Everything you need to know about the DET: format, scoring, university acceptance, cost comparison with IELTS and TOEFL, and a proven four-week preparation strategy.
Key facts about the Duolingo English Test that every test-taker should know before registering.
The DET is divided into three main stages. Here is what to expect in each.
| Stage | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Setup & Rules Review | ~5 min | Verify your ID, check your webcam, microphone, and room environment. Review test rules. |
| Adaptive Test | ~45 min | Computer-adaptive questions across reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Difficulty adjusts based on your responses. Includes interactive question types like Read and Complete, Read Aloud, Listen and Type, Read and Select, Write About the Photo, and Speak About the Photo. |
| Video Interview & Writing Sample | ~10 min | Respond to open-ended prompts on video and in writing. These responses are shared with institutions alongside your scores but are not scored. |
The DET reports an overall score from 10 to 160 in 5-point increments, plus four subscores: Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation, and Production.
| DET Score Range | CEFR Level | Admissions Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 10 – 55 | A1 – A2 | Basic user. Below typical admissions thresholds. |
| 60 – 85 | B1 | Intermediate. May meet minimum requirements for pathway or foundation programmes. |
| 90 – 115 | B2 | Upper-intermediate. Meets requirements for many undergraduate programmes. |
| 120 – 135 | C1 | Advanced. Meets requirements for most graduate and competitive programmes. |
| 140 – 160 | C2 | Very advanced. Exceeds requirements at virtually all programmes. |
You will find many websites offering generic DET-to-IELTS or DET-to-TOEFL conversion tables. Treat these with caution. Duolingo provides only broad CEFR alignments, and each university sets its own equivalency. A DET 120 may correspond to IELTS 7.0 at one institution and 6.5 at another. Always check your target programme's admissions page for the exact DET score they require rather than relying on third-party conversion charts.
Over 6,500 programmes worldwide accept DET scores. Below is a sample of prominent institutions by destination.
| Destination | Illustrative Institutions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Yale, Columbia, MIT, Stanford, University of Chicago, NYU, Purdue, Northeastern | Widely accepted across Ivy League and top-50 schools. Score requirements vary by programme (typically 105–130). |
| Canada | University of Toronto, UBC, McGill, University of Alberta, University of Waterloo | Many U15 members accept DET for admissions. Not valid for IRCC immigration applications. |
| United Kingdom | UCL, University of Bristol, University of Birmingham, University of Glasgow | Acceptance grew post-pandemic. Some Russell Group universities accept DET; others still require IELTS or TOEFL. |
| Australia | University of Sydney, Monash University, University of Queensland, RMIT | Growing acceptance. Many Australian universities added DET during 2020–2023 and have retained it. |
One of the DET’s biggest advantages is affordability. Here is how costs compare in India in 2026.
| Test | Approx. Fee (INR) | Approx. Fee (USD) | Delivery | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duolingo English Test | ~₹6,706 | $65 | Online, at home | 48 hours |
| IELTS Academic | ~₹19,000 | $230–$255 | Test centre or online (limited) | 3–5 days (computer) / 13 days (paper) |
| TOEFL iBT | ~₹15,254 | $185 | Test centre or Home Edition | 4–8 days |
Fees are approximate and subject to exchange-rate fluctuations and regional pricing changes.
Every test has its strengths. Use these decision points to find the best fit for your situation.
A structured plan to go from first exposure to test-ready confidence in four weeks.
Quick answers to the most common questions about the Duolingo English Test in 2026.
The Duolingo English Test is an online, computer-adaptive English proficiency exam. It takes approximately 1 hour to complete, delivers certified results within 48 hours, and is accepted at over 6,500 programmes worldwide. You take the test at home on your own computer — no test-centre visit is required.
The DET costs US $65, which is approximately ₹6,706 at prevailing exchange rates. This makes it roughly 65% cheaper than IELTS (₹19,000) and 56% cheaper than TOEFL (₹15,254). You can also purchase additional score sends at no extra cost — DET allows unlimited free score sends to institutions.
Over 6,500 programmes accept the DET, including Ivy League institutions in the US (Yale, Columbia, MIT), Canada’s U15 universities (University of Toronto, UBC, McGill), and many UK and Australian institutions. Acceptance has grown significantly since 2020. Always verify directly with your target programme, as policies change each admission cycle.
The DET is scored on a scale of 10 to 160 in 5-point increments. You receive an overall score plus four subscores: Literacy (reading + writing), Comprehension (reading + listening), Conversation (listening + speaking), and Production (writing + speaking). These subscores help universities evaluate specific language abilities beyond the overall number.
No. The DET is not accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for Express Entry or permanent residency applications. For Canadian immigration pathways, you need to use IELTS General Training, CELPIP, or PTE Core. The DET is accepted by many Canadian universities for study permit applications, but not for immigration.
DET scores are typically valid for 2 years from the date you took the test. However, individual institutions may have their own validity policies — some may accept scores only within 18 months, while others may extend validity. Always check your target programme’s specific requirements.
The DET is a different format, not objectively easier or harder than IELTS or TOEFL. Its computer-adaptive design means the test adjusts question difficulty based on your responses — if you answer correctly, questions get harder, and vice versa. Some test-takers find the 1-hour duration and at-home delivery more comfortable than sitting for a 3-hour exam at a test centre, but the adaptive algorithm ensures the test accurately measures your proficiency level regardless.
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