How to Prepare for TOEFL 2026: Section-Wise Tips & Exam Format

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a standardized test that assesses the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. Universities, colleges, and organizations worldwide frequently use the test for admission, scholarships, and immigration.
Preparation for TOEFL is a process of practicing and taking sample papers, going to coaching classes, reading up-to-date books, and following a systematic study plan. The time it takes to prepare for the TOEFL exam varies and depends on your level of English language proficiency. On average, most of the candidates will take 2 to 3 months of rigorous TOEFL preparation to score as they target. 

The practice tests for TOEFL include past year's sample papers, which help to determine the pattern of the exam and what kind of questions there are. The top TOEFL preparation course providers in India also provide expert guidance and a systematic study plan, which is something you can look into as well.

TOEFL Preparation: Quick Tips

Check the table below for quick highlights of the TOEFL preparation tips.

TOEFL Preparation 2026: Best Tips, Study Plans

To get ready for the TOEFL 2026, you should take a systematic approach that strikes a balance between practice, strategy, and consistency. Because the TOEFL is becoming a shorter and adaptive exam from January 2026, candidates will need to focus on practicing their real-world listening and speaking skills in addition to following a structured study plan. Here are the key highlights to help you prepare:

• Understand the New Format: In January of 2026, the TOEFL iBT test will become a shorter, adaptive test that focuses on measuring skills used in real-world communication.
• Baseline Practice Test: It's helpful to understand your strengths and weaknesses by taking a full-length (non-timed) practice test.
• Use Official ETS Resources: Interactive practice tests, digital courses, as well as eBooks, will offer real use of past papers, provide structure for practice, and prepare you for the exam.
• Section-Wise Focus:

Reading: Read purposefully to identify the main ideas, then read the content for details.

Listening: Practice the skill of note-taking during listening to lectures, group conversations, etc.

Speaking: Record your responses and then, with a scoring guide, score your own response.

Writing: Practice a structure for essays, i.e., introductions, body, and conclusion.

• Building Vocabulary: Develop your academic vocabulary to help with understanding and expressing your ideas.
• Mock Testing: Full-length tests to be used in a timed manner can mimic your exam scenario.
• Reread Through Content: You should evaluate mistakes to determine what to avoid.
• Frequency: Most suggest repeatedly practicing a little every day for a long time is more beneficial than cramming at the last moment.

Read More: Time Management Tips for IELTS and TOEFL 

TOEFL Preparation Tips (Section-wise)

Reading: First, identify the main ideas (for ex., the meaning of a paragraph). Then, go back for details as necessary. Work on academic vocabulary, and practice inference-based questions.

Listening: Work on your note-taking skills (during lectures and conversations). Understand the keywords, transitions, and attitude of the speaker.

Speaking: You need to practice speaking on time, record your speaking, and compare with scoring rubrics. Organize your speaking with an opening, supporting points, and a conclusion.

Writing: You should structure an essay with an introduction, body, and conclusion. Practice integrated tasks with reading & listening and work on grammar and coherence.

Understand the Exam Pattern for TOEFL Preparation

Check the following table to know the TOEFL exam pattern.

Exam Day Tips for TOEFL Preparation

You may wish to check the day-of-exam advice to be followed when you register for TOEFL IBT at a testing centre. 

1. You don’t need to worry about the TOEFL if you studied English since you were a child, you should not have much difficulty doing well on the exam. 
2. Before the reading section begins, take a minute or 2 to collect yourself first. 
3. Do not study on the day of the exam, it will only cause stress instead of help you. 
4. Complete many practice exams. 
5. Most computer test centres are air-conditioned, make sure to wear warm and comfortable attire. You do not want cold feet (no doubt both literally and figuratively) on exam day. 
6. For the writing section you only have 29 minutes. It may seem like ample time, but you have enough time to proofread your essay just once. Be mindful of the time. 
7. You will need to concentrate with great effort during the speaking and listening section. The provided headphones may not be noise-cancelling so pay careful attention.

FAQs

Ques: How long does it take to prepare for TOEFL?

Preparation time varies based on English proficiency and score aspirations, but most students will require 1 to 3 months of preparation. Students aiming for extensive improvement would plan closer to 2–3 months. Most preparation should be completed every day and timed practice and mock tests should be a part of their study schedule.

Ques: Can I prepare for TOEFL at home?

Yes, ETS offers the TOEFL iBT Home Edition, which is identical to the test center version. The Home Edition can be taken anywhere in the world with online proctoring, and students can prepare entirely at home with official resources.

Ques: Is 70 a bad TOEFL score?

A score of 70 is below average. Most universities are looking for students in the 80–100 range. It may be acceptable for less competitive programs. Typically, very top universities will be looking

Ques: Is TOEFL harder than IELTS?

The level of difficulty is subjective, and it depends on the individual's abilities. TOEFL is a computer-based exam that is very academic in nature, while IELTS could include a face-to-face speaking portion. It is impossible to say that one form of assessment is harder than another. That depends on who is taking the exam. 

Ques: Can I prepare for TOEFL on my own?

Yes, it is possible to study independently using guided resources and practice tests provided by ETS. Target specific strategies per section and practice your timing. It’s all about consistency!

Ques: How can I prepare for the TOEFL exam at home?

Familiarize yourself with the different sections of the exam by doing some basic diagnostic testing, then study each section. Use the official guides and online study plans. Develop a system for everyday studying.

Ques: How to prepare for TOEFL by self study?

Start with a baseline test, then study the areas of weakness. Use free study guides and ETS practice testing materials. Short studying day-to-day intervals are much more effective than cramming sessions.

Ques: Is 72 a good score in TOEFL?

An average TOEFL test score is 82, which puts 72 slightly below average. It would potentially satisfy some university requirements for admission. More competitive programs are looking for scores above 90.

Ques: How much is 7.5 IELTS in TOEFL?

An IELTS of 7.5 falls in the middle range of 102-109 TOEFL iBT

Ques: Is 79 a good TOEFL score?

A 79 is minimally competitive and lands you in the intermediate zone. Smaller universities may accept this score. Top programs typically ask for a range of 90+ - 100.

Ques: Is 80 a bad TOEFL score?

An 80 is usually the minimum proficiency level for most institutions. Some universities may accept lower scores, but most students will need to score above 100 at top universities.

Ques: Is it hard to get 90 on TOEFL?

A 90 means that you will need strong skills in all sections. This score is achievable with consistent practice. Top universities often require a minimum of 90.

Ques: What is the lowest passing TOEFL score?

ETS does not set a universal passing score. Each institution will determine its own minimum score, typically between 80 to 100. Always check the program’s minimum requirements.

Ques: How long does it take to prep for TOEFL?

The average recommended time is around 1–3 months for preparation. Beginners may need more time, and higher-level students may complete test prep faster. Practice tests in different sections provide an indication of readiness.

Ques: Is 2 weeks enough to study for TOEFL?

In about 2 weeks it is possible, but it would require 5–9 hours of daily study. This can be helpful for someone who already has a strong skill level in English or a background in English instruction. Furthermore, the most experienced instructors recommend an overall study time of at least 1–2 complete months.

Ques: Is it hard to get 79 on the TOEFL?

Difficulty depends on your English level. For fluent speakers, 79 is achievable with practice. It is considered a modest score.