TOEFL Exam Dates 2026: Registration, Fees in India & Slot Booking Guide
- qaiserahmadcs
- Dec 23
- 3 min read
Introduction
For Indian students targeting top universities in the USA, Canada, or Australia, the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a critical step.
However, the 2026 cycle brings a logistical twist. A major format change is scheduled for January 21, 2026, making the exam shorter and adaptive. This has led to a rush in booking slots before the change for students who prefer the old format, and after the change for those who want the quicker version.
Whether you choose the Test Center or the Home Edition, securing your preferred date requires planning.
In this guide, we provide the complete calendar of TOEFL exam dates 2026, the updated fee structure in Rupees, and a fail-proof guide to booking your slot without errors.
Highlights: TOEFL 2026 Registration Snapshot
Feature | Details |
Exam Name | TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) |
Conducted By | ETS (Educational Testing Service) |
Registration Fee | ₹18,000 (Inclusive of Taxes) |
Frequency | 5-6 Days a week (Almost daily for Home Edition) |
Booking Window | Open 6 months in advance |
Rescheduling Fee | ~₹5,900 |
1. TOEFL Exam Dates 2026 (India Calendar)
The TOEFL does not have a single "Exam Day" like JEE. It happens year-round. However, weekends in peak months fill up fast.
Month-by-Month Availability (Projected):
January 2026: Critical Month! Dates before Jan 21 will follow the old pattern (0-120 score). Dates after Jan 21 follow the new pattern (1-6 Band).
February - April 2026: High availability. Best for Spring intake applicants.
May - August 2026: Peak Season. Fall 2027 applicants rush for these dates. Book 1 month in advance.
September - December 2026: Late application season.
Action: Check the live seat availability on the ETS India website before planning your prep.
2. TOEFL Registration Fees in India 2026
As of the latest update, ETS has standardized the pricing for Indian test-takers
Standard Registration Fee: ₹18,000
This covers the exam + score reporting to 4 universities.
Late Registration Fee: ₹3,900 (If booking within 4 days of the test).
Rescheduling Fee: ₹5,900 (Must be done 4 days prior).
Payment Methods: You can pay via Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, RuPay), UPI, or PayPal.
3. Step-by-Step TOEFL Registration Guide
Don't let a technical error ruin your application. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Create an ETS Account
Visit ets.org/toefl.[10]
Crucial: Your name must match your Passport exactly. (No abbreviations).
Step 2: Select Date & Center
Choose between "Test Center" (Recommended for fewer technical issues) or "Home Edition".
Select your city. The calendar will show available dates in green.
Step 3: Select Score Recipients
You can select 4 universities to receive your scores for free.
Tip: Have your shortlist ready. Adding universities later costs $25 (approx. ₹2,100) per report.
Step 4: Payment
Complete the payment of ₹18,000.
Save the appointment confirmation PDF.
4. Home Edition vs. Test Center: Which Date to Pick?
TOEFL iBT Home Edition: Available 24 hours a day, 4 days a week.
Pros: Convenience.
Cons: Strict proctoring. Any internet glitch can cancel your exam.
Test Center: Fixed dates (usually weekends).
Pros: Secure environment. No risk of equipment failure.
Recommendation: For 2026, we strongly recommend the Test Center option to avoid administrative cancellations.
FAQs regarding TOEFL Exam Dates 2026
1. How early should I book my TOEFL date?
Ideally, 3 to 4 weeks in advance. In peak months (August-October), book 2 months prior to get a weekend slot.
2. Is the fee refundable?
If you cancel at least 4 days before the test, you get a 50% refund (approx. ₹9,000).
3. Can I change my date after booking?
Yes, but you must pay the rescheduling fee of ₹5,900. It is often cheaper to prepare well and take it once than to reschedule.
4. Does the exam date affect the difficulty?
No. The difficulty is standardized. However, taking it before Jan 21, 2026, means facing a longer exam (2 hours), while dates after Jan 21 will be the new shorter version (90 mins).
Conclusion
Securing your TOEFL exam dates 2026 is the first step toward your global education.
With the new fee of ₹18,000, it is an expensive exam. Don't book a date just to "try." Book a date when you are consistently scoring 90+ (or Band 5+) in your mocks.
Ready to ace TOEFL? Check out our page.
If you’re planning to appear for the TOEFL Exam Dates 2026, it’s important to register early, as slots in major Indian cities fill up fast. The registration process is online, with flexible test dates, multiple test centers, and clear slot booking options. For students targeting Australia, strong TOEFL scores can also support applications for Deakin university scholarships, which are awarded based on academic merit and overall profile. Planning your test date strategically can strengthen both admission and funding opportunities.