TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. It’s a standardized test designed to measure the English language proficiency of non-native speakers who want to study, work, or migrate to English-speaking countries especially the United States.
Required or accepted by universities in USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Europe Especially important for applying to graduate and undergraduate programs.
Accepted by immigration departments for study, work, or PR visas.
Required by medical and technical boards in the USA and Canada.
TOEFL is trusted worldwide for its academic focus and fair scoring.
The TOEFL exam assesses English proficiency for non-native speakers through four components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The exam measures skills used in academic settings and includes 100% academic content
The TOEFL exam is 2 hours long. Let us now try to understand the TOEFL exam pattern for international applicants in brief:
The TOEFL exam assesses English proficiency for non-native speakers through four components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The exam measures skills used in academic settings and includes 100% academic content.
The TOEFL exam is 1.5 – 2 hours long (As the test adapts, test time and items may vary). Let us now try to understand the TOEFL exam pattern for international applicants in brief:
TOEFL Exam Sections |
Time Allocated |
Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|
Listening |
18-29 Minutes |
35-47 Items |
Reading |
18-27 Minutes |
35-50 Items |
Writing |
23 Minutes |
12 Tasks |
Speaking |
8 Minutes |
11 Tasks |
The 2026 TOEFL scoring system introduces a new 1-6 band scale (with half-points) for each section (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing) and overall, aligning with the CEFR for easier interpretation, while also providing the traditional 0-120 score for a two-year transition (2026-2028). The overall score is the average of the four section scores, rounded to the nearest half band, replacing the previous sum of section scores.
Total score: 1– 6 |
|---|
Reading: 1– 6 |
Listening: 1– 6 |
Speaking: 1– 6 |
Writing: 1– 6 |
Score Range |
CEFR Level |
Proficiency Meaning |
|---|---|---|
6 |
C2 (Mastery) |
Expert user |
5 |
C1 (Advanced) |
Independent fluent user |
4 |
B2 (Upper Intermediate) |
Independent user |
3 |
B1 (Intermediate) |
Basic independent user |
2 |
A2 (Elementary) |
Limited user |
A1 (Beginner) |
Minimal user |
A good TOEFL score in the TOEFL 2026 format is generally considered 5.0 or higher on the new 1–6 band scale. This level shows advanced English proficiency (CEFR C1) — meaning you can understand complex academic materials, express ideas clearly, and communicate fluently in university settings. Scores between 5.5 and 6.0 are excellent and competitive for top global universities, while 4.5–5.0 is good enough for most undergraduate and graduate programs. Anything below 4.0 usually indicates the need for additional English preparation before starting academic studies.
Institution Type |
Target Total Score |
Level |
|---|---|---|
Top Tier universities |
5 – 6 |
C1 – C2 |
Good universities (global) |
4.5 – 5 |
B2+ – C1 |
Minimum for admission |
4 – 4.5 |
B2 |
