How to Prepare for Duolingo English Test 2026?

Duolingo

Raj Vimal
Updated on Jan 2, 2026 13:01 IST

By Raj Vimal, Assistant Manager Editorial

You can start today. The best time to begin your Duolingo English Test preparation depends entirely on your current proficiency level in English. It is different for everyone.

The DET test 2026 is adaptive. This means the exam adjusts the difficulty of the questions based on your answers in real-time. It checks every skill. You must read often. Also, you need to practice writing, listening, and speaking to succeed in your Duolingo English Test preparation journey. These scores are global.

Many students are curious. They constantly ask how to prepare for DET 2026 effectively to secure a seat in a top university. It is a popular choice. DET scores are accepted worldwide. You must study hard. If you plan to study abroad, you should carefully review the syllabus and pattern of all sections. This builds your confidence. Make a daily schedule. Learning how to prepare for DET 2026 with a strict plan will help you achieve your dream score easily. Start your practice now.

Duolingo English Test preparation tips
Table of contents
  • Duolingo English Test Preparation Tips
  • DETSample Test
  • Duolingo English Test Requirements
Duolingo Logo

Duolingo English Test Preparation Tips

Check out some tips for Duolingo English Test preparation effectively:

  1. Improve your vocabulary. Read English newspaper and watch English shows/news that will help you learn new words.
  2. Youtube videos are helpful. You can take online classes too on this video sharing website.
  3. Due to poor listening skills, students score less in this section. After learning new words, you just try to use them in daily conversation.
  4. Just pick any topic and try writing 2-3 short descriptive sentences about it. This small activity will help you in writing section of DET exam.
  5. Pick a topic to speak. Day to day life and favorite hobbies are some popular topics. Make sure to practice Duolingo speaking topics to improve your speaking skills.
  6. Try to solve sample papers of this exam. Since this exam is conducted in online mode so you won't get same question.
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How to check the Duolingo English Test score?
A: 

Once your test has been graded and reviewed by the administrator, you will receive an email. Also, candidates can check their complete test history and results on Duolingo's official website. Test report will contain the overall score.

Q:   Do I need two cameras to take the Duolingo English Test?
A: 

Yes, you need two cameras at the time of taking your Duolingo English Test. 

  • First Camera: This camera will be your personal computer's webcam. This will tracks your face, eye movement, and general behavior.
  • Secondary Camera: It can be a smartphone or tablet placed on a stable surface. To capture both your screen and keyboard.

This action is needed for credible proctoring.

Q:   Can I get question PDF of Duolingo English Test?
A: 

You cannot get a static PDF of the actual test questions. DET test is dynamic and adaptive. You should use the official free practice test available on the Duolingo website, which accurately mimics the real experience.

Duolingo Logo

DETSample Test

If you want to familiarise yourself with the real test, you can visit the Duolingo site and take the sample test. Although the sample test is shorter in duration (eight minutes) and the score range is less accurate and unofficial. Sample tests are free and easily accessible for students.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How to download Duolingo English Test question paper?
A: 

The Duolingo English Test question paper can not be downloaded as it is an online adaptive test. It means the difficulty level of next question depend on your performance in test. The Duolingo English Test (DET) doesn't provide downloadable question papers. The official website of Duolingo offers free practice questions. This will familiarize you with the question format and types used in the DET.

Q:   Can I take the Duolingo English test after completing 12th?
A: 

Yes! The Duolingo English Test is one of the popular English proficiency exams to study or work in English-speaking countries. Anyone with any educational background can take the DET test. There is no fixed eligibility for DET test takers. It is a popular alternative to IELTS, TOEFL and other English proficiency tests. 

Q:   How do I practice the Duolingo English Test?
A: 

The best way is to take the free practice test on the official website. It gives you an estimated score. You should also read English news and listen to podcasts to improve your skills. work on your typing speed because the writing section is timed. Practice describing random photos in your house to get ready for the speaking tasks.

Duolingo Logo

Duolingo English Test Requirements

Since this exam is online and not test centre based, 

You Need:

  • Your officially government issued ID
  • A quiet and a very well-lit room
  • 1 hour of free time
  • A reliable internet connection
  • A computer

Your Computer Should Also Have

  • A supported browser (Chrome, Opera)
  • A front-facing camera
  • A secondary camera for covering your screen and your desk.
  • A microphone
  • Speakers

When you share the result of the Duolingo English Test with the university, both the adaptive test and the video interview are included in it. In this test, you will have a choice of two question types for each video interview and the writing sample. Then, you have to speak for one to three minutes and write up for up to five minutes. Also, there is a timer that you can track through the exam.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What are the latest updates in the Duolingo English Test 2026?
A: 

The DET introduced some minor changes in 2026 focusing on test security and accessibility. The core question types and the overall adaptive testing experience remain largely the same. Always check official DET website for current format details.

Q:   Can I take the Duolingo English test after completing 12th?
A: 

Yes! The Duolingo English Test is one of the popular English proficiency exams to study or work in English-speaking countries. Anyone with any educational background can take the DET test. There is no fixed eligibility for DET test takers. It is a popular alternative to IELTS, TOEFL and other English proficiency tests. 

Q:   Have any changes been announced for the Duolingo English Test eligibility in 2026?
A: 

As of now, there is no changes has been announced for Duolingo English Test eligibility this year. Like earlier, students of any age from any educational background can appear for DET test 2025. It is important that they have all the required arrangements to appear for the test.

Score Predictor

Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!

Share 12th Board, Percentage, english score
Get estimated scores or IELTS, TOEFL & PTE









Explore popular study destinations
Resources for you
Understand the process step by step by referring to these guides curated just for you
qna

Comments

(38)

B

Biniyam

8 months ago

How many questions I do take

Reply to Biniyam

L

Lavanya Pal

2 years ago

What are the job and career options after passing the Duolingo test?

Reply to Lavanya Pal

R

Rahul Singha

a year ago

Hello Lavanya. Please note that the Duolingo English Test is an English language exam. Candidates can take the Duolingo test to prove their english communication skills.

U

Ufuoma Peace

2 years ago

When I registered and pay, can I write the test immediately

Reply to Ufuoma Peace

Hello Ufuoma. Yes, you can start the test immediately after purchasing it. You will get one credit for purchasing one DET. On purchasing a DET bundle, you will get two credits. These credits are used to attempt the Duolingo English Test. Candidates are provided a total of 3 attempt for using the cre

...Read more

p

priya sapkade

2 years ago

If we get 100 score it is enough for pass duolingo exam.

Reply to priya sapkade

Hello Priya. Obtaining a good DET score can help you in getting admission into your desired educational institution. The desired test scores are decided by the universities as part of their admission criteria. A score of 100 falls in the Upper-Intermediate (85-120) category. It implies that one can

...Read more

a

aman

2 years ago

If i received score in range of 90-135 in duolingo practice test then what can be my actual english test if i give i just anticipating answer based on previous experiences that people had with them.

Reply to aman

Hello Aman. The score which you've obtained in your practice test does not give an absolute real picture of the score you'll obtain in DET. Scores obtained in the practice test roughly predict your real test scores. Scores of the real test are usually an average of your practice test scores. You can

...Read more

a

aman

2 years ago

sorry for grammatical mistake i didn't recognize before posting and now, i am not able to edi that