What is the TOEFL Exam?

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is an English proficiency test designed for students who wish to study in English-speaking countries. The ETS TOEFL Exam 2025 assesses four key academic English skills—reading, listening, speaking, and writing—within an academic environment. It is primarily taken by students aspiring to pursue higher education abroad.

Why Choose TOEFL?

• The TOEFL test is recognized by over 12,000 universities and institutions across 160+ countries, making TOEFL iBT scores widely accepted worldwide.
• Taking the TOEFL exam can also make students eligible for various scholarships and support candidates applying for jobs and visas in foreign countries.
• The TOEFL 2025 exam is available primarily in a computer-delivered format, known as the TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test).
• Candidates can choose between TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Home Edition, with a registration fee of ₹16,900 INR.
• The TOEFL Paper-based Test is no longer available for Indian students.

TOEFL Full Form

Conducted by ETS (Educational Testing Service), TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. It is widely accepted by educational institutions and visa authorities in over 160 countries worldwide. This globally recognized English proficiency test evaluates candidates on a 0-120 scale across four key skills—speaking, writing, listening, and reading—in an academic setting.

What is TOEFL iBT?

The TOEFL Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) is the online version of the TOEFL exam, designed for candidates seeking a convenient and efficient testing experience. It is the most widely used TOEFL format, accounting for over 98% of TOEFL tests taken globally. TOEFL iBT test centers are available in major cities across the country, ensuring accessibility for test-takers. Due to its digital format, the TOEFL iBT requires fewer resources and offers greater flexibility for candidates.

TOEFL 2025 Exam Date

The TOEFL exam is available year-round at multiple test centers across the country. Candidates planning to study abroad are typically required to submit English language proficiency scores as part of their admission process. Conducted by ETS (Educational Testing Service), the TOEFL is one of the most widely recognized English language tests for students seeking admission to international universities and colleges.

To ensure timely submission of scores, candidates should schedule their TOEFL exam at least 2 to 3 months before their earliest application deadline. TOEFL scores are typically available in the ETS account within 4–8 days of the test date, while official score reports are sent to designated universities and recipients within 8–16 days. Therefore, it is highly recommended that candidates register for the TOEFL exam well in advance to avoid any last-minute issues.

TOEFL 2025 Exam Dates in India

The TOEFL exam is conducted every month in major cities across India, providing candidates with ample opportunities to take the test. To secure their preferred test center and exam date, candidates are advised to book their TOEFL slot well in advance.

For those opting for the TOEFL Home Edition, test appointments are available 24/7, with slots often accessible as early as 24 hours after registration.

TOEFL iBT Test Dates 2025

Below is a list of available TOEFL 2025 test dates. Candidates can check the dates for their respective test centers and proceed with the TOEFL registration. Those who meet the system requirements and have a suitable testing environment can also opt for the TOEFL Home Edition.

The TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) is conducted multiple times a month, and candidates planning to study abroad can find all available test dates on the official TOEFL website or in the list below.

Candidates will also have the flexibility to choose their preferred exam timing, with options for morning, afternoon, or evening slots. During registration, candidates must provide authentic identification details, which should exactly match the identification document (passport for Indian applicants) they will carry on exam day. Ensure your name is spelled exactly as it appears on your passport to avoid any issues.

TOEFL iBT Test Dates 2025

TOEFL Exam Dates Hyderabad 2025

TOEFL Exam Dates Chennai 2025

TOEFL Exam Dates 2025 Delhi

TOEFL Exam Dates 2025 Mumbai

TOEFL Exam Dates 2025 Kolkata

TOEFL Dates 2025 Bengaluru

TOEFL Exam Dates 2025 Pune

TOEFL Exam Dates Lucknow 2025

TOEFL Exam Dates 2025 Noida

TOEFL Exam Dates Ahmedabad 2025

TOEFL Exam Dates Ludhiana 2025

TOEFL Exam Dates Indore 2025

TOEFL Exam Dates Chandigarh 2025

TOEFL Test Dates Coimbatore 2025

TOEFL Dates Gurgaon 2025

TOEFL Dates Dehradun 2025

Note: Candidates should be aware that test dates may change based on seat availability at their chosen TOEFL test center. Therefore, the table above should be used for reference only. It is recommended that candidates visit the official website for the most up-to-date TOEFL test dates.

TOEFL Paper Edition Test Dates 2025

The TOEFL iBT Paper Edition has been discontinued. Candidates can still take the computer-based TOEFL iBT test either at an authorized test center or from home.

TOEFL Home Edition Test Dates 2025

The TOEFL iBT test is also available in the Home Edition, allowing candidates to take the exam from the comfort of their homes. Below are the TOEFL Home Edition test dates for 2025 across India:

TOEFL Home Edition Test Dates 2025

When Should You Take the TOEFL Test?

Many candidates struggle with deciding the right time to take the TOEFL exam. One advantage of the TOEFL test is its flexible scheduling, as there are no fixed test dates. Experts recommend taking the TOEFL exam 60 to 90 days before your earliest university application deadline. This ensures ample time to retake the test if the initial score does not meet expectations.

To enhance accessibility, ETS has introduced the TOEFL at Home edition, allowing candidates to take the exam remotely, provided they meet the required system specifications. While in-person TOEFL test centers are operational with safety measures in place, candidates preferring to take the test from home can opt for the TOEFL at Home edition, selecting a test date that best suits them.

To register, candidates must visit the official TOEFL website, create a test taker profile, and complete the TOEFL registration process. The registration fee for the TOEFL exam is ₹16,900 INR.

TOEFL 2025 Eligibility Criteria

When it comes to TOEFL eligibility, the requirements are straightforward and mainly revolve around age, educational qualifications, and the specific TOEFL score needed for admission. Here are the key points to consider:

1. Age Requirement: There are no strict age restrictions for TOEFL eligibility. While most test takers are typically around 18 years old, ETS does not set a specific age requirement.

2. Educational Qualification: The primary educational prerequisite for TOEFL is successfully completing 10+2 or its equivalent from a recognized Indian board. This means candidates should have completed their grade 12 or an equivalent degree to be eligible to take the exam. It is also possible to take the test while pursuing high school studies.

3. TOEFL Score Requirement: The TOEFL eligibility score varies depending on the universities and programs to which the candidate is applying. Top universities often have higher TOEFL score requirements, in addition to considering factors such as a strong GPA, previous academic achievements, and sometimes work experience. The required TOEFL score will also differ based on the chosen course of study. Humanities programs, for example, may have higher TOEFL score expectations compared to other fields.

TOEFL Eligibility: Required Documents

To meet the TOEFL eligibility requirements, candidates must provide specific identification documents that contain their photo, signature, and accurate name spelling. For Indian students, the accepted ID document is a valid passport, as stated by ETS guidelines.

Here are the key points regarding the required documents:

1. Valid Passport: The candidate’s valid passport serves as the primary identification document for TOEFL. It must be presented in its original form, as photocopies are not accepted. The photo and signature on the passport should match the candidate’s appearance and signature.

2. National ID Proof: In addition to the passport, candidates need to carry a national ID proof that includes their name, signature, photo, and date of birth. This serves as additional verification during the exam.

3. Confirmation Email: Candidates should also bring a printout of the confirmation email received from ETS. This email serves as another form of verification.

It’s important to note that certain types of IDs are not accepted as valid proof for TOEFL, even if they contain the candidate’s name, signature, and photo. These include temporary ID cards, birth certificates, credit/debit cards, diplomatic or embassy ID cards, draft classification cards, employee ID cards, international driver’s licenses, international student IDs, notary-prepared letters or documents, school / college / library IDs, and social security cards.

TOEFL Retake Eligibility

Candidates have the flexibility to retake the TOEFL exam multiple times without any set limitations. The exam is offered throughout the year, with approximately 50 test dates available. However, there is a requirement to maintain a minimum gap of 12 days between each exam attempt.

In other words, candidates can choose to retake the TOEFL as many times as they wish, but they must adhere to the 12-day waiting period between each test date. This allows candidates to adequately prepare and improve their performance before attempting the exam again.

TOEFL Exam Syllabus 2025 (Latest)

Below is the updated TOEFL 2025 syllabus to help candidates prepare effectively. For a detailed overview, candidates can also download the TOEFL syllabus PDF.

TOEFL Exam Syllabus 2025

Reading Section

• Description: This section consists of two passages, each approximately 700 words long, with 10 questions per passage.
• Duration: 35 minutes
• Total Questions: 20

Listening Section

• Description: This section includes three lectures, some with classroom discussions (each lasting 3–5 minutes), and two conversations (each around 3 minutes). Candidates can take notes to assist in answering questions.
• Duration: 36 minutes
• Total Questions: 28
• Question Breakdown:
  • Lectures: 3 (each 3–5 minutes, 500-800 words), 6 questions per lecture → Total: 18
  • Conversations: 2 (each about 3 minutes, 12-25 exchanges), 5 questions per conversation → Total: 10

Speaking Section

• Description: To achieve high scores in the Speaking section, responses should be clear, well-structured, and relevant to the task. Evaluators assess responses based on delivery, language use, and topic development.
• Duration: 16 minutes
• Total Questions: 4
• Question Breakdown:
  • Independent Task: 1 task (Preparation time: 15-30 sec; Response time: 45 or 60 sec)
  • Integrated Tasks: 3 tasks (Read/Listen/Speak with Preparation time: 15-30 sec; Response time: 45 or 60 sec)

Writing Section

• Description: Candidates must write two well-structured essays with relevant explanations and examples. Responses should demonstrate coherence, unity, and grammatical accuracy.
• Duration: 30 minutes
• Total Questions: 2
• Question Breakdown:
  • Integrated Task: Read a passage, listen to a recording, and write a response (Total: 20 minutes → Reading: 3 min, Listening: 2 min, Writing: 15 min)
  • Writing for Academic Discussion Task: Express opinions in a classroom discussion format (Total: 10 minutes)

This updated TOEFL syllabus will help candidates prepare effectively for each section of the exam.