The TOEFL iBT test will change from January 21, 2026. These changes are about the TOEFL test format, question types, test timing, and the scoring system. The new TOEFL is made for students who use English in real college or university settings.
The TOEFL exam pattern will see a major update in 2026. These changes on the TOEFL iBT exam are about the test format, content, question types, timing, and the scoring system. The new TOEFL iBT 2026 is made to match how students really use English in daily academic life. It will now be an adaptive test, which means the test changes based on your answers. If you do well, you may get harder questions. If not, it may become a little easier.
The TOEFL test will also have more real and modern topics, not just old academic ones. The new TOEFL score scale will be from 1 to 6, and not 0–120 like before. It is easier to understand and follows the CEFR system, which is used by many countries. Here is a full explanation of what is changing in the TOEFL iBT 2026 and what is staying the same. If you are planning to study abroad, it is important to know these updates. This article will help you understand the new TOEFL iBT exam thoroughly.
- TOEFL iBT Before Jan 21, 2026
- TOEFL iBT After Jan 21, 2026
- New TOEFL iBT Format (From Jan 21, 2026)
- TOEFL iBT New Scoring System
- Type of TOEFL Test 2026 - Still the Same
TOEFL iBT Before Jan 21, 2026
Currently, the TOEFL iBT test assesses all four academic English skills: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The test uses only academic English content. The TOEFL exam pattern in detail can be checked below.
TOEFL iBT Test Format (Valid Till Jan 20, 2026)
| Section |
Details |
Time |
Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading |
2 passages (700 words), 10 questions each |
35 minutes |
0–30 |
| Listening |
3 lectures + 2 conversations |
36 minutes |
0–30 |
| Speaking |
1 personal task, 3 tasks based on reading and listening |
16 minutes |
0–30 |
| Writing |
1 integrated writing task (20 mins), 1 academic discussion (10 mins) |
29 minutes |
0–30 |
Total TOEFL Test Time
The current TOEFL iBT test duration is about 2 hours.
TOEFL iBT Test Type
You can take the test in these ways:
- TOEFL iBT at Test Centers - You can give this type of TOEFL iBT on a computer at an ETS-approved center.
- TOEFL iBT Home Edition - You can give this type of TOEFL iBT at home on your computer with an online proctor.
- TOEFL Paper Edition - It is no longer available, but older scores are valid for 2 years
Also read- TOEFL iBT vs TOEFL Essentials: Which is Better?
TOEFL Scoring
After the TOEFL iBT exam, you currently receive a total score of 120 (each section is worth 30 points). Speaking and Writing section of TOEFL exam are checked by AI and ETS human raters.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
TOEFL iBT After Jan 21, 2026
From January 21, 2026, the TOEFL iBT test will be more modern and personalized. It becomes adaptive, which means the test will change based on your answers.
What Will Be New in TOEFL iBT 2026?
Adaptive Format
The test will adapt to your level. So if you are doing well, it may give more difficult questions. If you are struggling, it may give easier ones. This way, the test shows your real ability better.
More Real English Topics
Now, TOEFL will not only focus on old academic texts. It will include modern and useful topics, similar to what students really face in college or school.
New Score Scale
The TOEFL score will now be given from 1 to 6, in half-point steps (like 4.5 or 5.0). This makes the score easier to understand and matches international standards like CEFR.
New TOEFL iBT Format (From Jan 21, 2026)
| Section |
Question Types |
Number of Items |
Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading |
Complete words, daily reading, academic texts |
35–48* |
18–27 minutes |
| Listening |
Choose responses, conversations, talks |
35–45* |
18–27 minutes |
| Writing |
Build sentences, write email, discussion post |
12* |
23 minutes |
| Speaking |
Repeat sentences, interview-style answers |
11* |
8 minutes |
*Because the test adapts to your level, the number of questions and timing may be different for each person.
Also, Read
TOEFL iBT New Scoring System
The TOEFL iBT 2026 scoring system will change. The new system will use a scale of 1 to 6, instead of the old 0 to 120 score. Each of the 4 sections – Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing – will get a score between 1 to 6, including half scores like 4.5 or 5.5.
Your overall TOEFL score will be the average of all 4 section scores. If your average is something like 5.2, it will be rounded to the nearest 0.5 – so your final score will be 5.0.
- Each section will have a score from 1 to 6
- The overall score is the average of your 4 section scores
- Example: If your average score is 5.25, it will be rounded to 5.5
For 2 years after the change, students will still get the old 0–120 score along with the new one. So it’s easier to understand your level during the change period.
- Score on the 1–6 scale
- A comparable score on the old 0–120 scale
This new TOEFL score system follows the CEFR scale, which many universities and countries use to check English levels. Speaking and Writing will still be checked by both AI and ETS human experts, just like before.
Also Read: TOEFL Speaking Task Breakdown: What Raters Are Actually Looking For
Type of TOEFL Test 2026 - Still the Same
Even after 2026, you can take the TOEFL test in two ways:
- TOEFL iBT at Test Center – go to an ETS-approved test center
- TOEFL iBT Home Edition – take the test from home, with remote monitoring
- The TOEFL Paper Edition has been discontinued since January 2024, but scores from that version are valid for 2 years after the test date.
For Indian students going abroad, this new version gives a better and smoother experience for college admissions, scholarships, and visa applications.
Need help? Talk to our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors or join our free TOEFL prep classes to start your journey.
Related Reads
The updated TOEFL iBT test will have more modern and real-life English topics. Not only old academic texts, but also things like emails, classroom talks, and college discussions. This helps students understand the test better and feel more comfortable.
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 | ||
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Yes, the new TOEFL scoring system from 1 to 6 will be accepted by universities and colleges around the world. It follows the CEFR scale, which many schools already use. For 2 years, students will also get the old 0–120 score along with the new one.