TOEFL 2026

The Test of English as a Foreign Language, or TOEFL, is a standardised English proficiency test accepted by over 13,000 institutions globally. They are also used to screen job applicants and immigration applicants to English-speaking nations.

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 how you performed on the TOEFL exam. Additionally, the traditional 0-120 scoring system has changed to a CEFR-aligned 1-6 band scale, with results delivered in as little as 72 hours.

The Educational Testing Service (ETS) is the body that conducts the TOEFL exam with an aim to measure the level of proficiency of a non-native English speaker to communicate in English in all forms, whether reading, writing, speaking, or listening.

To assess your ability to communicate, the test is divided into four sections, namely Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing which extends over a duration of four and a half hours.

• The overall TOEFL score 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.
• The Countries Which Accept TOEFL – are the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and across Europe and Asia.
• TOEFL is one of the most preferred English language tests for students desiring to study abroad.

TOEFL iBT Syllabus Overview (2026 Format)

The TOEFL 2026 syllabus emphasises real-world communication in addition to traditional academic English.

TOEFL Syllabus 2026

TOEFL Reading (Adaptive)

The TOEFL Reading section evaluates English proficiency in both academic and everyday contexts. ​

• Adaptive Format: Performance in Module 1 determines the difficulty level of Module 2.
• Complete the Words: Test takers reconstruct words in a paragraph where certain letters are obscured.
• Daily Life Reading: Assesses the ability to locate factual information in emails, social media posts, or campus notices.

TOEFL Listening (Adaptive)

The TOEFL Listening section evaluates the test taker’s ability to comprehend English in both academic and everyday settings.

• Choose a Response: Test takers select the most appropriate reply to a short audio interaction, such as a peer requesting assistance.
• CampCampus Announcements: Brief audio messages about schedule changes or events assess the ability to identify essential details such as who, what, and when.EFL Speaking

TOEFL Speaking 

The TOEFL Speaking section evaluates the test taker’s ability to speak spontaneously in English.

• Listen and Repeat: Test takers listen to seven increasingly complex sentences, often accompanied by a visual aid, and repeat them exactly to assess pronunciation and rhythm.
• Take an Interview: A simulated interviewer poses three to four questions on familiar topics, such as city versus village living, to measure fluency and conversational flow.

TOEFL Writing

The TOEFL Writing section emphasizes writing exercises with real-world applications in addition to academic purposes.

• Build a Sentence: Test takers reorder scrambled words from a casual conversation to form a grammatically correct sentence.
• Write an Email: Test takers respond to a realistic scenario, such as proposing a solution to a campus problem.

Academic Discussion: Test takers state and support their opinion in a 10-minute online classroom forum.

TOEFL Eligibility (2026)

TOEFL does not have restrictive eligibility criteria, although most test takers are high school students or graduates.

Academic Qualification: No specific degree is required; it is taken after Class 10 or 12.

Age Limit: There’s no official age limit, but it is recommended for ages 16 and above.

ID: Passport is compulsory for Indian students for the test at the centre of the home edition. Aadhaar cards are occasionally accepted, but a passport is needed on the test day.

TOEFL Registration Fees in India

TOEFL registration fees in India are subject to change as per exchange rates and taxes. 

Standard Registration Fees: Approximately 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 TOEFL:

1. Create an account on the ETS website using the details from your passport.
2. Select the format: TOEFL iBT or Home Edition.
3. Choose date and location
4. Select the colleges you want to send your scores to. You can select up to 4 universities.
5. Pay using card or UPI. 

Universities Not Accepting New TOEFL Scores

While majority of institutions have accepted the new TOEFL , some top universities have expressed their reservations, pending their own review of the scoring system.

University of Cambridge (Undergraduate)

The university has stated that the changes introduced in January 2026 mean the test is “no longer suitable for entry” for undergraduate applicants. They currently do not accept scores from tests taken after December 31, 2025.

University of Oxford

Oxford has also announced that the new TOEFL iBT score will no longer be accepted (on or after 21 January 2026). The university has added that it is a provisional measure. The decision may or may not be revised, depending on the findings of their own review of the new TOEFL iBT format and scoring scale.

University of Edinburgh

While they have not openly rejected the new test scores, they announced that they will pause acceptance of the new 1-6 band scores. They will publish their own specific requirements, post which they will reconsider the new TOEFL iBT.