TOEFL for Indian Students Applying to Study Abroad

One thing to know as an Indian student applying to study abroad are the English language tests that many universities require. Most universities in the UK, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and Australia and the US and a few European universities require this test as part of their admission process.

There are many different types of English language tests such as the TOEFL, TOEIC, PTE and IELTS.  Of these the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the TOEFL are the most popular of all the standardized English Tests available today. 

Let’s take a deep dive into the TOEFL exam. 

What is TOEFL?

TOEFL is Test of English as a Foreign Language, designed and administered by ETS (Educational Testing Services), the American testing agency at Princeton University. Universities/colleges abroad use this test to analyze your ability to use and understand English as most of them use English as the mode of instruction.

Who takes the TOEFL and Why?

Universities and companies in countries like the UK, Australia, the USA, Canada and some European countries, where English is the main language of instruction, need the test as a way to verify that you can speak the language and perform successfully. TOEFL is also given by students for application to certain scholarships and certifications. A few countries require TOEFL scores for the application of a work visa.

It’s best to check with the course coordinators for the program you are applying to and make sure that the university accepts TOEFL as an English language proficiency test. 

Eligibility Criteria for TOEFL

ETS has not prescribed any eligibility criteria for the TOEFL exam. Students aspiring for higher education abroad with high school or equivalent qualification can appear for this test. However, it is always best to check with the university you are applying to, in case they have a preference amongst the various English language proficiency tests. 

Types of TOEFL

There are two types of TOEFL –

1. TOEFL iBT  (Internet-Based Test)
2. Revised TOEFL Paper-delivered Test

98% of the TOEFL test takers prefer TOEFL iBT and the revised TOEFL paper-delivered test is taken only in the areas where there is no internet facility. 

Exam fee

TOEFL iBT Fee –  $195 USD (~ INR 16, 134/-)

Revised TOEFL Paper-delivered Test – $195 USD (~ INR 16, 134/-)

Test Duration

The duration of the test is 3 hours (180 minutes). There are a total of 4 sections and you will be given a break of 10 minutes after the second section.

TOEFL Validity

TOEFL iBT scores are valid for a period of two years from the date of disclosure of the results. For example, if you get your result on 23rd November 2019, it will be valid till 22nd November 2021.

TOEFL Exam Pattern

TOEFL iBT Scores

There is no cut-off for TOEFL iBT scores as such but individual universities have their own requirements.  In order to receive an official score, you need to attempt at least 1 question each, in reading and listening sections and write at least 1 essay and complete 1 speaking task.

*Source – ETS

The total score of the TOEFL iBT exam ranges between 0- 120 with a score of 0-30 in each of the four sections. Each skill has 4-5 proficiency levels.

Reading and listening are scored by a computer while speaking and listening are scored by AI and human interface.

Additional service charges are applied if you need to send a report or review your scores in a particular section

If you wish to send your score report to an institution or agency, there will be extra charges of $20 USD (~ INR 1426)

Reviewing the Speaking or Writing Section costs $80 USD (~ INR 5700)

Reviewing the Speaking and Writing Section together costs $160 USD (~ INR 11,400)

Test Results and Score Report

The test scores are posted online on the official website approximately 6 days after the test date. You can download the PDF version of the score report within 8 days after your test. Score reports are also mailed to you (if you requested a paper copy) and sent to your selected institutions or agencies within 11 days after the test date.

The official score report displayed in the ETS website will include:

1. Name
2. Email ID
3. Gender
4. Date of Birth
5. Test Date
6. Address
7. Your Country of Birth and Native Language
8. Test  Center Code and Country
9. Test Scores
10. Your cumulative scores from the last 2 years in the form of My BestTM Scores

Official Score Report that you want to send to universities contains all of the above along with

1. Institution Code
2. Department Code
3. Department Name

Exam Syllabus

The TOEFL exam mainly focuses on evaluating the students based on their reading, listening, speaking and writing skills and to check their hold on the English language.

Reading

This is the first section of the TOEFL iBT. You are given 3-4 comprehensions and passages of about 700 words followed by 10 questions each, adding up to about 40 questions. Comprehensions are based on a variety of academic topics on arts, history, psychology, science, etc. A time of  54-72 minutes is allotted for this section. Your score will be based on the number of correct answers to the questions. Please keep in mind that the individual questions are not timed and you need to manage the time wisely. Sometimes, unscored experimental questions are also added to the reading section by ETS which may vary the length of the section.

Listening

Length of the listening section also varies leading to a variable time of 41-57 minutes. Listening section includes 4-6 questions which are meant to judge your English- listening skills. The listening section can also include visuals and/or text, voices of multiple people with different accents.  The 5-6 questions that follow the audio clip are based on the lectures or conversations which need to be answered correctly. Please note that you will get to hear the audio clip just once and need to hear them with focus. Make notes while you hear the clips and read all the questions carefully before answering.

Speaking

This is the shortest section of the TOEFL iBT exam and finishes off in 17 minutes. This section consists of 4 tasks, 1 independent and 3 integrated. The independent task requires you to speak on a familiar topic and the integrated task requires you to speak about the passages and audio clips which are linked to the reading and listening sections. You need to be very quick and clear in your speaking section.

Writing

The writing section involves 2 tasks, 1 independent and one integrated. In the independent task, you need to write an essay on the topic given while in the integrated task, you will get to hear a voice clip along with a passage on your screen. So you need to coordinate all three of the reading, listening and writing skills to write an essay combined with your views on the topic. This section lasts for about 50 minutes.

How to Register for the TOEFL iBT Test?

You can register for the TOEFL iBT Test by three methods:-

Register Online

You can register for the TOEFL iBT exam online 24*7. You need to log in with your ETS account on the official website or app and choose your desired centre and available date to register for the test. You need to choose a valid ID while registering which needs to be shown at the time of the entrance on the test day. You can pay by using a credit/debit card or by Paypal. Online registration closes 7 days before the selected test date.

Register by Phone

You can register via phone by calling the Regional Registration Center (RRC) (Phone Number: 91-124-4147700) at least seven working days prior to your preferred test date. You need to provide them with your details and preferred test date. They will provide you with a confirmation number, test date and exam centre on the same call. You can make the payment via Debit/Credit cards.

Register by Mail

To register by mail, you need to download the form, complete it and mail it to the address mentioned in the form along with the payment. You can make the payment via credit/debit card, money order or certified bank check. Kindly make sure to send the form at least four weeks prior to your test date. You will receive a confirmation number, test date, and centre via postal mail, email or fax. In case you do not receive a confirmation, you can call the office where you mailed your form, and confirm 3 business days before the registration deadline. If you are applying from India, then the mailing address is:

Prometric Testing Private Limited

2nd Floor, DLF Infinity Tower A, Sector-25, Phase-II, DLF City, Gurgaon 122002, Haryana, India

Note-  In case you fail to register on time, you can pay a late fee of $40 USD (~ INR 2851) and register 2 days before the test date. Also, note that walk-in registrations at test centres are not allowed.

TOEFL Centers in India

There are a total of  39 TOEFL iBT test centres in India which are listed on the official website. 

TOEFL iBT Test Dates

You can give TOEFL iBT exam at any time of the year as per the availability of the test dates. There is no bar to the number of times you can appear for the test. But, you can not choose two dates within a gap of 3 days. Also, make sure that you apply for the test dates well in advance of your application due date (at least 21 days) as test results are mailed within 11 days after the declaration of the result.

Rescheduling the TOEFL Test Registration

1. If you find that you need to reschedule your test, you can do that 4 days before the test date. For example, if your test is on Saturday, you can reschedule it on or before Tuesday.
2. The rescheduling charges are $60 USD (~ INR 4277)
3. You can reschedule the test by logging into your account on the ETS official website, official app or through the phone by calling RRC.
4. Please note that you can not reschedule via mail, email or at the test center.

Change of Test Centre

There is no option to change the test centre for the TOEFL iBT exam. You can opt for rescheduling the exam.

Canceling the Test Registration and Refund Policy

1. If you find that you are not able to give the test on the chosen date and wish to cancel it, you can do that 4 days before the test date. No refunds will be given after that.
2. You will get a refund of 50% of the amount (in USD) you paid at the time of registration.
3. Cash refunds are not available.
4. If you have done the payment via Credit/Debit card,  the refund will be credited to the original account.
5. If you paid by cheque, it will reach you in about 12 weeks.

Still have questions?

Just talk to our expert Counsellors and clarify all your doubts!

Schedule my Session with Ubergrad Counsellor

Please feel free to connect to our Student Support Team at +91-96-933-56789 or hello@ubergrad.com to answer all your queries or doubts.