TOEFL Exam 2024: Registration, Exam Dates, Calendar

Ever thought about studying in another country? Many universities there need an English test to see if you can understand their classes. The TOEFL iBT is a common one, like a big English exam on a computer. This guide will help you get ready for it in 2024. We'll answer your questions: When can you take it? How much does it cost? Can you take it? What kind of English will they test? How is the test structured? How can you do your best? How long will it take to get your score? By the end, you'll be a TOEFL iBT expert, ready to take the test with confidence and achieve your dream of studying abroad! 

TOEFL Latest Updates 2024

15 May 2024: The TOEFL test has a new format that might make things a bit easier for test-takers from India! The Reading section got a makeover. There are now only 2 passages with 10 questions each, instead of 3-4 passages before. This means you'll have less reading to do and less time spent answering questions. In total, you'll only need to spend 35 minutes on the Reading section, compared to the previous range of 54-72 minutes. That's a big difference! Remember, the TOEFL is still all about testing your English skills to see if you're ready to study abroad. But with this change to the Reading section, you'll get to focus your studying on a smaller amount of material.

What is the TOEFL Exam?

The TOEFL iBT (internet-based test) is tailored for students aiming to pursue higher education overseas. It assesses proficiency in all four essential English skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing, within a simulated academic setting. This guarantees that universities in English-speaking nations, such as the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, can trust that students can comprehend lectures, engage in classroom dialogues, comprehend textbooks, and compose assignments proficiently. By showcasing your English skills through the TOEFL exam, you're unlocking access to a broader spectrum of educational prospects.

The TOEFL exam tests all the important English skills you'll need in an academic setting. You'll be challenged to read complex passages from textbooks and journals, listen attentively to lectures and class discussions, clearly express your ideas in spoken English, and write persuasive essays that demonstrate your analytical and writing abilities. Scoring well on the TOEFL can unlock scholarship opportunities and even strengthen your visa applications for jobs abroad. The test is usually computer-based and costs ₹16,900 for Indian students.

What is the Full Form of TOEFL

The TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. It's a standardised test designed to assess the English proficiency of non-native speakers, particularly those who want to study at universities abroad where English is the main language of instruction. The TOEFL evaluates your skills in four key areas: reading, listening, speaking, and writing.

Why Should You Take TOEFL in 2024? 

Well, most universities ask you to submit your TOEFL scores and there are many reasons behind it. The absolute reasons why you should take TOEFL in 2024 are:

• Unlock Study Abroad Dreams: The TOEFL is your gateway to universities in English-speaking countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia. Scoring well proves you can handle academic English in lectures, discussions, and assignments.
• Master All English Skills: The TOEFL tests all the key areas: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. This well-rounded assessment helps you improve your overall English proficiency.
• Scholarship and Visa Edge: A strong TOEFL score can make you eligible for scholarships and strengthen your visa applications for studying or even working abroad.
• Focus on the New Reading Section: As of May 2024, there's less reading and answering! You'll have just 2 passages with 10 questions each, giving you more time to focus on other sections.
• Widely Available and Recognized: The TOEFL iBT (internet-based test) is the standard format and is accepted by over 11,000 universities worldwide. 

Types of TOEFL Exam

There used to be two main types of TOEFL exams, but the TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) has become the standard format for most test takers. The TOEFL PBT (Paper-Based Test) is still offered in some limited locations, but it's becoming less common as internet access becomes more widespread. The TOEFL iBT is the preferred format because it offers several advantages over the PBT. For example, the iBT test can include more complex listening and speaking tasks, such as listening to lectures or conversations and responding with your own ideas. The iBT test is also more flexible in terms of scheduling, as test centres offer more testing dates throughout the year. Finally, the iBT test results are typically available faster than the PBT results.

What is TOEFL iBT?

This is the most common type of TOEFL exam, and for good reason! You'll take the test on a computer at a test centre, and it will assess all four of your key English skills in a simulated university environment. The reading section will present you with passages similar to what you might find in textbooks or academic journals. The listening section will involve listening to lectures, conversations, and talks on a variety of topics, just like you would in a university class. The speaking section will test your ability to express yourself clearly and coherently on academic topics, like responding to a question about a reading passage or speaking your thoughts on a specific issue. The writing section will measure your ability to write clear and well-organized essays that analyse information or express your ideas on a given topic. This is a comprehensive assessment that shows universities around the world how comfortable you are with using English for academic purposes, which is an essential skill for succeeding in universities where English is the main language of instruction.

What is TOEFL Test on Paper?

This is the older version of the TOEFL, and it's becoming less common as more and more areas around the world gain reliable internet access. The TOEFL PBT is a paper-and-pencil test administered in a testing centre. It covers the same four English skills (reading, listening, speaking, and writing) as the TOEFL iBT, but the format and question types are different. For example, in the reading section of the PBT, you'll read passages on paper and answer multiple-choice questions on paper. In the listening section, you'll listen to recordings on cassette tapes and answer multiple-choice questions on paper. The speaking section of the PBT is also quite different. You'll speak your answers to questions into a microphone, and your responses will be recorded on cassette tape. These recordings are then sent to ETS evaluators who will score your speaking ability. Finally, the writing section of the PBT requires you to write your essays by hand on lined paper. The TOEFL PBT is still accepted by some universities, but the TOEFL iBT is the preferred format for most institutions. The iBT offers a more modern testing experience that is more reflective of how English is used in academic settings today. Additionally, the iBT test results are typically available faster than the PBT results.

TOEFL Eligibility 2024

Anyone can take the TOEFL in 2024, no matter your age! While there's no minimum education requirement, it's ideal for students planning to study abroad at English-speaking universities. These universities typically expect you to have finished high school (usually 10+2 in India). So, focus on acing your English skills – reading, listening, speaking, and writing – to impress universities with your TOEFL score!

Age Limit: The good news is that there's no strict age limit for the TOEFL exam! So, anyone who wants to test their English proficiency can sign up. However, there might be a different requirement depending on your age. If you're under 18, you'll need your parent or guardian's permission to register for the test. This is to ensure they understand the importance of the exam and support your decision. 

Academic Qualification: There's no specific educational background required to take the TOEFL. But, remember, the TOEFL is designed to assess your English skills for academic settings abroad. Ideally, you should have completed your 10+2 education from a recognised board in India. This is because most universities you'll be applying to will expect you to have this qualification.

So, while anyone can take the TOEFL, it's most relevant for students planning to pursue higher education abroad after completing their high school education in India. 

TOEFL Registration 2024: Step By Step Process

Here's a breakdown of the process to help you to TOEFL registration in 2024:

Step 1: Gear Up - Official Website & Account

• Head to the official Educational Testing Service (ETS) website, the TOEFL organiser.
• Create an ETS account. This will be your hub for registration, scheduling, and score reports. 

Step 2: Choose Your Battleground - Test Format & Location

• Decide between the TOEFL iBT (internet-based test) - the most common format - or the TOEFL Home Edition, if online testing suits you better.
• Select your preferred test date and location. Remember, choose a date at least 2-3 months before your application deadlines to ensure scores arrive on time. 

Step 3: Master the Challenge - Registration Form & Fee

• Fill out the online registration form carefully. Ensure details like your name and date of birth match your valid ID proof for the test day.
• Buckle up for the test fee! The registration cost for both TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition is ₹16,900 in India (as of May 15, 2024). Make sure you have a valid payment method ready.

Step 4: Confirmation & Cheers!

• Review your registration details thoroughly. Once everything is correct, submit your application and pay the fee.
• You'll receive a confirmation email with your test details. Save this for future reference.

Documents Required to Fill TOEFL Application Form

You'll only need one document to fill out the online application form: a valid passport. This passport will be your official ID during the test, so make sure the name on it exactly matches the information you provide when registering. While some testing centres might request a scanned copy of your passport's first and last page during online registration, it's usually not mandatory. Remember, this is just for the application itself. On test day, you'll need to bring the original valid passport you used to register. 

TOEFL Exam Fee 2024

TOEFL Slot Booking 2024

Booking your TOEFL slot for 2024 is a breeze! Head to the official ETS website and create an account. Once you're in, select your preferred test format - TOEFL iBT (internet-based test) or the TOEFL Home Edition, depending on your preference. The next step is crucial: choose your test date and location. Remember, plan ahead! Ideally, aim for a date at least 2-3 months before your application deadlines to ensure scores arrive on time. 

TOELF Slot Booking Fee

Finally, after finalising your details, proceed to payment. The registration fee for both formats is ₹16,900 in India (as of May 15, 2024). Once payment is confirmed, you're all set! You'll receive a confirmation email with your test details, and your TOEFL slot is officially booked for 2024.

TOEFL City-wise Exam Fee

Contrary to popular belief, the TOEFL exam fee isn't dependent on the city you take it in! In 2024, for both the TOEFL iBT (internet-based test) and the TOEFL Home Edition, there's a standardised registration fee across India. This means whether you take the test in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, or any other test center, you'll pay the same fee of ₹16,900 (Indian Rupees sixteen thousand nine hundred). This simplifies the registration process and ensures a level playing field for all test-takers in India. 

TOEFL Exam Dates 2024

The TOEFL exam is offered throughout the year at various test centres. Aim to take the TOEFL iBT (internet-based test) at least a month before your earliest application deadline. This allows time for applications and a potential retake, as you can reschedule just three days after your first attempt. So, if your application deadline is November, target October for the TOEFL. Need to retake? You can reschedule for later in October. Check the official website for specific test dates. 

TOEFL Test Centres in India

Planning to take the TOEFL exam in India? You're in luck! The TOEFL iBT is offered across 39 cities throughout the country, making it convenient for test-takers in various locations. From bustling metros like Mumbai and Delhi to educational hubs like Pune and Chennai, you're likely to find a test centre close by. Here's a glimpse of some of the cities with TOEFL centres: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, and many more! However, remember that space is limited, so it's crucial to check the availability of your preferred date and time at your nearest centre before booking your test. The official ETS website has a search function to help you locate centres near you. And if taking the test from home is more convenient, you can always consider the TOEFL Home Edition. 

TOEFL Exam Pattern 2024

TOEFL assesses your English proficiency in an academic setting, ensuring universities can understand if you'll thrive in their classrooms. Here's a breakdown of the TOEFL exam pattern in 2024:
The TOEFL is divided into four core sections, each testing a crucial English language skill:

Reading (approx. 60 minutes)

This section throws multiple-choice questions your way based on 2-4 academic passages. Get ready to analyze and understand complex texts. (As of May 15, 2024, there are fewer passages with just 10 questions each, giving you more breathing room.)

Listening (approx. 60 minutes)

Sharpen your listening skills! You'll encounter lectures, classroom discussions, and conversations, followed by multiple-choice questions to test your comprehension.

Speaking (approx. 20 minutes)

Time to speak your mind! This section assesses your spoken English through four tasks. You'll get a chance to express your opinion on a familiar topic, speak based on reading and listening prompts, and answer open-ended questions.

Writing (approx. 50 minutes)

Get ready to showcase your writing skills through two integrated tasks. You'll analyze reading and listening passages before writing a summary, and tackle an independent writing prompt that requires you to express your opinion or explain a concept.

Scoring System

Each section is graded on a scale of 0-30, resulting in a total score between 0 and 120. Most universities have minimum TOEFL score requirements, so check with your target schools to understand their expectations.

TOEFL Syllabus 2024

The TOEFL exam acts as a gateway to universities where English is the primary language of instruction. To assess your readiness for academic success, the TOEFL tests your proficiency in four key areas: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Here's a breakdown of the 2024 TOEFL syllabus for each section:

Reading (approx. 60 minutes)

• Content: This section features 2-4 academic reading passages from various disciplines like history, literature, or science. 
• Question Types: You'll encounter a variety of multiple-choice questions designed to test your comprehension, analysis, and ability to draw inferences from the passages. (As of May 15, 2024, there are now fewer passages with only 10 questions each. This means you'll get more time to tackle each passage.)

Listening (approx. 60 minutes)

• Audio Formats: Sharpen your listening skills for academic lectures, classroom discussions, and conversations between students and professors. 
• Question Types: Prepare for multiple-choice questions that test your understanding of the key points, details, speaker attitudes, and overall purpose of the audio clips.

Speaking (approx. 20 minutes)

This section is all about showcasing your spoken English fluency and critical thinking. There are four tasks:

• Independent Speaking: Express your opinion on a familiar topic.
• Integrated Speaking: Respond to a reading passage and listening clip, summarizing key points.
• Reasoning, Support & Evidence: Speak based on a listening prompt, explaining an idea and providing evidence.
• Preference & Choice: Answer open-ended questions about your preferences and choices.

Writing (approx. 50 minutes)

Demonstrate your writing ability through two integrated tasks:

• Summary Writing: Analyze a reading passage and listening clip, then write a summary that combines key points from both sources.
• Independent Writing: Tackle an essay prompt that requires you to express your opinion on a controversial issue, explain a concept, or support an argument with reasons and examples.

TOEFL Coaching Centre

Enrolling in a TOEFL coaching centre in India can give you a significant edge. These centres offer comprehensive preparation designed to equip you with a deep understanding of the TOEFL format and its unique challenges. From the intricacies of listening and reading comprehension to effective writing strategies and confident speaking techniques, TOEFL coaching centres provide a well-structured curriculum that targets all four core skills tested in the exam. Experienced instructors not only strengthen your English language foundation but also equip you with test-taking strategies specifically designed to maximize your TOEFL score. With numerous coaching centres spread across India, you can find one conveniently located near you. Additionally, if online learning suits your style, there are many reputable online TOEFL coaching options available. 

TOEFL Preparation Tips 2024

• Master the Format: Understand the structure of all four sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing) and the types of questions you'll face. 
• Embrace New Reading: Get used to the 2024 update with fewer passages (2-4) but 10 questions each in the Reading section. 
• Sharpen Your Vocabulary: Build a strong academic vocabulary relevant to university lectures and discussions. Use flashcards, practice exercises, and read widely. 
• Practice Active Listening: Immerse yourself in English through podcasts, lectures, and conversations. Focus on understanding not just words, but also the speaker's purpose and tone. 
• Speak Up with Confidence: Practice speaking English regularly. Find a speaking partner, record yourself, or participate in online forums to gain fluency and confidence. 
• Write Like a Scholar: Brush up on your grammar and writing mechanics. Practice summarizing information and writing clear, concise essays with strong arguments and supporting evidence. 
• Utilize Official Resources: Explore the ETS website for official TOEFL practice tests, study materials, and sample questions. 
• Time Management is Key: Practice managing time effectively during practice tests to ensure you complete all sections within the allotted time frame. 
• Focus on Strengths, Conquer Weaknesses: Identify your strengths and weaknesses in each section. Devote extra practice time to areas that need improvement. 
• Stay Calm & Focused: Relaxation techniques can help manage test anxiety. Get a good night's sleep before the exam and stay focused during the test. 

Best Books for TOEFL Preparation in 2024/ Best Preparation Books for TOEFL

Here are some of the best TOEFL preparation books in 2024 to help you ace the exam and achieve your target score:

This official guide from the makers of the TOEFL exam itself is an invaluable resource. It provides authentic practice questions, explanations for all question types, and detailed information about the test format, scoring, and content areas. 

Princeton Review TOEFL iBT Prep with Audio/Listening Tracks, 18th Edition by Princeton Review

This comprehensive guide from Princeton Review offers in-depth explanations of all four TOEFL sections, along with practice exercises, drills, and 2 full-length practice tests with answer explanations and audio tracks for the listening section. 

TOEFL iBT: Barron's Test Prep by Pamela J. Sharpe Ph. D.

This user-friendly guide by Barron's provides a strategic approach to TOEFL preparation. It includes an overview of the test format, extensive vocabulary lists, practice questions for all sections, and model essays with scoring rubrics. 

Mometrix's TOEFL Preparation Book 2023-2024 by Mometrix Test Preparation

This recently updated guide by Mometrix offers a comprehensive review of all four TOEFL sections, along with practice questions, answer explanations, and time management strategies. 

TOEFL Preparation by Test Prep Books, 2023-2024

This comprehensive guide by Test Prep Books provides detailed explanations of all TOEFL question types, extensive vocabulary-building exercises, and 4 full-length practice tests with answer explanations.

Remember, these are just a few of many great TOEFL preparation books available. The best book for you will depend on your individual learning style and needs. Consider factors like your strengths and weaknesses, preferred learning approach, and budget when making your choice. 

In addition to TOEFL prep books, there are also many online resources available to help you prepare for the exam, such as practice tests, video tutorials, and study guides.

TOEFL Mock Test 2024/ TOEFL Practice Test 2024

The TOEFL exam can feel daunting, but with the right preparation, you can ace it! Here's where free TOEFL mock exams and practice tests come in:

Why Mock Exams?

• Test Your Skills: Simulate the real TOEFL experience to gauge your current strengths and weaknesses in all four sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing).
• Identify Areas for Improvement: Mock exams pinpoint areas that need more focus during your study sessions.
• Boost Confidence: Taking practice tests under timed conditions helps you develop time management skills and builds confidence for the actual exam.

Free TOEFL Mock Exam & Practice Test Resources

There are several excellent options for free TOEFL mock exams and online practice tests:

Official ETS TOEFL iBT® Free Practice Test: The Educational Testing Service (ETS), the maker of the TOEFL exam, offers a free practice test on their official website. This is a great way to experience the real TOEFL format and get a feel for the types of questions you'll encounter. 

([https://www.ets.org/toefl/test-takers/ibt/prepare/toefl-testready.html](https://www.ets.org/toefl/test-takers/ibt/prepare/toefl-testready.html)) 

Magoosh Free TOEFL Practice Test: This free resource from Magoosh provides a full-length practice test with answer explanations. You can also access additional free TOEFL practice questions on their website. 

([https://magoosh.com/toefl/toefl-practice-test/](https://magoosh.com/toefl/toefl-practice-test/))

Kaplan Free TOEFL Practice Test: Kaplan offers a free diagnostic test that assesses your skills in all four TOEFL sections. This can be a helpful tool to identify areas for improvement early on in your preparation.

([https://www.kaptest.com/toefl](https://www.kaptest.com/toefl))

The Princeton Review Free TOEFL Practice Test: The Princeton Review provides a free practice test with answer explanations for the Reading and Listening sections. This is a good option to test your reading comprehension and listening skills.

([https://www.princetonreview.com/k12/free-toefl-practice-test](https://www.princetonreview.com/k12/free-toefl-practice-test))

TOEFL Result 2024/ TOEFL 2024 Result

The wait for TOEFL results doesn't have to be suspenseful. After finishing the test in 2024, you'll see unofficial scores for Reading and Listening right away. The big reveal of your official scores, including all sections and your total, happens electronically. You'll receive an email notification from ETS and can access them through your TOEFL iBT account within 6 days (standard test) or 6-10 days (home edition). If you requested a paper score report beforehand, it will be mailed within 11 days, although delivery times depend on your local postal service. So, while you won't have your complete score instantly, you'll be informed within a reasonable timeframe and can access your official results electronically shortly after.

TOEFL Cut-Off 2024

Unlike some exams, the TOEFL doesn't have a single "cut score" you need to pass. Instead, universities set their own minimum TOEFL score requirements for admission. This means there's no one-size-fits-all TOEFL cut-off in 2024. Requirements can vary widely depending on the university and the program you're applying to. Some top universities might expect scores in the 100-110 range, while others might be satisfied with scores in the 80-90 range. The best way to stay informed is to check the specific requirements listed on the program's webpage of the university you're interested in. These requirements typically don't change frequently, but it's always a good practice to double-check for any updates on the university website before applying. 

How to Send Scores to Various Universities 

Sending your TOEFL scores to universities in 2024 is a breeze! After your test, you have two main options:

Electronically Through Your ETS Account: This is the most common and efficient method. Log in to your TOEFL iBT account and navigate to the "Send Scores" section. Here, you can select the universities you want to receive your scores (up to 4 for free when you register for the test) and pay a fee (around $20 per additional university) if sending scores beyond the free limit. The universities will electronically receive your official score report within a few days.

By Mail or Fax (Less Common): If a university requires a physical copy, you can request an additional score report through your ETS account for a fee. This report will be mailed to the universities you designate. This method is slower and less preferred, so it's wise to check if the university accepts electronic score reports first.

No matter which method you choose, remember to check the specific requirements of each university you're applying to. Some might have deadlines for receiving scores, so plan accordingly. With a little planning, sending your TOEFL scores can be a stress-free process, allowing you to focus on your academic aspirations.