When planning to study abroad, Indian students often face one major dilemma — IELTS vs TOEFL for Indian Students: which exam is better? Both IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) assess English proficiency and are widely accepted by universities worldwide. However, the choice depends on multiple factors such as exam format, country preference, difficulty level, scoring, and personal comfort.
This guide provides a detailed comparison of IELTS vs TOEFL for Indian students, helping you decide the best exam for your academic journey.
What Is IELTS?
IELTS is jointly conducted by British Council, IDP Education, and Cambridge Assessment English. It is accepted by universities, immigration authorities, and employers in UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.
IELTS Exam Format:
- Reading
- Listening
- Writing
- Speaking (face-to-face interview)
Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes
Scoring: Band score from 1 to 9
What Is TOEFL?
TOEFL is conducted by ETS (Educational Testing Service), USA and is widely accepted in USA, Canada, Germany, and many European universities.
TOEFL Exam Format:
- Reading
- Listening
- Speaking (recorded via microphone)
- Writing
Duration: Around 2 hours
Scoring: 0 to 120 points
IELTS vs TOEFL for Indian Students: Key Differences
| Factor | IELTS | TOEFL |
|---|---|---|
| Test Mode | Paper / Computer + Face-to-face speaking | Fully Computer-based |
| Speaking Test | Live examiner interview | Recorded responses |
| Scoring | Band 1–9 | Score 0–120 |
| Duration | 2h 45m | ~2h |
| Results Time | 3–5 days | 6–10 days |
| Fee (India) | ₹18,000 approx | ₹16,900 approx |
IELTS vs TOEFL: Exam Pattern Comparison
1. Speaking Section
- IELTS: Face-to-face interaction with an examiner in a private room.
- TOEFL: Speaking into a microphone with AI and human evaluation.
👉 Indian students often feel more confident with IELTS speaking, as it resembles a real-life conversation.
2. Reading Section
- IELTS: 3 long passages, multiple question types.
- TOEFL: Academic passages, mostly multiple-choice questions.
👉 IELTS reading includes diverse question formats, while TOEFL focuses mainly on MCQs.
3. Writing Section
- IELTS: Graph description + Essay writing.
- TOEFL: Integrated writing + Opinion essay.
👉 IELTS writing tasks are more practical, while TOEFL focuses on summarization and analytical skills.
4. Listening Section
- IELTS: Conversations + monologues with varied question formats.
- TOEFL: Academic lectures and campus discussions, mostly MCQs.
Which Is Easier: IELTS or TOEFL?
There is no universal answer, as difficulty depends on individual comfort.
Based on Indian Student Feedback:
- IELTS is easier for:
- Speaking confidence
- Natural conversation
- Practical writing tasks
- TOEFL is easier for:
- Students comfortable with computers
- MCQ-based exams
- Faster typing skills
Indian students often find IELTS easier, especially in speaking and writing sections.
IELTS vs TOEFL: Country-Wise Acceptance
| Country | Preferred Exam |
|---|---|
| UK | IELTS |
| Canada | IELTS |
| Australia | IELTS |
| USA | TOEFL |
| Germany | TOEFL / IELTS |
| Europe | TOEFL + IELTS |
👉 IELTS is widely preferred for UK, Canada, and Australia, while TOEFL dominates US admissions.
Cost Comparison for Indian Students
- IELTS Fee: ₹18,000 approx
- TOEFL Fee: ₹16,900 approx
TOEFL is slightly cheaper, but IELTS offers faster result processing and more test dates in India, making it more convenient.
Test Centers & Availability in India
- IELTS: Available across almost all major Indian cities with frequent test dates.
- TOEFL: Around 90 test centers nationwide.
Gujarat alone hosts 20% of TOEFL test centers in India, showing strong availability.
IELTS vs TOEFL for Indian Students: Which Should You Choose?
Choose IELTS if:
- You are applying to UK, Canada, Australia.
- You prefer face-to-face speaking.
- You are comfortable with descriptive writing.
- You want faster results.
Choose TOEFL if:
- You are targeting USA universities.
- You are comfortable with computers.
- You prefer MCQ-based exams.
- You are good at integrated academic tasks.
Expert Tip for Indian Students 🎯
Take mock tests of both IELTS and TOEFL before finalizing your choice. This helps identify your strengths and boosts confidence.
Final Verdict: IELTS vs TOEFL for Indian Students
When comparing IELTS vs TOEFL for Indian students, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Both exams are internationally recognized and accepted by thousands of universities, immigration authorities, and employers worldwide. The best choice depends on individual comfort, academic goals, preferred study destination, and test-taking style.
For most Indian students, IELTS is considered more student-friendly. The face-to-face speaking test allows candidates to express themselves naturally, making it easier for those who are comfortable with verbal communication. Additionally, IELTS writing tasks are more practical and real-life oriented, which suits students who prefer descriptive and structured writing rather than technical academic summarization. The flexible exam format, faster result turnaround, and widespread availability of test centers across India further make IELTS a convenient option.
