Are you confused by conflicting advice about the Duolingo English Test (DET) and worried about making the wrong choice for your university application?
For Indian students planning to study abroad, English proficiency exams are often the first big hurdle. Yet, persistent Duolingo myths continue to mislead students, creating confusion and doubt about whether top universities truly accept the scores. Such misconceptions can lead students to waste extra money, time, and effort on tests that may not be necessary.
Many still believe that “top universities don’t accept DET” or that it’s “easier than IELTS or TOEFL.” Such misconceptions can lead students to spend extra money, time, and effort on tests that may not even be necessary.
The truth is that the Duolingo English Test has evolved into one of the most reliable, secure, and widely recognised language assessments for global admissions. Let’s uncover the common myths about the Duolingo English Test and learn what truly matters in 2026 – backed by data, research, and expert guidance.
Common Myths About the Duolingo English Test (and the Facts Behind Them)
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Myth 1: Duolingo Test Isn’t Accepted by Top Universities
Fact: This is one of the biggest misconceptions. As of 2026, more than 4,500 universities globally - including prestigious names like Yale University, University of Edinburgh, and McGill University - recognise DET scores for admissions.
Most institutions list DET equivalencies on their official admissions pages, often alongside IELTS and TOEFL. Always verify directly from university websites to ensure accuracy.
Myth 2: The Duolingo Test Is Easier Than IELTS or TOEFL
Fact: The Duolingo English Test uses adaptive technology - meaning the questions automatically become harder or easier based on your performance. The better you perform, the more challenging it gets.
This ensures that every test-taker’s result reflects their true skill level. According to the 2025 DET Technical Report, a 120 DET score is roughly equivalent to IELTS 7.5 or TOEFL 105, proving that DET is equally rigorous, not easier.
Myth 3: You Can Cheat or Get Help During the Test
Fact: DET’s proctoring system is among the most secure in the industry. It uses AI-based proctoring, facial recognition, keystroke analysis, and environmental tracking to detect irregularities.
If any suspicious activity is found, scores are immediately invalidated. Duolingo also provides universities with detailed test integrity reports - ensuring authenticity.
In other words, cheating on the test is nearly impossible.
Myth 4: Duolingo Scores Are Not Reliable or Accurate
Fact: Multiple independent studies, including one by the University of Pittsburgh (2023), confirm that DET scores correlate strongly with CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) standards - the same framework used for IELTS and TOEFL.
This validation proves that DET is a scientifically robust and academically comparable exam for assessing English proficiency.
Myth 5: You Can’t Retake the Test or Send Scores to Many Universities
Fact: Students can retake the test every 14 days if they wish to improve their scores. Moreover, DET allows you to send unlimited score reports to universities for free, unlike IELTS or TOEFL, which often charge per report.
This makes the Duolingo English Test not just convenient but also highly economical for study abroad applicants.
Myth 6: You Don’t Need Any Preparation for the Duolingo English Test
Fact: While the test format is shorter, it still requires focused preparation - especially for writing and speaking sections. Many students underestimate the adaptive question flow and lose points due to time management issues.
At LeapScholar, counsellors recommend students to:
- Practice using the official Duolingo practice test.
- Focus on spontaneous speaking and grammar accuracy.
- Take timed mock tests to adapt to the format.
Preparation directly influences your confidence and final score.
Why So Many Myths Exist Around the DET?
When a newer test challenges long-established options like IELTS or TOEFL, skepticism naturally follows. Most myths about Duolingo arise from three key factors:
- Newness of the platform: Launched only in 2016, it’s still relatively young compared to traditional exams.
- Online format: Students doubt its reliability and proctoring because it’s taken remotely.
- Initial hesitation by universities: Some institutions took longer to adopt it, which led to outdated assumptions.
But times have changed. According to Duolingo’s 2025 report, over 3 million students took the DET last year, with acceptance rates rising across top universities in the US, UK, and Canada.
Expert Tips to Overcome These Myths and Prepare Effectively
Here’s how you can stay informed and perform better:
- Rely on official sources: Check the university’s website or Duolingo’s acceptance list before applying.
- Understand adaptive testing: Practice with increasing difficulty levels to simulate the real experience.
- Track your progress: Use feedback-based mock tests to identify weak areas.
- Consult expert guidance: LeapScholar’s certified counsellors can help you build a customised DET preparation plan tailored to your study destination and university requirements.
Why Duolingo DET Is a Game Changer for Study Abroad Students?
For Indian students, especially, the Duolingo English Test offers several advantages:
- Affordable: At just USD 59 (₹5,231), it’s a fraction of IELTS/TOEFL costs.
- Faster: Results in 48 hours help you apply quickly.
- Widely Accepted: Over 4,500 global institutions, including top-ranked universities.
- Flexible: Take it anytime, anywhere, with just a computer, webcam, and internet connection.
The DET is democratising English testing by making global education more accessible to all.
Conclusion
The Duolingo English Test has transformed the way students prove their English proficiency for global admissions. While myths about DET still exist, the reality is that it’s now a credible, affordable, and accessible pathway to top universities worldwide.
If you’re planning to study abroad in 2026, don’t let misconceptions hold you back. Start your journey with LeapScholar today. Our expert counsellors can help you choose universities that accept the DET, provide personalised DET preparation guidance, and support your application every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
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Is it true that top universities don’t accept the Duolingo English Test?
No, that’s a myth. Over 4,500 universities worldwide, including top institutions like Yale, Imperial College London, and the University of Toronto, now accept the Duolingo English Test. Always verify the score requirement on your preferred university’s website before applying.
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Does the Duolingo English Test make it easier to get high scores compared to IELTS or TOEFL?
Not really. The test is AI-adaptive, meaning the difficulty increases as you perform better. Scoring above 120 on DET requires strong English skills, just like scoring 7.0+ in IELTS. Consistent DET preparation is essential for a good score.
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Can I skip preparation for the Duolingo English Test since it’s short and online?
That’s another common myth. Despite its short format, the DET evaluates all four language skills in depth. Structured DET preparation especially for speaking and writing is key to achieving a competitive score.
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Is the Duolingo English Test less secure because it’s taken from home?
Not at all. Duolingo uses advanced AI proctoring, identity verification, and monitoring tools to ensure integrity. Any attempt to cheat leads to immediate invalidation, so it’s just as secure as in-person exams.
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Can I only take the Duolingo English Test once?
No, that’s a misconception. You can retake the test twice within 30 days, giving you flexibility to improve your score after proper practice and preparation.
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