DET Exam Day Tips 2026: Taking the Test from Home in India
Vikram Patel
Test Prep & Visa Strategy Head
Vikram heads EEC's test preparation and visa strategy division. An IELTS Band 9 scorer himself, he has trained 10,000+ students across IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, and GRE over 15 years. His visa interview coaching has an industry-leading high approval rate.
Taking the Duolingo English Test from home in India in 2026? Proper preparation for exam day is just as important as studying for the test itself. The DET's AI proctor has strict rules about your environment, behavior, and equipment. This guide covers every DET exam day tip — from computer setup to AI proctor rules to post-test score delivery. One mistake in your setup can invalidate your test and waste your US$70 fee. EEC's DET coaching includes a complete exam-day simulation so you know exactly what to expect.
Before Your Test: Setup Checklist
← Swipe left to see more columns →
| Item | Requirement | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | Valid, not expired, matching Duolingo account name | AI verifies your ID at start |
| Computer | Desktop or laptop (Windows/Mac) | Tablets and phones not allowed |
| Browser | Latest Chrome, Firefox, or Edge | Outdated browsers cause errors |
| Camera | Front-facing, working | AI monitors you throughout |
| Microphone | Working mic (built-in or external) | Speaking tasks require mic |
| Speakers | Working speakers (NOT headphones) | Headphones are NOT allowed |
| Internet | Stable, 2+ Mbps | Disconnections can invalidate test |
| Room | Quiet, well-lit, you are alone | AI flags noise and other people |
| Desk | Clear of notes, books, phones | No reference materials allowed |
Warning
Computer & Environment Requirements
Your computer must have: (1) a supported operating system (Windows 10+ or macOS 10.15+), (2) a working front-facing camera, (3) a working microphone, (4) working speakers, (5) a stable internet connection. Before test day, run the system check at englishtest.duolingo.com to verify your setup.
Pro Tip
AI Proctor Rules: What You Must Know
← Swipe left to see more columns →
| Rule | What Happens If Violated |
|---|---|
| Must be alone in the room | Test invalidated; no refund |
| No headphones or earbuds | Test invalidated |
| No looking away from screen | Warning, possible invalidation |
| No other browser tabs open | Test flagged |
| No notes, books, or phones nearby | Test invalidated |
| No speaking to anyone else | Test invalidated |
| Face must be visible to camera | Warning, possible invalidation |
| No second screen or monitor | Test invalidated |
During the Test: Tips & Strategies
Once the test begins: (1) Read/listen to each question carefully before answering, (2) Manage your time — each question has a time limit shown on screen, (3) Answer every question — partial answers are better than blanks, (4) Stay calm and focused — the adaptive algorithm adjusts to your level, (5) Do not try to go back to previous questions (you cannot).
Good News
Nervous about test day? EEC's DET coaching includes a full exam simulation so you experience the real test environment before the actual exam. No surprises on test day.
Book Free ConsultationVideo Interview & Writing Sample
After the adaptive section, you complete 2 video interview responses and 1 writing sample. These are NOT scored but ARE sent to universities. Dress neatly, speak confidently, and structure your responses. Read our detailed DET video interview tips for strategies.
After the Test: Results & Score Sends
Results arrive in your Duolingo account within 48 hours. You can then send scores to unlimited universities for free. Score reports include: overall score (10-160), four sub-scores, video interview recording, and writing sample. Universities typically receive scores within 1-2 business days of you sending them.
Common Issues & How to Handle Them
← Swipe left to see more columns →
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Internet disconnects during test | Close other apps; use ethernet instead of WiFi if possible |
| Camera/mic not detected | Check browser permissions; restart browser; run system check |
| Test results say "under review" | Normal — AI reviews flagged tests; results within 48 hours |
| Score seems lower than expected | Review sub-scores; consider retake after more preparation |
| Test invalidated by proctor | Review AI rules; ensure environment compliance; retake ($70) |
Don’t Navigate This Alone.
27+ Years. 50,000+ Students. High Visa Success Rate.
Book a free consultation. Related: DET preparation tips, DET speaking tips, DET complete guide, DET fee in India. Explore study in the USA with EEC, study in Canada with EEC, IELTS coaching at EEC, PTE coaching at EEC, and education loan for study abroad.
Scored well on DET? Let EEC handle your university applications. FREE counseling for USA, Canada, UK, and 37+ countries at every branch.
Explore more DET resources: complete DET guide 2026 | DET score conversion chart | universities accepting DET | DET preparation tips | DET online coaching India. Also compare: DET vs IELTS | DET vs TOEFL. Consider IELTS coaching at EEC or PTE coaching at EEC if you need broader acceptance.
Frequently Asked Questions
DET costs just US$70 (~₹5,880) and EEC coaching at ₹7,500 includes a full exam simulation so you know exactly what to expect. Results in 48 hours, unlimited free score sends.
Book Free Consultation“The exam simulation at EEC was invaluable. On test day, I felt completely prepared — I knew exactly what to expect with the AI proctor, camera setup, and timing. Scored 128 on my first attempt!”
— Priya, MBA, Arizona State University — DET 128
With over 5,700+ institutions worldwide accepting DET, your options are virtually unlimited. Submit an enquiry and EEC's counselors will contact you within 24 hours with a personalized DET study plan matched to your target universities.
Ready to Study in DET?
Free counseling. Free admission process. Pay tuition only after visa approval. high visa success rate since 1997.
Related Articles
Duolingo English Test (DET) 2026: Complete Guide for Indian Students
Complete guide to the Duolingo English Test 2026 for Indian students — format, scoring, fee, accepted universities, score conversion, and how to prepare with EEC.
Read ArticleDET Preparation Tips 2026: How to Score 120+ in 2 Weeks
How to score DET 120+ in 2 weeks — adaptive test strategies, question type guides, 2-week study plan, common mistakes, and EEC coaching.
Read ArticleDET Fee in India 2026: Cost, Payment & Why DET Is the Cheapest English Test
DET fee in India 2026 — US$70 (~₹5,880), payment methods, cost comparison, and why DET is the cheapest English proficiency test for Indian students.
Read Article