New TOEFL Format 2026: Everything That Changed on January 21

The new TOEFL format 2026 is here — and it changes everything. On January 21, 2026, ETS launched the most radical overhaul in TOEFL history: a shorter test (~2 hours instead of ~3), a completely new 1-6 band scoring scale, adaptive Reading and Listening sections, brand-new question types, and the elimination of the independent essay and all integrated tasks. If you are preparing for TOEFL in 2026, every strategy guide, practice test, and coaching programme from before January 21 is now obsolete. This is the most comprehensive breakdown of the new TOEFL format 2026 — covering every section, every new question type, and exactly what Indian students need to know. EEC is among the first institutes in India to have a fully updated new-format TOEFL curriculum ready.

The Biggest TOEFL Change in 60 Years

The TOEFL has existed since 1964, when it started as a paper-based test. It moved to computer-based testing in 1998 and became the internet-based TOEFL iBT in 2005. But none of those transitions were as dramatic as what happened on January 21, 2026. ETS didn't just tweak the format — they rebuilt the entire test from scratch. The reason? Language testing research has evolved dramatically. ETS found that shorter, more targeted tasks using computer-adaptive technology provide more accurate scores than the old marathon format. The result is a test that is fairer, faster, and more reflective of real-world English skills.

For Indian students, the timing is significant. India sends over 200,000 students to the USA annually, and TOEFL remains the most accepted English test for US universities. Whether you are considering IELTS preparation or PTE Academic coaching as alternatives, understanding the new TOEFL changes is critical. The new TOEFL format change January 2026 means every one of these students needs to prepare differently. Old coaching materials, old practice books, and old strategies are now worthless. New preparation strategies are essential.

“The TOEFL just got a complete makeover on January 21, 2026. EEC is among the first coaching institutes in India to update its curriculum for the new format. Our trainers have already analysed every new question type.”

— Vikram Patel, Test Prep & Visa Strategy Head, EEC

New TOEFL Format at a Glance

What Changed in Reading

The old TOEFL Reading section had 3-4 passages of approximately 700 words each, requiring 54-72 minutes. That format is completely gone. The new Reading section is computer-adaptive with three distinct question types that assess different reading skills in a more targeted way.

The three new Reading question types are: Complete the Words — you fill in missing letters or words within a passage (testing vocabulary and contextual understanding); Read in Daily Life — practical texts like campus notices, schedules, and announcements (testing real-world reading skills); and Read Academic Passage — shorter academic texts than the old format, with comprehension questions (testing academic reading ability).

What does "adaptive" mean? The Reading section is divided into modules. Your performance in Module 1 determines the difficulty of Module 2. If you answer most Module 1 questions correctly, Module 2 will be harder — but this allows you to reach higher band scores. If Module 1 is challenging, Module 2 adjusts downward to more accurately measure your level. This adaptive approach means more accurate scoring with fewer questions. Get detailed Reading tips for the new format.

What Changed in Listening

The old Listening section featured 3-4 lengthy academic lectures (5-7 minutes each) and 2-3 campus conversations, totalling 41-57 minutes. The new section is also computer-adaptive and features three streamlined question types: Listen and Choose Response (hear a statement, choose the best reply — like a real conversation), Conversation (campus-based dialogues with comprehension questions), and Announcements & Academic Talks (shorter lecture-style content with focused questions).

The lectures are shorter and more focused than the old format. The adaptive module system works the same way as Reading — stronger performance in Module 1 leads to harder (but higher-scoring) Module 2 content. Indian students who struggled with the old 7-minute lectures will find the new shorter content much more manageable. See our Listening section strategy guide.

What Changed in Writing

This is the section with the biggest and most student-friendly changes. The old TOEFL Writing had two tasks: an Integrated Task (read a passage, listen to a lecture, write a summary in 20 minutes) and an Independent Essay (write 300+ words on a topic in 30 minutes). Both of these are completely eliminated.

The new Writing section has three tasks. Build a Sentence gives you jumbled words and phrases — you arrange them into grammatically correct sentences. This tests grammar and syntax knowledge directly. Write an Email (7 minutes) presents a scenario requiring you to compose a practical email — like writing to a professor, a landlord, or a classmate. This is real-world writing. Write for Academic Discussion (10 minutes) presents a discussion board prompt — you read other students' opinions and contribute your own perspective. This is shorter and more focused than the old essay.

What Changed in Speaking

The old Speaking section had 4 tasks: 1 independent (speak about a familiar topic) and 3 integrated (read a passage, listen to audio, then speak). All integrated tasks are eliminated. The new Speaking section is simpler and more natural, with just two parts.

Listen and Repeat — 7 sentences about daily life and campus topics. You hear a sentence and repeat it back. This tests pronunciation, intonation, and fluency. It is very different from the old format where you had to synthesise information from reading and listening passages before speaking.

Take an Interview — 4 questions where you respond for 45 seconds each. Questions are about your opinions, experiences, and ideas — similar to an IELTS Speaking Part 2/3 but with fixed response time. This is much more natural and conversational than the old integrated tasks. Get Speaking tips for the new format.

New Scoring: 1-6 Bands Replace 0-120

Each section is now scored on a 1-6 band scale in 0.5 increments. Your overall TOEFL score is the average of your four section band scores. For example, if you score Reading 5.0, Listening 4.5, Writing 4.0, Speaking 4.5, your overall band is (5.0+4.5+4.0+4.5)/4 = 4.5.

During the 2-year transition period (January 2026 — January 2028), score reports automatically include both the new 1-6 band score and a comparable 0-120 score. This ensures universities that haven't updated their requirements yet can still evaluate your scores. Read our complete scoring guide with conversion tables.

Is the New TOEFL Easier or Harder?

The honest answer: it depends on the student. The new TOEFL is objectively shorter and has simpler task types — no essay, no integrated tasks, more straightforward questions. For students who struggled with the old 3-hour format, the old essay, or the complex integrated tasks, the new TOEFL is significantly easier.

However, the adaptive Reading and Listening sections mean that high-scoring students face harder questions. The 1-6 band scale is also more compressed — small improvements in ability translate to smaller score changes. And the new question types (like Complete the Words) require specific preparation that generic English study won't cover. Bottom line: the test is more accessible but still requires targeted preparation for a top score. See our preparation strategy for the new format.

Are Old TOEFL Scores Still Valid?

Yes. TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years from the test date, regardless of which format you took. If you scored 100 on the old 0-120 scale in March 2025, that score remains valid until March 2027. Universities will accept it. During the transition period, your old score will also be shown alongside a comparable new-band equivalent on any score reports you send. The TOEFL test fee in India remains ₹16,900, and one of the best improvements is that results are now available in just 72 hours (down from 4-8 days in the old format). Students targeting the USA, Canada, or Germany benefit from this faster turnaround when managing tight application deadlines.

How to Prepare for the New Format at EEC

EEC updated its entire TOEFL curriculum the day the new format launched. Our trainers have analysed every new question type, created original practice materials for Complete the Words, Read in Daily Life, Build a Sentence, Write an Email, Listen and Repeat, and Take an Interview. We offer three preparation modes — all at ₹7,500 all-inclusive:

Classroom: Available at 8 centres in Ahmedabad, 5 centres in Surat, 4 centres in Vadodara, and across 12 cities in Gujarat. Online Live: Same trainers, interactive Zoom classes, from anywhere in India. Pre-recorded: Self-paced video course with 1-year access. You can also take the test from home — see our TOEFL Home Edition guide for details, or find the nearest TOEFL test centre in India.

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