TOEFL Pattern 2025: Section-wise TOEFL Test Format, Total Marks & Duration

TOEFL

Raushan Kumar
Updated on Nov 19, 2025 09:34 IST

By Raushan Kumar, Assistant Manager Content

The TOEFL exam pattern 2025 comprises four sections- Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing. TOEFL exam has been designed to assess test takers' reading, listening, writing and speaking abilities in university setting. Test duration of TOEFL exam is 116 minutes. 0 to 120 is scale on basis of which candidates get scored. In this article we are going to be talking about TOEFL exam pattern.

TOEFL Pattern
Q:   What is the pattern of TOEFL exam?
A: 

The TOEFL exam pattern comprises four sections, Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing - along with the total score. Candidates can check the article above to understand the latest TOEFL exam pattern.

 

Section

Number of Questions / Tasks

Types of Content

Time Limit

Reading

20 questions (based on 2 passages)

Academic reading passages with comprehension questions

35 minutes

Listening

28 questions (3 lectures + 2 conversations)

Academic lectures and campus conversations

36 minutes

Speaking

4 tasks

1 Independent + 3 Integrated (read/listen + speak)

16 minutes

Writing

2 tasks

1 Integrated (read/listen + write) + 1 Independent essay

29 minutes

Total Duration

116 minutes

Table of contents
  • TOEFL Exam Pattern 2025 – Overview
  • Section-wise TOEFL Pattern & Question Types
  • TOEFL Exam Syllabus 2025
  • TOEFL Exam Fee 2025
  • How to Prepare for TOEFL?
  • Universities Accepting TOEFL Scores
  • TOEFL Test Scores
View More
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TOEFL Exam Pattern 2025 – Overview

The TOEFL exam pattern comprises four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. It is always advised that candidates should practise more and more, as the more they practise TOEFL Sample Papers, from TOEFL Test Ready available on the ETS official website better their scores will be. All the preparation material is prepared while focusing on the TOEFL test pattern.

TOEFL scores will be declared online within 4-8 days after the commencement of the test. The total score can be found with the sum of the scores of all four sections. Candidates can check out the updated TOEFL Exam Pattern below.

TOEFL Exam Pattern 2025

Section TOEFL Exam Pattern
TOEFL Reading Section

Duration: 35 minutes

Number of Questions = 20

TOEFL Listening Section

Duration: 36 minutes

Number of Questions = 28

TOEFL Speaking Section

Duration: 16 minutes

Number of Tasks 4 tasks

TOEFL Writing Section

Duration: 29 minutes

Number of Tasks = 2 tasks

  Total Duration: 116 minutes
Note:- In order to obtain the final official scores, it is necessary to respond to a minimum of one question in both the Reading and Listening sections, as well as to fulfill at least one Speaking task and one Writing task.
TOEFL Exam Pattern

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Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the syllabus of TOEFL exam?
A: 

Here is the latest TOEFL syllabus for the benefit of our TOEFL test-takers.

Section

Skills Tested

Question Types

Time Allotted

Reading

Reading comprehension of academic texts

  • Multiple-choice

  • Insert a sentence

  • Complete a summary

35 minutes

Listening

Understanding spoken English in academic settings

  • Conversations

  • Lectures

  • Multiple-choice

36 minutes

Speaking

Verbal expression in academic contexts

4 Tasks:

  • 1 Independent task

  • 3 Integrated tasks (reading/listening + speaking)

16 minutes

Writing

Academic writing skills

2 Tasks:

  • 1 Integrated task (reading + listening + writing)

  • 1 Independent essay

29 minutes

Q:   How do I send TOEFL scores to foreign universities?
A: 

When you pay your TOEFL test fee, it includes four free TOEFL score reports which ETS - the conducting body of the TOEFL exam would send to your pre-selected universities. Candidates wanting to send scorecards to additional universities can do so with an additional fee. 

Q:   What is the total duration of the TOEFL iBT test?
A: 

The total duration of the TOEFL iBT test is approximately 2 hours (116 minutes). 







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Section-wise TOEFL Pattern & Question Types

Candidates can check the question types of TOEFL exam from below: 

Section Question Types
Reading Section of TOEFL  Read passages and respond to questions.
TOEFL Listening Section Answer questions about brief lectures or classroom discussions.
TOEFL Speaking Section Talk about a familiar topic and discuss material you read and heard.
TOEFL Writing Section

Read a passage, listen to a recording, and type your response.

State and support an opinion in an online classroom discussion.

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TOEFL Exam Syllabus 2025

The TOEFL iBT syllabus for students includes reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.

Section

Time

Questions/Tasks

Description

Reading

35 minutes

20 questions

Long passages have to read and answer questions to show your understanding

Listening

36 minutes

28 questions

Listen to passages and answer questions to check understanding

Speaking

16 minutes

4 tasks

Speak on simple topics, and also give answers after reading or listening to short material.

Writing

30 minutes

2 tasks

Write one essay after reading and listening, and one short response in a discussion format.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How many times is the TOEFL exam conducted in a year?
A: 

The TOEFL exam is held more than 170 times a year at official test centers. Most people take the TOEFL iBT (internet-based test).

Q:   What is included in the TOEFL iBT Listening section?
A: 

The TOEFL iBT Listening section has different audio clips, like conversations between students and professors or longer lectures. You will answer questions based on these clips to check how well you understand the main ideas and details.

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TOEFL Exam Fee 2025

The TOEFL exam fee is same everywhere in India. The TOEFL exam fee in India is INR 17,999.

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Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the fee of TOEFL exam in India?
A: 

The TOEFL fees in India is INR 17,999.72. The TOEFL test fees with the test types has been mentioned below.

TOEFL TestTOEFL Exam Fee in Indian Rupees
TOEFL iBT Exam FeeINR 17,999
TOEFL at Home Exam FeeINR 17,999
TOEFL Essential Test Exam FeeINR 9,996.78
Q:   Is there any increase in TOEFL exam fee 2025?
A: 

As of now, the TOEFL exam fees in India have been increased. The updated TOEFL iBT fees are 17,999.72. 

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How to Prepare for TOEFL?

There are two ways all exam-takers prepare for TOEFL i.e. self-study and attending coaching classes. Both these methods of studying have unique benefits and no one way is better than the other. If money is the prime consideration, then self-studies through TOEFL books and resources available on the ETS official website may be a better option. There are free prep materials, e-books, a beginner's guide and sample mock test papers to practise available ETS website. Similarly, if you need professional guidance to ensure you have an advantage in TOEFL exam preparation, then enrolling in a TOEFL coaching centre is the better option.

TOEFL Test monitors the candidates’ ability to understand the English language at the university level. The four sections on which the candidate’s ability is judged are reading, writing, listening, and speaking. While preparing for the test, l, candidates should understand the format of the test, the result, and the scoring system of the test. ETS, the conducting body of the TOEFL exam also provides free and paid study material, which is easily available on their official website.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How can I practice for the TOEFL Reading section?
A: 

You can practice TOEFL reading by doing reading exercises and using online websites. Take practice tests to feel like the real test. Also, read books and articles from different subjects to make your reading better and understand English passages more easy.

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Universities Accepting TOEFL Scores

More than 13,000+ schools in 160+ countries accept TOEFL scores. Schools in popular study destinations like the US, Canada, Australia, Germany, Ireland and the UK also accept TOEFL score. You can easily register for the TOEFL exam 2025 and pick your TOEFL test center as per your convenience.

Also read:

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the minimum score to pass the TOEFL exam?
A: 

There is no 'Pass' or 'Fail' score in TOEFL. The performance of the candidates is measured on candidates score out of 120.

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TOEFL Test Scores

For understanding the TOEFL exam score, candidates need to understand how each section is scored. When you give the test, scores of the 2 sections, i.e, Speaking and Listening, are instantly available after the test. The official score of all 4 sections will come in  4- 8 days of taking the exam, One can check the TOEFL scores online. The printed score reports of candidates are sent through email after 11 days of the TOEFL test date.

The four-section scores of the TOEFL exam are divided as follows:

Section

Score Range

Mean Scores*

Reading

0–30

20

Listening

0–30

19

Speaking

0–30

19

Writing

0–30

20

Total Score

0–120

78

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Do you get your TOEFL scores immediately after completing the test?
A: 

Candidates can now view unofficial scores for the Reading and Listening sections on-screen immediately upon completing the test. These scores can give you an early indication of your performance and help you make a well-informed decision about reporting your scores before leaving the test centre.

Q:   How do I check TOEFL results online?
A: 

In order to check theTOEFL score online, one can follow the below mentioned easy steps.

  • Visit the official TOEFL website
  • Select Member log-in
  • Enter your TOEFL account credentials
  • View your TOEFL Results
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Comments

(366)

B

Babita Das

a year ago

If the exam browser is not opening then what to do

Reply to Babita Das

Hello, My TOEFL iBT home edition EXAM's date is 19-05-2024. I don't know how to prepare and how I get 100+ score in this exam. Please, give me some advice please.

Reply to TIRTH GONDALIYA

S

Shalini

2 years ago

Hello I have given TOEFL home edition and my scores is 104 (reading 30, listening 29, speaking 19, writing 26). Will the Ireland universities accepts this score and home edition?

Reply to Shalini

R

Rahul Singha

2 years ago

Hello Shalini. You can take a look at popular universities in Ireland, here: https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/apply You can also get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors for assistance with Ireland University Admissions 2023 here: https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/apply

N

NIKHIL YADAV

2 years ago

Hello I have given my TOEFL exam today and I have completed reading and listening successfully mean while in speaking I have read the question first 3 words loudly in preparation time does that effect my scorecard.please reply me please

Reply to NIKHIL YADAV

R

Rahul Singha

2 years ago

Hello Nikhil. Hope you are doing well. I seem to have overlooked your comment and my apologies for the same. I am guessing you have got your results by now. Reading the question out loud should not ideally affect your TOEFL test scores.

Do 93 overall TOEFL scores (R27, L27, W25, S14) leads rejection during Germany embassy interview, besides I have got unconditional offer from university? For Master Degree.

Reply to safiullah Ahmadzai

R

Rahul Singha

2 years ago

Hello Safiullah. The English language requirement is mostly university specific. Hence, if your university is convinced of your English-speaking skills then you would not have an issue with your student visa. However, you would be asked a couple of questions at the student visa interview and it is i

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