New TOEFL iBT 2026: What Has Changed? Format, Duration, Question Types

TOEFL iBT has undergone changes since January 2026. The upgraded version of the English proficiency test, TOEFL iBT 2026, features a 6 Band scoring system, an adaptive format for the Reading and Listening sections, more streamlined tasks to enhance the user experience, a shorter test duration and result turnaround time, improved audio equipment, and expanded study resources.

Firstly, the test duration has been shortened to 90 minutes from 2 hours. Secondly, the scoring scale of 0-120 has been changed to a 1.0-6.0 band scale, aligned with the CEFR.

The structure was earlier linear, with fixed difficulty. Now the Reading and Listening sections of the TOEFL iBT format is adaptive, adjusting to the test taker. Earlier, the content was 100% academic. The updated TOEFL has Academic and real-life content.

According to the TOEFL website, the changes have been announced as “a fairer, more accessible, smarter and tailored experience.”

ETS, or Educational Testing Service, announced these changes in May 2025, stating that in January 2026, there will be broader refinements in test adaptivity, turnaround time and score reporting.

Read Also: How to Send TOEFL Scores to Universities

TOEFL Changes in 2026

The TOEFL is one of the most popular English language proficiency tests, particularly for US-based programs, and is accepted by over 13,000 institutions in more than 200 countries, with over 40 million test takers to date.

According to the new updates, the tailored test will help reflect the practical use of English, in addition to its academic usage. This English version will determine how well the student can communicate in group discussions and project work.

The new content will be relevant, accessible, and carefully reviewed to minimise cultural biases.

If you plan on taking the TOEFL exam in the near future, you should familiarise yourself with the new format.

Reading and Listening Sections of TOEFL Are Now Adaptive

ETS has introduced an adaptive design for the Reading and Listening sections of the TOEFL iBT. This means that the test will adjust in real-time based on the student’s performance.

These sections are now “multistage adaptive,” which means everyone starts at the same level. Depending on how the student performs, the sections will get easier or harder.

The reading section will no longer consist solely of academic content from textbooks. You will see more everyday content, such as student announcements, mailers, and other types of simple texts.

The listening section will no longer have only academic speeches and lectures. Rather, you will get to listen to more everyday, real-world communication.

TOEFL Test Time Has Been Reduced to 90 Minutes

ETS has reduced the TOEFL iBT test time to 90 minutes from 2 hours, with no scheduled 10-minute break in between. Effective January 2026, the total test time will now be shortened, thanks to the adaptive format and shorter tasks.

Reading and Listening sections will now be 18-27 minutes long. The adaptive format will reduce the need for unnecessary questions, thereby shortening the test time.

The speaking section has been shortened to approximately 8 minutes from 16. Writing is now 23 minutes long with streamlined prompts.

The new shorter format leads to less mental fatigue with a focus on real-world applications of English.

Read Also: TOEFL vs IELTS: Key Differences & Test Comparison

TOEFL Writing Section is Now Simplified

ETS has upgraded the Writing section of the TOEFL iBT to focus on practical, concise communication, rather than lengthy essays that can be confusing and time-consuming. The time has been reduced from 29 minutes to 23 minutes.

The new TOEFL writing section focuses on tasks such as sentence building, email writing, and writing academic discussions (which is carried forward from the old format).

The traditional format of writing academic essays has been enhanced to also incorporate writing skills with practical applications.

TOEFL Scoring System Has Been Changed

The earlier TOEFL was scored on a scale between 0 and 120. Now, ETS has introduced a 6 band system, which is more aligned with the CEFR levels.

However, the older scale of 0-120 will still be applicable during the transition phase (2026-2028). The test reports will show your score on the 6-band system and the 0-120 scale.

ETS has also introduced MyBest scores, which combine the best section performances from the past two years.

TOEFL Scores Will Be Reported Faster

The older scoring system meant a waiting period of 4–8 days. With the new upgrades, students can get their TOEFL test scores within 72 hours (3 days) or less. Students can access their unofficial Reading and Listening scores immediately on screen at test centres, which provides them with instant feedback. However, they can access the full official score only on the ETS site or via email after the stipulated time.  

Quick results are incredibly helpful when the students have to race against time to meet application deadlines. It reduces the anxiety of the student and facilitates better planning.  

TOEFL Audio Equipment Has Been Upgraded

Audio equipment for TOEFL iBT has been upgraded since July 2025. The old ones will be replaced by state-of-the-art, custom stereophones that has been developed with the help of the audio brand Koss.

These audio devices will have clearer output, more balanced sound, more noise isolation, reduced background noise, and higher fidelity to recognise accents and details. These upgrades can positively impact the students’ scores by reducing instances of distractions and mishearings.

Better audio quality means better understanding. This audio upgrade ensures a fairer score to the student.  The equipment has also been upgraded for longer wear.

TOEFL Has Expanded its Prep Resources

ETS has expanded its TOEFL iBT prep material since July 2025. Students can now avail themselves of free ETS resources like TOEFL TestReady Portal, which is an adaptive practice platform.

They can also get an 8-week Test Prep Planner in the form of a downloadable PDF for structured timelines, daily exercises, sample prompts and test-taking tips. Students can also access real life questions for practice with audio, transcripts and answer keys.

Paid resources include official full-length adaptive practice tests, and test partnerships for the 2026 formats.

Old TOEFL vs New TOEFL At a Glance 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new TOEFL?

The new TOEFL is an upgraded version of the old test. From January 2026, the TOEFL iBT 2026 will be approximately 90 minutes shorter (compared to 2 hours), more adaptive, upgraded, and streamlined. The scoring system will now be based on a 6-band system, and the results will be available within 72 hours, as compared to 4-8 days. The questions will have more real-world applications, rather than just academic uses.

Is TOEFL going to change in 2026?

TOEFL will undergo a major shift on 21 January 2026. All TOEFL test centres across the world will bring out new test formats. TOEFL iBT 2026 will have adaptive sectional formats, shorter test duration and result turnaround time, more streamlined questions, and an updated 6-band scoring system.

What is the difference between the old TOEFL and the new TOEFL?

The old TOEFL before 21 January 2026 was 2 hours long, based on academic English, had a linear format and a scoring system out of 120. The new TOEFL iBT 2026 is shorter (approximately 90 minutes), has an adaptive system for Reading and Listening sections, has a 6-band scoring system, and a shorter result turnaround time

Is the new TOEFL harder?

No. The new TOEFL is not harder. In fact, the shorter time duration, streamlined questions with less focus on academic content, adaptive format and better equipment make the TOEFL iBT 2026 simpler than its predecessor. The shorter test duration also eases the mental fatigue that comes with longer tests that span 2 hours.

Is TOEFL hard for Indian students?

No. TOEFL is not considered hard for Indian students who are already educated in English. The average TOEFL score for Indian students is between 91 and 120, which means students can navigate the exam easily. However, some students who are not fluent in English improve with proper TOEFL coaching. 

Is TOEFL easier than IELTS?

TOEFL is not easier or more difficult than IELTS. Both English proficiency tests have their strengths and weaknesses. TOEFL is better suited for students who are comfortable with a computer-adaptive format. Whereas IELTS works well for students who are comfortable with face-to-face interaction. The old TOEFL focused more on academic content, but with the updates, the TOEFL iBT 2026 will comprise more everyday English questions than before.

What is the TOEFL exam for?

TOEFL or Test of English as a Foreign Language, is a standardised test meant to test English proficiency. It tests students on the four pillars of language comprehension and communication: Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. Colleges and universities use the TOEFL score to determine whether students possess the basic language skills necessary to navigate lectures in English, write exams, read course materials, and communicate effectively with their teachers and peers.

How much does the TOEFL cost in India?

TOEFL iBT registration fee in India for 2026 is approximately Rs 16,900 to 18,000. Late registration can incur an additional fee of Rs 3,900 or Rs 5,900.