TOEFL Guide for Indian Students | Study Abroad Prep

Studying abroad is not just about earning a degree- it is also about broadening your horizons, experiencing new cultures and opening doors to global career opportunities. More and more Indian students are choosing to study abroad to gain a ‘world-class’ education and add a competitive edge to their resumes.
Once you start researching about your international degrees, you will learn that most universities ask you to provide an English language proficiency test score for admission. That is where TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) comes in. Here is everything you need to know:

What is TOEFL?

TOEFL or Test of English as a Foreign Language, is a standardized test that measures the language skills of non-native speakers through reading, speaking, listening and writing exercises. It is ideal for those looking to study in English speaking nations such as UK, Canada, USA, Australia and many other European countries.  
The TOEFL iBT (Internet Based Test) is available in two modes; however, it is generally advised to confirm the specific requirements of the institutions you are applying to.

1. At a test center (offline)
2. At home (online)

1. Test at a test center (offline)- If a formal test setting suits you better, this is the recommended option. This too, is a computer-based test. The paper-based TOEFL test has been discontinued. There are multiple authorized TOEFL iBT centers in India: Mumbai, Hyderabad, Delhi, Ahmedabad, and many more.
2. Test at home (online)- The TOEFL iBT ‘Home Edition’ is conducted from the comfort of your own home and is supervised online by a human proctor in real time. It is the same as what you would take at an authorized test center.  

You are allowed to take the test as many times as you want; but you cannot take it more than once within a 3-day span. For example, if you take the test on Monday, you must wait until at least Thursday before you take it again.

Who Should Take TOEFL iBT?

The TOEFL iBT is open to all individuals (without age-restrictions) with a valid Government issued ID.  However, this test primarily benefits those who are:

• Individuals applying for undergraduate, postgraduate, or PhD programs at a university abroad.
• Individuals applying for scholarships or a short-course abroad.
• You are a student or worker trying to apply for a visa abroad.
• You aim to be admitted to a Bachelor’s or Master’s program taught in English.

Where Can I Take TOEFL iBT and Which Universities Accept the Test?

Since the TOEFL iBT scores are accepted by more than 13,000 universities and institutions in over 160 countries, it is no wonder that numerous students worldwide have opted for this test. The test can be taken at authorized test centers across India- in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Hyderabad, and others. Or you can opt for the TOEFL iBT Home Edition, which you can take from your home with secure monitoring.  
Some well-known universities that accept TOEFL iBT scores include Harvard University (US), University of Oxford (UK), University of Toronto (Canada) and many more.
A huge advantage of the TOEFL Test is that your test fee is inclusive of four free official TOEFL iBT score reports that can be sent to institutions, agencies, or recipients you choose before taking the test.

Understanding the TOEFL Exam Structure

The TOEFL iBT comprises of four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing. The total test takes just under 2 hours to finish. It is advised to plan for 2.5 hours in total, including 30 minutes for check-in.
The breakdown of each TOEFL iBT test section is as follows:

What is the TOEFL Registration and Exam Process?

Registering for the TOEFL iBT is simple. Just follow these steps:

• Create an account on the ETS website (Educational Testing Service) www.ets.org/toefl
• Use the same name that appears on the ID you will bring on test day.
• Regular online registrations end 7 full days before the test date. If you register after that, there is an extra fee.
• Express registrations end 2 days before the day of the test.
• It is advised that the candidate should log in to their TOEFL account a couple of days before the test and check their Registration Confirmation.
• If the candidate is below 15 years of age, they must be accompanied by a parent or an authorized adult. (18+ years of age)
• The TOEFL iBT test fee varies from location to location. However, in general the fees are somewhere between 160 to 225 USD.
• Those taking the test at an authorized test center must arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time of the test for the check-in process.
• Those who have opted for TOEFL iBT Home Edition will have up to 15 minutes after the scheduled time for check-in. If the candidate fails to check-in by the deadline, their test will be cancelled, and the fee will not be refunded.
• Approximately ten days after the test date, the candidate should receive an email saying their scores are ready. They can log in to their TOEFL account and click “View Scores”.

How To Prepare for TOEFL iBT?

TOEFL tests your ability to read, listen, speak and write in (academic) English. Here are some efficient ways to prepare:

• You can use official ETS resources which include sample questions, practice tests, tips and information about the test, etc. Find them at www.ets.org/toefl/test-takers/ibt/prepare.
• You could also hire a private tutor or use online resources on the Internet.
• Additionally, you can download the Official TOEFL Practice App from Play Store for convenient preparation on the go.

With the right plan, regular practice, and a positive mindset, you can reach your target score. Focus on building your English skills every day, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid of making mistakes. They are a part of the learning process. Hard work, perseverance and believing in yourself will bring you one step closer to studying at your dream university abroad.