Quick Answer: The Duolingo English Test (DET) costs approximately ৳8,500–৳9,000 BDT ($70 USD) in Bangladesh (2026), takes only 60 minutes, and results arrive in 48 hours. It is accepted by 4,000+ universities worldwide — including institutions in the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia.
What Is the Duolingo English Test?
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is an AI-powered, fully online English proficiency exam designed for international students applying to universities abroad. Unlike IELTS or TOEFL, you do not need to travel to any test center – you can take it from your home in Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet, Rajshahi, or anywhere else in Bangladesh with a stable internet connection.
The test evaluates your proficiency across four core language skills: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. Its adaptive format means the difficulty of questions adjusts in real time based on your performance, which allows it to accurately measure your level in just one hour.
Since its launch, DET has grown into a globally recognized certification accepted by more than 4,000 institutions – including top universities in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe.
Why Bangladeshi Students Are Choosing DET Over IELTS
Every year, thousands of students from Bangladesh prepare for IELTS – spending months and ৳25,000–৳30,000 on the exam alone, not counting coaching fees.
Here is why DET is gaining significant popularity among Bangladeshi students:
Cost savings: The DET fee is a fraction of what IELTS costs. At roughly ৳8,500–৳9,000 vs. ৳25,000+ for IELTS, you save more than ৳16,000 per attempt.
No test center required: Students in smaller districts like Comilla, Mymensingh, or Khulna no longer need to travel to Dhaka or Chittagong just to sit an exam. You take DET from your own bedroom.
Results in 48 hours: IELTS results take 3–13 days. DET delivers your certified score within two business days — critical when you are working against application deadlines.
Unlimited free score sharing: You can send your DET scores to as many universities as you want, at no extra cost. IELTS charges per institution.
Flexible scheduling: DET is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You pick the exact time that works for you.
Score validity: Like IELTS and TOEFL, DET scores remain valid for two years from the date of your exam.
Duolingo English Test Fee in Bangladesh (2026)
The Duolingo English Test fee is $70 USD globally, with no country-specific pricing. In Bangladeshi Taka, this currently converts to approximately ৳8,500–৳9,000 BDT (depending on the USD/BDT exchange rate at the time of payment).
Here is a complete cost comparison to help Bangladeshi students understand the value:
| Exam | Fee (USD) | Approx. Fee (BDT) | Results Time | Test Center Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duolingo English Test | $70 | ৳8,500–৳9,000 | 48 hours | No (Online) |
| IELTS | ~$195–$215 | ৳25,000–৳30,000 | 3–13 days | Yes |
| TOEFL iBT | ~$190–$200 | ৳24,500–৳26,000 | 4–8 days | Yes |
| PTE Academic | ~$170–$200 | ৳22,000–৳26,000 | 5 days | Yes |
Bundle Discount: Duolingo previously offered a two-test bundle at a discounted rate. Always check the official Duolingo English Test website for current promotions before purchasing.
After purchasing, you have 21 days to actually take the exam. Plan your purchase only when you are ready to test within that window.
Eligibility & Technical Requirements
One of the best aspects of the Duolingo English Test is its open eligibility policy.
Who can take DET:
- Anyone – there are no age restrictions or academic prerequisites
- Non-native English speakers applying to universities abroad
- Professionals seeking English certification for employment or immigration (check institutional requirements)
Technical requirements for Bangladeshi students:
To take the exam from home in Bangladesh, you will need:
- A laptop or desktop computer (not a mobile phone or tablet)
- A functioning front-facing webcam (built-in or external)
- A working microphone
- A reliable, fast internet connection (minimum 2 Mbps recommended)
- A quiet, well-lit room where you will be alone for the full hour
- A valid government-issued photo ID (NID card, passport, or driving license)
The exam uses AI and human proctors to verify your identity and monitor for cheating. Do not use any external resources, secondary screens, or devices during the test.
How to Register for the Duolingo English Test from Bangladesh
Registering for DET from Bangladesh is straightforward. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the official website at englishtest.duolingo.com
Step 2: Click “Create Account” and sign up with your name, email address, and password.
Step 3: Complete your profile by entering your date of birth and uploading a valid photo ID (your Bangladesh NID or passport works perfectly).
Step 4: Click “Buy Test” and pay using your dual-currency card or PayPal. The fee is $70 USD.
Step 5: Once payment is confirmed, you have 21 days to schedule and complete your test. Choose your preferred date and time — remembering the exam is available 24/7.
Step 6: On exam day, log in 15 minutes early, complete the system check, and begin your test.
Step 7: Receive your results within 48 hours via email and through your Duolingo account dashboard.
Step 8: Share your results for free to any universities or institutions directly from your dashboard.
Duolingo English Test Format & Structure
The DET lasts approximately 60 minutes and is divided into three phases:
Phase 1: Introduction (5 minutes)
This is not graded. You will read instructions, complete a system check, and confirm your identity.
Phase 2: Adaptive Test (45 minutes) — GRADED
This is the core of the exam. It is computer-adaptive, meaning the difficulty level adjusts based on each answer you give. The question types test all four skills simultaneously through integrated tasks:
| Question Type | Skill Tested | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Fill in the Blanks | Reading + Writing | Complete a sentence with the correct missing word |
| Read and Complete | Reading + Writing | Fill in missing letters in words within a passage |
| Listen and Type | Listening + Writing | Transcribe a spoken sentence exactly |
| Read Aloud | Reading + Speaking | Read a sentence or passage aloud clearly |
| Describe an Image | Speaking + Vocabulary | Describe what you see in a photo for 90 seconds |
| Write About the Photo | Writing + Vocabulary | Write a description of an image |
| Speak About the Topic | Speaking | Express your opinion on a prompt for 1–3 minutes |
| Write About the Topic | Writing | Write a response to a prompt in 3–5 minutes |
| Interactive Listening | Listening + Speaking | Answer comprehension questions about an audio clip |
| Interactive Reading | Reading + Writing | Answer questions about a passage |
Phase 3: Speaking & Writing Sample (10 minutes) — NOT GRADED
This section gives you two open-ended prompts – one speaking, one writing. Your responses are not included in your final score but are shared with universities alongside your certified results. Admissions teams use them to get a holistic picture of your communication style.
2026 Update: Duolingo has added new Interactive Listening and Interactive Speaking question types, making the test more immersive and conversational. Practicing with the latest official practice materials is essential.
Duolingo English Test Scoring System
DET scores range from 10 to 160, reported in 5-point increments. The overall score reflects four subscores:
| Subscore | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Literacy | Reading and writing skills |
| Comprehension | Reading and listening skills |
| Conversation | Listening and speaking skills |
| Production | Speaking and writing skills |
Score Band Reference
| DET Score | Proficiency Level | IELTS Equivalent | TOEFL Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10–55 | Beginner | Below 4.0 | Below 45 |
| 60–85 | Elementary | 4.0–5.0 | 45–60 |
| 90–115 | Intermediate | 5.5–6.5 | 60–85 |
| 120–130 | Upper-Intermediate | 7.0–7.5 | 94–100 |
| 135–145 | Advanced | 8.0–8.5 | 101–110 |
| 150–160 | Highly Proficient | 9.0 | 110–120 |
Most universities require a DET score between 105 and 130 for undergraduate and postgraduate admission. Top research universities and Ivy League programs may require 130+.
Duolingo English Test Sample Questions and Answers
Here are representative Duolingo English Test sample questions and answers across different question types to help you understand what to expect and how to respond.
Sample 1: Fill in the Blanks
Question: The scientist published her ___ findings in a peer-reviewed journal after three years of research.
Answer: groundbreaking / remarkable / latest
Sample 2: Read and Complete
Question: Cli___te ch___ge has emerged as the d___ ing challenge of the tw___ty-first century.
Answer: Climate change has emerged as the defining challenge of the twenty-first century.
Sample 3: Listen and Type
Audio: “The government announced a new policy to reduce carbon emissions by 2030.”
Your Task: Type the sentence exactly as you hear it.
Sample 4: Describe an Image
Image prompt: A photograph of a crowded street market with vendors selling vegetables and colorful textiles.
Sample Answer (90-second response): “This image shows a busy outdoor market. In the foreground, I can see several vendors standing behind their stalls, which are covered with fresh vegetables — tomatoes, green beans, and what appears to be eggplant. On the right side, there are stalls selling vibrant, colorful fabrics. The market appears to be in an urban area, likely a developing country, based on the architecture in the background. The atmosphere seems lively and crowded, with people browsing the stalls. This type of market likely serves as an important daily source of food and goods for the local community.”
Sample 5: Write About the Topic
Prompt: “Some people believe that students should be required to study a foreign language in school. Do you agree or disagree? Support your answer with specific reasons and examples.”
Sample Answer (3–5 minute response):
I strongly agree that students should be required to study a foreign language in school. Learning a second language offers substantial cognitive, professional, and cultural benefits that extend far beyond the classroom.
First, research consistently shows that bilingual individuals develop stronger problem-solving and multitasking abilities. The mental effort required to navigate two language systems strengthens memory and analytical thinking. For Bangladeshi students specifically, proficiency in English or another global language dramatically improves access to higher education and international job markets.
Second, language learning fosters cultural empathy. When students study another language, they also encounter the history, values, and perspectives of other societies. This exposure builds the cross-cultural communication skills that employers increasingly value in today’s globalized economy.
Finally, early exposure to foreign languages leads to greater fluency. Students who begin in primary school have a significant advantage over those who start later. Making it a school requirement ensures that every student, regardless of family background, has equal access to this opportunity.
In conclusion, requiring foreign language study in schools is a forward-thinking policy that prepares students for a connected, competitive world.
Strategy: Use a clear introduction (state your position), 2–3 body paragraphs with specific reasons and examples, and a concise conclusion. Aim for coherence and avoid grammatical errors.
Sample 6: Speak About the Topic
Prompt: “Describe a time when you had to solve a difficult problem. What was the challenge, and how did you overcome it?”
Sample Outline:
- Briefly set the scene: What was the problem?
- Describe the challenge: Why was it difficult?
- Explain your approach: What steps did you take?
- Share the outcome: What happened as a result?
Strategy: Do not memorize a script. Instead, prepare a mental framework and speak naturally. Universities value fluency and coherence over complex vocabulary.
Duolingo English Test Practice: A 30-Day Study Plan
Structured Duolingo English Test practice is the single biggest factor in achieving a high score. Here is a proven 30-day plan for Bangladeshi students:
Week 1: Foundation (Days 1–7)
- Day 1–2: Complete a full free practice test on the official Duolingo practice portal to identify your baseline score and weak areas.
- Day 3–5: Focus on vocabulary. Read English newspapers (The Daily Star, The Business Standard) for 30 minutes daily. Write 10 new words with their definitions each day.
- Day 6–7: Practice typing speed. Use tools like Typing.com to reach at least 45 words per minute — this helps with the “Listen and Type” sections.
Week 2: Skill Building (Days 8–14)
- Day 8–10: Practice Read Aloud and Describe an Image daily. Record yourself on your phone and listen back for clarity, pacing, and pronunciation.
- Day 11–13: Practice listening comprehension by watching English documentaries (BBC, TED Talks) with subtitles. Then watch without subtitles.
- Day 14: Take a full timed practice test and review your errors.
Week 3: Advanced Practice (Days 15–21)
- Day 15–17: Work on Write About the Topic prompts. Aim for well-structured essays with clear arguments. Use tools like Grammarly to identify grammar errors.
- Day 18–20: Practice Speak About the Topic prompts. Set a timer for 3 minutes and record your responses. Focus on logical structure rather than perfect vocabulary.
- Day 21: Take another timed practice test.
Week 4: Final Review (Days 22–30)
- Day 22–26: Review all question types. Spend extra time on your identified weak areas. Practice daily for at least 60–90 minutes.
- Day 27–28: Do a full mock exam under real test conditions — find a quiet room, use only your laptop, and do not pause.
- Day 29: Rest. Light vocabulary review only.
- Day 30: Exam day. Log in 15 minutes early. Stay calm.
Free Practice Resources:
- Official Duolingo English Test Practice — Free full-length practice tests
- Duolingo English Test YouTube Channel — Walkthroughs and tips
- British Council Bangladesh — English language learning resources
- BBC Learning English — Free grammar and vocabulary exercises
DET Score Requirements for Popular Universities
Here are the DET score requirements for universities most popular with Bangladeshi students:
United States
| University | Minimum DET Score |
|---|---|
| University of Massachusetts Amherst | 105 |
| Syracuse University | 110 |
| Northeastern University | 115 |
| George Mason University | 105 |
| University of Illinois Chicago | 105 |
United Kingdom
| University | Minimum DET Score |
|---|---|
| University of Bristol | 115 |
| University of Leeds | 110 |
| Newcastle University | 110 |
| University of Birmingham | 115 |
| Brunel University London | 105 |
Canada
| University | Minimum DET Score |
|---|---|
| Toronto Metropolitan University | 120 |
| University of Manitoba | 105 |
| Carleton University | 105 |
| University of New Brunswick | 100 |
Australia
| University | Minimum DET Score |
|---|---|
| RMIT University | 125 |
| University of Tasmania | 100 |
| Southern Cross University | 100 |
| Charles Darwin University | 95 |
Score requirements change frequently. Always verify directly with the university’s admissions page before applying. MMS Global advisors can help you confirm current requirements for your target institutions.
Duolingo vs IELTS vs TOEFL: Which Is Best for Bangladeshi Students?
| Factor | Duolingo English Test | IELTS | TOEFL iBT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fee (BDT approx.) | ৳7,500–৳8,000 | ৳20,000+ | ৳20,500+ |
| Test Duration | 60 minutes | 2 hrs 45 min | 3 hours |
| Test Location | Home (Online) | Test Center | Test Center |
| Results Time | 48 hours | 3–13 days | 4–8 days |
| Score Sharing | Free, unlimited | Paid per institution | Paid per institution |
| Accepted By | 4,000+ institutions | 10,000+ institutions | 11,000+ institutions |
| Validity | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| Best For | Budget-conscious students; fast deadlines | UK/Australia/Canada visa; widest recognition | US universities; graduate programs |
Our Recommendation for Bangladeshi Students:
- Choose Duolingo if you are on a budget, need fast results, or are applying to universities confirmed to accept DET.
- Choose IELTS if you need a score for a UK/Australia student visa or are applying to institutions that do not yet accept DET.
- Choose TOEFL if the majority of your target US graduate programs specifically prefer or require it.
Many students now take DET first as a cost-effective way to test their readiness, and only sit IELTS if they need it for visa purposes.
Payment Tips for Bangladeshi Students
Paying for the Duolingo English Test from Bangladesh requires a bit of preparation. Here is what you need to know:
Accepted Payment Methods: Visa or Mastercard (dual-currency enabled)
Getting a Dual-Currency Card in Bangladesh: Several Bangladeshi banks issue Visa or Mastercard prepaid or debit cards with international transaction capability. Visit your bank and request a card with international/dual currency functionality, then load the USD equivalent before making your payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Duolingo English Test is one of the smartest choices a Bangladeshi student can make when planning to study abroad. It is affordable, fast, and increasingly accepted by top universities worldwide.
MMS Global helps Bangladeshi students navigate every step of the study abroad journey — from choosing the right English test to university selection, application, and visa guidance.
