TOEFL Exam 2026: Registration, Fees, Eligibility, Test Dates & Centres

If you are planning to study at a top university abroad or getting a higher score to secure a scholarship, you know that earning a TOEFL is a big step. Interestingly, many institutions and organisations in India accept TOEFL scores.

Now you know the significance. But how do you make sure you're ready?

Don't worry - we've got all the insider info you need to smash the exam and score like a pro. Let's get started!

Key Highlights:

• The TOEFL exam is the most widely accepted English proficiency test, recognised by over 13,000 institutions in more than 200 countries.
• The TOEFL exam fee in India for 2026 is ₹18,000, which includes GST and sending scores to up to four universities.
• From January 2026, the TOEFL exam features adaptive Reading and Listening sections, faster score delivery within 72 hours, and a new 1-6 band score aligned with CEFR.
• Indian students of any age and educational background can take the TOEFL, but a valid passport is mandatory, and universities have their own minimum score requirements.

What is TOEFL?

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a standardised test that tests the English language proficiency of non-native speakers, just like IELTS. Introduced by ETS (Educational Testing Service), it is widely accepted by universities in English-speaking countries, primarily in the USA, Canada, Australia, and the UK.

Currently, the TOEFL iBT is the most popular version and is preferred by over 13000 universities across 200+ countries.

Here is an overview of the TOEFL 2026 exam:

TOEFL Changes in 2026 

The TOEFL iBT exam has been updated for 2026 to make the test more relevant, fair, and easier to understand for students worldwide. These changes come directly from the official ETS TOEFL updates and take effect for tests on or after January 21, 2026.

Here are the key updates every student should know about TOEFL:

• New adaptive testing for Reading and Listening: The test changes difficulty based on your answers in real time.
• Modern and relatable content: Topics now include real-life and academic materials that reflect how English is used today.
• Simplified testing experience: Booking, test-day process, and score delivery are more streamlined and user-friendly.
• New score scale (1-6) aligned with CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference): TOEFL now reports scores on a 1-6 band scale that matches the global CEFR standard, making scores easier to interpret.
• Dual score reporting during transition: For about two years after January 2026, you will see both the new 1-6 band score and the traditional 0-120 score on reports.
• Faster score release: Scores to be available within 72 hours or less after the test, making planning for applications easier.
• Expanded official prep resources: ETS is launching updated practice materials designed specifically for the new format.

Who Should Take the TOEFL Exam?

The TOEFL exam is designed for non-native English speakers who need to demonstrate their English proficiency for academic, professional, or immigration purposes while moving abroad. 

Here's who should consider taking the TOEFL exam:

• Students: The TOEFL is required by many universities, especially in the USA and Canada, to assess a candidate's ability to handle academic coursework in English.
• Job Seekers: Many international organisations and licensing agencies use TOEFL scores to evaluate English proficiency for professional certifications and job applications.
• Immigration Applicant: Some countries accept TOEFL scores as proof of language proficiency for visa and residency verification.
• Scholarship Applicant: TOEFL is often a requirement for scholarship programs and student exchange initiatives.

The test is ideal for anyone who needs to prove their excellence in academic-level English proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

What are the Types of the TOEFL Exam?

There are five types of TOEFL exams, and each one differs in format, purpose, and who it is meant for. Some tests are used for university admissions, while others are made for school students or internal tests.

TOEFL iBT (Test Center + Home Edition)

TOEFL iBT is the main TOEFL exam used for university admissions worldwide.

• Who it is for: Students applying to universities abroad
• Mode: Test centre or home-based (online proctored)
• Duration: About 2 hours
• Sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing
• Question type: Academic and real-life university situations
• Score use: Admissions, visas, and scholarships

TOEFL ITP

TOEFL ITP is used for internal assessment, not for international admissions.

• Who it is for: Students aged 16 and above
• Mode: Paper-based or digital, conducted by institutions
• Duration: About 2 hours
• Sections: Reading, Listening, Structure, and Written Expression
• Question type: Multiple-choice questions only
• Score use: Placement, progress tracking, and exit tests
• Acceptance: Not valid for university admissions abroad

TOEFL Essentials Test

TOEFL Essentials is a shorter and more flexible test that combines academic and everyday English.

• Who it is for: Students who need a quicker English test
• Mode: Online from home
• Duration: About 1.5 hours
• Sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing
• Question type: Mix of academic and daily-life contexts

TOEFL Junior

TOEFL Junior is designed to measure the English skills of middle school students.

• Who it is for: Students aged 11 and above
• Mode: Paper-based or digital
• Duration: Varies by test level
• Skills tested: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing
• Purpose: Track progress and set learning goals

TOEFL Primary

TOEFL Primary is meant for young learners at the early school level.

• Who it is for: Students aged 8 and above
• Mode: Paper-based or digital
• Duration: Short and age-appropriate
• Skills tested: Reading, Listening, and Speaking
• Purpose: Measure basic English skills and monitor improvement

What is the TOEFL Exam Format?

The older TOEFL format focused more on length and fixed difficulty, while the new format focuses on adaptability, clarity of skills, and faster evaluation.

Here you can see the major differences between the old and new TOEFL exam formats:

What is the TOEFL Exam Syllabus?

The TOEFL exam syllabus explains what each section of the test covers and how your English skills are evaluated in an academic setting. 

It follows a well-structured format, evaluating four key skills: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The TOEFL exam syllabus and pattern are the same for both TOEFL iBT and Home Edition. 

Here is the overview of the TOEFL syllabus for a better understanding:

What is the TOEFL Eligibility Criteria For Indian Students?

Indian students can take the TOEFL exam at any age and at any stage of education, as long as they plan to study in an English-speaking academic environment.

Here is the TOEFL eligibility criteria Indian students should be aware of:

• Age requirement: ETS does not set a minimum or maximum age limit for TOEFL. Most test takers are 16 years or older, as the test works on university-level English.
• Educational qualification: There is no fixed academic qualification required to take the TOEFL. Students who have completed or are pursuing Class 10, Class 12, or UG studies can appear for the test.
• Academic records: TOEFL itself does not ask for minimum marks, but universities expect consistent academic performance in English or language-heavy subjects.
• Valid passport: A valid passport is mandatory for Indian students. The name on the passport must exactly match the name used during TOEFL registration.
• University-specific score requirements: Each university sets its own minimum TOEFL score. Students must check the score cut-offs before applying.
• Retake policy: Students can take the TOEFL multiple times, but there must be a gap of at least 3 days between two attempts.

TOEFL Exam Fee in India 2026

The TOEFL exam fee in India is ₹18,000, which includes GST and is the same whether you take the test at a centre or at home. This base fee includes your registration and sending scores to up to four universities or institutions.

Here is an updated fee table for TOEFL exams in India (2026):

How to Register for TOEFL?

You can register for the TOEFL by creating an ETS account and booking a test date on the official website. Once you complete the payment, your registration is confirmed.

Below are the five clear steps to register for the TOEFL exam:

• Step 1: Create an ETS account: Go to https://www.ets.org/toefl and sign up using your email ID. Enter your personal details carefully and ensure your name matches your passport exactly.
• Step 2: Choose test type and location: Select TOEFL iBT at a test centre or TOEFL iBT Home Edition, then choose an available test date and location based on your preference.
• Step 3: Review registration details: Check your personal information, test date, test mode, and location before moving ahead. Errors here can cause issues on test day.
• Step 4: Pay the TOEFL exam fee: Pay the registration fee of ₹18,000 using a debit card, credit card, or other accepted payment methods.
• Step 5: Confirm and save details: You will receive a confirmation email after payment. Log in to your ETS account to view your registration and select up to four universities to receive your scores for free.

TOEFL Exam Dates 2026

TOEFL iBT is conducted multiple times every month in India, giving students the flexibility to plan their test around school exams, board results, and university deadlines.

Here is an overview of the TOEFL exam dates in India for 2026:

How are TOEFL Scores Calculated?

TOEFL scores are calculated using automated scoring for Reading and Listening and certified human raters for Speaking and Writing.

This is how the TOEFL scores are calculated:

• Section-wise scoring: Each section (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing) is scored on a 0-30 scale based on accuracy, clarity, and skill.
• Total score: The sum of all four section scores gives your final score out of 120.
• Evaluation method: Reading and Listening are scored automatically, while Speaking and Writing are calculated using a combination of AI-assisted scoring and certified ETS human raters.
• MyBest Scores: The report can include your highest section scores from all attempts in the past two years, giving universities your strongest combined performance.
• Score availability and validity: Scores are available online within 4-8 days after the test, and remain valid for two years from the test date.

How to Prepare for the TOEFL?

Preparation for the TOEFL exam requires a well-structured approach, starting well in advance. Below is a summarised table of key strategies to prepare effectively for the exam in 2026-27.

• Understand the Exam Structure & Syllabus: Familiarise yourself with the TOEFL exam pattern, which includes four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Make sure you understand the type of questions asked in each section and their format.
• Practice Reading Speed & Comprehension: Work on improving your reading speed by timing yourself as you read TOEFL passages. Focus on skimming the passages to identify the main ideas quickly, as time management is crucial.
• Develop Note-Taking Skills: Take notes while reading or listening to materials. This will help you during the Speaking and Writing sections. Practice summarising main points and key details efficiently to boost retention.
• Expand Your Vocabulary: Build your academic vocabulary by reading diverse materials. A rich vocabulary will help you write effective essays and speak more fluently during the exam.
• Master the Writing Section: Practice writing essays on various topics under timed conditions. This will help you improve your ability to organise thoughts quickly and write structured, coherent responses during the exam.
• Take Regular Practice Tests: Take official TOEFL practice tests to familiarise yourself with the exam's format and time constraints. Analyse your results to identify weak areas and work on improving them.

From the Desk of Yocket

Preparing for TOEFL can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to balance school or college work with test practice. Many students struggle with knowing which sections to prioritise or how to improve weak areas efficiently. Focusing on section-wise strategies and consistent practice can make your preparation more structured and less stressful.

Yocket Prep offers tools that help you track your progress, clarify doubts, and practise effectively. With access to detailed exam guides, practice questions, and tips aligned to the latest TOEFL format, you can prepare confidently.