TOEFL Exam Pattern 2025: Syllabus Format & Date Guide
April 16, 2025
Shatvisha
TOEFL exam pattern, TOEFL exam dates, TOEFL exam syllabus, TOEFL exam mock test
The TOEFL exam is highly important, if you want to study abroad and in a prestigious university. However, the TOEFL exam pattern has significantly changed within the past few years, and has taken a new form.
Hence, here is the complete guide of the new exam pattern so that you don’t feel burdened or burnt out. Learn about your syllabus, point breakdown and more in this blog. I will help you crack your TOEFL in one go!
TOEFL Exam Pattern 2025
The TOEFL exam is used to test the proficiency in English of non-English speakers. Its exam pattern is structured into two sections, iBT and PBT.
Come take a more detailed look at it:
- TOEFL iBT Test
The TOEFL iBT is the more common and widely accepted format. It is administered online and evaluates all four language skills: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. You will get a total time of 2 hours and your maximum score range will be 120 (30 scores per section)
| Section | Total Number of Questions | Time Limit | Skill Tested |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 20 Questions | 35 minutes | Reading comprehension of academic texts |
| Listening | 28 Questions | 36 minutes | Listening to questions and answering them verbally |
| Speaking | 4 Tasks | 16 minutes | Speaking on relevant topics based on TOEFL topics |
| Writing | 2 Tasks | 29 minutes |
- TOEFL PBT Test
TOEFL PBT is the older way of appearing for the TOEFL test, where you have to appear for it physically. You would be given a paper on which you have to mark your answers. The structure is different, and you don’t have to appear for their speaking test. You will get a total writing time of 2.5 hours, and the score will be ranged between 310-677.
| Section | Total Number of Questions | Time Limit | Skill Tested |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 50 Questions | 30-40 mins | Understanding spoken english in an academic setting |
| Structure & Written Expression | 40 questions | 25 minutes | Grammar and sentence structure |
| Reading Comprehension | 50 questions | 55 minutes | Reading academic texts and answering questions |
| Writing (TWE) | 1 Essay | 30 Minutes | Writing an essay in english |
- The Difference Between iBT and PBT
Take a look at the major differences between iBT and PBT:
| Feature | TOEFL iBT | TOEFL PBT |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Internet-Based | Paper-Based |
| Speaking Section | Yes | No |
| Score Range | 0-120 | 310-677+ TWE (1-6) |
| Availability | Globally, where internet is available | Older and conventional ways of taking the test |
| Duration | 2 Hours | 2.5 Hours |
TOEFL Exam Dates
The TOEFL iBT is offered in two formats:
- Centre-Based Testing: These tests are conducted at authorized test centers.
- Home Edition: Lets candidates take their tests from anywhere with a remote proctoring.
- iBT Exam Dates— 2025 (Delhi)
Below are the dates for TOEFL iBT for the months of April and May in Delhi. There are multiple dates set by the TOEFL administration considering the candidate’s flexibility.
| Month | Center-Based Test Dates | Online Test Dates |
|---|---|---|
| April | 5, 9, 12, 26 | 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30 |
| May | 3, 7, 10, 16, 17, 21, 25, 31 | 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28 |
- iBT Exam Dates— 2025 (Mumbai)
Below is the list for TOEFL iBT for the months of April and May in Mumbai. Select your preferred date and start to prepare:
| Month | Centre-Based Test Dates | Home Edition Test Dates (Online |
|---|---|---|
| April | 5, 9, 12, 26 | 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30 |
| May | 3, 7, 10, 16, 17, 21, 25, 31 | 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28 |
| June | 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28 | 2, 3, 6, 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 20, 23, 24, 27, 30 |
- iBT Exam Dates— 2025 (Hyderabad)
If you are from Hyderabad, here are the TOEFL exam dates for the city in the Month of April and May. Give it a good read:
| Month | Centre-Based Test Dates | Home Edition Test Dates (Online) |
|---|---|---|
| April | 5, 9, 12, 26 | 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30 |
| May | 3, 7, 10, 16, 17, 21, 25, 31 | 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28 |
| June | 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28 | 2, 3, 6, 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 20, 23, 24, 27, 30 |
- iBT Exam Dates— 2025 (Bengaluru)
Refer to the table below to find out about the dates for the month of April and May for Bengaluru. Select your preferred dates and preparing for your exams:
| Month | Centre-Based Test Dates | Home Edition Test Dates (Online) |
|---|---|---|
| April | 5, 9, 12, 26 | 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30 |
| May | 3, 7, 10, 16, 17, 21, 25, 31 | 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28 |
| June | 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28 | 2, 3, 6, 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 20, 23, 24, 27, 30 |
- PBT Exam Dates— 2025
The locations for TOEFL are limited and their schedules have not yet been fixed for 2025. Candidates who are interested in the PBT format can keep their eyes on the ETS website and contact local test centers for updates.
TOEFL Exam Syllabus
The TOEFL exam assesses the candidate’s proficiency in English. Hence the test is divided into 4 sections: Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. However, the syllabus between iBT and PBT formats are different in their own right.
Let’s find out more:
- TOEFL iBT Syllabus
Below is the table that will give you a clear picture about your iBT syllabus:
| Section | Description | Skill Tested |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 2 reading passages from academic texts with 10 questions each | Understanding, interpreting academic content |
| Listening | Audio clips including lectures and conversations with questions | Comprehension, note-taking, identifying tone |
| Speaking | 4 tasks: 1 independent, 3 integrated (read/listen/speak tasks) | Fluency, clarity, coherence in spoken responses |
| Writing | 1 integrated task (read/listen/write), 1 independent task (essay writing) | Grammar, vocabulary, structure, expression |
- OEFL PBT Test
Below is the table to provide you a clear picture on the TOEFL PBT syllabus:
| Section | Description | Skill Tested |
|---|---|---|
| Listening Comprehension | Understand spoken English in academic and casual contexts | Listening for main ideas, details, and inferences |
| Structure & Written Expression | Grammar-based MCQs; choose correct sentence structures | Grammar, syntax, usage |
| Reading Comprehension | Passages followed by questions | Reading ability, vocabulary, and inference |
| Writing (TWE – Test of Written English) | Write an essay on a given topic in 30 minutes | Coherence, idea organization, grammar |
- TOEFL iBT Vs PBT Syllabus
TOEFL iBT is more focused on realistic academic situations and communication. However, PBT is getting phased out as its syllabus is almost archaic and has no real-time value.
Here is a complete breakdown in a table:
| Feature | TOEFL iBT | TOEFL PBT |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 2 passages, 20 questions total | 5 passages, 50 questions |
| Listening | 3–4 lectures + 2–3 conversations | Dialogues and longer conversations (50 Qs) |
| Speaking | 4 tasks (1 independent, 3 integrated) | Not Included |
| Writing | 2 tasks (1 integrated, 1 essay) | 1 essay (TWE) |
| Grammar | Not Included | Included (Structure & Written Expression) |
| Total Skills Assessed | Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing | Reading, Listening, Writing, Grammar |
TOEFL Eligibility Criteria
The TOEFL exam pattern has no set eligibility criteria. However, the general guidelines do apply for the test. So the candidate can be anyone who wants to demonstrate their proficiency in English to go abroad for their educational or professional purpose.
Here are the key points of the eligibility criteria:
- There is no minimum age limit for the exam
- Candidates must complete their high school
- Anybody from any nation and academic background can sit the test
- Must have basic proficiency in English
- Must be taken before applying for the university.
You can also have a more detailed discussion with your education counselor and they will guide you further on the eligibility criteria.
FAQs
- Is the TOEFL exam mock test important?
Yes, taking TOEFL exam mock tests is highly important. They help you understand the exam pattern, improve time management, and identify your strengths and weaknesses. They simulate real test conditions, making you more comfortable and confident on exam day. Regular practice through mock tests can significantly boost your score by familiarizing you with question types and refining your test-taking strategy.
- What is the TOEFL Exam Format?
The TOEFL Exam are as follows:
- Reading
- Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
Along with it, the total time given for the exam is 3 hours.
- Is the TOEFL Test Challenging?
Yes, the TOEFL test is challenging. However, if you practice regularly and seriously, along with persistently, you will be able to crack the exam.
- What is the validity of the TOEFL scores?
The TOEFL score is valid for 2 years after the scores are out. Post that you have to take another test.
Final Thoughts
Recognizing the TOEFL exam pattern is essential for successful preparation and obtaining a good score. Through awareness of the format, timing, and types of questions asked in each section, you are better prepared to face the test with confidence and clarity. In whichever format you opt for the iBT or PBT, a solid understanding of the exam pattern can substantially increase your probability of success. You can also discuss with your education counselor and they will guide you for the same.
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