Raushan
Raushan Kumar
Assistant Manager Content
Updated on Jul 11, 2025 14:52 IST

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.

TOEFL exam pattern 2026

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.

Table of content
  • 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
  • Why These TOEFL 2026 Changes Matter

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.

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


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

MS Colleges Accepting TOEFL scores

TOEFL Syllabus

Studying in the UK with the TOEFL iBT® Test

When to Start Preparing for IELTS or TOEFL?

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 sectionsReading, 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.

Why These TOEFL 2026 Changes Matter

The new TOEFL iBT changes from January 2026 are important for many reasons. 

  • Shorter Test Duration: The TOEFL iBT test 2026 will be shorter and faster, so it will be easier for candidates to attempt the test without getting stressed for a longer period. 
  • Adaptive Format: The new adaptive format of TOEFL iBT helps show your real English level better. It gives questions based on how you answer, so you get a test that fits your skill.
  • TOEFL Score Scale: The new TOEFL score scale (1 to 6) is also easier to understand. It matches the CEFR levels, which are used by many colleges and visa offices. This makes your TOEFL results more useful when you apply to study abroad.
  • Modern Topics: The test will now have modern and real-life topics, not just old academic stuff. So it feels more like how English is used in today’s classrooms.

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

Q:   What is the new TOEFL iBT scoring system from 2026?
A:

From January 21, 2026, the TOEFL iBT test will use a new score scale from 1 to 6, instead of 0 to 120. Each section – Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing – will get a score between 1.0 to 6.0, including half scores like 4.5 or 5.5. Your overall score will be the average of the 4 sections.

Q:   Is the TOEFL exam getting shorter in 2026?
A:

Yes, the new TOEFL iBT 2026 will be shorter than before. It will take less time to finish, depending on how you answer the questions. The test is now adaptive, so timing and number of questions can be different for each person.

Q:   Can I still take the TOEFL test from home after 2026?
A:

Yes, the TOEFL iBT Home Edition will still be available after the changes. You can take the test on your own computer at home, with a live human proctor watching online. This is good for students who don't want to go to a test center.

Recommendation

Explore popular universities

Harvard University

Cambridge, USAPrivate

111 courses
17.64 L - 80.31 L
Technical University of Munich

Munich, GermanyPublic

223 courses
0 - 40.83 L
Deakin University

Burwood, AustraliaPublic

233 courses
9.38 L - 47.27 L
ETH Zurich

Zurich, SwitzerlandPublic

12 courses
1.64 L - 5.07 L
King's College London

London, UKPublic

376 courses
11.78 L - 73.37 L
La Trobe University

Melbourne, AustraliaPublic

266 courses
9.62 L - 47.15 L
372 courses
0 - 22.73 L
Birmingham City University

Birmingham, UKPublic

348 courses
8.99 L - 29.92 L
Coventry University

Coventry, UKPublic

493 courses
4.8 L - 27.04 L
Northeastern University

Boston, USAPrivate

455 courses
11.45 L - 60.5 L
Is this recommendation relevant?
Which stage are you in your study abroad journey?

Pick your stage and get free guidance from counsellors who've helped thousands get into top universities.

Research IconStarting research
Shortlist IconShortlisting colleges
Exam IconExam preparation
SopLor IconSOP/LOR writing
Scholarship IconScholarship & finance
Visa IconVisa application
About the Author
author-image
Written by
Raushan Kumar
Assistant Manager Content
Raushan Kumar is a skilled writer and a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. He oversees various aspects of studying abroad, including educational opportunities, entrance exams, colleges, latest new Read Full Bio
Explore popular study destinations
Resources for you
Understand the process step by step by referring to these guides curated just for you
qna

Comments