Duolingo English Test
Online, on-demand English proficiency test accepted by over 5,000 programmes, including many US, Canadian, UK, Irish and Australian universities, for admission purposes.
Eligibility
Open to anyone with a computer, webcam, microphone, speakers and a stable internet connection. A valid government photo ID (passport preferred for Indian candidates) is required. Up to 3 certified attempts are allowed in any 30-day period.
Age limit: Minimum 13 (13-17 with parental consent)
Exam pattern
Online, fully computer-adaptive and remotely proctored, about 1 hour. It opens with a short setup and ends with an unscored writing sample and video interview that are sent to universities. The adaptive section mixes short question types such as Read and Complete, Read and Select (real words), Listen and Type, Read Aloud, Fill in the Blanks, Interactive Reading, Interactive Listening, Write About the Photo, Speak About the Photo and Writing/Speaking responses. The overall score is 10-160 in 5-point steps, with subscores for Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation and Production; results arrive within about 2 days and are valid for 2 years.
Syllabus at a glance
An integrated test of reading, writing, listening and speaking with no fixed syllabus. It focuses on vocabulary recognition, spelling, grammar in context, comprehension of short texts and conversations, and spontaneous speaking and writing on familiar topics.
Upcoming dates
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Test availability | Any time, 24x7, year-round (Nov 2026 onwards) | confirmed |
| Results | Within about 48 hours of finishing the test | confirmed |
| Retake window | Up to 3 attempts in any rolling 30 days | confirmed |
| Score validity | 2 years from the test date | confirmed |
Expected dates follow the usual calendar; confirm on the official notification before planning.
Free prep material
Standard books
- The Official Guide to the Duolingo English Test (free PDF) – Duolingo
- Cambridge English Vocabulary in Use (Intermediate/Upper-Intermediate) – Michael McCarthy & Felicity O'Dell
- English Grammar in Use – Raymond Murphy
- Word Power Made Easy – Norman Lewis
How toppers play it
- In 'Read and Select', click only words you are certain are real English words; wrongly selecting a fake word hurts more than missing a real one.
- The test is strictly proctored: keep your eyes on the screen, ears uncovered, room quiet and no notes, because a rule violation invalidates the result with no refund.
- Fill the full time on speaking and writing tasks (aim for 50+ words for Write About the Photo and well over 1 minute for long speaking tasks); length and range of vocabulary affect the score.
- Take the free practice test at least twice under real conditions to get used to the fast, timed question types before paying.
- Check each university's minimum DET score and subscore requirements; top universities often expect 120-130+ overall.