New TOEFL iBT 2026 Introduced: Adaptive Test Format, 6-Band Scoring & Faster Results

The updated TOEFL iBT has now been redesigned in order to reduce test fatigue and improve relevance for international students. The total test time has also been cut down from 2 hours to around 90 minutes, with no scheduled break.

These Key highlights include:

• Adaptive Reading & Listening sections
• 6-band scoring system (1.0–6.0) aligned with CEFR
• Shorter Speaking and Writing tasks
• Results available within 72 hours
• Upgraded audio equipment
• Expanded official prep resources

Adaptive Reading & Listening for Smarter Testing Experience

For the first time in its history, the TOEFL syllabus 2026 will be using a multistage adaptive format in both the Reading and the Listening sections.

Meaning, all the test takers will start at the same level. And based on their performance, the questions will either get easier or more challenging. This is aimed at ensuring a more accurate assessment of the English proficiency of candidates.

Content Changes:

• Reading: The Reading section will now include real-world materials like emails, announcements, and notices in addition to academic texts
• Listening: The Listening section will also feature everyday conversations and practical communication in addition to lectures.

This shift in both sections has moved the TOEFL exam beyond purely academic English. It now has a focus on real-life communication skills that most of the international students will need in classrooms, group discussions, and project work.

Shorter Test Duration, Less Mental Fatigue

The new TOEFL iBT will now be 90 minutes long. It is significantly shorter than the previous 2-hour test. The section-wise updates include:

• Reading & Listening: 18–27 minutes (adaptive)
• Speaking: Reduced to around 8 minutes
• Writing: 23 minutes with streamlined tasks

This shorter format of the exam is designed to lessen the stress of test takers, all while maintaining the accuracy of the exam testing.

TOEFL Writing Section Gets a Practical Makeover

Moreover, even the traditional long-form essay writing has now been replaced in the new TOEFL exam update. It has become even more concise with the real-world writing tasks. These include:

• Sentence building
• Email writing
• Academic discussion tasks (retained from the old format)

This change will reflect the kind of writing students will actually do while studying in universities, such as emails, short responses, and collaborative discussions.

New 6-Band TOEFL Scoring System

Another one of the biggest changes in the TOEFL exam is the introduction of a 1.0–6.0 band scoring scale, which is aligned with CEFR levels.

• During the transition period (2026–2028), the TOEFL score reports will show:The new 6-band scoreThe traditional 0–120 score

Faster TOEFL Results Within 72 Hours

Additionally, ETS has also significantly reduced the score turnaround time. The faster results will help students in meeting tight university application deadlines and reduce post-test anxiety:

• Official scores: Available within 3 days
• Unofficial Reading & Listening scores: Shown immediately at test centres

Expanded TOEFL Prep Resources for 2026

ETS has also expanded its official preparation ecosystem with paid options, including full-length adaptive TOEFL mock test that are aligned with the 2026 format:

• TOEFL TestReady Portal
• 8-week downloadable prep planner
• Real-life practice questions with audio & transcripts

Some Universities Pause Acceptance of New TOEFL Scores

While over 13,000 institutions worldwide will continue accepting TOEFL, a few of the top universities have announced temporary pauses on the new format:

• University of Cambridge (Undergraduate): Does not accept TOEFL scores from tests taken after 31 Dec 2025
• University of Oxford: Will not accept TOEFL iBT scores taken on or after 21 Jan 2026 (provisional decision)
• University of Edinburgh: Acceptance of the new band scores is currently paused pending internal review

Students targeting these universities are advised to carefully review the updated language requirements.

Why This Matters for Study Abroad Aspirants

With over 40 million test takers globally, TOEFL is still one of the main requirements for many of the global universities, visas, and scholarships. The TOEFL iBT 2026 is designed to better assess practical communication, academic readiness, and real-world English usage, making it more aligned with modern global education needs.

For students planning to take the TOEFL in 2026 or later, Gradding’s experts suggest it’ll be better for them to have early familiarisation with the new format. It is necessary to maximise scores and application success.