You are choosing between two strong tests, and the stakes feel high. The right decision can save weeks of prep, extra fees, and even visa delays. This India focused guide compares IELTS and TOEFL using 2025 realities, not hearsay. We break down acceptance rules, test formats, scoring, retakes, and real world scenarios so you can pick fast and prepare with confidence.
IELTS vs TOEFL at a glance
Both tests are globally accepted, but they feel different to attempt. IELTS uses face to face speaking with a human examiner, while TOEFL captures responses on computer. IELTS runs about two hours forty five minutes. TOEFL is shorter at roughly one hour fifty six minutes. Read this side by side snapshot, then dive deeper into what matters for your country, course, and timeline.
| Feature | IELTS | TOEFL iBT |
|---|---|---|
| Owner | IELTS Partners, delivered by IDP in India | ETS |
| Delivery | Paper or computer at Indian test centres | Test centre or Home Edition with remote proctoring |
| Duration | About 2 hours 45 minutes | About 1 hour 56 minutes |
| Speaking | In person interview with an examiner | Recorded on computer, scored centrally |
| Score scale | 0 to 9 band per skill and overall | 0 to 120 composite, 0 to 30 per skill |
| Results | 3 to 5 days for computer, 13 days for paper | Typically 4 to 8 days |
| Retake feature | One Skill Retake available in India | MyBest score super scoring at some universities |
| UK visa status | IELTS for UKVI is an approved SELT | Not accepted for UK visas |
Acceptance is widespread for both tests. IELTS reports acceptance by over 12,000 organisations worldwide. TOEFL reports acceptance by over 12,500 institutions in more than 160 countries. The practical differences show up in visa rules, program requirements, and your comfort with either an interview style speaking test or a fully computer based system.
Acceptance and visa rules in 2025 for Indian applicants
University admission and visa acceptance are not the same. Most universities in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Europe accept both IELTS and TOEFL for admission. Visa systems sometimes name specific tests. If your path requires a Secure English Language Test, you must match the exact version demanded by that immigration authority.
- United States: Universities accept both; the F 1 visa does not mandate a specific test.
- Canada: Student Direct Stream accepts TOEFL iBT with a minimum overall 83. Express Entry immigration does not accept TOEFL; IELTS General or CELPIP is required.
- United Kingdom: UK visas that require a SELT accept IELTS for UKVI. TOEFL is not accepted for UK visas.
- Australia and New Zealand: Universities accept both; always verify current visa test lists before booking.
For Canadian study permits under SDS, ensure you meet the specific minimum for your test. For IELTS Academic, many programs look for 6.0 to 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, though requirements vary by institution. For UK visas, book the correct IELTS for UKVI version, which appears clearly as a separate product at test booking time.
If your plan includes future migration, play the long game. Canada’s Express Entry requires IELTS General or CELPIP, not TOEFL. The UK relies on SELT lists that include IELTS for UKVI. Australia’s visa rules have changed over time; confirm the current list on the official government site before paying a fee or scheduling your test date.
Test format and test day experience
IELTS has four sections in this order: Listening, Reading, and Writing on the same day; Speaking usually on the same day or within a short window. Listening includes various accents, including British, Australian, and North American. Speaking is a live interview, which many candidates find more natural, though it can feel intense for those who prefer a screen.
IELTS format quick view
Listening runs about 30 minutes with four parts. Reading is 60 minutes with three passages. Writing is 60 minutes, including one data interpretation or letter task and one essay. Speaking lasts 11 to 14 minutes across three parts. Computer delivered IELTS offers faster results and often same day speaking. Paper based sessions still exist and are common in many Indian cities.
TOEFL format quick view
TOEFL iBT is fully computer based at the test centre or at home with a proctor. The shortened version introduced earlier remains around one hour fifty six minutes. Reading has fewer questions than before, Listening is streamlined, Speaking keeps four tasks, and Writing now includes the academic discussion task alongside integrated writing. There is no face to face interview at any point.
If you dislike typing long essays, IELTS may feel friendlier on paper. If you prefer typing and a consistent on screen experience, TOEFL can be a better fit. For at home convenience, TOEFL’s Home Edition is widely available, though some institutions and visa systems may not accept remote tests. Always check acceptance for your exact program.
Scoring, conversions, and what universities actually ask
IELTS scores are reported as bands from 0 to 9, including half bands, for each skill and overall. TOEFL reports a total out of 120, with each skill out of 30. Many universities state minimums in both systems. Competitive programs may specify sectional cutoffs, like no band below 6.0 or no skill below 20. Always confirm sectional rules, not only the overall target.
| Level | IELTS band | TOEFL iBT total | Typical asks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper B2 | 6.0 to 6.5 | 72 to 94 | Many undergraduate and taught masters |
| C1 | 7.0 to 8.0 | 95 to 110 | Selective masters and most STEM programs |
| High C1+ | 8.0 to 9.0 | 110 to 120 | Top tier programs and scholarships |
Tip: If your target states a single overall number but your profile has a weak skill, prefer a test that lets you balance that weakness. For many, IELTS speaking with a human helps. For others, TOEFL’s on screen structure is easier to rehearse and control under pressure.
Costs, scheduling, and result timelines
Test fees and reschedule charges change with taxes and exchange rates. In India, IELTS and TOEFL are broadly comparable in total cost after score reports. What really saves money is one and done planning. Book dates that sit comfortably before university deadlines. Give yourself buffer time for a retake without missing a scholarship or visa slot.
Computer delivered IELTS typically releases results in three to five days, while paper based results take about 13 days. TOEFL iBT usually posts scores within four to eight days. Both providers offer free score reports to a limited number of institutions if you select them in time. Additional reports, rush reports, and courier requests attract extra fees.
Test slots in major Indian cities fill quickly during peak seasons, especially September to November and February to April. If you want a Saturday slot or a specific morning time, lock it early. For TOEFL Home Edition, also plan a quiet room, stable power, and a fast, wired internet connection to avoid disruptions and rescheduling hassles.
Retakes, cancellations, and score reviews
IELTS One Skill Retake allows you to retake a single section on computer delivered IELTS at eligible centres, usually within 60 days of the original test. Many universities accept this result for admission decisions. Immigration bodies typically require a single sitting for official language proof, so do not rely on this for visas unless clearly allowed.
TOEFL offers MyBest scores, which combine the highest section scores from multiple valid test dates. Universities differ on whether they accept MyBest or require a single test date total. ETS also offers score review for speaking and writing within a defined window. As with IELTS, visa systems and scholarships often want a single attempt scorecard.
Cancellation and rescheduling policies have strict timelines. Expect a partial refund if you cancel by the provider’s deadline, and a reschedule fee if you change dates. If you suspect a scoring error, IELTS offers an Enquiry on Results within a set period, and the fee is refunded if your score changes. Always read the current policy when you book.
Which test should you choose? Real world scenarios
Applying to US research heavy masters in CS or data
Both tests are widely accepted. If you type fast and like a predictable on screen flow, TOEFL fits well. Many programs set 100 or higher on TOEFL or 7.0 overall on IELTS. If speaking anxiety is an issue, remember IELTS uses a human interview. Choose the format you can practice consistently to reach high sectional scores.
Targeting Canada under the Student Direct Stream
SDS accepts both IELTS Academic and TOEFL iBT. For TOEFL, the SDS minimum is 83 overall. Institutions may still set higher thresholds, so check both the immigration and university pages. If future Express Entry immigration is part of your plan, you will eventually need IELTS General or CELPIP, not TOEFL, for that stage.
Heading to the UK for a taught masters with a visa requirement
Many UK universities accept both tests for admission, but UK visas that require a SELT need IELTS for UKVI or another approved SELT. TOEFL is not accepted for UK visas. If your course or visa demands a SELT, book the UKVI labelled IELTS test. That avoids delays, confusion, and repeat testing during a tight visa window.
Need a fast result before a scholarship deadline
TOEFL is shorter and often releases scores within a week. Computer delivered IELTS usually takes three to five days. If you are equally prepared for both, pick the test with the earliest confirmable slot and the fastest report to your universities. Also consider whether you might need an One Skill Retake, which could save a full retest.
Stronger at face to face conversation than recording answers
IELTS speaking may feel more natural if you are confident maintaining a conversation and adjusting to prompts on the fly. The examiner can repeat or clarify questions within limits, which some candidates find reassuring. If you prefer practicing with exact templates and strict timing, TOEFL’s recorded speaking can be easier to simulate during preparation.
Smart preparation plan and exam day tips
Build a six to eight week plan, then fine tune. Start by taking an official style diagnostic test to identify weak skills. Balance your study time by skill, not just total hours. Focus on task types that carry heavy marks, like IELTS Task 2 writing or TOEFL integrated tasks. Mix timed drills with feedback based revision sessions.
- Automate routines: same time daily, shorter but consistent blocks.
- Collect error logs for repeated mistakes and fix patterns.
- Record speaking answers and compare against model responses.
- For writing, build modular paragraph structures you can adapt.
- Practice with mixed accents for IELTS listening confidence.
- Simulate test timing exactly, including breaks and transitions.
On test day, arrive early and carry acceptable ID as listed by the provider. For TOEFL at home, test your equipment and room lighting well in advance. Eat light, hydrate, and choose a steady pacing strategy. In reading, avoid spending too long on a single question. In speaking, keep answers structured, not rushed, using clear signposting.
After the test, plan your score reporting. Use the free reports intelligently by pre selecting target universities. If your score is borderline for one section, decide quickly whether a review or a retake offers better odds. Time is often more precious than a few extra marks, especially when deadlines are close and visa slots are limited.
Conclusion
There is no universal winner between IELTS and TOEFL. For India bound applicants heading abroad in 2025, focus on acceptance for your visa, the test style you can master fastest, and realistic timelines. IELTS helps if you want a human interview or need UKVI. TOEFL helps if you prefer a compact, fully digital flow or at home testing. Choose, commit, and execute.
