The TOEFL iBT now features a streamlined structure, with a revamped pattern introduced on July 26, 2023, reducing the total test duration to approximately 2 hours (116 minutes).
The on-paper TOEFL test has been discontinued.
The TOEFL Exam (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a standardized test designed to assess the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. It is widely recognized by over 13,000 universities, colleges, and institutions across more than 160 countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The TOEFL is essential for students and professionals seeking higher education, scholarships, or immigration opportunities where proof of English proficiency is necessary.
The full form of TOEFL is the Test of English as a Foreign Language, and it is conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), a globally trusted organization. ETS offers two primary test formats:
the Internet-Based Test (iBT)
the Home Edition provides test-takers flexibility.
The TOEFL exam syllabus includes four key sections:
Reading
Listening
Speaking
Writing
These sections evaluate comprehensive language skills required for academic and professional success.
Key highlights of the TOEFL exam
Key Highlights
Details
Test Types
TOEFL iBT
Test Mode
Online (Internet Based)
Exam Fees
INR 17,438.80
Test Duration
116 minutes
Sections Covered
Reading
Listening
Speaking
Writing
TOEFL Exam Dates
Available over 60 times a year at test centers
TOEFL Syllabus Focus
Academic English skills in listening, reading, speaking, and writing
Continue reading to explore the TOEFL syllabus, format, eligibility, and other essential details to help you prepare effectively!
TOEFL full form is the Test of English as a Foreign Language. It is a standardized exam designed to assess the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers. TOEFL is widely accepted by universities, employers, and immigration authorities in English-speaking countries.
Why is the TOEFL Exam Required?
The TOEFL exam is required to assess the English language proficiency of non-native speakers in academic and professional settings. It is primarily used for:
University Admissions: TOEFL is widely accepted by universities and colleges worldwide as proof of English proficiency for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs.
Scholarship Applications: Many institutions and organizations require TOEFL scores to evaluate candidates for scholarships.
Immigration Purposes: Some countries accept TOEFL scores as part of visa and immigration applications to demonstrate language proficiency.
Professional Certification: TOEFL is often required for professional licenses or certifications in English-speaking countries.
Employment Opportunities: Employers may use TOEFL scores to gauge the English proficiency of potential employees in global or English-focused roles.
How Can You Register for the TOEFL Exam?
To register for the TOEFL Exam, visit the official ETS website and create your personal account. This account will allow you to select your test format, location, and date, and manage your entire TOEFL journey, including viewing or rescheduling your test. Ensure that the details you provide match your ID to avoid any issues on test day.
The cost of toefl exam is available in three editions:
TOEFL iBT Home
TOEFL iBT Test Centre
TOEFL Exam Edition
Fees in INR
TOEFL iBT at Test Centre
17,438.80
TOEFL iBT Home
17,438.80
What Are the Available TOEFL Test Dates?
ETS offers the TOEFL Exam with exceptional flexibility, available more than 60 times annually. Test-takers can choose from morning, afternoon, or evening slots based on their preferences.
Key Tips for Scheduling TOEFL iBT
Book Early: Secure your test date in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability and allow sufficient preparation time.
Choose Wisely: For 2025, select a test date and location that aligns with your schedule and application deadlines.
Important Reminder: A valid passport is mandatory as identification on test day. Without it, you will not be allowed to take the exam.
TOEFL iBT Home Edition
If you prefer the at-home option, ensure you meet the following requirements:
Equipment and Environment: A reliable computer, stable internet connection, and a quiet, private setting are essential for testing at home.
Availability: The TOEFL iBT Home Edition is offered 24 hours a day, 4 days a week, allowing maximum flexibility for scheduling.
By planning strategically and meeting the requirements, you can make the most of ETS’s flexible scheduling options and set yourself up for success.
For a more detailed step-by-step process visit our dedicated page for a detailed guide on how to check and schedule TOEFL exam dates in India
What Is the TOEFL Syllabus and Exam Pattern?
The TOEFL Exam is designed to assess the English language proficiency of non-native speakers through a structured evaluation of four key skills: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The exam follows a standardized pattern to test your ability to communicate effectively in academic and professional settings.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the TOEFL exam syllabus and the exam pattern with section-wise timing and tasks.
Section-wise Syllabus
The TOEFL Exam is designed to assess four essential language skills—Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing—critical for academic and professional success. Each section evaluates specific abilities, such as comprehension, articulation, and written expression, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of your English proficiency.
The TOEFL iBT has a total test duration of just under 2 hours. However, it’s recommended to allocate 2.5 hours for the entire process, including 30 minutes for check-in to ensure a smooth testing experience.
Here's a breakdown of the TOEFL exam syllabus and test pattern:
Section
Estimated Timing
Number of Questions/Tasks
Details
Reading
35 minutes
20 questions
Analyze academic passages and answer comprehension questions.
Listening
36 minutes
28 questions
Listen to brief lectures or classroom discussions and respond to queries.
Speaking
16 minutes
4 tasks
Speak about familiar topics and discuss material from readings and recordings.
Writing
29 minutes
2 tasks
Task 1: Read a passage, listen to a recording, and write a response.
Task 2: State and support an opinion in an online classroom discussion.
TOEFL scores play a critical role in securing admission to universities worldwide. A good score not only reflects your English proficiency but also increases your chances of getting into your dream institution. Here's everything you need to know about TOEFL scores and results:
Understanding the Scoring System
TOEFL scores evaluate your proficiency in four key sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each section is scored on a scale of 0–30 and corresponds to specific proficiency levels:
Skill
Level
Score Range
Reading
Advanced
24–30
High-Intermediate
18–23
Low-Intermediate
4–17
Below Low-Intermediate
0–3
Listening
Advanced
22–30
High-Intermediate
17–21
Low-Intermediate
9–16
Below Low-Intermediate
0–8
Speaking
Advanced
25–30
High-Intermediate
20–24
Low-Intermediate
16–19
Basic
10–15
Below Basic
0–9
Writing
Advanced
24–30
High-Intermediate
17–23
Low-Intermediate
13–16
Basic
7–12
Below Basic
0–6
How to Check Your Scores
Your TOEFL score report will be available in your ETS account approximately 4-8 days after your test date.
You’ll receive an email notification when your scores are ready.
Please note that TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years from the test date.
Expired scores are not accepted by universities; ensure you send valid score reports to your target institutions.
What is a Good TOEFL Test Score?
A TOEFL score of 100 out of 120 is widely regarded as a strong score. Scoring above 100 is considered an excellent TOEFL score, showcasing a high level of English proficiency. Achieving such a score makes candidates eligible to apply to the majority of universities abroad that accept TOEFL scores, enhancing their chances of admission to top institutions.
You can find TOEFL test centers in major cities across India, ensuring convenience for test-takers. These centers are authorized by ETS and provide a secure environment for the exam. Some popular cities with TOEFL test centers include:
Delhi
Mumbai
Bengaluru
Chennai
Hyderabad
Pune
Kolkata
Ahmedabad
To locate the nearest test center, visit the official ETS website or check during the registration process. You’ll also have the option to choose the TOEFL iBT Home Edition, which allows you to take the test from the comfort of your home if you meet the required criteria.
Where Can You Find Official TOEFL Sample Papers?
You can access official TOEFL sample papers directly from the ETS website, ensuring you practice with authentic materials. These sample tests include the same content and question types as the actual exam, along with detailed answers and explanations to help you understand the solutions.
Additionally, ETS provides a free practice test to familiarize you with the most common question types and the overall format of the TOEFL iBT test. Utilizing these resources is an excellent way to prepare effectively and boost your confidence for the exam day.
How to Prepare for the TOEFL Test
Here are some effective tips to help you prepare for the TOEFL Exam:
Understand the TOEFL Exam Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the four sections—Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing—and their question types to understand what is expected.
Practice with Official ETS Resources: Use TOEFL sample papers and the free practice test available on the ETS website to get a feel of the actual test format.
Create a Study Plan: Allocate dedicated time to each section of the exam based on your strengths and weaknesses. A consistent study schedule can improve your overall performance.
Enhance Your Vocabulary and Grammar: Work on expanding your English vocabulary and understanding grammar rules to improve your Reading and Writing scores.
Develop Listening and Speaking Skills: Listen to podcasts, watch English-language movies, and practice speaking in English regularly to build confidence in the Listening and Speaking sections.
Simulate Test Conditions: Take timed mock tests to improve your time management and get used to the TOEFL test pattern.
Focus on Weak Areas: Review your practice test results to identify weak areas and dedicate extra time to improving them.
Stay Updated on Costs and Registration: Plan your preparation timeline, considering the cost of the TOEFL exam, and ensure you register for a suitable test date in advance.
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
The TOEFL Exam is a vital stepping stone for students and professionals aiming to pursue academic or career opportunities in English-speaking countries. With its comprehensive assessment of Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing skills, it showcases your English proficiency to top universities and institutions worldwide.
Preparing well and understanding the exam structure can significantly boost your confidence and performance. Aiming for a strong score not only broadens your opportunities but also builds your linguistic competence for real-world applications.
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1. What is the TOEFL Exam in full form, and why is it important?
The TOEFL full form is the Test of English as a Foreign Language, and it measures English proficiency for non-native speakers applying to universities or for professional opportunities.
2. Who is eligible to take the TOEFL Exam?
Anyone can take the TOEFL Exam, but candidates must have completed 10+2 or equivalent and possess a valid passport.
3. What is the TOEFL Exam syllabus?
The TOEFL Exam syllabus includes four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing, designed to evaluate comprehensive English language skills.
4. How is the TOEFL iBT different from other English proficiency tests?
The TOEFL iBT focuses on academic English, offering a more in-depth assessment for university and professional settings compared to other tests.
5. What is a good TOEFL score?
A score of 100 or above is considered a good TOEFL score, while scores over 110 are considered excellent for top universities.
6. What are the costs associated with the TOEFL Exam?
The cost of the TOEFL Exam varies by region, typically ranging from INR 1depending on the test location.
7. How can I register for the TOEFL Exam?
You can register for the TOEFL Exam through the ETS official website, where you can select your preferred date, location, and test format.
8. How long are TOEFL scores valid?
TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years from the test date and must be submitted within this period to be considered valid by institutions.
9. Where can I find TOEFL sample papers?
Official TOEFL sample papers are available on the ETS website, along with free practice tests to familiarize you with the test format.
10. How many times can I retake the TOEFL Exam?
There is no limit to the number of times a student can retake the TOEFL Exam. The only official requirement is a mandatory 12-day waiting period between test attempts.
11. What does the TOEFL Exam evaluate?
The TOEFL Exam evaluates your ability to understand and use English in academic settings through tasks in Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.
Mrinal Mandal is a study abroad expert with a passion for guiding students towards their international education goals. He holds a degree in mechanical engineering, earned in 2018. Since 2021, Mrinal has been working with upGrad Abroad, where he assists aspiring students in realizing their dreams of studying abroad. With his expertise and dedication, he empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of international education, making their aspirations a reality.
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