Duolingo English Test vs IELTS/TOEFL: Which Is Better for Indian Students in 2026?
In 2026, more Indian students than ever are weighing their options for English language proficiency tests required for study abroad. Traditionally, IELTS and TOEFL dominated the scene. But the Duolingo English Test (DET) is cheaper, faster and online, becoming a strong contender. For students applying to undergraduate and postgraduate programs, the right test can save time, money and stress. This article compares Duolingo vs IELTS vs TOEFL across cost, format, acceptance, scoring and suitability for Indian students in 2026. Cost Comparison for Indian Students Test Fee for Test-Takers in India (2026) Duolingo English Test (DET) INR ~5,423 (~USD 65) for a single test; 2-test bundle available IELTS INR 18,000 for most test centres in India (Academic or General TOEFL Typically higher than IELTS; USD 180+ depending on location Test Format & Flexibility Duolingo English Test (DET): Fully online; take from home with webcam and quiet space. Flexible scheduling; can book anytime. Results in ~48 hours (expedited option available). Integrated, adaptive speaking/writing tasks; less formal. IELTS / TOEFL: Mostly centre-based; TOEFL has online options but proctored. Fixed test dates; results 5–14 days depending on centre. Standardised formats; speaking often face-to-face or recorded separately. Acceptance for Universities & Visas The first factor for most families is cost. DET is far cheaper than IELTS or TOEFL. Acceptance is where differences matter most: USA: DET now accepted by thousands of universities (including major state schools and liberal arts colleges). If the admitting university recognises DET, it generally works for visa language proof. Canada: DET widely accepted for admission; but IELTS is still preferred for immigration under SDS visa streams. UK: Some universities accept DET for admission, but UK visas often require Secure English Language Tests (SELT) such as IELTS Academic UKVI. Australia & Europe: DET acceptance growing at private institutions; visa bodies may still prefer IELTS/TOEFL. Always check both admission and visa requirements, sometimes a university accepts DET but the visa authority does not. Score Conversion Table Knowing how DET scores compare to IELTS helps students plan targets: Duolingo Score Range Approx IELTS Academic Band Equivalent 120-125 IELTS 6.5-7. 125-140 IELTS 7.0-7. 100-110 IELTS ~6. Pros & Cons Duolingo IELTS TOEFL PROS Lower cost, fully online Lower cost, fully online Longer established; specific versions for the UK CONS Limited acceptance, home test conditions Usually costlier Can be more expensive, long result time Tips for Students Check your universities for test acceptance before paying. Budget wisely: DET can save ₹12,000+ per test vs IELTS. Plan deadlines: DET’s 48-hour results help with tight timelines. Visa rules: For UK and certain visa categories, IELTS may still be mandatory. Preparation matters: DET may be online, but it’s still rigorous. Conclusion Duolingo English Test offers affordability, speed and flexibility. It’s ideal for students applying to US and Canadian universities that recognise it. IELTS and TOEFL remain the safer bet for visa pathways and universally recognised admission. The smartest approach: Use DET where accepted to save money and time. Fall back on IELTS/TOEFL for visa-critical destinations. With careful planning, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad students can save thousands of rupees, meet deadlines, and still secure admission to top global universities. Go2West Advantage Go2West is now a Global Network Partner of Duolingo, which means our students get first-hand guidance, test-prep tips and exclusive updates about new partner universities worldwide. This helps you not only pick the right English proficiency test but also fast-track your application and visa process. 👉 Book a Free Counselling Session Recommended Reading If you found this guide helpful, check out our previous post: Top 5 Cities Abroad Where Delhi Students Thrive Academically & Financially
