Duolingo English Test (DET) 2026: Fees, Dates, Test Format & Results Explained

The Duolingo English Test (DET) has introduced several important changes for students applying for the 2026 intake. Below is a summary of the most recent updates and upcoming changes:

• 11 February 2025: The test fee increased from USD 65 to USD 70, which is approximately ₹6,209.
• 1 May 2025: The Duolingo platform introduced a new visual layout with clearer navigation, improved readability, and smoother interface design for test-takers.
• 1 July 2025: The Interactive Speaking section was launched, featuring six short-response prompts of about 35 seconds each. Older tasks like “Read Aloud” and “Listen, Then Speak” were removed.
• 1 July 2025: The Interactive Listening section was updated to include a “Listen and Complete” fill-in-the-blank task to better assess comprehension accuracy.
• Expected May 2026: As per The Indian Express (2025), the “Listen and Select” question type will be phased out, and Interactive Listening will be enhanced to mirror real-world conversation patterns.
• Score validity: Duolingo English Test scores are valid for two years from the test date.

Note: These updates are verified from the official Duolingo English Test Blog and The Indian Express (2025). The 2026 changes are tentative, based on Duolingo’s yearly update trend from 2020 to 2025. Students should confirm final details on the official website before booking.

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is an online exam that measures your ability to read, write, speak, and listen in English. It is widely used for university admissions and student visa applications.

Key highlights for 2026:

• Format: 100% online and adaptive test
   
• Duration: Takes under one hour to complete
   
• Result time: Scores available within 48 hours
   
• Acceptance: Recognised by over 5,700 universities across the USA, UK, and Canada
   
• Test fee: USD 70 (about ₹6,209, based on 1 USD = 88.70 INR)
   
• Test mode: Can be taken from home using a computer, webcam, and internet connection
   
• Convenience: No need to visit a physical test centre
   
• Comparison: Shorter and more flexible than IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE
   

The Duolingo English Test is a fast, affordable, and globally accepted way to prove English proficiency for 2026 admissions.

The Duolingo English Test (DET) has no fixed dates and can be taken anytime during the year. This flexibility allows students to choose a schedule that fits their university application timeline.

Key details for 2026:

• Booking: The test can be booked online at any time.
   
• Test window: Once you book, you have 21 days to take the test.
   
• Mode: The test is fully remote and can be taken from home.
   
• Retake policy: You can purchase and attempt up to three tests in 30 days, calculated from the date of your first test.
   
• Test security: From October 2024, a secondary camera setup using a phone or tablet is required to ensure fairness and transparency.
   

The Duolingo English Test gives students full control over scheduling, making it one of the most convenient English proficiency exams for the 2026 intake.

The Duolingo English Test (DET) costs USD 70, which is approximately ₹6,209, based on the rate where 1 United States Dollar equals 88.70 Indian Rupee.

Although the fee was revised in early 2025, DET remains one of the most affordable English proficiency exams compared to IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.

Key details for 2026:

• Fee: USD 70 (around ₹6,209)
   
• Payment: Can be made online using an international debit or credit card
   
• Validity: Each payment allows you to take the test once
   
• Rescheduling: Free rescheduling available within 21 days of booking
   
• Refund policy: No refund is issued for cancellations or unused tests after the 21 days
   

For Indian students applying for the 2026 intake, the Duolingo English Test continues to offer a budget-friendly, flexible, and fast option to meet English proficiency requirements.

To make the most of it, explore how you can save money with Duolingo bundle tests and get faster results through smart preparation strategies.

Results for the Duolingo English Test (DET) are available within 48 hours after completing the test. You will receive an email notification on your registered address with a link to view your official score report.

Key details for 2026:

• Result time: Available within 48 hours of test completion
   
• Faster results (optional): Students can pay USD 40 (around ₹3,548) to receive scores within 12 hours
   
• Score sharing: Results can be shared with an unlimited number of universities free of cost through the Duolingo portal
   
• Access: Your score report includes overall and sub-scores for reading, writing, listening, and speaking
   

For 2026 applicants, the Duolingo English Test remains one of the fastest and most convenient ways to access and send English proficiency results to global universities. To learn how to send your scores correctly, read more in our guide on How to send Duolingo English Test results to universities.

The Duolingo English Test (DET) provides scores on an overall scale of 10 to 160, measuring your English proficiency across four core skills.

Key details for 2026:

• Scoring scale: Overall score ranges from 10 to 160 in increments of 5.
   
• Evaluation method: Each correct answer contributes to the adaptive algorithm that determines your final score (individual questions are not worth fixed marks).
   
• Score report includes:
  
  
  • Overall score: Provided on a scale of 10-160
     
  • Sub-scores: Separate scores for reading, writing, listening, and speaking
     
  • Integrated scores: Combined measurement of skills such as Comprehension, Conversation, Literacy, and Production
     

A Duolingo English Test score of 120 or above is generally considered good and corresponds to an IELTS band score of about 6.5. If you have already taken the test, you can use our DET to IELTS calculator to find your equivalent band score.

To understand your score breakdown in detail, read more in our guide Understand Duolingo English Test scorecard better

The Duolingo English Test (DET) registration process is simple and completely online. You can register, purchase the test, and take it anytime without the need to book a slot in advance.

Steps to register for the Duolingo English Test:

1. Visit the official Duolingo English Test website at englishtest.duolingo.com.
    
2. Enter your email address and complete the sign-up process.
    
3. Click on “Purchase the Test” on the dashboard’s left panel.
    
4. Choose the test pack you wish to buy (single test or bundle).
    
5. Complete the online payment using a valid debit or credit card.
    

Once registered, you have 21 days to take the test after purchase. Since DET has no fixed test dates, you can choose any time that suits your schedule.

For 2026 applicants, the Duolingo English Test offers one of the most flexible and convenient registration systems among all English proficiency exams.

The Duolingo English Test (DET) has minimal eligibility requirements, making it accessible to students worldwide. You do not need to meet any specific educational qualifications or age limits, but certain basic conditions must be fulfilled.

Eligibility and document requirements for 2026:

• A valid government-issued photo ID (Passport preferred; Aadhar card or driver’s licence accepted in some cases).
   
• A computer or laptop with a functioning camera, microphone, and speakers.
   
• A stable internet connection with good lighting and a quiet environment.
   
• No age restriction, but candidates under 13 years must submit a parental consent letter.
  
   

The Duolingo English Test ensures equal access for all applicants by keeping eligibility simple and the documentation minimal. For 2026 admissions, these requirements remain unchanged across all accepted countries.

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a one-hour online exam that assesses your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. It is adaptive, meaning the question difficulty automatically changes in real time based on your performance.

Duolingo English Test Pattern & Syllabus

The test covers practical English skills used in academic settings, including Interactive Reading, Interactive Listening, Sentence Completion, and Prompt-based Writing and Speaking tasks.

For 2026 applicants, understanding the Duolingo English Test syllabus helps plan effective preparation and improve accuracy. To explore question types and take a free practice test, read more in the Detailed syllabus, question patterns and practice test for Duolingo.

How to Prepare for the Duolingo English Test (2026 Guide)

To prepare for the Duolingo English Test (DET), focus on improving your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills through short, consistent practice sessions.

Preparation tips for 2026:

• Review the latest test format and question types.
   
• Take the official free practice test on the Duolingo website.
   
• Build vocabulary and grammar through daily reading and listening practice.
   
• Practice writing short, clear answers within time limits.
   
• Strengthen speaking fluency by recording practice responses.
   
• Ensure a proper test environment with a stable internet and a secondary camera.
   

Studying for 30-45 minutes a day using official DET materials can help you reach a score of 120 or above, which is competitive for 2026 admissions.

Benefits of the Duolingo English Test (2026 Intake)

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is becoming a preferred choice among international students because of its accessibility, affordability, and fast results.

Key benefits for 2026 applicants:

• Affordable: Costs only USD 70 (about ₹6,209), making it one of the lowest-priced English tests.
   
• Flexible: Can be taken anytime, anywhere with a computer and internet connection.
   
• Fast results: Official scores available within 48 hours.
   
• Wide acceptance: Recognized by over 5,700 universities in the USA, UK, Canada, and Ireland.
   
• Unlimited score sharing: Send results to universities free of cost through your Duolingo account.
   
• Short duration: Takes less than one hour to complete.
   
• Eco-friendly and accessible: No travel or paperwork required.
   

For Indian students applying for the 2026 intake, the Duolingo English Test offers a fast, reliable, and student-friendly path to meet English proficiency requirements worldwide.

The Duolingo English Test (DET) offers unlimited free practice tests on its official website and mobile app. These tests are the best way to understand the exam format and evaluate your readiness before taking the real test.

How DET practice tests help:

• Identify your strengths and weak areas in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
   
• Understand the adaptive test pattern and time management required.
   
• Track your progress with regular mock tests to see consistent improvement.
   
• Access official sample questions and model answers to learn expected response formats.
   

While many free practice papers are available online, it is recommended to use the official Duolingo English Test practice materials, as they match the current 2026 test pattern and question difficulty.

You can try a free sample test and explore previous question types directly on the official Duolingo English Test website.

The Duolingo English Test has become one of the most reliable and student-friendly ways to prove English proficiency for the 2026 intake. Its simple online format, quick results, and affordable fee make it a strong alternative to traditional exams. With thousands of universities worldwide accepting Duolingo scores, it offers Indian students a faster route to global education.

If you’re planning to study abroad, LeapScholar can help you choose the right universities, meet admission requirements, and submit strong applications with expert support.