PTE vs IELTS | Which is Easier, and What is their Difference?

Which English test should you take to study or work abroad? It is essential for students who are planning to study overseas.  PTE and IELTS are challenging exams, so understanding their structure and scoring can help you make the right choice.

PTE vs IELTS which is easier and better for your needs? Both exams include listening, reading, writing, and speaking, but both test’s format and evaluation are different. If you’re confused, which test should you choose, IELTS vs. PTE?

This blog will benefit you because we will compare PTE and IELTS in detail, which will help you make an informed decision. IELTS tests consist of paper-based or computer-based tests, but PTE entirely consists of computer-based tests. Let’s explore this article in detail.

PTE vs. IELTS – Key Differences

IELTS and PTE assess your English language skills, which means how well someone can read, write, speak, and understand English. Here is the table that highlights the key differences between PTE and IELTS below:

Factor	PTE	IELTS
Conducted by	Pearson PLC Group	IDP Education Ltd.
Test Types	PTE Academic	IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training, IELTS Indicator
Mode of Test	Computer-based	Paper-based and computer-based
Test Duration	2 hours	2 hours 45 minutes
Test Fee	65000PKR ($233)	60000PKR ($215)
Scoring System	Scores range from 10 to 90	Band score from 0 to 9
How It’s Scored	AI-based scoring: speaking test is done using a microphone	Manually checked; speaking test is face-to-face with an examiner
Average Score Accepted	50	6.3
Result Time	Within 48 hours	Takes 13 days
Where It’s Accepted	Recognized by 11,500+ organizations in 140+ countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand	Accepted by 3,000+ institutions, including Harvard Business School and INSEAD

Difference between IELTS and PTE Exam Structure

When preparing for a language test, you should understand the exam pattern and structure because it’s essential to succeed in exams.

Your IELTS test is accessed through four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

IELTS consists of two types: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. On the other hand, in PTE, your skills are tested in three sections: Speaking & Writing (combined), Reading, and Listening. There are also two types of PTE tests: PTE Academic and PTE General.

The exam time for the PTE test is 2 hours and 15 minutes and is conducted online. The IELTS test lasts about 2 hours and 45 minutes and is taken at a test center. If you’re wondering, “Is PTE easier than IELTS’’ it depends on your strength. Check the table below for a clear comparison of IELTS vs. PTE and understand the PTE score vs. IELTS band system.

PTE vs IELTS: Exam Format

Exam Section	PTE	IELTS
Listening	45-57 minutes; answer questions based on audio/video clips.	30 minutes; answer 40 questions based on four recordings.
Reading	32-40 minutes; includes MCQs, fill-in-the-blanks, and paragraph sequencing.	30 minutes; answer 40 questions based on three long texts.
Speaking	Combined with Writing, 77-93 minutes; includes reading aloud, describing images, and essay writing.	Fifteen minutes; includes an introduction, individual speech, and discussion.
Writing	Two tasks in 60 minutes: describe a graph, table, or chart.	Two tasks: Task 1 (describe a visual) and Task 2 (write an essay).

PTE Score vs. IELTS

Understanding the scoring system will help to make better preparing and achieving better scores. Both tests measure your English language skills. IELTS scores range from 0 to 9 bands, with 9 being the highest. Most universities require a minimum band score of 6.5 to 7.5.  PTE uses the Global Scale of English (GSE), scoring between 10 and 90 points. A good PTE score for university admission is usually 65 to 73 points.

IELTS Band	5	5.5	6	6.5	7	7.5	8	8.5
PTE Score	40.8	45.4	51.6	58.5	66.3	74.6	82.3	88.1

IELTS results are based on test performance; each band indicates an ability level—for example, Band 9 = Expert, Band 7 = Good. PTE assesses six enabling abilities: pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, oral fluency, written discourse, spelling, and communication skills.

PTE and IELTS Fee

The test fees for both IELTS and PTE are almost the same. In Pakistan, the fee is 60000 to 65000, including GTS. You’ll pay additional fees when you cancel or reschedule the test. The PTE academic fees in Pakistan vary depending on the test center for the students taking the PTE test. The PTE test fee in Pakistan is generally $233. The IELTS test fee in Pakistan is $215.

Regarding global recognition, IELTS has been around since 1989 and is accepted by over 11,500 organizations in 140+ countries. The PTE test started in 2009 and is now recognized by over 3,000 institutions, including Harvard, INSEAD, Oxford, and Yale. PTE fees in Pakistan are worth considering as the test is gaining more acceptance, especially in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland.

PTE vs IELTS, Which is Easy?

There is no clear answer; it depends on your choice. While some students feel the reading part of IELTS is simpler, others find the PTE’s writing part simpler. Personal strengths and shortcomings affect the degree of difficulty.

Four fundamental language skills, speaking, writing, reading, and listening, are tested on both tests. Though the test structure and format vary, neither test is generally more straightforward. Even if you do well on practice tests, performance on the actual exam depends on careful preparation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, test takers should know their study preferences, strengths, and weaknesses and target companies or universities when choosing which test to take, PTE vs IELTS. For candidates seeking quicker answers and comfortable with the computer-based approach, PTE could be a better choice. On the other hand, IELTS could be the best option for those who are at ease with a conventional paper-based approach. Test candidates should also review the choices their intended companies or universities have established.