TOEFL 2025 : Exam Dates, Registration, Fees, Eligibility, Syllabus, Question Papers, Results

The TOEFL exam is something you can't skip, if you're aiming to study in an English-speaking country. It’s a standard test that checks how well you read, write, speak, and understand English. Most top universities across the US, UK, Canada, and Australia ask for your TOEFL scores during admission.

The TOEFL exam measures your ability to use English in real academic settings. That includes understanding lectures, writing essays, and even speaking in class. It helps universities know if you’ll be able to keep up with the course content once you’re on campus.

Unlike casual English tests, TOEFL focuses on formal and academic use of the language. That’s why institutions trust it. If your goal is to get accepted by a reputable university abroad, the TOEFL is often your first requirement.

The TOEFL exam is an English language test designed for students whose first language isn’t English. It assesses how well you can read, write, speak, and understand English academically.

If you plan to apply to a university abroad, especially in countries like the US, UK, or Canada, you’ll likely need to take this test. Most institutions rely on TOEFL scores to check if you're ready to handle coursework taught in English.

There are two versions of the test:

• TOEFL iBT: Taken on a computer
• TOEFL Essentials: Shorter and more flexible. 

The iBT version is more widely accepted and used for academic admissions.

Thousands of universities across more than 150 countries accept the TOEFL exam. Taking this test helps prove that you can keep up with lectures, submit written assignments, and communicate clearly in English, all of which are crucial when studying abroad.

TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. It’s a standardised exam created for students whose native language isn’t English.

The test is conducted by ETS (Educational Testing Service) and focuses on four key skills — reading, listening, speaking, and writing. If you're applying to an English-medium university, chances are they'll ask for your TOEFL scores.

Today, more than 13,000 institutions across 160+ countries accept TOEFL. That includes universities in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Australia, and many more.

The TOEFL iBT refers to the Internet-Based Test version of the TOEFL exam. It is taken on a computer and is the most widely used format today.

This version evaluates your command over reading, listening, speaking, and writing, all within an academic framework. If you're applying to a university where English is the medium of instruction, this is often the format you'll be asked to submit.

Over 98% of test takers worldwide choose the iBT format because it offers a reliable and consistent testing experience. The structure remains the same whether you're sitting at a test centre or appearing from home.

Where Can You Take the TOEFL Exam?

You have two official options to take the TOEFL iBT:

Both options follow the same format, scoring process, and result timelines. You can pick the one that suits your schedule and comfort.

Which One Should You Choose?

• The TOEFL iBT is best if you want speed, global reach, and the flexibility to test from home. 
• Prefer face-to-face speaking tests or applying primarily to UK or Australian universities? IELTS Academic could work better. 
• Need faster results through an entirely computer-based format? Consider the PTE Academic, but do check if your target university accepts it.

It’s important to know that the TOEFL Test on Paper has been phased out.

Since January 20, 2024, ETS has officially ended the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition worldwide, including India. This format was a hybrid model that combined paper-based exams for some sections with an online Speaking test taken separately from home.

Understanding the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition

Launched in late 2021, the Paper Edition was created for those who preferred a physical test over the fully computer-based TOEFL iBT.

Here’s how it worked:

• Reading, Listening, and Writing: Taken on paper at authorised test centres.
• Speaking: Completed online from home within three days of the paper exam, supervised by a remote proctor.

This format followed the same scoring criteria and content as the regular TOEFL iBT but offered an alternative delivery method for certain candidates.

There are no strict age limits or specific academic qualifications required to sit for the TOEFL exam. However, you should have completed your higher secondary education (Class 12 or equivalent) to be best prepared. Additionally, you will need a valid passport as proof of identity when registering and appearing for the test.

• The standard fee for the TOEFL iBT exam is INR 16,900.
• You must pay this fee during your online registration.
• Registration closes seven days before your test date. Registering after this deadline will cost an additional INR 3,900.

Additional Fees to Know

Plan ahead to avoid extra charges. If you’re unhappy with your Speaking or Writing scores, you can request a review by paying the applicable fee. Score cancellation is an option but comes with partial or full loss of the registration fee.

ETS has introduced a smoother way to register for the TOEFL iBT exam in 2025. Now, you can create your account and book your test date online with greater ease. For the first time, registration fees are displayed in Indian rupees, which makes payment simpler for candidates in India.

You can register up to six months in advance and have the flexibility to reschedule your exam, changing the date, time, or location, up to four days before the test without any extra charge. This gives you ample time to plan your preparation without stress.

Key Features of the New Registration System

• Compare available test dates and times across multiple centres before booking.
• Rescheduling is free if done by 11:59 p.m. local time the day before your original test date.
• Access updated free practice tests and preparation materials on the official TOEFL website.
• Additional paid and free study resources will be added soon to support your preparation.

The TOEFL exam is offered many times throughout the year at authorised ETS test centres across the country. To avoid last-minute pressure, aim to take your TOEFL iBT at least one month before your earliest university application deadline. This allows sufficient time to submit your scores and, if necessary, retake the test.

If you need to retake the TOEFL, you can do so after a minimum gap of three days from your previous attempt. For example, if your application deadline is in November, scheduling your first test in October is wise. Should you need to improve your score, you still have a chance to retake the exam later that same month.

TOEFL iBT Exam Dates 2025

Test dates may vary by location and availability. Always check the official ETS TOEFL registration portal for the most current and precise schedule before booking your test.

You can take the TOEFL iBT exam at test centres located in 39 cities across India, including key hubs like Bangalore, Delhi, Chennai, and Ahmedabad. During registration, you will be able to select the test city and centre most convenient for you.

For those who prefer to take the test remotely, the TOEFL Essentials and TOEFL iBT Home Edition provide the option to complete the exam from their own computers, anywhere they feel comfortable and secure.

TOEFL iBT Test Cities in India

TOEFL iBT Home Edition

The Home Edition offers the same content, format, and on-screen experience as the in-centre test. It is available four days a week and can be taken from nearly any location that meets the technical and security requirements. This option ensures that you can take your test while maintaining comfort and safety, which are vital for your best performance.

With more than 60 test dates yearly worldwide at authorised locations, and home testing available four days a week, TOEFL offers ample flexibility. Taking the test in a secure and comfortable environment can significantly boost your performance.

Always verify the availability of your preferred test date and centre before booking. To explore all nearby TOEFL test centres or to opt for the Home Edition, check the official ETS TOEFL website for the most up-to-date options.

The TOEFL iBT evaluates your English skills across four key areas: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing, just like most major English proficiency tests.

TOEFL Sections

The updated TOEFL iBT is now more compact and efficient—designed to test your English skills within just under 2 hours. Here’s how the time is distributed across each section:

The redesigned test saves your time without compromising on accuracy or evaluation depth. Each section is thoughtfully calibrated to assess real-world academic communication, so you show what you know, fast.

TOEFL Exam Syllabus: Reading Section

The Reading section of the TOEFL iBT is designed to assess your ability to understand and analyse academic content, just like what you’d encounter in a real university setting.

• Number of Passages: 2
• Length of Each Passage: Around 700 words
• Questions per Passage: 10
• Total Questions: 20
• Time Limit: 35 minutes

Each question checks for core reading skills like identifying key ideas, understanding vocabulary in context, drawing inferences, and recognising the author’s intent. The score is based purely on the number of correct answers, no negative marking here.

TOEFL Exam Syllabus: Listening Section

This section evaluates how well you can understand spoken English in academic settings, whether it’s a lecture, a student discussion, or casual campus conversation.

• Number of Lectures: 3
• Length of Each Lecture: 3–5 minutes (approx. 500–800 words)
• Questions per Lecture: 6
• Number of Conversations: 2
• Length of Each Conversation: Around 3 minutes (12–25 dialogue exchanges)
• Questions per Conversation: 5
• Total Questions: 28
• Time Limit: 36 minutes

You’re allowed to take notes during the audio clips, and you should because the questions test everything from your grasp of main ideas and supporting details to tone, attitude, and how well you connect information across different parts of the audio. So listen actively, jot smartly, and answer confidently.

TOEFL Exam Syllabus: Speaking Section

The TOEFL Speaking section measures how effectively you can express your thoughts in spoken English, just like in a classroom discussion or study group. You’ll need clarity, fluency, and logical flow to stand out.

• Number of Tasks: 4
• Independent Task: 1
• Type: Speak based on personal experience or opinion
• Prep Time: 15 seconds
• Response Time: 45 seconds
• Integrated Tasks: 3
• Type: Combine reading, listening, and speaking
• Prep Time: 30 seconds
• Response Time: 60 seconds
• Total Duration: 16 minutes

Your score depends on how well you deliver your ideas (smooth and easy to follow), your language use (vocabulary and grammar), and how thoroughly you develop your response.

TOEFL Exam Syllabus: Writing Section

The Writing section evaluates how well you can present ideas in a clear, academic format. It’s about clarity, logic, and how convincingly you support your ideas.

• Number of Tasks: 2
• Task 1 – Integrated Writing:
  • Involves reading a short passage, listening to a related audio, and writing a response
  • Reading Time: 3 minutes
  • Listening Time: 2 minutes
  • Writing Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
• Task 2 – Academic Discussion Writing:
  • Contribute to a class discussion based on a prompt
  • Time Limit: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 29 minutes

This section looks at your ability to develop ideas, stay relevant to the topic, and maintain a logical flow. 

When it comes to preparing for the TOEFL iBT, there’s no one-size-fits-all path. Broadly, you can either go the self-study route or sign up for coaching classes and both approaches come with their own set of wins.

If you're leaning towards independence and budget-friendly prep, self-study might be your go-to. You’ll find a treasure trove of TOEFL preparation resources, including official tools straight from ETS. Their TOEFL TestReady® platform is packed with guided practice tests, performance insights, and curated study recommendations, all designed by the very folks who create the exam. Expect everything from sample questions to eBooks, beginner guides, and test-day strategies. You can access free materials or invest in their premium content, depending on how deep you want to go.

On the contrary if you prefer a a structured plan and expert feedback, coaching might be a better fit. A good TOEFL coaching centre can help decode the test’s nuances, offer customised tips, and provide regular mock tests to track your progress.

Regardless of the prep method you choose, here’s the golden rule: start by understanding the TOEFL test format and scoring system. The exam evaluates your readiness for an English-speaking academic environment across four key sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.

Best TOEFL Books

Preparing for the TOEFL iBT isn't just about brushing up on vocabulary, it’s about understanding the exam’s rhythm, its question logic, and how it expects you to think, read, write, and speak in academic English.

And while digital tools are great, nothing beats a solid book to help you slow down, practice deliberately, and track your progress without distractions.

If you're building your TOEFL arsenal, here are five powerhouse books that deserve a spot on your shelf:

1. The Official Guide to the TOEFL Test (6th Edition)

Your go-to resource straight from ETS. It offers authentic practice questions, test-taking tips, scoring explanations, and real sample responses. Ideal for a structured, exam-oriented approach.

2. Barron’s TOEFL iBT (17th Edition)

Comprehensive, detailed, and beginner-friendly, this one’s perfect for learners who want to start from the basics and level up. Comes with model tests and audio tracks.

3. Collins English for Exams: TOEFL Listening and Speaking Skills

Designed for focused skill-building, this book hones your ability to decode academic conversations, classroom dialogues, and express your thoughts with clarity.

4. Collins English for Exams: TOEFL Reading and Writing Skills

Complementing the listening/speaking version, this title sharpens your comprehension strategies and teaches you to structure impactful essays and summaries.

5. English Grammar in Use (5th Edition) – Cambridge University Press

Grammar isn’t everything, but it sure helps. This self-study classic ensures your sentence structures, verb usage, and punctuation don’t trip you up during the test.

Each section of the test: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing, targets a unique set of academic communication skills, and they all need focused attention.

Once you’ve built a strong foundation, the smartest next step is to simulate the exam environment.

TOEFL practice tests are your best training ground. They test your knowledge and show you where you stand, highlight your strengths, and uncover areas that need polish. Head over to the ETS official website and explore the TOEFL Test Ready portal which is packed with full-length practice tests, section-specific drills, and detailed feedback tailored to your performance.

Practicing regularly also helps you:

• Get comfortable with the test format
• Manage time effectively during each section
• Build stamina for the nearly 2-hour test duration
• Reduce exam-day anxiety by increasing familiarity

Tip: Don’t wait till the end of your prep to take a mock test. Take one early on to set a baseline, then use subsequent ones to track your growth. Progress is easier to measure when you can compare.

The TOEFL iBT evaluates your English proficiency across four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing, each scored on a scale of 0 to 30. Your total score is the sum of all four, making the maximum score 120.

Your scores numbers correspond to proficiency levels that indicate where you stand:

• Advanced
• High-Intermediate
• Low-Intermediate
• Below Low-Intermediate

Reading Section Scores

Listening Section Scores

Speaking Section Scores

Writing Section Scores

TOEFL Cut Off

Unlike some exams with fixed passing scores, TOEFL doesn’t have a universal cut-off mark. Instead, each university or educational program sets its own minimum TOEFL score requirement based on its admission standards.

This means:

• There is no official TOEFL passing score applicable across the board.
• Score expectations vary significantly depending on the institution and the course you’re aiming for.
• Prestigious universities or competitive programs often demand higher TOEFL scores, while others may accept more moderate results.

Since score requirements don’t frequently change but can be updated occasionally, it’s smart to regularly check the official websites of your target universities for the latest TOEFL score criteria. Staying informed ensures your application meets their expectations without surprises.