TOEFL 2026 Explained: New Scoring, Shorter Test, and What Students Need to Know

Author – Ritesh Ranjan: The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) has long been a cornerstone for international students seeking admission to universities abroad. Conducted by Educational Testing Service, the TOEFL iBT is accepted by over 13,000 institutions across more than 160 countries.

In January 2026, ETS introduced a major transformation to the TOEFL iBT exam. With a new scoring system, shorter duration, and adaptive testing model, the updated TOEFL is designed to better reflect real-world academic English skills.

If you’re planning to study abroad in 2026 or beyond, here’s everything you need to know about the new TOEFL format.

What Is TOEFL and Why It Matters

TOEFL measures a student’s ability to understand and use English in an academic environment. It is widely accepted in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.

For students whose first language is not English, TOEFL scores are often a mandatory requirement for university admissions. The exam evaluates four essential language skills:

• Reading
• Listening
• Speaking
• Writing

Major Changes in TOEFL 2026

1. New Scoring System (1–6 Scale)

One of the most significant updates is the introduction of a 1–6 band scoring system, replacing the traditional 0–120 scale.

• Scores now include half-band increments (e.g., 4.5, 5.0, 5.5)
• Aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
• During a two-year transition, students receive both old and new scores

What this means:
The new scale makes it easier for universities to compare TOEFL scores with other English proficiency tests like IELTS.

2. Shorter Test Duration

The TOEFL iBT is now approximately 2 hours long, making it more efficient and less exhausting.

• Reduced from nearly 3 hours previously
• Speaking section shortened to 8 minutes
• Streamlined tasks across all sections

3. Faster Score Reporting

Students can now receive their TOEFL results within 3 days, significantly faster than before.

This helps applicants meet tight university deadlines and speeds up the admission process.

4. Adaptive Reading and Listening Sections

The new TOEFL introduces a multistage adaptive testing model:

• Questions adjust based on student performance
• Strong performers receive more advanced questions
• Beginners are not overwhelmed by difficult content

Why this matters:
This approach improves accuracy and ensures fair evaluation across different proficiency levels.

TOEFL 2026 Exam Structure

Despite the updates, TOEFL still tests four core language skills. Here’s the updated structure:

Reading Section (30 minutes)

• Includes short real-life texts like ads, menus, and social media posts
• Academic passages are also included
• Focuses on comprehension and interpretation

Listening Section (29 minutes)

• Conversations and academic lectures
• Announcements and campus discussions
• Tests understanding of tone, intent, and detail

Speaking Section (8 minutes)

• Two tasks based on real-life scenarios
• Includes repeating dialogues and responding to prompts
• Designed to simulate interviews and conversations

Writing Section

• Three tasks:
  • Sentence creation
  • Email response
  • Online discussion reply

This reflects modern communication methods used in universities.

TOEFL Fees and Registration

• Cost in the U.S.: $270
• Includes sending scores to up to 4 universities
• Additional reports cost $25 each
• Scores are valid for 2 years

Students can register online through the official TOEFL website managed by Educational Testing Service.

TOEFL iBT Home Edition

ETS also offers the TOEFL iBT Home Edition, which allows students to take the exam from home.

• Monitored by a live proctor
• Same format and difficulty level as test-center version
• Ideal for students with limited access to test centers

What TOEFL Score Do Universities Require?

Score requirements vary depending on the institution and program.

• Top universities often expect:
  • 100+ (old scale)
  • Approximately 5.0 (new scale)

For example, George Mason University requires around 4.5 on the new scale for undergraduate admissions after January 2026.

However, many universities accept lower scores depending on the course.

TOEFL vs Other English Tests

Many universities accept multiple English proficiency exams, including:

• IELTS
• Duolingo English Test

In most cases, institutions do not prefer one test over another unless specified.

How to Prepare for TOEFL 2026

1. Practice Real-World English

Engage with:

• English books and newspapers
• Podcasts and documentaries
• Academic lectures

2. Take Practice Tests

Mock tests help you:

• Understand the format
• Improve time management
• Build confidence

3. Use Trusted Resources

Some popular preparation platforms include:

• Magoosh
• Kaplan
• edX

ETS also provides official preparation materials.

4. Focus on Time Management

With a shorter test duration, managing time effectively is crucial. Practice answering questions quickly and accurately.

Why TOEFL 2026 Matters

The updated TOEFL reflects a shift toward practical and real-life English usage. With its adaptive testing model, faster results, and simplified scoring, the exam is now more student-friendly and relevant.

For students aiming to study abroad, especially in the United States, understanding these changes is essential for success in the 2026 admission cycle.

Conclusion

The TOEFL 2026 update marks a major step forward in English proficiency testing. By introducing a shorter format, adaptive sections, and a globally aligned scoring system, ETS has made the exam more accessible and efficient.

Whether you are just starting your preparation or planning to apply soon, staying informed about these changes can give you a strong advantage.

FAQs

1. What is the new TOEFL scoring system in 2026?

The TOEFL now uses a 1–6 band scale with half-point increments, aligned with global language standards.

2. How long is the TOEFL exam in 2026?

The updated TOEFL iBT takes approximately 2 hours to complete.

3. When will TOEFL results be available?

Results are typically available within 3 days after the test.

4. Is TOEFL still accepted worldwide?

Yes, TOEFL is accepted by over 13,000 institutions across 160+ countries.

5. Can I take TOEFL from home?

Yes, the TOEFL iBT Home Edition allows students to take the test remotely with live proctoring.