Did You Know?
Over 5,500 universities across the globe accept the Duolingo English Test (DET).
Some of the top universities accepting DET scores include Imperial College London, New York University, Columbia University, the University of Toronto, Yale University, and Duke University.
The Duolingo English Test only takes 60 minutes to complete and you can get your results within 2 days. DET costs $70 (approximately Rs. 6,510), making it significantly cheaper than IELTS (Rs. 19,000) and TOEFL (~Rs. 18,000).
The test has many advantages over other language tests, causing hundreds of thousands of students to appear in it every year.
Now, if you’re planning to kick off your study abroad journey with DET, it’s time for you to know more about it. Let’s start with finding you the Duolingo exam dates in your city.
What is the Duolingo exam?
Accepted by over 5,500 universities around the world, the Duolingo English Test (DET) is an alternative to exams like IELTS or TOEFL to prove your English skills.
Just like other English language tests, DET is a computer-based exam that tests your listening, reading, speaking, and writing abilities.
Let’s have a closer look at the format of the exam:
- Adaptive test (45 minutes): The computer adjusts question difficulty based on your answers. This means you will not get stuck on easy or hard questions for too long.
- Writing sample (3-5 minutes): You will get a prompt and write a short text. This tests your writing skills.
- Speaking sample (1-3 minutes): You will get a prompt to speak into your microphone. This tests your speaking fluency and pronunciation.
But why choose the DET over other traditional tests?
- You can take the test from anywhere on your computer with a camera and microphone. There is no need to travel to a test center.
- You will get your scores in just 48 hours, compared to weeks for other tests.
- The DET costs $70 (Rs. 6,510). Significantly cheaper than IELTS (Rs. 19,000) and TOEFL (~Rs. 18,000).
- The DET is a valid option for students who need to demonstrate their English proficiency for university applications. However, always check with the universities you’re applying to that they accept the DET score.
Also Read: Duolingo English Test: Complete Guide 2026
Duolingo exam dates 2026: Available 24/7 in all cities
As mentioned previously, you can take the Duolingo English Test anytime and anywhere.
All you need is a good internet connection and a laptop with a working camera and microphone.
Because the test is available 24/7, there are no specific Duolingo exam dates in India. Any day of the year works.
Not only that, you can also opt for the DET as many times as you wish. This means that if you are not satisfied with your DET scores, you can keep retaking the test until you’re satisfied.
Once you finalize the next Duolingo exam date by buying the test, you will have 21 days to take the test.
Duolingo exam dates in 2026 cover every day of the year. Note that there is no concept of a last date for a Duolingo exam. You can go for the DET anytime, anywhere.
Duolingo Exam Dates in Hyderabad
| Month (2026) | Duolingo Exam Availability |
| Jan-Dec 2026 | Active every day of every month |
Duolingo Exam Dates in Mumbai
| Month (2026) | Duolingo Exam Availability |
| Jan-Dec 2026 | Active every day of every month |
Duolingo Exam Dates in Chennai
| Month (2026) | Duolingo Exam Availability |
| Jan-Dec 2026 | Active every day of every month |
Duolingo Exam Dates in Pune
| Month (2026) | Duolingo Exam Availability |
| Jan-Dec 2026 | Active every day of every month |
Duolingo Exam Dates in Delhi
| Month (2026) | Duolingo Exam Availability |
| Jan-Dec 2026 | Active every day of every month |
Duolingo Exam Dates in Bangalore
| Month (2026) | Duolingo Exam Availability |
| Jan-Dec 2026 | Active every day of every month |
When to take DET: Planning by application deadline
Since DET is available 365 days/year, the key question is not ‘when are the dates’ but ‘when should I take it for my application deadline’.
| Target Intake | Recommended DET Date | Why |
| USA/Canada Fall 2026 (Sep start) | April-May 2026 | Score + retake window before June-July deadlines |
| UK September 2026 | March-April 2026 | Most UK deadlines Jan-May (note: also need IELTS UKVI for visa) |
| Australia Semester 2 2026 | April-May 2026 | July-August start; most deadlines April-May |
| Canada Winter Intake (Jan 2027) | August-Sept 2026 | October deadlines for many Canadian universities |
Golden rule: Take DET at least 4-6 weeks before your application deadline. Results in 48 hours + allow retake time if needed (minimum 30 days between attempts, max 2 attempts in 30 days).
How to find Duolingo exam dates in 2026?
To find the next available Duolingo exam dates in India, all you have to do is check your availability schedule.
Since the test allows you to take it at your convenience, there is no need for you to look for specific Duolingo exam dates in 2026. You can take the test anytime of the year.
However, one rule that you must be aware of: make sure to take the test within 21 days of buying it. If you fail to do so, your test will expire. There is no provision of canceling or rescheduling and you will forfeit your exam fees.
Also Read: Duolingo Exam Eligibility 2026: Who Can Take DET and Requirements
How to apply for the Duolingo exam in 2026?
Applying for the Duolingo exam is a fairly simple and straightforward process. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Visit the official website of DET for test takers.
Step 2: After scrolling down on the page, you will find a button that says, “Purchase A Test”. Tap on the button. Here’s what the option will look like –

Step 3: If you’re a first-time user, clicking on the button will take you to the registration page. You will have to enter details like your age, reason for taking the test, intended country to study, etc.
Step 4: After entering all the details, you will get the following test options to choose from. Select one and press “Continue” to buy it.

Step 5: Finally, make a payment to buy the test and complete it at your convenience.

How to study for the Duolingo exam?
The first thing you need to do to prepare for the Duolingo exam is to take advantage of the free practice material available at englishtest.duolingo.com. These free practice tests take around 30 minutes and help you get acquainted with the test syllabus and pattern.
Other than that, here are some tips that you can follow:
- Immerse yourself in the language. Read articles, watch shows with subtitles or listen to podcasts daily.
- Build your vocabulary by using flashcards or apps that give you a new word to learn every day.
- Whenever you take a practice test, time yourself for each section to improve your speed and focus.
- Focus on understanding conversations in English. Watch English interviews or lectures and try summarizing them.
If you need help finding out which universities you should apply to based on an expected DET score, you can get unbiased advice from a SelectRight expert. SelectRight helps you select high ROI university programs across the globe based on your academic performance, career goals, location preferences, and more.
Here’s how SelectRight works:
- Register and provide your personal details and educational history.
- Outline the type of program, field of study, and university location you are seeking.
- SelectRight will suggest programs that fit your criteria.
- Review the matches, considering costs, rankings, and what matters most to you.
- Get personalized advice and help with your applications.










