If you are planning to move abroad for your higher studies, one prerequisite you will need, without a doubt, is the results of English language proficiency tests. International students from almost all countries must submit proof of their competency in English. IELTS and TOEFL have been the top choice for English exams for several years. However, the PTE exam has recently gained traction as more and more universities have officially begun accepting it under their entry requirements.
What Is The PTE Exam?
Started in 2009 by Pearson, the Pearson PTE exam of English is today a globally recognised English proficiency exam. It is one of the world’s leading computer-based tests to verify the candidate’s English proficiency in the study abroad or work abroad process. After successfully writing the PTE exam, candidates can migrate to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Germany, France, and 30+ other countries.
It follows the proficiency levels the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages or CEFR declares.
But why should you choose PTE over other popular English proficiency tests? Read on to the next section to find out!
Types Of PTE Exams
Pearson offers various PTE academic exams tailored to different purposes, whether for educational , professional, or immigration needs. Each exam assesses specific aspects of English language proficiency to suit the unique requirements of individuals aiming to study, work, or settle in English-speaking countries. Below are the different types of PTE exams and their purposes.
PTE Exam Eligibility
Fortunately, this exam has no long list of eligibility criteria and prerequisites. Candidates must be at least 16 years old at the time of enrolment, and all candidates below 18 need the consent of their parents or guardians. Secondly, there must be a 5-day gap between two consecutive exam attempts, although there’s no restriction on the number of attempts a candidate can register for.
What Is The PTE Exam Duration And Format?
The PTE examination is scored on a scale of 10 to 90, with no negative marking for incorrect answers. Candidates receive individual scores for each section, contributing to their overall score. Since the primary objective of this exam is to test the candidate’s competency and capability to survive in an English-based environment, the exam is divided into three sections. The following list also contains the test items of each of the sections:
| Section | Duration | Examples of Test Items |
| Speaking and Writing | 54 – 67 minutes | – Read aloud – Repeat sentence – Describe image – Re-tell lecture – Short question – Summarise written text – Essay writing |
| Listening | 30 – 43 minutes | – Summarise spoken text – MCQ – multiple answers – MCQ – single answer – Fill in the blanks – Highlight the correct summary – Highlight the incorrect word – Select the missing word – Write from dictation |
| Reading | 29 – 30 minutes | – Fill in the blanks – MCQ – multiple answers – MCQ – single answer – Re-order paragraph |
PTE Scoring System
As mentioned above, the PTE English test is scored on a scale of 10 to 90. The scoring methodology is followed in two significant ways as follows:
- Correct/Incorrect: This is employed for strictly objective questions where there could be no bias at all. When you get a question right, you gain one mark. Otherwise, you are marked zero.
- Correct/Partially Correct/Incorrect: This is for subjective questions with varying results. For instance, a speaking test where the grading criteria are the format, response, content, etc. Thus, you could be marked as correct and get full marks, partially correct and get only some of the marks, or be completely incorrect.
Let us now look at the typical scoring criteria for generic questions in the PTE Exam:
- Content: Is your answer relevant to the topic, or are you answering off-topic?
- Form: Is your answer too small and less than the required word limit?
- Format: Are you following the format pre-defined by the exam guidelines?
- General rules: Are you following the pre-defined limits, time limit, and other guidelines specified?
10 Tips To Prepare For The PTE Exam
The next step in this process would be to start preparing for the PTE exam. Here are some quick tips that might help you get motivated and put you on the right track to cracking the exam in the first attempt:
- Understand the exam, skill sets, sections, and grading system.
- Explore what the exam looks for in an ideal candidate to know what you need to prepare for.
- Watch short videos, news snippets, and practice videos to practise your skills.
- Start speaking to others in English as much as possible to get a comfortable command of the language.
- Speak and write on various topics to practice for the test.
- Read newspapers, magazines, academic papers, blogs and short stories.
- Practise the most common answers asked in the exam.
- Create a general structure for the common questions, but do not employ any overused templates.
- Try to use original vocabulary as much as possible.
- Practise with as many resources as possible!
Fees for PTE Exam
In 2025, the registration fee for Indian candidates is INR 17,000. However, if you opt for PTE test booking 48 hours before the exam, you will be charged an additional late fee of 5%, totalling your registration fee of INR 17,850. If you wish to retake the exam, you must pay the entire fee again.
The fees could vary depending on the PTE exam you appear for. Refer to the table below to get an accurate idea:
| Exam Type | Fees in INR |
| PTE Academic | INR 17,000 |
| PTE Academic Online | INR 17,000 |
| PTE Academic UKVI | INR 17,000 |
| PTE Home A1 | INR 14,435 |
| PTE Home A2 | INR 14,435 |
| PTE Home B1 | INR 14,435 |
PTE Exam Dates & Centres In 2024
This examination is conducted across 23 cities in India at multiple test centres, offering flexibility for students to choose a location that best suits their convenience. Held year-round, the exam dates may vary between centres, so students must select a nearby centre for easy access. We have compiled a list of popular cities for the PTE Exam to assist you in planning.
| City | PTE Exam Centre |
| Ahmedabad | PTE Exam Centre in Ahmedabad |
| Bangalore | PTE Exam Centre in Bangalore |
| Chandigarh | PTE Exam Centre in Chandigarh |
| Chennai | PTE Exam Centre in Chennai |
| Delhi/New Delhi | PTE Exam Centre in Delhi/New Delhi |
| Haryana | PTE Exam Centre in Haryana |
| Hyderabad | PTE Exam Centre in Hyderabad |
| Jalandhar | Pearson Test Centre Jalandhar |
| Kerala (Cochin) | PTE Exam Centre in Kerala (Cochin) |
| Kolkata | PTE Exam Centre in Kolkata |
| Ludhiana | PTE Exam Centre in Ludhiana |
| Mumbai | PTE Test Centre in Mumbai |
| Nagpur | PTE Exam Centre in Nagpur |
| Noida | PTE Exam Centre in Noida |
| Patiala | PTE Exam Centre in Patiala |
| Pune | PTE Exam Centre in Pune |
| Rajkot | PTE Exam Centre in Rajkot |
| Tamil Nadu (Coimbatore) | PTE Exam Centre in Tamil Nadu (Coimbatore) |
| Vadodara | PTE Exam Centre in Vadodara |
| Vijayawada | PTE Exam Centre in Vijayawada |
Countries accepting PTE scores
As of January 2025, the Pearson Test of English (PTE) is recognised in over 70 countries globally, offering non-native English speakers a reliable pathway for education and immigration opportunities. Below, we have listed PTE Accepting Countries & Universities.
| Country/Region | Recognition |
| Australia | University admissions and visa applications |
| Canada | Universities and immigration purposes |
| United Kingdom | Universities, including Oxford and Cambridge |
| United States | Increasingly recognised for university admissions |
| New Zealand | Education and immigration |
| Germany | University admissions and professional accreditation |
| Ireland | Educational institutions and visa applications |
| Singapore | Universities and work visa applications |
| France | Various universities and institutions |
| Netherlands | Academic purposes |
| Additional Countries | Recognised in Asia-Pacific, Europe, South America, and Africa, including India, China, Japan, South Korea, UAE, Brazil, Argentina, South Africa, and Nigeria. |
Step-by-Step Registration Process
Registering for the PTE academic test is a straightforward process designed to ensure candidates can easily book their test. Whether you plan to take the exam for educational, professional, or immigration purposes, following the proper steps is crucial. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate the registration process smoothly, from creating an account to confirming your test date and location.
| Step | Action |
| Visit Website | Go to the official PTE website |
| Create Account | Register with personal details matching your valid ID (e.g., passport). |
| Log In | Use emailed credentials to log in to your Pearson account. |
| Select Exam Type | Choose the desired PTE exam (e.g., PTE Academic, Online). |
| Choose Test Center | Search for and select a nearby test centre. |
| Pick Date & Time | Select a suitable date and time from available slots. |
| Review Details | Verify test type, centre, date, and time before proceeding. |
| Make Payment | Pay the fee (INR 17,000) via credit or debit card. |
| Confirmation | Receive a confirmation email with test details. |
| Print Receipt | Save or print the acknowledgement receipt for reference. |
Comparing PTE vs IELTS
The format of the PTE academic test is often compared to that of IELTS, as both exams aim to assess English proficiency. However, one significant advantage of the PTE exam is its entirely computer-based evaluation, offering quicker results. On the other hand, IELTS includes a face-to-face speaking test, which some candidates find more engaging. Deciding between PTE vs IELTS depends on your preferred test structure, evaluation method, and the universities or visa programmes you are applying for.
Why Choose The PTE Exam?
The PTE exam has several advantages over other proficiency tests. Some of these are listed below in detail. Although the choice of exam ultimately depends on the university prerequisites or visa requirements, it’s worth exploring the pros:
- It is a means to process your proficiency test faster, fairer and more straightforward. You can write the exam and receive the results in two business days.
- They employ an AI scoring and evaluation method to reduce the risk of unnecessary elimination, bias and incorrect grading.
- It is held frequently throughout the year, making it convenient for candidates to choose a date that suits them well.
- It is globally recognised, making it a feasible English test regardless of where you migrate.
- Candidates can book their seats even 24 hours before the examination date as long as they are available.
By understanding the PTE exam cost, format, and benefits, you can better prepare for this globally recognised exam. Whether for academic or immigration needs, the Pearson PTE examination remains a top choice for non-native speakers aspiring to succeed in English-speaking countries.
FAQs
What is the PTE examination for?
The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is a computer-based exam designed to assess the English language proficiency of non-native speakers who intend to apply for university courses in English-speaking countries.
What is the format of the PTE exam 2025?
The PTE Exam 2025 format includes 20 different question types that assess Speaking & Writing skills (54–67 minutes), Reading skills (29–30 minutes), and Listening skills (30–43 minutes). Each section is designed to evaluate specific aspects of English language proficiency effectively.
Is PTE easier than IELTS?
Both PTE and IELTS test the same skill set in a candidate. Neither exam is easier than the other. The only difference is the examination format, pattern, and mode.
How many attempts are there for PTE?
Ans: There is no restriction on the maximum number of times you can retake the exam. However, there must be a gap of at least five days between two attempts.
Which topic is the hardest in PTE?
The reading section is often cited as the most challenging part of this examination.
Thank you for reading our guide to the PTE Exam 2025! What are your expert tips for preparation? Let us know in the comments section below!
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I have done Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts from India and completed my graduation in the year 2022 .I am 22 years old. After graduation, I have done 1 year paid internship from USA .Now, I would like to take occupational experience and learn culinary skills and also do masters in Culinary arts.How can I find the college n best course / country where I can persue studying further