TOEFL Preparation Tips for Nepali Students (2025 Updated Guide)
The TOEFL iBT test has gone through a major transformation, and is now shorter. If you are a Nepali student preparing to take the TOEFL in 2025, you should be aware of the changes to the new format, which may facilitate your study preparation process.
1. What is the new format of the TOEFL iBT? (2025 Changes)
The new TOEFL iBT test, lasts 2 hours (was 3 hours). The new structure is summarized as follows:
📖 Reading – 35 minutes
0-2 passages are at stake (was 3-4!)
20 questions (academic texts + summaries & inference question)
🎧 Listening – 36 minutes
3 lectures (39-40 min), 2 conversations (shorter than before)
Note-taking for main ideas and details is critical
🗣️ Speaking – 16 minutes
4 tasks (remains the same)
Tasks will have an independent opinion AND an integrated listening + speaking task
✍️ Writing- 29 minutes
1 Integrated Task (20 min) – Read a passage, listen to a lecture, write
1 Academic Discussion (9 min) – new! Respond to an online class discussion.
👉 Total Test Time: 2 hours (plus 30 min for check-in and instructions etc.)
2. Why Did the TOEFL Change?
Faster results (score available in 4-8 days instead of 10 days)
Faster and more efficient (fewer questions but still with appropriate accuracy)
New academic discussion – replaces an independent essay
3. Top TOEFL Prep Tips for Nepali Students
📖 Reading Prep Tips
✔ Skimming & scanning – Spending time on those particularly useful parts in a reading passage-the topic sentence and analytical terms in the text.
✔ Academic practice articles (wherever you can find and read anything).
✔ TOEFL words (learn these terms if you can) with Anki, Quizlet, or whatever works for you.
🎧 Listening Prep Tips
✔ Notes to yourself – Key terms, opinions, definitions, and examples.
✔ Watching English subject introductory lectures (TED Talks, recommended YouTube TOEFL channels).
✔ Distraction free – Not during the test with exact exam, screen and real environments.
🗣️ Speaking Prep Tips
✔ Record yourself – To develop fluidity, and pronunciation.
✔ Templates – Helps in standardizing responses when necessary.
✔ AI. For example ChatGPT and TOEFL speaking simulation apps.
✏ Writing Prep Tips (New Type!)
✔ Academic Discussion Task: where I hope you can practice short and precise responses. (think “100 words”) to your task, highly desirable.
✔ Integrated Task (type a summary of important parts (<150-225 words) on paper, of readings, and listenings); it’s like summarizing your notes
✔ As fast as you can or faster! The writing task only gives you “9 minutes” to answer the new writing task, so make sure your typing is fast enough.
4. Free and Paid TOEFL References for Nepali Students
Free References:
ETS (official toefl) website; note that it has free practice tests; and sample questions.
YouTube: NIECKTM, TOEFL TV Official, TST Prep, Magoosh TOEFL, etc.
TOEFL Go! app, official ETS toefl practice questions.
Paid References:
Books: Official TOEFL iBT Tests (2025 Edition), e.g.
Online Courses: Magoosh, Udemy, Kaplan TOEFL Prep.
5. TOEFL Mock Practice Tests and Time Management
Full length, “2 hours with no breaks” mock tests
Track weak categories (e.g. speaking, supposed to be listening).
Improve your typing speed (for the new writing section).
6. Tips for Exam Day for Nepali Students
✔ Arrive on time (if your taking the test at a testing center).
✔ Bring your passport (required by Nepali students).
✔ Stay calm & manage your time – don’t spend too long on one question.
7. TOEFL vs IELTS – which is better for Nepali students?
Feature TOEFL iBT (2025) IELTS
Time 2 hours 2 hrs 45 min
Format Computer-based only Paper/Computer
Speaking Computer only Face to face
Accepted USA, Canada, Japan UK, Australia
For you, TOEFL is a better choice if:
You are applying to universities in the US/Canada.
If you prefer typing over handwriting.
You are more confident with American English accents.
Final Tips for TOEFL 2025 Success
🚀 Prepare early – don’t cram!!
🚀 Know the new writing format (Academic Discussion)
🚀 Cycle through and take 3-4 mock tests before the real thing.
Are you looking for TOEFL coaching in Nepal? Visit NIEC for Best TOEFL Classes in Kathmandu, Nepal.
🔹 Good luck on your TOEFL exam!
