DET Sub-Scores Explained 2026: Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation, Production

Understanding DET sub-scores is key to maximizing your Duolingo English Test score in 2026. The DET reports four sub-scores — Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation, and Production — each measuring a unique combination of language skills. While most universities focus on the overall score (10-160), knowing how DET sub-scores work helps you target your weak areas and boost your total score more efficiently. EEC's DET coaching at ₹7,500 provides targeted practice for all four sub-score areas.

The Duolingo English Test costs just US$70 (~₹5,880), is taken from home on your computer anytime, delivers results in 48 hours, and allows unlimited free score sends to universities worldwide.

What Are DET Sub-Scores?

Notice that each skill appears in two sub-scores: Reading affects both Literacy and Comprehension; Writing affects both Literacy and Production; Listening affects both Comprehension and Conversation; Speaking affects both Conversation and Production. This means improving any single skill boosts two sub-scores simultaneously.

Literacy Sub-Score: Reading + Writing

Literacy measures your ability to read and produce written English. It is affected by: Read and Complete, Read Then Write, Write About the Photo, and the Writing Sample. Indian students often score well in Literacy due to strong English reading education, but may lose points on timed writing tasks.

Comprehension Sub-Score: Reading + Listening

Comprehension measures your ability to understand English input — both written and audio. It is affected by: Read and Select, Interactive Reading, Listen and Type, and Interactive Listening. This sub-score benefits from extensive exposure to English media, podcasts, and reading material.

Conversation Sub-Score: Listening + Speaking

Conversation measures your ability to engage in verbal English communication. It is affected by: Listen Then Speak, Read Aloud, Speak About the Photo, and the Video Interview (indirectly, since it is unscored). This is often the most challenging sub-score for Indian students who have limited English speaking practice. See our DET speaking tips for improvement strategies.

Production Sub-Score: Writing + Speaking

Production measures your ability to produce English output — both written and spoken. It is affected by: Write About the Photo, Read Then Write, Speak About the Photo, and Listen Then Speak. This sub-score rewards fluency, vocabulary range, and clear expression.

How Universities Use Sub-Scores

How to Improve Each Sub-Score

Book a free consultation. Related: DET preparation tips, DET speaking tips, DET writing tips, DET score conversion, DET complete guide. 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.

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

“Understanding my sub-scores helped me focus on speaking practice. My Conversation score jumped from 100 to 125, and my overall score went from 110 to 130. EEC's coaching nailed it.”

— Ravi, MS in Engineering, Purdue University — DET 130

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.