Raushan
Raushan Kumar
Assistant Manager Content
Updated on Jul 18, 2025 12:37 IST

The TOEFL iBT test is one of the most preferred standardised English tests in the world and is accepted by over 13,000+ institutions in 160+ countries. The TOEFL exam will take less than 2 hours, and students will be able to access their scores within 4–8 days of taking the test. 

What is the TOEFL test format and score division?

The TOEFL test measures the ability of students to use and understand English at an advanced level. It evaluates how well the listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills of the student are, which are essential to perform academic tasks. In India TOEFL iBT test, a computer-based test, is available in both test centres and at home. TOEFL scores remain valid for two years after the test date. 

From January 21, 2026, the TOEFL iBT test will follow a new adaptive format, which means the difficulty level of the questions will change based on the test taker’s performance. The test will also include more real-world English topics and use a new scoring scale to better reflect a student's actual English level.

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Table of content
  • TOEFL iBT Format 2025
  • TOEFL Test Centres 2025
  • TOEFL Exam Fee 2025
  • TOEFL Score Division 2025
  • What is New in TOEFL from January 21, 2026?

TOEFL iBT Format 2025

The TOEFL test format for Indian students is given below. 

TOEFL Test Format

Section

Time Limit

Questions

Tasks

Reading

35 minutes

20 questions

Read 2 passages of approximately 700 words each from academic texts and answer 10 questions per passage.

Listening

36 minutes

28 questions

Listen to 3 lectures and 2 conversations, and then answer questions.

Speaking

16 minutes

4 tasks

Express an opinion on a familiar topic; speak based on reading and listening tasks.

Writing

29 minutes

2 tasks

Explain in writing your understanding of the short reading passages and audio recordings and support an opinion in writing.

TOEFL Test Centres 2025

The TOEFL test dates are subject to change but usually, the test takes place every Saturday and Sunday at 40 TOEFL exam centres in India. You can retake the test as many times as you wish, but you cannot take it more than once in 3 days. Check the complete TOEFL exam centers list in India

TOEFL Exam Fee 2025

The cost of the TOEFL test in India is ₹16,900 INR.

TOEFL Fee Type Amount (INR)
TOEFL iBT Fee in India INR 16,900
TOEFL Late Registration Fee INR 3,900 + Standard Fee
TOEFL Rescheduling Fee INR 5,900
Additional Score Reports (per recipient) INR 1,950
Speaking or Writing Section Score Review INR 7,900
Payment Return INR 2,900

TOEFL Score Division 2025

The iBT test comprises four sections – Reading (30 points), Listening (30 points), Speaking (30 points) and Writing (30 points), adding up to a total of 120 points. The maximum TOEFL score you can get is 120.  The section-wise TOEFL score division is given below. 

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TOEFL Score Division

Skill

Minimum – Maximum marks

Level

Reading

0–30

Advanced (24–30)
High-Intermediate (18–23)
Low-Intermediate (4–17)
Below Low-Intermediate (0–3)

Listening

0–30

Advanced (22–30)
High-Intermediate (17–21)
Low-Intermediate (9–16)
Below Low-Intermediate (0–8)

Speaking

0–4 points converted to a 0–30 score scale

Advanced (25–30)
High-Intermediate (20–24)
Low-Intermediate (16–19)
Basic (10–15)
Below Basic (0–9)

Writing

0–5 points converted to a 0–30 score scale

Advanced (24–30)
High-Intermediate (17–23)
Low-Intermediate (13–16)
Basic (7–12)
Below Basic (0–6)

Total Score

0–120

 

The total score is the sum of the four skill scores. Scores will be posted online approximately 4-8 days after the test date. ETS will send up to four official score reports directly to the institutions the student selects.

What is New in TOEFL from January 21, 2026?

Starting January 21, 2026, ETS (the official TOEFL body) will bring big changes in the test format. Here’s what’s new:

1. Adaptive Test Format

The TOEFL test will now be adaptive. This means the test will adjust based on your answers.







  • If you are doing well, it may show harder questions.
  • If you are struggling, the test may give easier ones.

This way, the test knows your real English level better.

2. Real English Topics

The new test will include more real-world topics. Not just old academic texts, but things that students see in daily life at school or college. This makes it more useful and practical.

3. New Scoring System (1–6 Scale)

The old TOEFL score was from 0 to 120. Now, it will be from 1 to 6, with scores like 4.5 or 5.0 also possible.

  • Each section – Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing – will get a score between 1 to 6.
  • Your overall score will be the average of your four section scores.
  • If your average is 5.25, it will be rounded to 5.5.

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

This was all about the TOEFL exam format and score division. If you need assistance in studying abroad, request a call back from Shiksha Counselling Services for free. 

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

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 can I get into the University of Lancashire from India?
A:

University of Lancashire accepts country-specific qualifications from overseas applicants. Indian candidates who wish to pursue their higher studies from the university, must meet the University of Lancashire admission requirements for Indian students listed below:

Undergraduate Requirements:

  • Higher secondary school certificate
  • Overall score of 60%  (80% for excellence scholarship)
  • 60% - 70% in Standard XII English (IELTS 6.0 equivalent)

Graduate Requirements:

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in relevant field;
  • Overall score of 58% in bachelor's degree  (80% for excellence scholarship) or 55% in master's degree
  • 65% - 75% in Standard XII English (IELTS 6.5 equivalent)
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About the Author
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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
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