Duolingo Test is a computerized English proficiency test. It has become the most popular English proficiency test among students in 2025. Let’s understand the reason behind the rise of DET in this article.
Duolingo English Test(DET)
It is an online based English proficiency test mostly taken by students who are planning to apply abroad. The test covers reading, speaking, listening and writing sections like any other English proficiency test. It is the shortest English test that can be completed within an hour. Duolingo test is now accepted by most of the universities worldwide as an English proficiency requirement for student enrollment. The test fully computerized and and your score is evaluated by Artificial Intelligence(AI).
Why Duolingo English Test
Few key points that make duolingo stand out among others are:
- It is easier compared to other english proficiency test.
- The test duration of duolingo is shorter.
- The cost of duolingo exam is way affordable then IELTS, PTE.
- The test can be taken from anywhere.
- Faster test result.
Will DET take over other english proficiency language?
The rise of DET started in 2024 since more than 5000 universities started accepting Duolingo Test as an English proficiency requirement for enrollment. In 2025, more and more institutions are accepting DET and it is nearly accepted worldwide now. The overall flexibility of DET is making students opt for DET rather than any other english proficiency test. The number of user using duolingo platform is increasing in daily basis. I believe DET will take over other english proficiency test in upcoming years if it continues to grow like this and more and more universities continue to accept DET.
Duolingo Test in Nepal
DET is one of the best option for nepalese student planning to study abroad. A lot of nepalese students planning to apply to USA perfer to take DET over other english proficiency nowdays since, DET is accepted by almost every universities in USA. Duolingo test has made it lot easier for nepalese students due to its flexible test option and affordable cost i.e (Student can take 3-4 duolingo test at the cost of 1 ielts exam). Planning to take duolingo class with expert guidance and affordable cost then please contact us.
Scholarship opportunities by taking DET?
A lot of students have this question in mind, Do I still get scholarships if I take the DET and not IELTS, PTE. The answer is yes, Since duolingo test is accepted by universities and considered as one of the english proficiency tests, you will get your scholarships based on your academics and DET score. If your DET score is higher you will get better scholarships in universities. A lot of students have wrong idea about doing ielts will get higher scholarship despite the lower score.
Duolingo Exam date: How and When is it conducted?
The test is conducted online in the duoligo test website. You can take the test anywhere and 24/7, thats the most suprising thing about DET. Once you purchased the test, you have 21 days to take the test. If you don’t take the test within 21 days your test will be automatically cancelled. Note: The cancelled test is non-refundable. The cost of 1 test is 65$. You can purchase upto 3 test in 30 days. If you aren’t satisfied with your result, you can easily purchase and take the exam again. It is very easy to purchase the test, after creating an account click on the purchase test option on the left side and purchase the exam.
Duolingo Test score Evaluation
Duolingo score range from 10-160, 10 being the lowest and 160 being the highest. Getting 160 is equivalent to getting 9.0 in ielts. For every correct answer you will get 5 points. There is no negative marking so, please try to answer every question possible. Your report will contain your overall score along with your subscore for each domain. The average of your individual subscore will be your total score.
Duolingo Test Eligiblity
Duolingo has no such restriction on its eligiblity, anyone can take the duolingo english test. If you are under 13 then you may require to get permission from your parents to take the test. To take duolingo test one must have a valid passport. Additionally, make sure to take the test from quiet place and have good internet connection.
Duolingo exam pattern
Below is the duolingo exam pattern breakdown:
| Section | Time | Description |
| Onboarding | 5 mins | Checkin (Fix any Technical issues and ID checkin) |
| Adaptive test | 45 mins | Question are random and difficulty will be based on your performance. |
| writing and speaking | 10 mins | prompt-based questions |
What is considered as good score in duolingo?
Most of the universities in the USA will require you to have anywhere between 100-115 as their english proficiency requirement. However, English proficiency requirements vary with university. Few universities may even require you to have at least 120. So, anywhere above 115-120 score will be considered as a decent score. However, universities in other countries may have different requirements (around and above 95 should get you enrolled at a decent university). Set your target at least 130-135 and try to achieve that.
Learn more about DET and Practise Duolingo English Test.