A detailed comparison of IELTS Academic and PTE Academic — scoring, difficulty, acceptance, and which is better for your target country.
Choosing between IELTS and PTE Academic is one of the first decisions you'll make in your study abroad journey. Both are widely accepted, but they differ significantly in format, scoring, and difficulty. Here's a comprehensive comparison to help you decide.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | IELTS Academic | PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Paper-based / Computer | Computer-based only |
| Duration | 2 hours 45 minutes | 2 hours |
| Results | 13 days | 1–5 business days |
| Score Scale | 0–9 bands | 10–90 points |
| Validity | 2 years | 2 years |
| Test Fee (India) | ₹16,250 | ₹15,900 |
| Accepted by | UK, Australia, Canada, USA, NZ | Australia, Canada, UK, NZ (limited USA) |
| Speaking | Face-to-face with examiner | Computer (microphone) |
| Writing | Handwritten or typed | Typed only |
Which is Easier?
PTE is generally considered easier for Indian students because: the speaking section is with a computer (no examiner anxiety), results are faster, and the scoring is more objective (AI-based). However, IELTS is more widely accepted, especially in the USA.
Country-wise Acceptance
| Country | IELTS | PTE |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | ✅ Widely accepted | ✅ Widely accepted |
| Canada | ✅ Widely accepted | ✅ Accepted (SDS stream) |
| UK | ✅ IELTS UKVI required | ✅ Accepted |
| USA | ✅ Widely accepted | ⚠️ Limited acceptance |
| New Zealand | ✅ Accepted | ✅ Accepted |
For the USA, IELTS is strongly preferred. For Australia and Canada, both are equally accepted. If you're applying to multiple countries, IELTS is the safer choice.
Score Equivalency
| IELTS Band | PTE Score | Level |
|---|---|---|
| 9.0 | 90 | Expert |
| 8.0 | 79 | Very Good |
| 7.5 | 73 | Good |
| 7.0 | 65 | Good |
| 6.5 | 58 | Competent |
| 6.0 | 50 | Competent |
| 5.5 | 42 | Modest |
Pro Tip: Take a free mock test for both IELTS and PTE before deciding. Many students find they naturally perform better in one format. Credence offers free IELTS and PTE diagnostic tests — book yours today.
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