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Proving that you can speak, comprehend, write, and understand English is one of the most pivotal steps to getting into your dream school. While there are many English-proficiency examinations out there, the Duolingo English Test (DET) stands out as a convenient and budget-friendly choice. If you’re considering the DET, you might be wondering about the costs involved. In this blog, we will discuss the Duolingo exam fees and why it’s an increasingly popular option among students worldwide. Let’s dive in and see if the DET fits into your study abroad budget!
Introduction to the Duolingo English Test (DET) 2025
The Duolingo English Test (DET) 2025 is a standardized test designed to evaluate an individual’s English language proficiency using various question formats. It is widely accepted by over 5,000 universities globally and can be taken online from any location using a mic-equipped computer.
The exam is popular due to its affordability, with a testing fee of USD 65 (approximately Rs. 5,441 is the Duolingo fees in India).
Duolingo Exam Pattern
The Duolingo Exam Pattern for 2025 outlines the structure and format of the test, which assesses various English language skills through different types of questions. Below is a detailed overview of the exam pattern.
The Duolingo Exam Pattern comprises two main sections, which collectively assess a candidate’s proficiency in a comprehensive manner:
- Adaptive Test (Graded Portion): This section includes tasks related to speaking, writing, listening, and reading. It lasts for 45 minutes and is designed to adapt in difficulty based on the responses given by the candidate.
- Video Interview and Writing Sample (Ungraded Portion): This section evaluates the candidates spoken and written communication skills through open-ended questions.
Duration of the Test
The total time for the Duolingo English Test is 60 minutes, which is broken down as follows:
- Introduction and Onboarding: 5 minutes to familiarize the test-taker with the rules and guidelines.
- Adaptive Test: 45 minutes, focusing on the graded assessment of language skills.
- Video Interview and Writing Sample: 10 minutes, assessing the candidate’s ability to express ideas verbally and in writing.
Improve your vocabulary with: 50 daily use English words with meanings
Types of Questions
The adaptive section includes various question types aimed at covering a wide range of skills:
Reading Tasks: As a candidate, you may be asked to fill in the blanks, select original words from a spoken or written text, and complete related literacy tasks.
Listening Tasks: These include listening to a passage and responding appropriately or transcribing spoken sentences.
Writing Tasks: This task is concerned with responses based on visual prompts or given topics and completing writing tasks within a specified time frame.
Speaking Tasks: In this task, you may need to record your responses aloud or answer questions verbally during the video interview.
If thinking of taking an English Speaking Course online, for best course recommendations, do not miss: Top English Speaking Courses Online
The Duolingo test is particularly liked and favoured by students for its adaptive nature, which means that the correctness of the answers increases the questions’ difficulty level and wrong answers decrease the abstruseness of the questions.
Thinking of studying in the UK? Read: Duolingo Accepted Universities in the UK
Payment Process and Options
The payment process and options for the Duolingo English Test (DET) are straightforward, which ensures that candidates can easily register and pay for their exams. Below is a detailed overview of the payment process and available options for the Duolingo test.
| Creation of an Account: | Candidates must first create an account on the official Duolingo English Test website. This step is essential for managing exam registration and payments. |
| Registration for the Test: | After logging in, candidates need to fill in the registration details required on the application form. |
| Selection of Payment Method | Duolingo accepts various payment methods, allowing candidates to pay using credit cards, debit cards, and other online payment options. Candidates can select the method that suits them best during the payment stage. |
| Payment of Exam Fee | The standard fee for the Duolingo English Test in 2025 is USD 65 (approximately Rs. 5,441). You must make the payment to complete your registration. |
| Result Delivery Speed: | Candidates can also choose their preferred result delivery speed. The standard delivery time is 2 days, but if you give an additional fee of $40 (approximately ₹3,378), results can be expedited to within 12 hours. |
Validity and Retake Policies
The validity and retake policies for the Duolingo English Test (DET) are clearly defined to ensure that candidates understand the conditions surrounding their test scores and exam attempts. Below is a detailed overview of these policies.
Validity of Duolingo English Test Scores
Duolingo English Test results are valid for two years from the date of the test. After this period, the test scores will be invalid, and the candidates will no longer be able to share their scores or view their certificates.
Retake Policies for the Duolingo English Test
- Test Credits: When candidates purchase a single Duolingo English Test, they receive one credit, which allows them to take the test once.
- Number of Attempts: Candidates have a maximum of three attempts to use each credit, during which they can complete and upload the test.
Conditions for Retaking
- Technical Errors: If a candidate faces a technical issue during the test that prevents them from being uploaded or certified, they can retake the test without giving an additional cost if they still have attempts remaining on their credit.
- Certification Issues: If the candidate’s test results are not certified, they can retake the test within 21 days of their original attempt.
- Limitations on Retakes: Candidates may only purchase a total of three tests within any 30-day period.
Special Circumstances
- If candidates face broken test rules or issues with ID verification, they may not need to retake the full test again but must resolve the specific problem to receive their results.
Benefits of Duolingo for Budget-Conscious Students
Duolingo is an excellent resource that offers several benefits, especially for budget-conscious students. Here’s a friendly rundown of its major advantages:
Affordable Learning: First and foremost, Duolingo is free! This is a game-changer for students who want to learn a new language without the extravagant costs. While there’s a paid version available, the free version is robust enough to provide plenty of learning opportunities without any cost.
Engaging and Fun: One of the things that sets Duolingo apart is its gamified approach to learning. The app uses fun, interactive exercises to keep students engaged. You can earn points, level up, and even compete with friends, which can make language learning feel more like playing a game than studying.
Variety of Languages: Duolingo offers a wide array of languages to choose from—over 30 different options! Whether you’re interested in Spanish, French, German, or even less common languages like Welsh or Hawaiian, you’re likely to find something that piques your interest. This diversity means that students can explore languages that align with their personal interests or academic needs.
Self-Paced Learning: With Duolingo, you control your own learning pace. You can spend more time on challenging lessons while skipping over topics you already understand. This personalized approach helps students focus on areas that need improvement, making the learning process much more efficient.
Cultural Integration: Learning a language isn’t just about vocabulary and grammar—it’s also about culture. Duolingo incorporates cultural notes and exercises that help contextualize the language, which can enrich the learning experience. This aspect can be especially appealing for students who plan to study abroad or travel.
Difference between IELTS and Duolingo
Here is a detailed difference between the IELTS and the Duolingo Test (DET) presented in a tabular format:
| Features | Duolingo English Test (DET) | IELTS |
| Format | Online, remote proctored | Paper-based or Computer-based |
| Sections | Adaptive Test, Writing, and Speaking Sample | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking |
| Test Duration | Approximately 60 minutes | Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes |
| Scoring Scale | 10 – 160 score range | 0 – 9 band score |
| Score Interpretation | Overall score and four subscores: Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation, Production | Overall band score with section scores |
| Test Locations | Anywhere with internet access | Over 4,000 centers worldwide |
| Availability | Available anytime, no appointment needed | Fixed test dates/locations |
| Results Turnaround | Results will be available within 48 hours | 3-13 days (depending on test format) |
| Recognition | Accepted by over 1,700 universities | Widely accepted by universities and institutions worldwide |
| Preparation Resources | Online resources and practice tests available from Duolingo | Extensive resources, including apps, books, and courses |
| Mutual Recognition | Regarded as an emerging alternative to IELTS and TOEFL | Generally recognized as a standard for English proficiency |
| Cost | $65 for one test, $110 for two tests | Ranges from $150 to $240 (varies by location) |
Want to know more about IELTS? Read: All you need to know about the IELTS Exam
Summary
The Duolingo English Test (DET) offers a budget-friendly, convenient option for proving English proficiency. Widely accepted by over 5,000 universities worldwide, it costs only $65 (approx. ₹5,441) and can be taken from home using a computer. This blog covers the exam format, which includes an adaptive test assessing reading, listening, speaking, and writing, as well as an ungraded video interview and writing sample. We also explore the registration process, payment options, retake policies, and special benefits for students, along with a comparative analysis of DET vs. IELTS.
Duolingo’s accessible, engaging design makes it ideal for students on a budget aiming to meet English proficiency requirements for study abroad.
Before preparing for this amazing budget-friendly English proficiency test, you must checkout: 9 things to know about Duolingo English Test
FAQs
Ques 1: What is the cost of the Duolingo English Test?
Answer: The Duolingo English Test costs USD 65, which is approximately ₹5,441. This fee covers a single test attempt and includes access to the official online platform.
Ques 2: How do I register and pay for the Duolingo English Test?
Answer: To register, create an account on the official Duolingo English Test website. You can pay using various methods, including credit and debit cards. Once registered and payment is completed, you’re all set to take the test from home.
Ques 3: How long does the Duolingo English Test take?
Answer: The entire test takes approximately 60 minutes. This includes 5 minutes for onboarding, 45 minutes for the adaptive graded test, and 10 minutes for the video interview and writing sample.
Ques 4: How quickly can I get my Duolingo English Test results?
Answer: Standard results are available within 2 days. For an additional $40 (approx. ₹3,378), you can expedite results to be delivered within 12 hours.
Ques 5: What is the validity period of the Duolingo English Test score?
Answer : Duolingo English Test scores are valid for two years from the date of your test.
Ques 6: What makes the Duolingo English Test a budget-friendly option?
Answer: At $65, the DET is significantly cheaper than many other English proficiency exams. Additionally, it allows students to test from home, reducing costs associated with travel or in-center appointments.
