The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a standardised English test accepted by more than 13,000 institutions worldwide. It is also used to screen job and immigration applicants to English-speaking countries.
From 21 January 2026, TOEFL iBT has undergone a major transformation. Its format has changed to an adaptive 90-minute format. The new syllabus is now a mix of academic and real-life content, incorporating everyday English tasks such as writing emails, building sentences, and simulating interviews. A major change is the adaptive format for the Reading and Listening sections, which adjusts question difficulty in real time based on your performance on the TOEFL exam. Additionally, the traditional 0-120 scoring system has been replaced by a CEFR-aligned 1-6 band scale, with results delivered in as little as 72 hours.
The Educational Testing Service (ETS) conducts the TOEFL exam to measure how well non-native English speakers can read, write, speak, and listen in English.
The test has four sections: Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing. It used to last four and a half hours.
- The overall TOEFL score now ranges from 1.0 to 6.0.
- New TOEFL will feature dual scoring system (0-120 and 1.0-6.0) for a transitionary period of 2 years.
- The overall score and sectional scores will be sent to you after you complete the test.
- Countries that accept TOEFL include the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and many others in Europe and Asia.
- TOEFL is one of the most popular English tests for students who want to study abroad.
TOEFL iBT Syllabus Overview (2026 Format)
The TOEFL 2026 syllabus emphasises real-world communication in addition to traditional academic English.
| Section | 2026 Duration | Items | Key Tasks & 2026 Syllabus Updates |
| Reading (Adaptive) | 18–27 mins | 35–48 | New Tasks: “Complete the Words” (fill in missing letters) and “Read in Daily Life” (emails, notices) alongside standard academic passages. |
| Listening (Adaptive) | 18–27 mins | 35–45 | New Tasks: “Listen and Choose a Response” (mini-interactions) and “Listen to an Announcement” (campus updates) joined with academic talks. |
| Speaking | ~8 mins | 11 | Total Revamp: Old independent/integrated tasks are replaced by “Listen and Repeat” (7 prompts) and “Take an Interview” (simulated conversation). |
| Writing | 23 mins | 12 | New Tasks: “Build a Sentence” (unscrambling) and “Write an Email” (practical responses), plus the “Writing for an Academic Discussion” task. |
TOEFL Syllabus 2026
TOEFL Reading (Adaptive)
The TOEFL Reading section tests your English skills in both academic and everyday situations.
- In the adaptive format, how you do in Module 1 sets the difficulty for Module 2.
- Complete the Words: You fill in missing letters to reconstruct words in a paragraph.
- Daily Life Reading: This part checks if you can find facts in emails, social media posts, or campus notices.
TOEFL Listening (Adaptive)
The TOEFL Listening section checks how well you understand English in both academic and everyday settings.
- Choose a Response: You pick the best reply to a short audio clip, like when a classmate asks for help.
- Campus Announcements: Short audio messages about schedule changes or events test if you can pick out key details like who, what, and when.
TOEFL Speaking
The TOEFL Speaking section checks how well you can speak English on the spot.
- Listen and Repeat: You listen to seven sentences that get harder each time, sometimes with a picture, and repeat them to show your pronunciation and rhythm.
- Take an Interview: You answer three or four questions from a simulated interviewer on familiar topics, like city versus village life, to show your fluency and conversation skills.
TOEFL Writing
The TOEFL Writing section includes writing tasks for both real-life situations and academic purposes.
Build a Sentence: Test takers reorder scrambled words from a casual conversation to form a gBuild a Sentence: You put scrambled words from a casual conversation in the right order to make a correct sentence.to a campus problem.
Academic Discussion: Test takers state and support their opinion in a 10-minute online classAcademic Discussion: You share and support your opinion in a 10-minute online classroom forum.ost test takers are high school students or graduates.
TOEFL Eligibility
Academic Qualification: You do not need a specific degree. Most people take the test after Class 10 or 12.
Age Limit: There is no official age limit, but the test is recommended for those 16 and older.
ID: Passport is compulsory for Indian students for the test at the centre ID: Indian students must have a passport for the test, whether at a center or at home. Sometimes Aadhaar cards are accepted, but you need a passport on test day.ubject to change as per exchange rates and taxes.
TOEFL Fees 2026
TOEFL Fees in India are subject to exchange rates and taxes.
Standard Registration Fees: About Rs 18,000 (including GST)
Late Registration Fees: Rs 3,305 to Rs 3,900
Rescheduling Fees: Rs 5,000 to Rs 5,900
Additional Score Reports: Rs 1,950 to Rs 2,300
TOEFL Registration Process
To register for the TOEFL:<
- Create an account on the ETS website using your passport details.
- Choose the format: TOEFL iBT or Home Edition.
- Pick your test date and location.
- Select the colleges you want to send your scores to. You can select up to 4 universities.
- Pay with a card or UPI.
Universities Not Accepting New TOEFL Scores
While most institutions have accepted the new TOEFL, some top universities are waiting to review the new scoring system before making a decision.
University of Cambridge (Undergraduate)
The university has said that the changes made in January 2026 mean the test is “no longer suitable for entry” for undergraduate applicants. They do not accept scores from tests taken after December 31, 2025.
University of Oxford
University of Oxford has also said that the new TOEFL iBT score will not be accepted for tests taken on or after 21 January 2026. The university says this is a temporary measure and may change after they review the new TOEFL iBT format and scoring scale.cale.
University of Edinburgh
They have not rejected the new test scores, but they will pause accepting the new 1-6 band scores for now. They will share their own requirements later and then reconsider the new TOEFL iBT.
