Duolingo English Test (DET) 2025: Exam Dates, Fees, Registration, Eligibility, Syllabus & Results
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a modern, affordable, and fully online English proficiency exam designed for students and professionals seeking international opportunities. It is recognized by over 5,500+ universities and programs worldwide, including leading institutions in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe.
Unlike traditional tests such as IELTS and TOEFL, the DET can be taken anytime, anywhere with just a computer, webcam, microphone, and a stable internet connection. Results are available within 48 hours, making it one of the fastest English proficiency exams.
The cost of the test is USD $70 (approx. INR 6,000), making it more budget-friendly compared to other standardized English exams.
Duolingo English Test (DET) 2025 Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Exam Name | Duolingo English Test (DET) |
| Official Website | englishtest.duolingo.com |
| Purpose | University admission, work, and study abroad |
| Conducted By | Duolingo, Inc. |
| Mode | Online (from home) |
| Test Duration | ~60 minutes (45 mins adaptive + 10 mins video/writing + setup) |
| Exam Fee | USD $70 (~INR 6,000); Bundle: $118 (2 tests) |
| Score Range | 10 – 160 |
| Results | Within 48 hours |
| Score Validity | 2 years |
| Eligibility | Open to all (no academic requirements) |
| Attempts | Up to 3 attempts in 30 days |
| Availability | 24/7, on-demand |
| Free Practice Test | Available on official website |
DET 2025 Exam Structure
The test is divided into three main parts:
| Section | Skills Tested | Duration |
| Onboarding | ID verification, equipment check, rule confirmation | ~5 mins |
| Adaptive Test | Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking (question difficulty adapts to performance) | 45 mins |
| Video Interview & Writing Sample | Extended response to prompts | 10 mins |
| Total Duration | ~60 minutes |
DET 2025 Latest Updates
From July 1, 2025, Duolingo has introduced new question types in Listening and Speaking to make the test more realistic and interactive:
🔹 Updated Interactive Listening Section
- Listen & Complete: Fill in missing words in audio conversations.
- Listen & Respond: Answer 5–6 follow-up questions in the conversation.
- Summarisation Task: Each conversation ends with a short summary.
- Time Limit: 7 minutes 45 seconds per conversation (including all tasks).
- Conversations: Two conversations included in the test.
🔹 Updated Interactive Speaking Section
- Simulated Conversation: Talk to an animated character in 6–8 natural conversation-based questions.
- Replacements: “Listen, Then Speak” removed; “Read Aloud” discontinued.
- Adaptive Questions: 5–6 speaking prompts adjust by difficulty.
- Response Time: 35 seconds per question.
- Scoring: Directly impacts overall Speaking and total score.
DET Eligibility 2025
- Basic Requirement: Open to anyone wishing to demonstrate English proficiency.
- Academic Criteria: No minimum qualification needed.
- Age Limit: No official limit. Candidates under 13 years require parental consent.
- ID Proof: A valid passport is mandatory.
- Test Environment: Quiet, well-lit room with no one else present.
- Device Setup:
- Computer/laptop with Windows/Mac OS
- Webcam, microphone, and speakers
- Reliable internet connection
DET Registration 2025
Registration is quick and simple via the official website:
Steps to Register:
- Visit englishtest.duolingo.com.
- Create a free Duolingo account.
- Click on “Purchase a Test”.
- Select either:
- Single Test – $70 (INR ~6,000)
- Bundle (2 Tests) – $118 ($59 each)
- Enter personal details and pay online.
- Launch the test within 21 days of purchase.
Duolingo English Test Attempts
- You may attempt the DET up to 3 times in 30 days.
- Purchased tests must be started within 21 days.
- Unlimited score reports can be sent free of charge to institutions.
DET 2025 Syllabus
There is no fixed syllabus; instead, the DET uses computer-adaptive questions. Skills tested include:
- Reading: Fill in the blanks, select real words, and understand texts.
- Listening: Respond to conversations, complete audio passages.
- Speaking: Express opinions, simulate conversations, interactive speaking.
- Writing: Write essays, academic discussions, and interactive responses.
Common Question Types
- Fill in the blanks (20 seconds per sentence)
- Read & Select (identify real English words)
- Interactive Writing (write for 5 mins, then respond to a follow-up prompt for 3 mins)
- Interactive Listening (Listen & Complete, Listen & Respond, Summarisation)
- Speaking tasks with 35-second responses
DET Results 2025
- Score Range: 10–160 (holistic and subscores).
- Result Timeline: Available in 48 hours.
- Validity: 2 years.
- Score Reports: Unlimited free reports can be sent directly from the results page.
Score Benchmarks:
- 120+: Competitive for top universities.
- 105–115: Good for mid to high-ranked institutions.
- Below 95: May limit university/visa acceptance.
DET vs TOEFL vs IELTS
| Feature | DET | TOEFL iBT | IELTS |
| Mode | Online (from home) | Online at test center or home | Paper/Computer at test center |
| Sections | Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing | Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing | Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing |
| Duration | ~1 hour | ~1 hr 56 mins | ~2 hrs 45 mins |
| Score Range | 10–160 | 0–120 | 1–9 bands |
| Fee | $70 (~₹6,000) | ₹16,900 | ₹18,000 |
| Results | 2 days | 4–8 days | 2–5 days |
| Flexibility | 24/7, anywhere | Fixed dates | Fixed dates |
DET 2025 Score Conversion (DET vs TOEFL vs IELTS)
| Duolingo | TOEFL iBT | IELTS Academic |
| 160 | 120 | 8.5–9 |
| 150–155 | 117–119 | 7.5–8 |
| 135–145 | 104–116 | 7–7.5 |
| 120–130 | 87–103 | 6–6.5 |
| 100–115 | 65–86 | 5.5–6 |
| 80–95 | 41–64 | 4.5–5 |
| Below 60 | 0–30 | Below 4.5 |