx. ($20 USD) |
TOEFL Exam Centers Near You
ETS has a vast network of test centers. When booking your TOEFL exam, you can choose from proctored centers in major cities.
Major TOEFL Test Locations in India
- Delhi (NCR)
- Bengaluru
- Mumbai
- Hyderabad
- Pune
- Chennai
- Chandigarh
- Ahmedabad
Why choose a center?
- Modernized Labs: Centers are equipped with high-quality headsets for the TOEFL exam test speaking section.
- Multiple Dates: Centers usually run tests 50-60 times a year.
- Easy Booking: You can view real-time seat availability online.
TOEFL Test Scores & Results
| Section | Score Range |
| Reading | 0-30 |
| Listening | 0-30 |
| Speaking | 0-30 |
| Writing | 0-30 |
| Total Score | 0-120 |
Score Validity
Your TOEFL exam scores are valid for 2 years from the test date. You can download a PDF of your score report from your ETS account about 4-8 days after your test.The Final Words
Preparing for the TOEFL exam becomes much easier when you clearly understand what the test is, how it’s structured, and the right way to practice. Many students ask whether TOEFL is difficult, how it compares to IELTS, how much it costs, or where they should prepare, and the answers all point to one thing: with the right strategy, scoring high is absolutely achievable.
Consistent practice using official online tools, taking full-length mock tests, and following structured guidance can significantly improve your performance. Whether you aim for universities in the US, Canada, the UK, Europe, or Asia, TOEFL remains one of the most widely trusted exams.
Want to study abroad but unsure where to start? SIEC’s TOEFL experts will guide you with focused preparation, online practice, and complete study-abroad support. Connect with us for a free session!
Feel free to reach via contact us form.
Have a question?
The TOEFL tests your English proficiency for academic and immigration purposes. Universities use it to assess your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills to determine whether you can succeed in an English-language learning environment.
The TOEFL exam costs around $195–$210 (₹18,000–₹20,00) in India. Additional charges apply for rescheduling, score reviews, and sending reports to universities. Prices may vary slightly with exchange rates and test locations.
Yes, Indian students widely take the TOEFL for admissions abroad. It is accepted in the US, Canada, UK, Europe, and Asia, making it a strong option for study, scholarships, and visa requirements globally.
Anyone planning to study or work abroad can take the TOEFL. There is no age limit, no academic restriction, and no minimum qualification. Younger candidates under 15 are advised to be accompanied by guardians.
There is no limit on total attempts. You can retake the TOEFL as many times as you want, with a mandatory 3-day gap between tests. Universities will see only the scores you send
The TOEFL is accepted for student visas in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, France, Germany, Singapore, and many more. It’s one of the world’s most widely recognized English-proficiency exams.
More than 12,000 universities and institutions across 160+ countries accept TOEFL scores. This includes top schools in the US, UK, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Asia.
Yes. TOEFL offers a TOEFL iBT Home Edition, allowing you to take the test online from home under remote proctoring. You need a quiet room, stable internet, and a valid ID.
You can select up to 4 universities for free before you take the TOEFL exam. Afterward, there is a fee for each report.
Yes, the TOEFL exam is accepted by the SDS (Student Direct Stream) program in Canada, provided you meet the score requirements.
The TOEFL exam score validity is strictly 2 years.
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