Many students and professionals wonder which test is better suited for their needs when deciding between TOEFL and IELTS. Both are widely accepted English-language proficiency tests essential for university admissions and job opportunities in English-speaking countries.
The debate of TOEFL vs IELTS, including aspects like TOEFL vs IELTS scores and which are more manageable, is a common concern among test-takers. In this blog, we’ll compare the TOEFL test vs IELTS, highlighting their differences and helping you choose the right exam for your goals.
Choosing between TOEFL vs IELTS comes down to individual strengths and preferences. Whether you use British or American English during an exam won’t impact your TOEFL vs IELTS score. The key point is based on which format suits you the most:
| Parameter/Aspect | TOEFL | IELTS |
| Number of Universities Accepting | 10,000+ universities in more than 160 countries | 12,000+ organizations in more than 140 countries |
| Validity | 2 years | 2 years |
| Organiser | Educational Testing Service (ETS) | IELTS IDP India |
| Fee | INR 16,900 | INR 17,000 |
| Duration | 2 hours | 2 hours, 45 minutes |
| Score Range | 0 to 120 | 1 to 9 |
| Popularity | Popular in the USA, New Zealand, the UK, and Canada | Popular in Canada, the UK, and Australia |
| Test Modules | Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening | Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening |
| Reading Module | 2 Tasks (20 Questions) | 3 Tasks (40 Questions) |
| Listening Module | 3+2 Tasks (28 Questions) | 4 Parts (10 Questions each) |
| Speaking Module | 4 Tasks | 3 Tasks |
| Writing Module | 2 Tasks | 2 Tasks |
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a standardized test crafted to evaluate a student’s command of the English language, specifically as a second language. Widely recognized across 190 countries, TOEFL is one of the essential prerequisites for admission to numerous foreign universities, where English serves as the primary medium of instruction.
The exam is administered by ETS (Education Testing Services), a well-recognized US-based commercial, non-profit organization. It provides flexibility with three modalities of assessment:
Also Read: TOEFL Registration 2025
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an English language proficiency test that evaluates an individual’s English language skills in reading, listening, writing, and speaking.
The British Council, IDP Education, and Cambridge Assessment English jointly administer the exam, which is conducted in two modes: paper-based and computer-based.
When choosing between TOEFL and IELTS, many test takers wonder which is more straightforward and best suits their needs. Both tests assess English proficiency, but they differ in format, scoring, and application. By comparing TOEFL vs IELTS score requirements, and exam structure, one can determine which test aligns better with your strengths and academic goals:
| Aspect | IELTS | TOEFL |
| 1. Scope | Broader, including academic, occupational, and immigration purposes. | Primarily for academic purposes, with some use for immigration. |
| 2. Types | Academic and General Training. | Academic-focused. |
| 3. Locations Available | Over 1,600 locations in 140+ countries. | Over 6,000 locations in 170+ countries. |
| 4. Popularity | Over 3.5 million test-takers annually. | Over 2.3 million test-takers annually. |
| 5. Interaction with Examiner | Face-to-face speaking section. | Computer-based speaking section. |
| 6. Scoring | Band system (1-9). | Scored out of 120 (0-30 per section). |
| 7. Exam Duration | 2 hours 45 minutes. | 2 hours (iBT) or 3 hours (paper-based). |
| 8. Frequency | 48 days per year. | 60+ sessions per year, 5 days a week. |
| 9. Result Declaration | Online results within a week, offline for up to 13 days. | Scores available in 4-6 days. |
A section-wise breakdown of both the exams and their differences are given below:
TOEFL
The TOEFL reading section assesses students’ ability to read and comprehend university-level educational texts. Test-takers are tasked with reading 3 to 4 passages, and the candidates must respond to approximately 10 questions for each passage.
IELTS
The IELTS reading section typically has three passages. These passages are the basis for several questions assessing the test-taker’s capacity to comprehend and understand the author’s principal concepts and locate specific information. The main objective of this section is to evaluate the student’s proficiency in understanding and identifying key ideas within the provided texts.
| Aspect | TOEFL | IELTS |
| Exam Type | 20 questions | 40 questions |
| Time Allocation | 35 minutes | 60 minutes |
Read Also: IELTS Exam Fees
TOEFL
The TOEFL listening section evaluates a student’s ability to effectively comprehend classroom lectures and conversations. Students in this section are presented with 3-4 lectures or 2-3 conversations, followed by a series of questions.
Each lecture or conversation is accompanied by approximately six questions, while the conversations entail around five questions each. Completion of this section would take around 30 to 40 minutes.
IELTS
The IELTS Listening section assesses a student’s proficiency in comprehending conversions and deciphering specific information. This section consists of four recorded monologues or conversations divided into four distinct sections. The first two focus on social needs, while the latter pertain to a particular education domain.
Most importantly, the audio is played only once, and the questions are derived from these recordings to evaluate the test-taker’s ability to listen carefully and extract details.
| Exam Type | Total Questions | Number of Parts | Time Allocation |
| TOEFL | 28 | 4 | 36 minutes |
| IELTS | Varies (typically 40 questions) | 4 | 30 minutes |
TOEFL
The TOEFL writing section is structured to evaluate students’ capacity for articulation and expressing their ideas coherently and thoughtfully. This segment consists of two tasks mainly: the integrated task, which entails reading ( 3 minutes), listening (2 minutes), and subsequent writing (15 minutes), while the independent essay writing task is alone.
Overall, students are expected to complete this section in less than 30 minutes, and the area test is their ability to convey ideas more effectively within a constrained time frame.
Read Also: IELTS Exam Eligibility
IELTS
The IELTS writing section assesses a student’s proficiency in presenting a well-organized, clear, and logical essay on any topic. Test-takers are required to compose two essays- a concise one and a more extensive one- demonstrating their ability to convey ideas more effectively within the constraints of a particular test format.
| Exam Type | Total Tasks | Time Allocation |
| TOEFL | 2 | 29 minutes |
| IELTS | 2 | 60 minutes |
TOEFL
TOEFL speaking section evaluates a student’s proficiency in spoken English and comprises four tasks, each assessed by the examiner. The students must read, listen, and articulate their thoughts in the remaining three integrated speaking tasks. The total completion time for the section is typically 15 minutes.
IELTS
The main objective of the IELTS speaking section is to evaluate a candidate’s proficiency in communicating ideas and opinions in the English language. This assessment involves a face-to-face interview with a designated examiner, which directly assesses the candidate’s English speaking skills.
| Exam Type | Total Tasks | Time Allocation |
| TOEFL | 4 | 16 minutes |
| IELTS | 3 parts | 11 to 14 minutes (per part) |
When deciding between TOEFL or IELTS, the key is understanding the differences in format structures and requirements. Both tests assess English proficiency but vary in components and scoring. Whether you are considering TOEFL vs IELTS score comparisons or trying to determine which is more straightforward- TOEFL or IELTS- choice is primarily based on personal strengths.
In the following sections, we’ll break down based on key parameters, such as test duration, scoring, and popularity, as explained in the table below:
| Section | TOEFL | IELTS |
| Reading | 20 questions, 35 minutes; Academic materials; Multiple choice | 40 questions, 60 minutes; 3 long reading passages with varied question types (gap-fill, matching, etc.) |
| Listening | 36 minutes, 28 questions; Includes lectures and campus conversations; Multiple choice with note-taking | 30 minutes, 40 questions; 4 recorded conversations and monologues with various types of questions |
| Writing | 2 tasks within 29 minutes; Task 1 involves note-taking from a reading and lecture; Task 2 integrates reading and listening | 2 tasks in 60 minutes; Task 1 involves describing/explaining visuals (graphs, tables); Task 2 is an essay (250 words) |
| Speaking | 16 minutes, 4 tasks; Responses recorded on a computer based on short descriptions/conversations | 11-14 minutes, 3 tasks; Interview with an examiner, including a warm-up, visual stimulus, and extended discussion |
Read Also: IELTS Exam Dates
When deciding between TOEFL and IELTS, many candidates wonder which is more manageable and which test better suits their skills. Comparing the TOEFL vs IELTS scores and also the structure of the TOEFL exam vs IELTS can help you to determine which test stays in alignment with strengths and goals for English proficiency:
| IELTS Score | TOEFL Score |
| 9 | 118-120 |
| 8.5 | 115-117 |
| 8 | 110-114 |
| 7.5 | 102-109 |
| 7 | 94-101 |
| 6.5 | 79-93 |
| 6 | 60-78 |
| 5.5 | 46-59 |
| 5 | 35-45 |
| 4.5 | 32-34 |
| 0-4 | 0-31 |
Regarding the costs of TOEFL vs IELTS, both exams have similar pricing in India. The IELTS test, whether paper-based or computer-based, costs INR 17,000, while the TOEFL test costs INR 16,900. Though the price difference is minimal, factoring this into your budget is essential. Additionally, preparation for TOEFL or IELTS involves extra costs for study materials, practice tests, and prep courses.
Which is more accepted: TOEFL or IELTS?
Both TOEFL and IELTS are widely accepted by universities and institutions worldwide. However, TOEFL is generally preferred by institutions in the U.S., while IELTS is often more popular in the U.K., Australia, and Canada. It’s essential to verify the requirements of your specific institution.
Is TOEFL easier than IELTS?
The difficulty level between TOEFL and IELTS varies based on personal strengths. TOEFL may seem easier for those comfortable with multiple-choice questions, while IELTS offers a broader range of question types. TOEFL’s speaking test is also recorded, whereas IELTS involves face-to-face interaction with an examiner, which some find challenging.
TOEFL vs IELTS: Which test is more widely accepted for university admissions?
Both tests are highly accepted, with TOEFL being the preferred choice for U.S. universities and IELTS being commonly accepted in the U.K., Australia, and Canada. Some universities accept both, so it’s important to check the specific test requirements of your desired school.
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