TOEFL 2025 vs TOEFL 2026: What’s the Difference?

The TOEFL test becomes a shorter test (90 minutes) and uses an adaptive test format for Reading and Listening. Instead of a 120-point scale, you will receive a band score from 1.0 to 6.0. New tasks like writing emails and simulated interviews make the exam feel like real campus life.

Starting January 21, 2026, the TOEFL iBT exam is changing a lot. It is becoming a shorter test and a smarter test. If you take the exam in 2025, you get the old version. But in 2026, you must take the new adaptive test.

The biggest change is the test time. The old test takes 2 hours, but the TOEFL 2026 is only about 90 minutes long. Also, the Reading and Listening parts are now adaptive. This means if you answer correctly at the start, the computer gives you harder questions. Harder questions are good because they help you get a higher score.

The TOEFL scoring system is also new. In 2025, you get a score from 0 to 120. In 2026, you get a band score from 1.0 to 6.0. This is like the IELTS score. Don't worry, for two years, ETS will show both scores on your report so universities are not confused. There are also new tasks like writing emails and doing an interview with a computer. These changes make the test feel more like real life in a university.

TOEFL Exam Format 2025 vs 2026

The TOEFL iBT exam is undergoing a massive change. If you are planning to study abroad, understanding the TOEFL 2026 new pattern is very important. Starting January 21, 2026, the test becomes shorter, smarter, and more like real-life English.

This table shows the big differences between the current TOEFL format and the updated TOEFL 2026 format.

Detailed Section Changes in TOEFL 2026

Reading Section

In 2026, the TOEFL Reading section will be multistage adaptive. This means if you do well in the first part (Module 1), the second part (Module 2) gets harder, which helps you get a higher band score.

• New Tasks: Complete the Words (fill in missing letters) and Read in Daily Life (social media, emails, announcements).

• Time: Reduced from 35 minutes to about 18–27 minutes.

Listening Section

The TOEFL Listening section also becomes adaptive and focuses on faster, more natural audio.

• New Tasks: Listen and Choose a Response (picking the best reply to a speaker) and short Academic Announcements.

• Time: Reduced from 36 minutes to about 18–27 minutes.

Writing Section

The TOEFL Writing section moves to before Speaking. It focuses on how you write in a real university setting.

• New Tasks: Build a Sentence (putting words in the right order) and Write an Email (replying to a professor or friend in 7 minutes).

• Time: About 23 minutes.

Speaking Section

The TOEFL Speaking section is now the last part of the test. It is much shorter and has no preparation time.

• New Tasks: Listen and Repeat (hear a sentence and say it back exactly) and Take an Interview (talk to a computer like it's a real person).

• Time: Only about 8 minutes.

TOEFL 2026 Scoring Scale 2026 (1–6 Bands)

Starting in 2026, you will get a score like 5.0 or 5.5 instead of 100. This makes it easy for TOEFL score to compare with the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

Note: For two years (2026–2028), your TOEFL score report will show both the new 1–6 band and the old 0–120 score to help universities.

TOEFL Eligibility Criteria: 2025 vs 2026

The TOEFL iBT Exam eligibility rules are almost the same for 2025 and 2026. ETS has not added strict eligibility limits, but there are a few important points students should clearly understand before registering.

TOEFL Eligibility Criteria 2025

In TOEFL 2025, ETS allows a wide range of candidates to appear for the exam.

• No minimum age limit: Students of any age can take the test.

• No educational qualification required: You do not need a specific degree or class pass certificate.

• Students & professionals allowed: School students, college students, and working people can apply.

• Valid passport required: A passport is mandatory as ID for Indian test takers.

• Unlimited attempts: You can take TOEFL multiple times, but not more than once in 3 days.

TOEFL Eligibility Criteria 2026

The TOEFL 2026 eligibility criteria remains mostly unchanged, even after the exam update.

• No age restriction: Same as 2025, no age bar is set by ETS.

• No minimum qualification: Anyone planning to study or work abroad can take TOEFL.

• Same ID requirement: Passport is still compulsory for registration and test day.

• Retake rule remains: You can retake TOEFL after 3 days.

• Format change does NOT affect eligibility: New exam pattern does not change who can apply.

TOEFL 2025 vs 2026 – Eligibility Comparison Table

TOEFL Exam Fees 2025 vs 2026

Planning for your TOEFL iBT exam involves understanding the costs for both the current year and the upcoming 2026 update. In India, the registration fee was recently revised to match other international standards. 

ETS updated the TOEFL exam fees to stay competitive with other exams like IELTS and PTE, which are also priced at ₹18,000 in India. This price covers the high-tech multistage adaptive testing software used in the 2026 update and faster 72-hour score delivery.

TOEFL Fees 2025 vs 2026

The total TOEFL fee in India saw an increase on October 1, 2025. This updated price will remain the standard for the launch of the new adaptive test in January 2026.

Note: The ₹18,000 fee is all-inclusive of the 18% GST tax.

Payment Methods for TOEFL Registration Fees

For the TOEFL 2026 exam, ETS has made paying easier for Indian students by accepting:

• Digital Wallets: UPI, Google Pay, and Paytm.

• Cards: All major Credit and Debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, RuPay).

• Net Banking: Support for all major Indian banks.

Note: Always register at least 8 days before your test to avoid the Late Registration fee of ₹3,900.

How TOEFL Is Scored in 2025 vs 2026

If you take the TOEFL exam before January 21, 2026, your score is between 0 and 120. But for the new 2026 update, the score will be a band from 1.0 to 6.0. Because your TOEFL score is valid for two years, you will see both types of scores for a while. The table below helps you understand how the new 1–6 band matches the old 0–120 marks.

Official TOEFL Score Comparison Table

Important Things to Know:

• How they calculate total: In the old test, we add the 4 sections. In the 2026 test, we take the average of the 4 sections.

• Rounding: If your average is 5.25, your final score is 5.5. If it is 5.125, it stays 5.0. The computer rounds to the nearest half band.

• Transition Period: For two years (until late 2027), your score report will show three things: your 1–6 band, a comparable 0–120 score, and your CEFR level (like B2 or C1).

TOEFL Registration Process Comparison 2025 vs 2026

The TOEFL registration process is evolving to become more user-friendly and faster. While the core steps of creating an account remain, the TOEFL 2026 update introduces a streamlined experience, especially for the Home Edition and score reporting.

TOEFL Registration Steps: 2025 vs. 2026

The general flow for registering for TOEFL iBT is same, but 2026 brings better integration and speed.

TOEFL Retake & Cancellation Policy: 2025 vs 2026

The rules for retaking or canceling your TOEFL exam are mostly the same for 2026, but the fees and refund amounts have changed because of the new price in India.

TOEFL Retake Policy (The 3-Day Rule)

ETS is very strict about how often you can take the test.

• The Waiting Period: You must wait at least 3 full days before you take the TOEFL iBT again.

• Example: If you take the test on a Monday, the earliest you can take it again is Friday.

• Unlimited Attempts: There is no limit on how many times you can give the exam in a year.

• Adaptive Testing (2026): Even if you fail one adaptive module in the 2026 version, you still have to wait 3 days to try the whole test again.

Also Check: TOEFL Preparation Tips

TOEFL Cancellation & Refund Rules

If you change your mind and don't want to take the test, you must act fast to get your money back.

Note: You cannot cancel your test by calling the test center or sending an email. You must use your ETS account dashboard.

How to Reschedule Your TOEFL Exam

Sometimes you are not ready and need a new TOEFL test date.

• Fee: In 2026, the rescheduling fee in India is INR 5,900.

• Deadline: Just like cancellation, you must reschedule at least 4 full days before your appointment.

• Example: If your test is on Saturday, you must move it by Tuesday night. If you wait until Wednesday, you lose your full registration fee.

How to Cancel Your TOEFL Scores

At the end of the test, the computer will ask if you want to "Report" or "Cancel" your scores.

• If you Cancel: No one will ever see your marks, and you don't get a refund.

• Reinstating Scores: If you cancel but change your mind later, you have 60 days to ask ETS to bring them back. This costs about INR 1,990.

Is TOEFL 2026 Easier or Harder Than 2025?

The ease or difficulty of TOEFL 2025 vs 2026 will surely be subjective. It will depend on the candidates familirity with the content structure and level of English. TOEFL 2026 might be with a new content structure, which might feel hard, but over time, it looks like ETS made their test easier and FAST.  

Why TOEFL 2026 Might Feel Easier

Check out why TOEFL 2026 changes can actually help you:

• Shorter Duration: The total test time drops from 2 hours to around 90 minutes. This reduces physical and mental exhaustion.

• Daily Life Content: You will read shorter passages (200 words) and answer questions about everyday things like emails, social media, and campus signs. This is much less "boring" than 700-word academic essays.

• Practical Writing: Writing an email or unscrambling a sentence is often easier for students than writing a long, complex integrated essay.

• Interview-Style Speaking: The speaking section feels more like a natural conversation or interview, which many find less stressful than summarizing academic lectures.

Also Check: New TOEFL syllabus!

Why TOEFL 2026 Might Feel Harder

• Adaptive Pressure: In the Reading and Listening sections, the "Routing Module" (the first part) is high-pressure. If you make mistakes early, you get an easier module later, but your score is "capped"; you might not be able to reach a 5.5 or 6.0 band even if you get everything else right.

• No Prep Time: In the Speaking section, you must speak immediately. There is no "15 seconds to prepare." You hear a sentence or question and must answer right away.

• Precision Tasks: Tasks like "Complete the Words" (filling in missing letters) and "Build a Sentence" require very high accuracy in grammar and spelling. There is no room for "guessing" the general idea.

TOEFL 2025 vs 2026: Difficulty Factors

Candidates can understand the level of difficulty for TOEFL 2025 vs 2026 below.