Comparison
PTE vs IELTS
PTE vs IELTS compared with real numbers: fees, score scales, result speed, speaking format, retake rules, and the official score equivalence.
Bottom line
There is no universal winner: PTE returns results faster and is fully computer-based in one sitting, while IELTS offers a human speaking interview, a paper option, and the One Skill Retake. Decide by three things — which test your receiving institution or visa route accepts, which speaking format suits you, and how much retake flexibility you want. Whichever you lean towards, sit one full scored practice test before booking; EdKnot’s free PTE mock is a zero-risk way to see if the PTE format fits you.
CategoryPTE AcademicIELTSAdvantage
Score scale10–90 points on the Global Scale of English, overall plus four skill scores.Bands 0–9 in half-band steps, overall plus four skill bands.Depends
Test length & sittingsAbout 2 hours, one sitting, fully computer-based at a test centre (22 question types).About 2 hours 45 minutes; the speaking interview can fall on a different day at some centres.PTE Academic
Speaking formatSpeak into a microphone; AI-scored with human review of content on several task types.Face-to-face interview with a human examiner (also on video call at some centres).Depends
Results speedTypically within 48 hours (up to 5 business days).Computer-delivered: usually 3–5 days. Paper: around 13 days.PTE Academic
Fees (India, July 2026)₹18,900 including GST.₹19,000 (IELTS for UKVI ₹19,250).PTE Academic
Retake optionsFull test retake only; up to 12 tests in any 12-month window.One Skill Retake on computer-delivered IELTS lets you re-sit a single skill within 60 days.IELTS
Delivery optionsComputer only, at authorized test centres.Computer or paper, plus IELTS Online for some purposes.Depends
Canada immigrationIRCC accepts PTE Core (not Academic) for economic immigration and citizenship.IRCC accepts IELTS General Training.Depends
Score equivalence (official)PTE 55–62 ≈ IELTS 6.5 · PTE 63–70 ≈ IELTS 7.0 · PTE 79–85 ≈ IELTS 8.0.From Pearson’s July 2025 concordance study of the enhanced PTE Academic vs IELTS Academic.Depends
Preparation fitSuits fast typists comfortable speaking to a computer under strict per-task timers.Suits learners who prefer a human interviewer and the option of handwriting on paper.Depends