If you’re planning to study or work abroad, one of the first steps is proving your English language proficiency. Two of the most widely accepted English tests are IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). While both assess your English reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, their formats, scoring systems, and preferences vary depending on the country and institution.
Table of Contents
🧩 Overview: IELTS vs TOEFL
| Feature | IELTS | TOEFL |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | International English Language Testing System | Test of English as a Foreign Language |
| Conducted By | British Council, IDP, Cambridge Assessment | Educational Testing Service (ETS) |
| Mode | Computer-based & Paper-based | Computer-based (TOEFL iBT) |
| Duration | Around 2 hours 45 minutes | Around 3 hours |
| Acceptance | UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Europe | USA, Canada, Australia, some parts of Europe |
| Sections | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking | Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing |
| Scoring Range | 0 – 9 Band | 0 – 120 Score |
| Result Validity | 2 years | 2 years |
Both IELTS and TOEFL are accepted globally, but the preferred test depends on your destination. For instance, universities in the UK and Australia tend to prefer IELTS, whereas US universities usually ask for TOEFL scores.
🎧 Listening Section Comparison
IELTS Listening
Duration: 30 minutes + 10 minutes transfer time (paper-based)
Format: 4 recorded monologues and conversations in different accents — British, Australian, and others.
Question types: Multiple-choice, labeling maps, matching, completion, etc.
Focus: Testing your ability to grasp specific information, opinions, and ideas.
TOEFL Listening
Duration: 41–57 minutes
Format: University-style lectures and campus conversations (mostly American accent).
Question types: Multiple-choice or “drag-and-drop” type tasks.
Focus: Understanding main ideas, inferences, and speaker’s tone.
Key Difference: IELTS uses multiple English accents, while TOEFL mainly focuses on American English. If you are more familiar with American pronunciation, TOEFL may feel easier.
📖 Reading Section Comparison
IELTS Reading
Duration: 60 minutes
Format: 3 passages (academic or general depending on the test type).
Question types: Matching, completion, True/False/Not Given, etc.
Scoring: 40 questions converted into a 0–9 band scale.
TOEFL Reading
Duration: 54–72 minutes
Format: 3–4 passages from academic texts.
Question types: Multiple-choice, vocabulary meaning, sentence insertion, etc.
Scoring: Each correct answer = 1 point; total scaled to 30.
Key Difference: IELTS questions are more varied and test comprehension and scanning skills, while TOEFL focuses more on analytical understanding of long passages.
✍️ Writing Section Comparison
IELTS Writing
Duration: 60 minutes
Task 1 (Academic): Describe a chart, graph, or diagram.
Task 1 (General): Write a formal/informal letter.
Task 2: Essay writing (250 words).
Assessment: Based on task achievement, coherence, vocabulary, and grammar.
TOEFL Writing
Duration: 50 minutes
Task 1: Integrated Writing — read a short text, listen to a lecture, and write a response.
Task 2: Independent Essay — express your opinion on a given topic.
Scoring: Automated + human grading, scaled to 30.
Key Difference: IELTS writing is more traditional, while TOEFL combines reading, listening, and writing in one section (integrated task). If you’re good at essay writing and synthesizing information, TOEFL may be better for you.
🗣️ Speaking Section Comparison
IELTS Speaking
Duration: 11–14 minutes
Conducted face-to-face with a certified examiner.
Format:
Part 1: General questions (about yourself, home, hobbies)
Part 2: Cue card topic (1-minute prep, 2-minute speaking)
Part 3: Follow-up discussion.
Scoring: Fluency, pronunciation, coherence, and vocabulary.
TOEFL Speaking
Duration: 17 minutes
Conducted via computer microphone (recorded responses).
Format: 4 tasks (2 independent + 2 integrated).
Scoring: Rated by AI and human evaluators.
Key Difference: IELTS speaking feels more like a conversation, whereas TOEFL speaking is more structured and computerized. If you’re comfortable interacting face-to-face, IELTS offers a more natural test experience.
📊 Scoring System
| Section | IELTS Band (0–9) | TOEFL iBT Score (0–120) |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 0–9 | 0–30 |
| Reading | 0–9 | 0–30 |
| Writing | 0–9 | 0–30 |
| Speaking | 0–9 | 0–30 |
| Overall Score | Average of 4 bands | Sum of all sections (max 120) |
Example:
IELTS 7.5 ≈ TOEFL 102–109
IELTS 6.5 ≈ TOEFL 79–93
Both tests require similar English proficiency levels. However, check your target university’s specific score requirements, as each sets its own minimum cut-off.
🌍 Which Exam Should You Choose?
Choose IELTS if:
You’re applying to the UK, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada.
You prefer face-to-face speaking.
You are comfortable with British or mixed accents.
You like varied question types (not all multiple-choice).
Choose TOEFL if:
You’re applying to US universities.
You prefer computer-based testing only.
You’re more familiar with American English.
You’re good at typing essays and listening to lectures.
📅 Test Availability and Fees
IELTS: Conducted multiple times every month.
Fee (India, 2025): ₹17,000–₹18,000 (approx).
TOEFL: Conducted over 50 times a year.
Fee (India, 2025): ₹16,900 (approx).
Results are usually available within 5–7 days for computer-based tests.
❓ FAQs
1. Can I take both IELTS and TOEFL?
Yes, but you only need one for admission. Taking both can help if you’re applying to multiple countries.
2. Which test is easier?
That depends on your comfort — IELTS suits those who prefer handwritten or conversational exams; TOEFL suits those confident with computers and American accents.
3. How long are the scores valid?
Both IELTS and TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the test date.
4. Can I retake the test?
Yes, there’s no limit. You can reapply as soon as you’re ready.
🧾 Final Thoughts
Both IELTS and TOEFL are globally respected and measure your English proficiency accurately. The best choice depends on your destination country, test-taking style, and comfort level.
If you’re aiming for the US, TOEFL is the safer bet. For UK, Canada, Australia, or European institutions, IELTS is often the preferred option.
