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IELTS vs TOEFL – Which Test Is Better for Indian Students 2026?

By Admissiongyan – Guiding Indian Students Toward Successful Study Abroad Journeys
By Admissiongyan – Guiding Indian Students Toward Successful Study Abroad Journeys

Choosing between IELTS and TOEFL is one of the first decisions Indian students face when planning to study abroad. Both are globally accepted English proficiency exams, but they differ in format, structure, scoring, and the overall test experience. Understanding these differences will help you choose the right exam for your 2026 university applications. Table of Contents



1. Understanding the Basic Difference

IELTS and TOEFL assess your English-language ability in four areas: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. IELTS is more practical and conversation-based, while TOEFL is more academic and structured. Both are accepted in countries like the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Germany, Ireland, and many more.

2. Test Format Differences

IELTS:

  • Available in both Computer-Based Test (CBT) and Paper-Based Test (PBT).

  • Speaking test is conducted face-to-face with an examiner.

  • Listening and reading sections have different question types like matching, sentence completion, and short answers.

TOEFL:

  • Entirely computer-based.

  • Speaking responses are recorded and evaluated digitally.

  • Reading and listening passages are more academic and similar to university-level content.

3. Scoring System

IELTS:

  • Scored on a band scale of 0 to 9.

  • Each section receives a band score, and the final score is an average.

TOEFL:

  • Scored out of 120 points.

  • Each section is worth 30 points.

  • Total score is a direct sum of all section scores.

4. Which Exam Is Easier for Indian Students?

It largely depends on your comfort level:

Choose IELTS if:

  • You prefer direct, face-to-face speaking.

  • You are comfortable with shorter, practical questions.

  • You want a variety of question types instead of long passages.

  • You prefer a balanced mix of academic and general English.

Choose TOEFL if:

  • You are comfortable typing essays and answering on a computer.

  • You can manage long passages and academic-style listening.

  • You prefer a digital speaking test over a face-to-face interaction.

  • You want a highly structured and predictable exam pattern.

5. Acceptance Around the World

Both IELTS and TOEFL are widely accepted across the USA, UK, Canada, Germany, Australia, and New Zealand. However:

  • Universities in the UK and Australia traditionally prefer IELTS, but TOEFL is also widely accepted.

  • Many US universities have a long history of accepting TOEFL, but IELTS is equally popular now.

  • Germany accepts both tests for English-taught programs.

The choice rarely affects admissions; your score matters more than the exam you choose.

6. Test Availability and Convenience

IELTS:

  • Available in almost all major Indian cities.

  • Frequent test dates every month.

  • You can choose speaking slots separately (for CBT).

TOEFL:

  • Fully digital exam conducted in authorized test centers.

  • Regular test dates but fewer centers than IELTS.

  • Home Edition is available in some cases.

7. Test Duration

IELTS:

  • Around 2 hours and 45 minutes.

  • Speaking conducted separately, either on the same day or within a week.

TOEFL:

  • Around 2 hours.

  • Entire exam is completed in a single sitting.

8. Cost Comparison (Approximate)

IELTS:

  • Around INR 16,500 in India.

TOEFL:

  • Around INR 16,000–16,500 depending on the test center.

Prices may slightly change for the 2026 cycle, but both remain in the same range.

9. Which Exam Should You Choose for 2026?

Choose IELTS if you want:

  • A practical test format

  • Face-to-face speaking

  • More flexible question types

  • A test accepted widely across UK, Ireland, Australia, and Canada

Choose TOEFL if you want:

  • A fully computerized exam

  • Digital speaking instead of face-to-face conversation

  • A structured, academic-oriented test experience

  • A format similar to university-style learning

Both exams are equally good; your comfort with the exam format is the deciding factor.

Conclusion

IELTS and TOEFL are both excellent options for Indian students planning to study abroad in 2026. Instead of asking which exam is better, ask which exam fits your strengths, test preferences, and comfort level. Universities accept both, so your score and confidence matter far more than the test you choose.

📞 Call us today or visit www.admissiongyan.com for a free consultation.


 
 
 

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