Raushan
Raushan Kumar
Assistant Manager Content
Updated on Jul 18, 2025 12:37 IST
What is the TOEFL test format and score? The TOEFL test measures the ability of students to use and understand English at an advanced level. TOEFL scores remain valid for two years after the test date. Read this article to know about the TOEFL test format and score division in detail.

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 contents
  • 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. 

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 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 to prepare for UK 10th board exam?
A:

Those who are preparing for the UK Class 10 exam 2026 are recommended to follow the tips below.

  • Know the exam pattern.
  • Make a proper time table as per the syllabus.
  • Solve previous year question papers.
  • Make short notes of important formulas and theorems.
  • Revise regularly.
  • Figure out weaker areas and learn them well.
Q:   Which is better for an MBA among Pondicherry University and University of Greenwich in UK?
A:

The University of Greenwich is among the top universities to pursue an MBA in the UK. On the other hand,  Pondicherry University is a popular university in India for MBA. Both offer quality MBA courses to international students with better career opportunities. Mentioned below is the comparison between both universities for MBA courses:

UniversitiesFeesEligibility
University of Greenwich MBAINR 7 L - 22 L (first-year fees)

A Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 55% in the final year

Pondicherry University MBA
24.9 K - 2.4 L (complete fees)
Complete a Bachelors degree with at least 50 % aggregate 

Both universities look good in terms of fees and admission criteria. Therefore, it's your choice where you wish to study MBA in the UK among these two universities.

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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