For studying abroad, English proficiency test is a very important component for candidates for getting admission to an international university of their choice. IELTS and TOEFL have been popular choices among students. But these days, Pearson Test of English (PTE) is also gaining popularity among students for gaining English proficiency.
IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System, for non-native English language speakers, IELTS is an international standardized test of English language proficiency. British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge University Press & Assessment cooperatively manage the IELTS exam.
PTE is a computer based academic Englsh test, for non-native English speakers. PTE exam tests reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills. PTE is also accepted for application of migration. PTE is recognized by more than 3,000 universities and colleges all over the world, and is accepted for visa applications to countries like Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.
IELTS vs PTE Exam pattern
IELTS and PTE, both are used to evaluate, the ability of students in their English proficiency. But these two exams differ from each other regarding various factors like
IELTS Exam Pattern:
- IELTS provides students with option of both classic mode of examination which is pen and paper and a computer based test, which is available in different slots.
- IELTS exams lasts for 3 hours, which comprises of four sections
- It also consists of speaking section, in the form of face to face talk with an examiner.
PTE Exam Pattern:
- PTE only offers computer based test
- PTE also lasts for the duration of 3 hours, comprising of numerous short tasks across three sections.
- PTE has a heavier emphasis on Speaking and Writing Skills
Other Differentiators:
- IELTS is evaluated manually, whereas PTE-A uses artificial intelligence to award scores.
- IELTS is accepted by more than 10,000 employers, universities, schools, and immigration bodies around the world, whereas PTE is accepted by fewer institutions.
- IELTS offers a choice between paper or computer, whereas the PTE test is all computer-based and marked by a machine.
IELTS vs PTE Exam Structure
IELTS vs PTE Exam Structure | ||
| PTE | IELTS |
Listening | Answering a series of questions based on audio and video samples in a portion that lasts between 45 and 57 minutes. | Students need to answer 40 questions in 30 minutes across four recordings |
Reading | In 32 to 40 minutes, complete objective exercises such as MCQs, filling up blanks and sequencing paragraphs of texts. | Students have to answer 40 questions in 30 minutes across 3 texts |
Writing | These two sections are merged in the PTE over a period of 77 to 93 minutes. Students must complete diverse tasks, such as introducing themselves, reading aloud, describing images, summarising texts, and writing essays. | There are two essays to be written in 60 minutes. The first is analyzing a visual graph/data, while the second is an argumentative task to discuss a point of view. |
Speaking | - | Students have 15 minutes to complete this work, which involves them to talk to the examiner about themselves, share their opinions on a subject, and then explore abstract ideas. |
IELTS vs PTE Score Comparison
Universities accept minimum scores of 6.0 and 6.5 on the IELTS, which is scored on a scale of 0 to 9 with a gap of 0.5 for each section. The results are then averaged for the four sections. Each section is given a band score, and candidates receive an average score that is calculated by adding the band scores of all the sections together.
Universities prefer a minimum score of 55 to 60 on the PTE, which rates applicants on a worldwide English scale from 10 to 90. Candidates who take the PTE receive a thorough section-by-section analysis, just like in the IELTS.
PTE vs IELTS score
PTE vs IELTS Score Comparison | |
PTE Score | IELTS Score |
30 | 4.5 |
36 | 5.0 |
42 | 5.5 |
50 | 6.0 |
58 | 6.5 |
65 | 7.0 |
73 | 7.5 |
79 | 8.0 |
83 | 8.5 |
86 | 9.0 |
IELTS vs PTE Exam Cost and Acceptance
The cost and acceptance comparison is given below :
Cost :
The two examinations cost around the same. In India, the PTE costs INR 13,300, including GST, while the IELTS costs INR 15,500. The location affects the costs for both tests.
Acceptance :
IELTS is more widely accepted, being accepted by 10,000 universities in 140 countries. Since its introduction in 2009, PTE has grown in recognition and popularity, particularly in Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland. PTE is currently accepted as a verification of language competency by more than 3,000 universities worldwide.
IELTS vs PTE Which one would prefer you
In terms of mitigation, IELTS stands out as a clear choice, being recognized around the globe and accepted by all the immigration departments that require an English language test. But if you’re more comfortable with a computer based test, PTE might stand out as a better option.