Candidates should know complete details about the TOEFL Exam 2026, including latest updates, new exam format, fees, test dates, registration steps, and preparation tips. This short guide helps students understand all changes easily and plan their TOEFL preparation.
The TOEFL Exam 2026 is a popular English language test for students who plan to study or work in foreign countries. It is accepted by many universities and colleges around the world. The exam is conducted by ETS, and it checks how well you can use English in real study situations like reading books, listening to lectures, speaking clearly, and writing answers. From January 2026, the TOEFL exam pattern is getting some new updates, so students must understand the changes early.
In TOEFL 2026, there will be changes in the exam format, scoring system, and overall test experience. The test will feel more practical and closer to real classroom English. Because of this, knowing the latest TOEFL updates, exam fees, test dates, and registration process becomes very important. Many students miss small details and later feel confused while booking the test.
This article on TOEFL Exam 2026 Latest Updates will help you understand everything in simple words. It explains the new format, how much the exam costs, when the tests are held, how to apply, and how to start TOEFL preparation the right way. If you are planning to take TOEFL in 2026, this guide will make things more clear and less stressful.
- What’s Changing in the TOEFL Exam in 2026?
- TOEFL Exam Format for 2026
- TOEFL Eligibility Criteria for 2026
- TOEFL Exam Fees in 2026
- How to Register for the TOEFL iBT Exam in 2026
- TOEFL Score Reporting Process (2026 Update)
- TOEFL Latest Updates 2026 FAQs
What’s Changing in the TOEFL Exam in 2026?
From January 21, 2026, TOEFL iBT Exam is getting a big update. These changes are made to test real English skills, not just memory or tricks. The exam will be shorter, more practical, and easier to understand for students.
Key Changes in TOEFL 2026
-
Shorter test time: The full exam will take less than 2 hours.
- New section order: Writing will come before Speaking. (This will be the order of TOEFL 2026 exam, Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking)
-
Adaptive testing introduced: Reading and Listening will use adaptive format, meaning question difficulty changes based on your performance. You cannot go back to previous questions.
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More real-life content: Questions will include emails, announcements, short messages, and daily academic situations, not only long textbook passages.
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New task types: Short and focused tasks like sentence building, email writing, listening and responding, and interview-style speaking are added.
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New scoring system: Scores will be given on a 1–6 band scale, linked with CEFR levels. For two years, students will also get the old 0–120 score for university comparison.
TOEFL 2026 Overview Table
| Area | Before Jan 21, 2026 | After Jan 21, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Test time | Under 2 hours | Under 2 hours |
| Question style | Fixed | Adaptive (Reading & Listening) |
| Content | Mostly academic | Academic + real-life |
| Scoring | 0–120 | 1–6 band + 0–120 (temporary) |
Overall, the TOEFL Exam 2026 is more student-friendly and closer to how English is actually used in colleges. Knowing these changes early will help you prepare in the right direction.
TOEFL Exam Format for 2026
This is the major changes coming to the TOEFL iBT on January 21, 2026. The move toward a multistage adaptive format and a 1.0–6.0 band scale (aligned with CEFR) is a significant shift designed to make the test faster and more reflective of modern communication. The TOEFL Syllabus will still evaluate the four main skills: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.
TOEFL iBT Test Structure (Effective January 21, 2026)
| Section |
Estimated Time |
Items |
Description & Task Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading |
18–27 mins |
35–48 items |
|
| Listening |
18–27 mins |
35–45 items |
|
| Writing |
23 mins |
12 items |
|
| Speaking |
8 mins |
11 items |
|
Key Policy Reminders
- Multistage Adaptive Logic: For Reading and Listening, you cannot return to a previous question or module once you have submitted it. Your performance in the first module determines if your second module will be "Easy" or "Hard," which directly impacts your scoring ceiling.
- New Scoring Scale: All sections will now be scored on a 1.0 to 6.0 scale (in 0.5 increments). For a two-year transition period, ETS will provide a "comparable" 0–120 score alongside the new band score.
TOEFL Eligibility Criteria for 2026
There are no specific TOEFL iBT eligibility requirements. Test is open to anyone looking to demonstrate English proficiency. However, candidates 16 years or older are highly recommended for the TOEFL test.
| Category | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Education | None (10+2 recommended) |
| Age | None (16+ recommended) |
| Primary ID | Valid Government Passport |
| Retake Gap | 3 Days |
TOEFL Exam Fees in 2026
The total TOEFL iBT Exam Fees in India are INR 18,000. The following table provides a detailed breakdown of the TOEFL iBT fees in India. This is calculated by adding the mandatory 18% GST to the base service charges.
| Service | Base Fee (INR) | 18% GST (INR) | Total Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registration for TOEFL iBT | INR 15,254.00 | INR 2,745.72 | INR 17,999.72 |
| Late Registration | INR 3,305.08 | INR 594.91 | INR 3,899.99 |
| Test Rescheduling | INR 5,000.00 | INR 900.00 | INR 5,900.00 |
| Reinstatement of Canceled Scores | INR 1,652.54 | INR 297.46 | INR 1,950.00 |
| Additional Score Reports | INR 2,000.00 | INR 360.00 | INR 2,360.00 |
| Speaking/Writing Score Review | INR 6,694.92 | INR 1,205.09 | INR 7,900.01 |
| Payment Return Fee | INR 2,900.00 | INR 522.00 | INR 3,422.00 |
In India, you can pay using Credit/Debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) or integrated digital payment options like UPI and Paytm via the registration portal.
How to Register for the TOEFL iBT Exam in 2026
Steps to register for TOEFL 2026 are same as it was earlier. There were no changes in TOEFL registration process.
Make an ETS Account
Go to the official ETS website. You need to create a username and password. Write your name exactly like it is on your Passport. If the names don't match, you cannot take the test and you will lose your money.
Pick your Test Date
Login and click "Register." You will see two choices: Test Center or Home Edition.
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Choose a test date and time. It is better to book 2 months early because seats fill up fast.
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Remember, tests after January 21, 2026 use the new 1–6 score scale.
Fill the Information
The website will ask about your school and why you need the TOEFL score.
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You can choose 4 colleges to send your scores for free. You must pick them before the test day. If you pick them later, you have to pay extra money.
Pay the Exam Fee
The TOEFL Registration Fee in India is ₹18,000. You can pay the fees with any required payment methods.
TOEFL Score Reporting Process (2026 Update)
Starting January 21, 2026, how you get and share your TOEFL scores will change. The process is now faster and includes a new way to look at your results. Also Check: How to send TOEFL iBT Scores to Colleges
TOEFL Faster Results Delivery
In the past, you had to wait 4–8 days. In 2026, scores are delivered within 72 hours (3 days) for most students.
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Unofficial Scores: You can still see your unofficial Reading and Listening scores on the screen immediately after you finish the test at a center.
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Official Scores: Your full score report (all 4 sections) will be available in your ETS account much faster than before.
TOEFL Dual Score Report
Because the scoring scale is changing from 0–120 to 1–6, your report will look different. To help universities abroad, ETS will show three things on every report for a two-year period (2026–2028):
-
New Band Score: Your score on the 1–6 scale (e.g., 5.5).
-
Legacy Score: A "comparable" score on the old 0–120 scale (e.g., 107).
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CEFR Level: Your level according to global standards (like B2, C1, or C2).
How to Send TOEFL Scores to Universities
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4 Free Reports: Your exam fee includes sending your scores to 4 institutions. You must select these schools in your ETS account by 10 PM the night before your test.
-
Additional Reports: If you want to send scores to more than 4 schools, or if you decide to send them after the test, you must pay an extra fee (about $25 per school).
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Direct Delivery: ETS sends the scores directly to the schools. You cannot send them yourself. Most schools get them digitally in 4–8 business days.
TOEFL Score Validity
-
2 Years: Just like before, your TOEFL scores are valid for two years. After two years, they disappear from the system, and you cannot send them to any more colleges.
-
MyBest Scores: Your report will still show your "MyBest" scores. This combines your highest section scores from all tests you took in the last two years to give you the best possible total.
Also Read: What is the TOEFL Test Format and Score Division?
TOEFL 2026 Score Reporting Summary
| Feature | 2026 Update |
|---|---|
| Delivery Time | 72 Hours |
| Score Scale | 1–6 Band (+ comparable 0–120) |
| Free Reports | 4 Colleges (if picked before test) |
| Validity | 2 Years |
TOEFL Latest Updates 2026 FAQs
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.
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.
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The TOEFL exam is changing on January 21, 2026. If you take test before this date, you will get old pattern. After this date, you get new TOEFL iBT short version.