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30 July 2025

6 minutes read

How to Apply for TOEFL Exam: A Complete Guide for Indian Students

Dirghayu Kaushik
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Dirghayu Kaushik

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Founder & CEO

Dirghayu Kaushik is the co-founder and CEO of Ambitio. He started this platform because he’s been in your shoes—navigating confusing websites, second-guessing college choices, and trying to make sense of what actually matters in an application. A graduate of IIT BHU, Dirghayu combines personal experience with data-backed guidance to help students apply smarter. Whether it’s choosing the right course, building a standout profile, or writing essays that don’t feel forced, his mission is simple: to make getting into your dream university less overwhelming, and a little more honest.

19 August 2024

6 minutes read

Key Takeaways

  • How to apply for TOEFL exam: Book your test date and center early to avoid late fees and stress.
  • Have your passport, ETS account, and payment details ready, and register at least 2–3 weeks before the deadline.
  • Choose between TOEFL Home Edition or test center and plan around university deadlines for a smooth study abroad journey.

Did you know over 1.3 million students worldwide, including thousands from India, rush to register for the TOEFL iBT test each year, often scrambling for their desired test date? Many miss deadlines, struggle with the ETS registration process, or pay extra for late registration just to appear for the TOEFL exam.

To avoid last-minute chaos, knowing how to apply for TOEFL exam, create an ETS account, complete the registration form, and book your test center early is crucial.

Why Indian Students Should Take the TOEFL Exam?

For Indian students aiming to study abroad, knowing how to apply for TOEFL exam is essential. The ETS TOEFL exam helps universities assess English skills, and students can register for TOEFL iBT via the official website using online registration or a regional registration center.

Understanding the TOEFL registration process, exam fee, application deadline, and TOEFL test dates 2023 ensures you take the test on time, reschedule if needed, and achieve the TOEFL score required to appear for the TOEFL examination confidently.

How to Apply for TOEFL Exam?

Planning to study abroad? Understanding how to apply for TOEFL exam is crucial to avoid last-minute stress. The process for TOEFL exam registration 2023 is simple, but missing a registration deadline or test date can cost you extra fees and opportunities.

how to apply for toefl exam

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Check TOEFL Eligibility and Exam Pattern
    Verify you meet TOEFL eligibility and understand the TOEFL exam pattern. The test of English as a Foreign Language is conducted by ETS, covering reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
  2. Create an ETS Account on the TOEFL Official Website
    Visit the ETS website and create an ETS account for TOEFL online registration. This account generates your unique TOEFL registration number for tracking your test registration.
  3. Choose a Test Date, Test Centre, or Home Edition
    Review TOEFL registration dates and select your actual test date at a TOEFL test centre or opt to take the test at home via TOEFL iBT® Home Edition. Remember, test dates are subject to change, so book early.
  4. Fill Out the TOEFL Registration Form
    Complete the TOEFL application form or TOEFL iBT registration form online, ensuring details match your ID. You can register for TOEFL exam via the website, phone, or regional registration centre.
  5. Pay the TOEFL Registration Fee
    Use the TOEFL official website to pay the TOEFL fee while completing your TOEFL ibt test registration. Fees vary, so confirm costs before payment.
  6. Book Your Slot and Confirm Details
    Proceed with TOEFL slot booking. Confirm your registration deadline, TOEFL registration number, and test day details to avoid rescheduling.
  7. Reschedule or Cancel if Needed
    If plans change, you can cancel your TOEFL or reschedule up to days before the test date using your ETS account.
  8. Prepare and Take the Test
    On test day, whether at a TOEFL test center or home test, ensure you follow the rules. After taking the TOEFL, you’ll receive your TOEFL score via the TOEFL official portal.

Documents Required for TOEFL Registration for Indian Students

Before you begin the process of how to apply for TOEFL exam, make sure you have the correct documents. Missing or incorrect paperwork during TOEFL test registration can delay your application and cost you extra fees.

how to apply for toefl exam

Here’s what every test taker must have to register for the TOEFL exam:

  1. Valid Passport (Primary ID)
    Since TOEFL is conducted internationally by ETS, the conducting body, a passport is mandatory for all Indian students to apply for the TOEFL exam or use the TOEFL iBT registration process.
  2. ETS Account Details
    While you learn how to register, ensure you have your ETS account login, as this is required to access the TOEFL resource, schedule or cancel your TOEFL, and get your top of the TOEFL updates.
  3. Recent Passport-Sized Photograph
    For both TOEFL iBT Home and test-center formats, a clear photo is required to verify identity during TOEFL test registration.
  4. Payment Details
    Keep a valid card or payment method handy to pay the fee when you apply online, register by phone, or call their regional registration center to get the TOEFL slot.
  5. Academic Information (Optional but Recommended)
    While registration should be done with minimal details, sharing academic data can help institutions view scores when you apply for the TOEFL exam via ETS.
  6. Registration Timeline Details
    Be advised to book their TOEFL exam 2023 well before deadlines—ideally at least 2–3 weeks before the test date. Confirm your timeline when choosing a test, as dates are subject to change.

TOEFL Exam Fees in India

Indian test takers planning to register for TOEFL exam should know that both the TOEFL iBT at test centre and TOEFL exam fees ₹16,900. Understanding the fee structure and optional services helps you register via your preferred methods to register, avoid unnecessary charges, and plan well before your test day.

ServiceFee (INR)Notes
TOEFL iBT / TOEFL Home Edition registration₹16,900Standard fee for both formats.
Late registration (if past regular registration)₹3,900Can still register via ETS systems; can cancel their TOEFL only before the final deadline.
Test rescheduling₹5,900Allowed if more than days before the test date; otherwise, full fee applies.
Reinstatement of canceled scores₹1,990For test takers who cancel and later decide to reinstate their scores.
Additional score reports₹1,950For reports sent to more than four institutions.
Speaking or Writing section score review₹7,900 per sectionRequest through your ETS account or TOEFL official portal.

Tips to Choose the Right TOEFL Test Date and Center

Selecting the right date and location is just as important as understanding how to apply for TOEFL exam. Booking your slot too late or at the wrong center can lead to extra fees, rescheduling stress, or even missing your deadlines for university submissions.

Here’s how to make the right choice:

  1. Book Your TOEFL Exam at Least 4 Weeks in Advance
    To avoid paying extra or rushing, secure your slot well in advance. Universities expect your scores on time, so planning early ensures you don’t miss deadlines.
  2. Choose a Test Center Close to Home
    While registering via the official ETS platform, pick a TOEFL test center near your location to avoid travel delays or fatigue on test day.
  3. Check the Minimum TOEFL Requirements for Target Universities
    Before selecting a date, ensure you’ll have enough TOEFL preparation time to meet the minimum TOEFL score required by your chosen schools.
  4. Plan Around Application Deadlines
    Schedule your exam so your scores reach universities comfortably before their deadlines, leaving room to cancel or reschedule if necessary.
  5. Use Multiple Registration Methods
    If online slots are full, you can also register by phone or through TOEFL via regional centers, ensuring you don’t miss out on your preferred date.

Conclusion 

Mastering how to apply for TOEFL exam is just the first step toward your study abroad dream. From selecting the right test date, understanding the registration process, and preparing strategically, every detail matters to secure your target TOEFL score. But why navigate this alone?

At Ambitio, we don’t just help with TOEFL registration; we build your complete study abroad profile. From personalized timelines to profile building that impresses top universities, we make the journey seamless. Ready to score high and stand out? Let’s craft your global future together—book your free consultation with Ambitio today!

FAQs

What is the TOEFL IBT test?

The TOEFL IBT (Internet-Based Test) is an English language proficiency exam designed to assess your ability to use and understand English in an academic setting. It measures your skills in reading, listening, speaking, and writing.

How much does TOEFL registration cost?

The TOEFL registration fee varies by location. Visit the official TOEFL website to find the current fee for your region. It’s important to note that fees are subject to change.

Can I reschedule my TOEFL test date?

Yes, you can reschedule your TOEFL test date, but there may be a fee involved. Be sure to check the TOEFL website for the rescheduling policy specific to your region.

Can I take the TOEFL test at home?

Yes, you can take the TOEFL IBT test at home if it’s available in your region. Make sure to meet the technical requirements and follow the home edition guidelines provided by ETS.

How early should I register for the TOEFL exam?

It’s advisable to register for the TOEFL exam at least a few months in advance. This allows you to secure your preferred test date and location, ensuring it aligns with your application deadlines.

What identification do I need on test day?

You must bring valid and unexpired identification that matches the name you used during registration. Typically, a passport is recommended as it is widely accepted.

Is there a minimum TOEFL score required?

The minimum TOEFL score required varies by institution or organization. Check with the universities or programs you plan to apply to for their specific score requirements. Be sure to aim for a score that meets or exceeds their criteria.

How can I best prepare for the TOEFL exam?

To prepare effectively for the TOEFL exam, consider the following strategies:

1) Familiarize yourself with the TOEFL format by practicing with official TOEFL materials.
2) Take full-length practice tests to assess your readiness.
3) Develop your English language skills in reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
4) Consider enrolling in a TOEFL preparation course if you need additional guidance and support.
5) Create a study schedule and stick to it to ensure consistent progress.

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