TOEFL Score Not Available After 10 Days? A Guide for Indian Students (2025)

The wait for your TOEFL scores can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially when you have university application deadlines looming. You’ve been told to expect your scores within a certain timeframe, and when that period passes, anxiety can quickly set in. If you’ve found yourself constantly refreshing the ETS portal more than ten days after your test with no sign of your score, take a deep breath. A delay is a common issue and often doesn’t signal a problem with your test performance.

This guide is designed specifically for Indian students to walk you through why your TOEFL score might be delayed and provide clear, actionable steps to take in 2025. We will cover the standard timelines, the most common reasons for a hold-up, and exactly how to contact ETS from India to get the information you need.

Understanding a TOEFL Score Delay: The Official 2025 Timeline

First, it’s crucial to have the correct timeline in mind. While many students anticipate a 10-day wait, ETS has updated its score delivery schedule. For the TOEFL iBT and the Home Edition, electronic scores are now typically available in your ETS account within 4 to 8 days after your test date. You will receive an email notification as soon as your scores are accessible.

If you requested a paper score report, it is generally mailed from the United States within 11 to 15 days. You must then account for the additional time it takes for international mail to reach your address in India, which can vary significantly. Therefore, if you are checking for your e-score, the 10-day mark is already beyond the upper limit of the expected waiting period, making your concern valid.

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Common Reasons Your TOEFL Score Is Not Available After 10 Days

Before you assume the worst, it's helpful to understand the administrative processes that can lead to a delay. Here are the most frequent causes for a TOEFL score not being available after the standard 4 to 8-day window.

Your Score Is Delayed Due to an ETS "Administrative Review"

The most common reason for a significant delay is that your test has been placed under "Administrative Review." This is a quality control procedure initiated by ETS to ensure the validity and integrity of the scores. It does not automatically mean you are suspected of any wrongdoing. Common triggers for an administrative review include:

• Issues at the Test Centre: Technical problems, such as a computer malfunction or issues with the testing environment, can flag a test session for review.
• Unusual Scoring Patterns: A significant discrepancy between your performance on different sections of the test or a very large score increase from a previous attempt might trigger a manual review.
• Proctor-Reported Incidents: The test proctor may have logged an incident, however minor, which requires examination by the ETS Office of Testing Integrity.
• Random Selection: Some tests are randomly selected for review as part of ETS's routine quality checks.

If your test is under administrative review, you should receive an email from ETS stating this. The review process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, although in rare cases, it can be longer.

Your Score Release Is Affected by Public Holiday Delays

It is easy to forget that ETS is a US-based organisation. When calculating your score release date, you must account for public holidays in the United States, which can halt administrative processes. Similarly, major Indian public holidays might affect the operations of local support centres. Always check the calendar for holidays that might fall within your score reporting window.

Issues with Your Test Registration or Payment

Any discrepancy in your registration details or a pending payment can put a hold on your score release. It is essential to ensure that all the information you provided during registration is accurate and that your payment for the test was successfully processed. An unresolved issue here will prevent your scores from being finalised and released.

What to Do When Your TOEFL Score Is Not Available After 10 Days?

If your scores are not available after 8 days, it's time to be proactive. Follow these steps methodically to resolve the issue.

Step 1: Double-Check Your ETS Account

First, log in to your ETS account and navigate to the "View Scores and Score Recipients" section. Carefully check the status of your test. Sometimes, the status message itself provides a clue. A status like "Tested - Scores on Hold" or "Pending" confirms a delay, which is different from "Scores Not Available," a status that can be normal for the first few days.

Step 2: Review Your Email and Spam Folder

Your primary source of official communication will be email. Search your inbox thoroughly for any messages from ETS (toefl@ets.org) or the Office of Testing Security (otiassist@ets.org). Remember to check your spam or junk folder, as these important emails can sometimes be filtered incorrectly.

Step 3: Contacting ETS from India - The Right Way

If there's no email and your account status is uninformative, the next step is to contact ETS directly. For students in India, ETS has dedicated support channels.

• Phone Support: The most direct way to get information is by calling. The toll-free number for test takers in India is 1-800-123-9418. This line is available Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. India Standard Time (IST).
• Email Support: You can also send an email to the dedicated address for Indian test-takers: TOEFLSupport4India@ets.org.

Step 4: What to Have Ready When You Contact ETS

To ensure a smooth and efficient conversation, have the following information readily available before you call or write your email:

• Your full name as used during registration
• Your ETS registration number
• Your date of birth
• The date you took the test

When you communicate, clearly state your issue: "I am writing/calling because I took the TOEFL test on [Your Test Date] and my scores are still not available after more than 10 days. My registration number is [Your Number]. Could you please provide an update on the status of my scores?"

What if University Application Deadlines Are Approaching?

This is often the biggest source of stress. If a deadline is near and your scores are still delayed, do not panic. Instead, take the following proactive step:

Inform the admissions offices of the universities you have applied to about the situation. Write a polite and concise email explaining that your official TOEFL scores have been delayed by ETS. If possible, include a screenshot of your ETS account status. Most university admissions committees are familiar with such delays from testing agencies and are often understanding, potentially offering a grace period for the submission of official scores.

Conclusion

Waiting for your TOEFL score can be a test of patience. However, by understanding the timelines, potential reasons for a delay, and the clear steps to take, you can navigate this period with more confidence. Be patient, but be proactive in your communication with both ETS and your target universities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)