If you are planning to study abroad and happen to be a non-native English speaker, then you might have come across an examination named TOEFL. The TOEFL exam is an English language proficiency test that is recognized by top universities worldwide. It helps you to prove your command over the English language skills and helps you to pursue higher education abroad or in international countries.
Read this full blog to know everything about the TOEFL exam so that you can easily plan your education abroad.
Key Highlights of the TOEFL Exam
Key highlights of the TOEFL exam are as follows:
| Exam Name | TOEFL |
| TOEFL full form | Test of English as a Foreign Language |
| Official Website | https://www.ets.org |
| Conducting Body | ETS (Educational Testing Service) |
| Widely popular as | English language proficiency test |
| Generally accepted by | Universities in the USA and Canada |
| Mode of exam | TOEFL iBT: Internet-based test and TOEFL Home Edition. TOEFL Test on Paper has been discontinued. |
| TOEFL Exam Fees | ₹16,900 INR |
| Score Range | Reading: 0–30m, Listening: 0–30, Speaking: 0–30, Writing: 0–30 |
| TOEFL Helpline | 1-609-771-7100, 1-877-863-3546 |
| Fax | 1-610-290-8972 |
What Is The TOEFL Exam?
The test of the English language foreign language, known as the TOEFL Exam, is a standard test that measures the individual capacity and proficiency level in the English language. The examination is conducted by the Educational Testing Service, which is a governing body. Students who are non-native English speakers and want to be admitted to different programs across the globe are required to appear for this exam.
The importance of this exam is that it proves your efficiency in the English language. The exam consists of four academic English skills divided into sections: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The popular English language proficiency test evaluates the candidate on a scale of 0 to 120 in the English speaking, writing, listening, and reading skills for their academics. The exam is widely available through the computer delivery mode, and candidates planning to register for this examination must pay around 16,900 in Indian currency.Â
TOEFL Full Form
The entire name of the exam is the Test of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL for short, it is administered by ETS. In more than 160 countries worldwide, both educational institutions and visa-issuing agencies accept the TOEFL exam. This well-known English language exam rates applicants’ speaking, writing, listening, and reading abilities in the language in an academic context on a scale from 0 to 120.
What is TOEFL iBT?
As the name suggests, the TOEFL Internet Test (TOEFL iBT) is an online version of the TOEFL test for candidates who want to take their exams. This is the preferred TOEFL medium due to its ease of use and lower resource consumption. TOEFL iBT testing centres have been authorized nationwide in major cities to organize these TOEFL exams. TOEFL iBT is the preferred testing method and more than 98% of TOEFL tests are taken worldwide.
What is the paper-based TOEFL test?
Candidates should note that the paper-based TOEFL test has been discontinued. ETS has relaunched the paper-based TOEFL iBT test in several countries. The paper-based TOEFL iBT test will test the same 4 skills of candidates but will be done on paper and taken in two test sessions. The TOEFL Reading, Listening, and Writing sections will be taken on paper at a testing centre. The TOEFL Speaking test must be taken at home on a computer and monitored online by a proctor within three days of the paper test. The paper-based TOEFL test is available in several countries, including India. For the speaking test to be taken at home, candidates must prepare the necessary environment and equipment before registering for the TOEFL ETS test.
What Is The Eligibility Criteria For The TOEFL Exam 2024?
As per the ETS, there are no eligibility criteria required for an individual to appear for the TOEFL Exam. Additionally, there is no age bar to appear for this examination.Â
Generally, students who have cleared their 12th grade or the highest school appear for this examination so that they can easily proceed with their application to foreign universities.
The TOEFL exam is taken by individuals who fall under any of the following categories:
- A student attended a university or high school in an English-speaking country.
- Individual student who needs to demonstrate their proficiency in the English language for immigration purposes.
TOEFL Exam Fee 2024
TOEFL Exam Fees in India 2024: The cost to register for the TOEFL exam varies depending on where you live. In India, the cost of the TOEFL exam is ₹16,900. In addition, candidates must pay an additional fee for additional services such as late registration, exam rescheduling, or score review.
Country Wise TOEFL Fees 2024
The TOEFL Exam is the most popular English language assessment test and is widely used by almost all international universities and colleges. There are more than 11,000 universities, and the examination is affected in over 150 countries. Some countries that accept the TOEFL exam are the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, and various other countries across Europe and Asia.
Fees:
| Country | TOEFL Fees in INR | TOEFL Fees |
| USA | INR 19449 | $235 |
| Australia | INR 22593 | $273 |
| India | INR 16,900 | ₹16,900 INR |
| Germany | INR 21931 | $265 |
| South Korea | INR 18207 | $220 |
Why Take The TOEFL Exam?
The TOEFL Exam is a high-quality test that demonstrates your English language skills, which are required to succeed in international universities.
There are more than 35 million individuals worldwide who have appeared for this test and trusted it. The test gives an objective measure of their English-speaking ability to succeed in their college and the programs abroad they select to study. At the same time, admissions at a foreign university allow you to gain experience that can handle the course load of an English-based program. Whereas, the TOEFL Exam has become one of the exams that is required to pursue your dream of higher studies at an English-speaking university.
How Is The TOEFL Exam Structured And Timed?
The TOEFL Exam comprises four sections that are carefully structured to gauge your command of the English language. You need to familiarize yourself with the structure of the examination. The TOEFL exam is divided into four sections, which are generally known as reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
All the candidates have three hours and 30 minutes to solve and complete their tests. This is inclusive of a 10-minute break halfway through the exam and time for check-in.
Register for TOEFL 2024
Register for TOEFL: One can register for TOEFL all year round. TOEFL ETS test registration is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Candidates can register for the TOEFL test online, by phone or mail, or in person (through an authorized agent). Candidates should remember that online TOEFL registration ends seven days before the test and late registration ends four days before the TOEFL test date with a late fee of $40. Candidates taking the TOEFL test in India need to pay the TOEFL test fee in India of INR 16,900.
TOEFL Slot Booking 2024
TOEFL Slot Booking: Whenever you consider taking the TOEFL test Take TOEFL test, just check the most suitable TOEFL test date, and the test centre is conveniently located for you to register for a TOEFL test spot. Selecting a TOEFL test date and TOEFL test centre is an integral part of your TOEFL reservation. In addition, candidates must also have a valid passport to present as proof of identity at the testing centre.
TOFEL Exam Dates
Dates of the 2024 TOEFL Exam: We are going to discuss TOEFL exam dates in this part. The TOEFL exam is administered at several different ETS TOEFL test locations throughout the year. You should aim to take the TOEFL iBT exam no later than one month before the first deadline for applications. You will have plenty of time to work on your applications during this period, and you can retake the exam three days following your initial attempt if necessary. It is therefore recommended that you take the TOEFL exam by October if your application deadline is November. You can reappear for the TOEFL in the second part of October if you feel the need to.
TOEFL Exam Centre
Indian exam locations for the TOEFL iBT are as follows: Ahmedabad, Allahabad, Amritsar, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Coimbatore, Dehradun, Delhi, East Godavari District, Gurgaon, Gwalior, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kochi, Kolkata, Ludhiana, Madurai, Mumbai, Patna, Pondicherry, Pune, Raipur, Surat, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, Tirupati, Trichy, Vadodara, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and Warangal. You can also see the cities in India where the TOEFL iBT is administered from the official website.
NOTE: Candidates should always confirm with the closest center that their desired exam day and time are available before making their reservation.
TOEFL Exam Pattern 2024
The TOEFL test sample is divided into four parts, which are reading, listening, speaking, and writing, and the total score. You must practice the TOEFL sample tests, to get a higher score. Each section ranges from 0 to 30, with a total score from 0 to 120. Results will be posted online six days after the test date. ETS will send up to four official score reports directly to the schools the student has selected during the application procedure.
What Is The Syllabus For The TOEFL Exam?
Here is a brief description of the syllabus of the TOEFL Exam, based on different sections of the examination:
- Reading Section
The reading section tests the ability to understand and analyze academic passages written in English. You will get 3 to 4 passages to read and answer the questions. However, each reading passage is followed by 9 to 10 questions. The time duration for the section depends on the number of pages you get.
If you get three pages, you will have 54 minutes to answer, whereas if you get four packages, you will have 72 minutes to respond.
The passage will test your reading and interpretation skills. These question types are as follows:
- Factual Information
- Negative Factual Information
- Inference
- Rhetorical Purpose
- Reading Vocabulary
- Sentence Simplification
- Insert Text
- Prose Summary
- Listening Section
The listening section of the examination tests your ability to understand lectures and conversations in English. However, here you will have to listen to 2 to 3 conversations and 3 to 4 lectures. You must make notes of what you hear to answer the questions afterward. Most questions are one word or One point. The total time you get to complete the section is 41 to 57 minutes. The types of questions that appeal in the listening sections are as follows:
- Gist-Content & Gist-Purpose
- Detail
- Function
- Attitude
- Organization
- Connecting Content
- Inference
- Speaking Section
In the speaking section, your spoken English abilities are tested on a variety of topics. The duration of this section is 17 minutes, and you will get 4 task questions that are based on real-life situations encountered in academic, social, and professional environments.
These tasks are broadly divided into two types: independent speaking tasks and integrated speaking tasks.
- Independence Speaking Test: Under these, you are required to combine your listening and speaking skills to respond to the questions you will have to answer based on your opinions, ideas, and experiences.
- Integrated Speaking Task: You are required to combine a link between your listening, reading, and speaking skills to respond.
- Writing Section
The writing section majors the ability to write efficiently in English. You are tested on how you can organize and present your ideas in the form of an essay. It consists of two tasks: an integrated writing task and an independent writing task, for which you get 50 minutes to write both essays.
- Integrated Writing Task: You will get a short passage to read and listen to a short lecture where you will be required to summarize the main idea of both subjects and explain how they are concerned. The time duration of this task is 20 minutes.
- Independent Writing Task: This requires you to write an essay in response to a given topic based on your personal experience and ideas; you are rewarded the marks based on the structure of the essay and the development of your ideas. The duration of this task is 30 minutes.
When Do You Receive The TOEFL Exam Result?
The result of the examination is sent to you via email approximately 6 days after your test date. You can also get it in your ETS account. The validity of the scorecard for the examination is valid for two years from the actual test date. However, universities abroad do not accept the expired result; you will be required to re-apply for the exam after two years if you want a scorecard for submission as a valid document.
Important Things To Know About The TOEFL Fees 2024
There are some important things that you should know about the examination, as per the ETS. The essentials of the TOEFL exam in India are mentioned below:
| Item | Fees |
| TOEFL Test Fee | $205 or INR 16,900 |
| TOEFL Late Registration Fee | $40 or INR 3,333 |
| TOEFL Rescheduling Fee | $60, or INR 5,000 |
| TOEFL Cancellation Fee | $20, or INR 1,650 |
| Additional score reports (per institution or agency) | $25 each, or INR 2,000 |
| Speaking or Writing Section Score Review | $80 or INR 6.660 |
| Speaking and Writing Section Score Review | $160, or INR 13,330 |
| Returned payment | $30, or INR 2,500 |
Best TOEFL Books
To choose which books and resources are most appropriate for you, you must first determine which category you are: beginner, expert, or just focused on grammar or vocabulary. After that, you will need to choose the books that best fit your requirements. To be ready for the TOEFL, check out the most well-liked books and guides.
Here is a list of the best TOEFL books so that you can easily plan to score good marks in the exam.
- Official Guide to the TOEFL Test, Sixth Edition
- TOEFL IBT: With 8 Online Practice Tests
- TOEFL Preparation Book 2023-2024
- Official TOEFL IBT Tests Volume 1, Fourth Edition
- TOEFL IBT Prep Plus 2020-2021: 4 Practice Tests + Proven Strategies + Online + Audio
- Essential words for the TOEFL
- Official TOEFL IBT® Tests Volume 2
- Barron’s TOEFL IBT
All These Books are considered to be the best books for the TOEFL exam as you can easily score good marks. These books contain enough material to support your self-preparation. The official material issued by the ETS is also very beneficial for you to use for preparation.
TOEFL Practice Test
Candidates must have a strong command of the English language because the TOEFL is an English language test. The TOEFL is broken up into sections, just as the other standardized tests needed to study overseas. Since each section is important, it must be prepared appropriately. The exam consists of four sections; therefore, it will take time to thoroughly study and perform well in each section. After finishing your practice test, you can assess your skills with a practice TOEFL exam to determine how much you are capable of scoring.
Scholarships for TOEFL 2024
Scholarship for the TOEFL exam: Having to pay tuition fees in foreign currency in addition to high living expenses is one of the main disadvantages of studying overseas. Many students find themselves unable to travel overseas for these reasons, forcing them to settle for other options. But now that there are so many different study abroad scholarships and student loans available, students can fully realize their goals. Every college’s official website lists scholarships along with other awards and fellowships that are frequently given to worthy candidates. Financial organizations also offer education loans to students who wish to study overseas.
Note: ETS and the TOEFL program do not currently offer scholarships.
TOEFL Cut-Off
The TOEFL exam has no minimum passing score requirements; instead, the minimum score required varies depending on the university or educational institution. There is no TOEFL cutoff since each university determines what constitutes a passing score based on its standards. University score requirements might vary greatly depending on the university and the particular program of study, but they generally do not alter very often. As a result, you must monitor any revisions made by the universities by visiting their website and keeping an eye out for changes.
Conclusion
It is important for you to know that you cannot pass or fail the examination. One has to decide his or her goal for the exam score. The main aim of the examination score should be based on the minimum score required by many of the universities you want to attend. To get admission, you must achieve a good score, for which you should start your preparation as early as possible so that you have enough time to prepare yourself for the examination. The preparation for the examination is tough and should be completed on time. Moreover, the practice test and the free study resources will help you during your preparation time and help you give better scores so that you can get your desired university for your desired course.
FAQs
Is the TOEFL test hard?
The examination is a lengthy test and requires you to have the speed to solve all the skill sections. The examination could be difficult for some and easy for others, depending on your preparation.
Which countries accept the TOEFL exam?
There are so many countries that have the examination. However, it depends on you to check the university criteria if they allow this exam as the English language proficiency test.
Can I cancel the examination?
Yes, you can cancel the examination to receive it. If you want to cancel, then you must cancel your registration four days before the test date, then only you will receive 50% of the original test fees you paid.
Does the TOEFL certificate expire?
Yes, the examination certificate expires after 2 years; However, if you want to be admitted after this period, you will need to reappear for the exam.
Gaurav Kandari is a seasoned study abroad consultant with over 5 years of experience, specializing in guiding students to the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. An avid traveler, he draws on his global adventures to enrich his consulting, providing invaluable insights to aspiring scholars.
