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TOEFL: Exam Details and Preparation Guide

TOEFL Exam To Study Abroad

Test of English as a Foreign Language by ETS

toefl

TOEFL full form is Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). It is a standardized test that measures English proficiency for non-native speakers. TOEFL exam is widely accepted by universities as one of their admission criteria for academic programs and professional courses. The test is developed and administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). We will discuss the overview of the TOEFL exam in 6 sections:

 

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    Key information about TOEFL exam
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    TOEFL Exam Types
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    TOEFL iBT Test Sections and Timings
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    TOEFL exam formats
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    TOEFL exam preparation resources
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    TOEFL exam fees
 

Now, let us understand these important aspects of TOEFL exam.

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Key Information About TOEFL Exam

The table below shows important details about the TOEFL exam.

Feature Details

Purpose

Evaluates your English proficiency for academic and professional courses.

Administered by

ETS (Educational Testing Service)

Acceptance

Accepted by more than 13,000 institutions in 200+ countries.

Test Duration

Around 2 hours (for TOEFL iBT).

Test Formats

Available at test centres or online at home.

Registration

Online through the ETS website. Choose a date 2-3 months before deadlines.

Fees

Varies by location. Extra charges apply for rescheduling or additional score reports.

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TOEFL Exam Types

Let us understand various types of TOEFL exam from the table below:

TOEFL Exam Type Description

TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test)

Conducted online at test centers or at home. Has four sections: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.

TOEFL PBT (Paper-Based Test)

Previously available in areas without internet access. It had Reading, Writing, and Listening sections (No Speaking). Discontinued on April 11, 2022. Scores are valid for two years.

TOEFL Essentials

A shorter version of TOEFL iBT (1.5 hours). Includes an optional Personal Statement video, which is not scored but helps institutions know the candidate better. Can be taken at home.

TOEFL Primary

For young learners (ages 8+) to build foundational English skills.

TOEFL Junior

For students aged 11+ to evaluate their academic English proficiency.

TOEFL ITP

For students aged 16+ for institutions to evaluate academic English levels.

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TOEFL iBT Exam Sections and Timings

The TOEFL exam online is the most commonly taken version. Below are its sections and timings:

Section Time Number of Questions / Tasks What It Tests

Reading

35 min

20 questions

Understanding academic texts.

Listening

36 min

28 questions

Understanding lectures and conversations.

Speaking

16 min

4 tasks

Clear and effective communication.

Writing

29 min

2 tasks

Organized and structured responses.

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What is TOEFL Test on Paper?

The TOEFL Test on Paper was an alternative to the TOEFL iBT. It was designed for areas that do not have internet connectivity. However, ETS has discontinued this test and it is no longer available.

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TOEFL Exam Formats

ETS offers different ways to take the TOEFL test. Let us understand the formats from the table below:

Format Description

At Test Centers

Conducted at authorized locations worldwide.

At Home (TOEFL iBT Home Edition)

Available 24 hours a day, 4 days a week.

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TOEFL Exam Preparation Resources

ETS provides various study materials and guidance to help prepare the students effectively. The following are some of the tools available:

Resource Description

TOEFL TestReady

A personalized preparation portal with practice tests and study materials.

Sample Test

A free 40-minute sample test.

Tutors

Connects test takers to independent TOEFL-trained tutors.

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TOEFL Exam Fees in India 2025

The following are the TOEFL test fees for various test formats:

Standard Registration Fees:

Test Format Fee (INR) Fee (USD)

TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test)

INR 16,900

USD 205

TOEFL iBT Home Edition

INR 16,900

USD 205

TOEFL Essentials Test

INR 9,996.78

USD 120

Additional Fees:

Service Fee (INR) Fee (USD)

Late Registration

INR 3,900

USD 40

Test Rescheduling

INR 5,900

USD 60

Reinstatement of Canceled Scores

INR 1,990

USD 20

Additional Score Reports (per report)

INR 1,950

USD 25

Speaking or Writing Section Score Review

INR 7,900

USD 80

Speaking and Writing Section Score Review

INR 13,835

USD 160

Payment Return (for declined payments)

INR 2,900

USD 30

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More than 13,000 universities worldwide accept the TOEFL score. The TOEFL Essentials was recently launched and is in the process of getting approved by major universities.

Top Universities that accept TOEFL scores TOEFL iBT Minimum Requirement

University of British Columbia (Canada)

90 overall
(Reading and Listening: at least 22, Writing and Speaking: at least 21)

University of Winnipeg (Canada)

86 overall

(at least 20 in each section)

Seneca College (Canada)

84 overall

ESSEC Business School (France)

100 overall

Erasmus University (Netherlands)

100 overall
(at least 20 in each section)

University of Amsterdam (Undergraduate)

92 overall
(at least 22 in each section)

University of Amsterdam (Graduate)

100 overall
(Reading: 24, Listening: 22, Speaking: 25, Writing: 24)

University of Arizona (Graduate)

79 overall

University of Arizona (Undergraduate)

70 overall

(competitive programs require at least 79)

University of California, Berkeley (Graduate)

90 overall

University of Colorado Boulder (Undergraduate)

75 overall
(Writing: at least 19)

University of Maryland (Undergraduate)

95 overall

University of Maryland (Graduate)

96 overall
(Reading: 26, Listening: 24, Speaking: 22, Writing: 24)

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Which Countries Accept the TOEFL Score?

TOEFL is accepted by 200+ English-speaking countries like the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and several European countries as well.

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TOEFL Exam Eligibility Criteria 2025

There are no eligibility criteria to take the TOEFL exam. Students can take the exam to test their English language skills or for purely academic reasons such as studying in an English-speaking country. There are no age restrictions as well.

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TOEFL Exam Fee

The exam fee depends on the country of residence. For Indian candidates, the exam fee is INR 16,900.

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Important Dates for the TOEFL Exam 2025

The TOEFL iBT exam is administered all around the year, more than 60 times a year. The TOEFL Home Edition is available 24 hours a day, 4 days a week, with an appointment as early as 24 hours after registration.

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TOEFL Score Range 2025

There are 4 sections in the test.

 

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    Each section is scored on a scale of 30 points.
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    Sections added together form a total score range of 0-120.
Skill Level

Listening Section

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    Advanced (22–30)
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    High-Intermediate (17–21)
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    Low-Intermediate (9–16)
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    Below Low-Intermediate (0–8)

Reading Section

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    Advanced (24–30)
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    High-Intermediate (18–23)
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    Low-Intermediate (4–17)
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    Below Low-Intermediate (0–3)

Writing Section

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    Advanced (24–30)
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    High-Intermediate (17–23)
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    Low-Intermediate (13–16)
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    Basic (7–12)
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    Below Basic (0–6)

Speaking Section

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    Advanced (25–30)
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    High-Intermediate (20–24)
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    Low-Intermediate (16–19)
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    Basic (10–15)
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    Below Basic (0–9)
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Top Preparation Tips for the TOEFL Exam 2025

The following are very important tips that you must follow to get good scores in the TOEFL exam 2025:

Understand the Exam Format:

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    There are 4 sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing.
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    Take timed mock tests to get familiar with the exam format.

Improve Reading:

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    Read academic texts, and news articles (for example: BBC, The New York Times).
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    Focus on main ideas, details, and paraphrasing.

Improve Listening Skills:

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    Listen to TED Talks, BBC, NPR podcasts and more.
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    Make a habit of taking quick notes while listening.

Strengthen Speaking:

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    Practice structured responses
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    Record yourself, and improve pronunciation and fluency.

Enhance Writing:

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    Follow a clear essay structure.

Take Mock Tests:

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    Use ETS official practice tests.
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    Identify weak areas and improve.

Manage Time Wisely:

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    Reading: 1 minute per question.
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    Listening: Take short notes.
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    Speaking: 15 seconds preparation time.
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    Writing: Plan for 5 minutes before writing.

Prepare for Test Day:

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    Arrive 30 minutes early
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    Check system requirements (Home Edition).
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    Bring a valid ID and ETS confirmation.

Learn from GyanDhan Discussion Groups:

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    You can join the GyanDhan discussion group to improve your learning by discussing with other students who are preparing for the TOEFL exam.
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    Watch high-score responses on YouTube and improve your scores.

Stay Confident & Relaxed:

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    Get enough sleep and stay hydrated.
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    Trust your preparation!
 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Full Form of TOEFL?
 

TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. It is a test that evaluates your English proficiency in speaking, writing, reading and listening.

Which is better, TOEFL or IELTS?
 

TOEFL is preferred in the U.S. and Canada, while IELTS is widely accepted in the UK, Australia, and Canada. Please choose according to your university requirements.

How to send TOEFL scores to universities?
 

You can send 4 free score reports during registration or request additional reports through your ETS account for USD 25 per institution.

Is 90 a good score in TOEFL?
 

Yes, 90+ is considered a good score for most universities, but top schools may require 100+. Please check with your university for accurate information.

What is the purpose of the TOEFL test?
 

It evaluates your English proficiency for academic and professional purposes in English-speaking countries.

How to prepare for TOEFL?
 

Practice reading, listening, speaking, and writing with TOEFL prep books, mock tests, and official ETS resources.

How to study for the TOEFL exam?
 

Take mock tests, improve vocabulary and grammar, and practice note-taking and time management.

How much is the TOEFL exam fee?
 

The fee varies by country. In India, TOEFL iBT costs around INR 16,900 (USD 205).

The TOEFL exam is for which countries?
 

The TOEFL exam is accepted in the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, and 200+ countries.

Why is the TOEFL exam required?
 

It is used for university admissions for academic programs and professional courses in English-speaking countries.

What to carry for the TOEFL exam?
 

A valid passport/ID, ETS confirmation email, and a water bottle. No personal items are allowed inside the test centre.

What is the TOEFL exam fee?
 

In India, it costs around INR 16,900 (USD 205), but varies by country.

How much time is required to prepare for TOEFL?
 

4-6 weeks of practice is recommended, depending on English proficiency. You watch YouTube videos to learn more.

How to register for TOEFL?
 

Register online through ETS and choose a test date.

How to give the TOEFL exam in India?
 

Take TOEFL iBT at test centers or TOEFL Home Edition online.

How much TOEFL score is required for Canada?
 

Most universities require 80-100+, but top schools may need 100+.

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