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Summary: Want to know PTE test vs IELTS, which is easier? Let’s compare these two to know which is harder and better to qualify for a language proficiency test! Explore the writing section, exam pattern and structure to know all about the modern format and computer-based approach of PTE and IELTS exams today!
Read this article to discover all about “Is PTE easier than IELTS?” and have detailed knowledge of language proficiency exams.
Language proficiency is the best way to discover a world of endless opportunities in different parts of the world. Crossing these borders become mere lines on the globe when you open the gates to international travel by qualifying for the PTE and IELTS exam.
The next question that immediately jumps right next in your mind is – the PTE test vs IELTS, which is easier to pass the language proficiency tests with a good score. – What is the difference between PTE and IELTS exams? How to qualify for these exams with a good score?
Whether you dream about studying abroad or desire to grow your career in cities abroad, the PTE and IELTS exams assess your English language proficiency, making your communication modes clear, beneficial and approachable across different cultures.
Moving forward, a better understanding of PTE and IELTS exams will make you clear about the exam pattern to choose for attaining English language proficiency if you are aiming to work or study in an English-speaking country abroad. In that case, these tests seem to be a life-changing odyssey, where language becomes the right key to entering the border with proof to get admission or employment in a multinational company or industry.
In this article, we are here to enlighten your path, clarifying all doubts, concerns, challenges and solutions regarding the PTE test vs IELTS exam pattern.
Both PTE and IELTS exams are a ticket to entry in English-speaking countries. Sharing the same mission, these exams can be the stepping stone to your success. With a detailed overview of the PTE vs IELTS exam, you will enter the world of thorough knowledge.
PTE or Pearson Test of English is a worldwide famous English proficiency exam, passing which makes you one of those candidates who want to fly high to achieve their goals by studying at top universities abroad or universities.
Standing as a beacon of language assessment, the PTE exam leads you one step closer to immigration and academic and professional endeavours. Qualifying for the PTE exam empowers your dreams to excel in an interconnected world.
According to a recent survey, 5000+ universities all around the world have approved the PTE exam as an important or mandatory condition to take admission in different courses.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a globally popular English proficiency test jointly owned by IELTS Australia, the British Council and Cambridge English.
Nowadays, the government prefers IELTS General for migration and IELTS Academic for studies.
With 10000+ overseas organizations listing IELTS as the compulsory criteria to proceed for admission or to grab work opportunities.
PTE: Online or Computer-Based Test
Applicants have to attempt computer-based online tests for the IELTS exam.
IELTS: Paper Test or Computer-Based Test
Candidates who want to choose a paper and pen test can opt for it, and those who are comfortable with online tests can opt for a computer-based exam.
PTE Exam Time: 3 Hours
PTE exam comprises various short tasks divided into three sections. The PTE exam focuses on speaking and writing sections.
IELTS Exam Time: 3 Hours
The IELTS exam covers 4 major sections with relatively long tasks.
Both exams have similar fundamental language skills. It includes Writing, Speaking, Reading and Listening. The level of attempting and qualifying for PTE and IELTS exams is similar, except for the difference in pattern and mode of examination.
How long can a candidate attain the validity of PTE and IELTS exams? Every candidate attempting the PTE or IELTS exam has this question in mind. Regarding the validity of both exams, PTE and IELTS have the same criteria.
PTE Exam Validity: 2 Years
IELTS Exam Validity: 2 Years
Also Read: 5 Tips to Crack IELTS General Listening Test
Every applicant who wants to qualify for the language proficiency tests must be familiar with PTE vs IELTS and the difference between exam patterns and structure.
Getting to know will make you clear about the section to focus on and manage time to prepare and rock the exam with a good score. Let’s review the examination pattern, time requirement and structure of the PTE and IELTS exams.
PTE exam covers three major sections, including:
This exam covers four major sections, including:
Here is the detail of every section of both exams. Have a look at PTE vs IELTS exam components, format, task and time structure.
| Exam | Component | Format | Time | Tasks |
| PTE | Listening | Audio and video clips based questions | 45-57 Minutes | 40 |
| Reading | Objective exercises (MCQs, Blanks, Sequencing) | 32-40 Minutes | 40 | |
| Writing | Students have to complete tasks, such as introducing themselves, reading aloud, describing Images, summarising texts, and writing essays. | 77-99 Minutes | Diverse Tasks | |
| Speaking | 15 Minutes | 3 Tasks | ||
| IELTS | Listening | Audio recordings with questions | 30 Minutes | 24 across 4 Recordings |
| Reading | Text-based exercises (MCQs, TFNG, completion) | 60 Minutes | 40 across 3 Tasks | |
| Writing | Task 1: Analyzing a visual graphic/data Task 2: Argumentative essay | 60 Minutes | 2 Essay | |
| Speaking | Part 1: Introduction and Interview Part 2: Short Speech | 11-14 Minutes | 3 Parts |
Candidates who will score on a scale of 10-90 in PTE Exam using a global English scale, where universities prefer a minimum 55-60. In IELTS, candidates who give PTE get a detailed section-wise breakdown.
This exam score is graded on a 0-9 scale. It includes a gap of 0.5 for each section and averages for four sections. Universities accept a 6.0-6.5 minimum score in the IELTS exam. Candidates attempting this exam will be given a band score for every section. After that, an average score is counted for counting all sections.
Also Read: Is IELTS difficult to pass? which part of IELTS is most difficult?
Let’s compare the PTE and IELTS exam scores:
| S.No. | PTE Exam Score | IELTS Exam Score |
| 1. | 30 | 4.5 |
| 2. | 36 | 5.0 |
| 3. | 42 | 5.5 |
| 4. | 50 | 6.0 |
| 5. | 58 | 6.5 |
| 6. | 65 | 7.0 |
| 7. | 73 | 7.5 |
| 8. | 79 | 8.0 |
| 9. | 83 | 8.5 |
| 10. | 86 | 9.0 |
| S. No. | Test Component | PTE | IELTS |
| 1. | Listening | 45-57 Minutes | 30 Minutes |
| Tasks in the test | MCQ, summarizing spoken text, and fill in the blanks | MCQs, sentence completion, short answer questions | |
| 2. | Reading | 32-40 Minutes | 60 Minutes |
| Tasks in the test | Fill in the blanks, MCQs, Re-ordering paragraphs, etc. | MCQs, Sentence completion, Short-answer questions, etc. | |
| 3. | Speaking | 11-14 Minutes | 11-14 Minutes |
| Tasks in the test | Short-answer question, Describing images, Essay writing, etc. | Part I: Introduction and interview. Part II: Talk about a particular topic. Part III: Discussion on the given topic in Part II. | |
| 4. | Writing | 77-93 Minutes | 60 Minutes |
| Tasks in the test | Short-answer question, Text summarization, Essay writing, etc. | Part I: Identify information and trends in visual data. Part II: An essay write-up on a specific topic. |
Also Read: Last Minute Tips for IELTS Exam
The proper utilization of AI for impartial evaluation, ensuring fairness in the assessment process.
PTE vs IELTS Exam Fees
What will be the examination fees for PTE and IELTS exams? Let’s come to know the answer to this question:
PTE Exam Fees:
India: 13,300 INR (Including GST)
US: $160
IELTS Exam Fees:
India: 15,500 INR (Including GST)
US: $185
For getting wings to your dreams abroad, acceptance is the first aspect that you need to know about the PTE and IELTS exam. Let’s discuss where you can gain acceptance after clearing PTE and IELTS exam tests.
PTE Exam Acceptance Criteria
The PTE exam has gained tremendous popularity since 2009. It has global acceptance in Ireland, New Zealand and Australia.
IELTS Exam Acceptance Criteria
The IELTS exam is widely accepted by educational institutes abroad, covering 10000 universities spanning 140 countries.
We all know that language proficiency tests play a major role in processing student or immigrant visas. Many universities mention particular IELTS or PTE exam scores in their admission form. Similarly, immigrant departments of abroad countries list the acceptance of specific exam tests and scores.
Before attempting PTE or IELTS exams, you should be aware of academic criteria like the extent of the exam, difficulty level, speaking accent etc.
Many learning institutes conduct mock tests to show how exam structure will appear in PTE or IELTS exams. Self-learners can also attempt online mock tests to know what the online exam pattern will look like.
There is a difference in the academic criteria for PTE and IELTS exams. Let’s discover which important factors you should keep in mind before attempting the English proficiency exams:
PTE Academic Criteria
IELTS Academic Criteria
Overall, we can say that attempting the PTE or IELTS exam is all about focusing on every section and its level of attempt and qualifying it with a good score.
Universities and institutions come up with certain admission guidelines and dates up to which you can apply for admission in different courses. For that, students should know about the result time and reattempt cases.
PTE Exam announces fast results based on an automated scoring process. IELTS takes longer to notify exam scores, as it needs human touch in evaluating all sections. Both tests allow candidates to reattempt for score improvement and strive for their desired language proficiency level.
Conclusion:
Moving abroad to study or work is the plan of many individuals who want to explore the best opportunities in different countries. For this question of PTE or IELTS- which exam should you choose? You should go through all sections of the exams. IELTS or PTE make you eligible to cross the border, where English language proficiency is the first important point to consider. Either way, you can evaluate the difference between PTE and IELTS exams.
If you are still doubtful, get a consultation from Wilwin Study Visa experts in chandigarh, who provide complete knowledge of which exam to attempt. They help you start your study abroad journeys with exam attempts, training, filling out university applications, scholarship or loan applications, profile building and visa applications.
Let’s embark on the journey leading to turning your dreams into reality!
Is PTE easier than the IELTS exam?
Both PTE and IELTS have different exam patterns and structures. If you align more with subjective writing, go for the IELTS exam than PTE. If you are comfortable with computer-based exams, choose the PTE exam; IELTS offers both online and offline exam attempts.
Which countries accept the IELTS exam?
Australia, New Zealand, and the UK
Which test provides fast results, PTE or IELTS?
If you do not want to miss the chance to be admitted to an abroad university or attain a work visa, then PTE is the best option for you as it offers fast results. On the other hand, the IELTS exam takes around 13 days to announce test results.
Can I reattempt PTE and IELTS exams?
Yes, you can reattempt PTE and IELTS exams after the result announcement.
PTE or IELTS- which test to qualify for a student or work visa?
Both PTE and IELTS are globally recognised by immigration authorities and departments, educational institutes and universities abroad.
Which is more difficult, PTE or IELTS?
PTE and IELTS exams are easy to clear if you have prepared well in writing, speaking, listening and reading.
