What is the PTE exam in full form, and why is it important?

The full form of the exam, PTE, is the “Pearson Test of English”, which is often also abbreviated as the PTE exam, PTE test, or PTE Academic. The PTE exam is a computer-based English language proficiency test that is used to evaluate the proficiency of individuals in using the English language. PTE results are accepted worldwide and are often among the main requirements for taking admission into universities, immigration, certain VISA applications, and job applications in foreign, English-speaking countries.

What is the PTE Academic exam syllabus?

PTE Academic tests English proficiency across four key skills: speaking, writing, reading, and listening. The exam is divided into three sections—Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening. Tasks include reading aloud, summarising text, essay writing, multiple-choice questions, reordering paragraphs, and audio-based exercises like highlighting incorrect words. The test reflects real-life academic scenarios and helps assess how well candidates can understand and use English in academic and everyday settings.

What are the formats of the PTE exam?

The PTE Academic exam is a 2-hour test designed to assess English language skills through 20 different question types across three sections: Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening. The Speaking & Writing section, lasting 54 to 67 minutes, evaluates key communication abilities. The Reading section, spanning 29 to 30 minutes, tests comprehension of written content. Lastly, the Listening section, taking 30 to 43 minutes, measures the ability to understand spoken English.

How to prepare for PTE?

PTE exam preparation should start with understanding the exam format and structure of all three sections of the test, knowing how much time should be allotted to which section, and understanding the different types of questions that may be asked, along with their scoring parameters. Consistent practice is crucial. Work on improving your spoken, written, reading, and listening skills in English and start timing your performance while practising. Take mock tests to practice your skills, and do not forget to utilise official PTE Academic resources as well, like question banks, guidebooks, and practice tests.

How can I register for the PTE exam?

PTE exam registration can be done through the official PTE website. Create a Pearson account using your personal details. Select “Book a Test”, choose relevant answers to “Where do you want to go?”, “What do you want to do there?” to get a list of relevant PTE exams. Click on “Check Availability & Book” after choosing the exam, select the nearby test centre, date, and time slot, and pay the registration fee. Registration details will be shared via email. Ensure you book test dates at least 24 hours before the exam.

Where to get the PTE practice papers?

Exam practice papers for PTE Academic can be obtained from the official PTE website. You can also look for reliable online platforms that offer practice papers, like AECC Global. We provide access to free practice materials, scored practice tests, sample questions, and much more to help you prepare for the PTE Academic exam effectively. You can also take mock tests and practice papers that are tailored for various skill levels. These resources will help you familiarise yourself with the exam format while improving your skills and boosting your confidence for test day.

What educational qualifications do I need to be eligible for the PTE Academic?

Exam eligibility for PTE Academic is quite straightforward and does not require any specific academic qualifications or backgrounds. The only thing required is that candidates should be a minimum of 16 years old. Candidates who are between the ages of 16 and 18 will also require parental consent to take the PTE Academic exam.

What is the age limit for the PTE examination?

The PTE exam age limit is a minimum of 16 years. There is no upper age limit for the PTE exam. However, candidates under the age of 18 are required to provide a signed parental consent form to be eligible to take the exam.

How many times is the PTE conducted in a year?

With a number of official test centres located across the country, you get test dates for PTE Academic exams almost every day, with multiple time slots on almost all test dates. This helps ensure that all candidates have plenty of opportunities year-round to take the exam at their own convenience.

Can I take the PTE test from home?

Yes, it is possible to take a version of the PTE test from home, specifically the PTE Academic UKVI. This online option allows candidates to take the exam remotely under strict online proctoring. While the standard PTE Academic test is primarily conducted at authorised test centres, the PTE Academic UKVI online offers flexibility for certain immigration purposes. Always verify the specific test type required for your application to ensure you choose the correct format.

How long are PTE scores valid?

The score validity of PTE Academy exams is up to two years from the date of the test. If you need to submit your scores to a foreign university for admission and your PTE Academic scores are more than two years old, you will be required to retake the test.

How many times can one take the PTE exam

There is no specific limit to how many times you can retake the PTE Academic exam. You can attempt the test as often as needed to achieve your desired score, which means there is no limit to PTE retakes. However, a new test cannot be booked until the results of your previous attempt have been released. Additionally, you cannot have another test already scheduled. This allows candidates ample opportunities to improve their scores.

Is a passport required for PTE?

Yes, a valid passport is typically the primary and most commonly accepted form of identification required for the PTE Academic exam, both during registration and on the test day. It is crucial that the details entered during online registration match your passport exactly. While a passport is highly recommended, it is advisable to check the official exam website for any specific regional variations regarding acceptable identification documents required for PTE exam to ensure a smooth registration and test experience.

Does Australia prefer IELTS or PTE?

Australia does not exhibit a particular preference between IELTS Academic and PTE Academic; both are widely accepted for immigration and educational purposes. Universities and immigration departments set their minimum score requirements for each test. For postgraduate courses, universities typically require PTE Academic scores in the range of 58-65 or higher, depending on the programme. It is essential to consult the specific requirements of the university or visa category you are applying for to ensure you meet the necessary English language proficiency criteria for Australia.

Can I go to the USA with PTE?

Yes. In USA, PTE Academic scores are accepted by many universities, including some top-ranking universities a well, as proof of English language proficiency for international students seeking admission. However, minimum PTE Academic score requirements may vary across different universities, so ensure that you verify the specific score requirements at your target university before you apply.

What is the cost of registering for the PTE examination?

The exam cost for PTE Academic in India is INR 18,000 inclusive of taxes (18%). The PTE exam cost remains the same across the country. The registration fee covers the costs associated with the test and score reporting, while the facility of sending digital scorecards to several universities is offered free of charge.

Is PTE more expensive than IELTS?

No, the initial registration fees for both PTE Academic and IELTS are currently the same in India, at INR 18,000 (inclusive of taxes). However, a key difference lies in sending your scores to institutions. PTE Academic allows candidates to send their digital scorecards to an unlimited number of universities free of charge. In contrast, IELTS typically offers a limited number of free Test Report Forms, and additional requests may incur a fee. When comparing costs, also consider potential charges for rescheduling, cancellation, or late bookings for both exams.

Can I reschedule my PTE exam after booking a slot

Yes, you can reschedule PTE exam after booking a slot, but specific conditions and potential fees apply. If you reschedule more than 14 calendar days before your test date, there is typically no charge. If you reschedule between 2 to 14 calendar days before your test date, a rescheduling fee is usually incurred. You are generally unable to reschedule your exam within 2 calendar days of the test date; in such cases, you would need to cancel and book a new appointment, potentially forfeiting your original fee.

What are the passing marks in the PTE exam?

There is no defined PTE passing score. PTE Academic scores range from 10 to 90, but what can be considered a passing score will depend on the specific requirements of the universities or the visa programmes that you are applying for. Generally, a score of 59-70 is considered to be a good score, as it generally also meets the requirements of the university or visa programme in question.

What are the 4 skills of PTE?

The PTE exam pattern evaluates four key English language skills: speaking, writing, reading, and listening. The Speaking and Writing section assesses fluency, pronunciation, grammar, and written communication, including spelling and sentence formation. The Reading section measures the ability to understand and interpret written texts, recognize vocabulary, and identify key information. The Listening section tests the ability to comprehend spoken English through various audio clips. Together, these sections provide a comprehensive evaluation of a candidate's English proficiency.

PTE Exam 2025: Complete Guide

For Indian students wanting to apply to universities or other foreign countries where English is the primary language of communication, the PTE exam is among the most reliable English proficiency assessments.

PTE scores are accepted for applications for visas to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, and they are also accepted in more than 3,500 universities and colleges worldwide.

In a single two-hour session, the PTE Academic assesses a candidate's speaking, writing, reading, and listening comprehension in English. The Pearson Test of English, or PTE-Academic in short, is the full name of the PTE.

What is the PTE Exam?

The Pearson Test of English is a common assessment which is used to evaluate your English language proficiency via reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Many renowned universities from all over the world accept the PTE exam as proof of English proficiency.

A high PTE score guarantees that applicants will be able to effectively communicate their ideas, give presentations, seek international exposure, and perform on the global platform in front of foreign audiences.

Candidates take it for educational purposes, and multiple English-speaking nations around the world, including Australia, the USA, the UK, New Zealand, and others, accept it.

The governments of Australia and New Zealand also accept it in exchange for work permits and immigration permits.

Types of PTE Exams

PTE Academic Exam and PTE Academic UKVI are the two categories in which PTE exams are divided. These versions of the PTE exam break down the format into sections that evaluate reading, writing, speaking, and listening, the four main English language proficiency areas.

1. PTE Academic Exam

The PTE Academic Exam is an examination involving the strict evaluation of speaking, listening, reading, and writing abilities in the English language. It provides a thorough assessment in three hours.

Recognized by many of the world's most prestigious universities, such as Yale and Harvard Business School, it provides access to academic opportunities. The scoring system, which runs from 10 to 90, accurately represents the levels of language proficiency for each of the tested skills and offers a reliable evaluation for visa and educational purposes. The time taken is approximately two hours

2. PTE Academic UKVI

PTE Academic UKVI is a specialised English language test for people who want to live, work, or study in the United Kingdom. It is a Secure English Language Test (SELT) that verifies candidates meet the language requirements needed to be eligible for a foreign visa.

With scores ranging from 10 to 90, the exam has the same format as the PTE Academic.

Specifically designed for applications for UK visas

PTE Academic Scores range from 10 to 90 in this pattern alignment.

Ensures language competence for those wishing to live, work, or study abroad.

PTE Exam Pattern

A high PTE score assures that applicants will be able to effectively communicate their ideas, give presentations, seek international exposure, and perform on the global stage in front of foreign audiences.

The Academic version of the PTE exam lasts for two hours and fifteen minutes.

The PTE General version lasts anywhere from one hour and fifteen minutes to two hours and fifty-five minutes.

1. PTE Exam Pattern: Speaking and Writing

In the Speaking and Writing section of the PTE Exam, the candidates are tested in this section on their spoken and written communication skills—the two main communication skills.

The entire section has been given a time allotment of 54 - 67 minutes, with the following times allocated to each segment:

PTE Speaking and Writing Section Question Topics	PTE Questions per task	Duration per task
Personal introduction	1	55 seconds: 25 seconds for answer, 30 seconds to record
Read Aloud	6 - 7	30-40 seconds to prepare for reading out the text of 60 words
Repeat sentence	10 - 12	15 seconds: 3-9 seconds for answer, 15 seconds to record
Describe image	3 - 4	25 seconds are granted to study the image as well as prepare your response on the same
Retell lecture	1 - 2	10 to get ready, 40 seconds to respond, and 90 seconds for the answer.
Answer short question	5 - 6	20 seconds: 3-9 seconds for answer, 10 seconds to answer
Summarize written text	1 - 2	10 minutes to answer to text answer of 300 words
Write Essay	1 - 2	20 minutes to answer to text answer of 2-3 sentences
Total Questions	28 - 36	Time Allocation: 54 - 67 minutes

PTE Exam Pattern: Reading and Listening

PTE Reading Format:

The candidates' comprehension of written instructions in the English language is tested in this section. It is broken up into five parts and lasts between 29 and 30 minutes.

PTE Reading Section Question Topics	PTE Questions per task	Duration task-wise
Fill in the blanks –reading & writing	5 - 6	Read 300 words of text
Multiple choice, multiple answers	1 - 2	Read 300 words of text
Re-order paragraph	2 - 3	Read 150 words of text
Fill in the blanks –reading	4 - 5	Read 80 words of text
Multiple-choice, single answer	1 - 2	Read 300 words of text
Total Questions	13 - 18	Time Allocation - 29 - 30 minutes

PTE Listening Format:

The PTE Academic's listening portion lasts between thirty and forty-three minutes. This one is meant to ascertain the candidate's comprehension of spoken English.

PTE Listening Section Question Topics	PTE Questions per task	Duration task-wise
Summarize spoken text	1 - 2	60-90 seconds to retain 50-70 words, 10 minutes to write
Multiple choice, multiple answers	1 - 2	40-90 seconds for answer
Fill in the blanks	2 - 3	30-60 seconds
Highlight correct summary	1 - 2	30-90 seconds
Multiple-choice, single answer	1 - 2	30-60 seconds
Select missing word	1 - 2	20-70 seconds
Highlight incorrect word	2 - 3	15-50 seconds
Write from Dictation	3 - 4	3-5 seconds
Total Questions	12 - 20	Time Allocation: 30 - 43 minutes

PTE Exam Format for General Test

There are two sections to the test: a writing section and a speaking section. It evaluates your proficiency in speaking, writing, listening, and reading.

The PTE General exam has six proficiency levels, ranging from basic (A1) to advanced (Level 5).

Level	Duration	Explanation
Foundation Level	1 hour 15 minutes	Suitable for beginners, it assesses speaking and writing abilities
Level 1	1 hour 35 minutes	Suitable for beginners, it assesses speaking and writing abilities
Level 2	1 hour 35 minutes	Ideal for intermediate candidates, as it assesses both speaking and writing abilities
Level 3	2 hours	Ideal for intermediate candidates, as it assesses both speaking and writing abilities
Level 4	2 hours 30 minutes	Suitable for applicants pursuing higher education, it assesses speaking and writing abilities.
Level 5	2 hours 55 minutes	Suitable for applicants pursuing higher education, it assesses speaking and writing abilities.

PTE Exam Fee

The PTE exam costs for Indian students have been updated by the Pearson PLC Group.

PTE Exams	PTE Exam Fees 2025
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

The PTE Exam Result

After the test day, PTE results usually become accessible online in two working days. You can access them through your student account on PTE Academic. A PTE score of 65 is often required to be eligible for scholarships, but a score of 70 or higher can greatly improve your application. Every university has its own standards, so it's important to look into the particulars.

The PTE Exam Test Center

In order to maximize their performance on exam day, candidates are reminded to select the PTE test center that is most convenient for them. Here is the list of cities that have exam centres.

Ahmedabad
Bangalore
Chandigarh
Delhi/ New Delhi
Kerala (Cochin)
Tamil Nadu (Coimbatore)
Chennai
Hyderabad
Jalandhar
Mumbai
Ludhiana
Kolkata
Noida
Patiala
Pune
Rajkot
Vadodara
Vijayawada
Nagpur
Haryana

How to Apply for PTE 2025?

In order to successfully reserve their PTE exam slot, candidates who wish to register for the Pearson PTE exam 2025 must follow the instructions listed below.

Candidates should be aware that a valid ID, such as a valid Indian passport, is required in order to schedule their PTE Academic online.

On the day of the exam, candidates must present a valid ID; failing to do so will prevent them from entering the testing facility.

Go to PTE Academic's official website.
Enter your personal information to create a Pearson account.
Pearson will send you an email containing your login information 48 hours after you finish the PTE registration process.
Finding the PTE test location closest to you is the next step.
At this stage, candidates can also choose to take the PTE Academic Online.
Choose a time and date that works for you to take the PTE exam.
You will be prompted to select the checkout button once you have chosen all of your information, including the time, date, and PTE slot.
Next, complete your PTE exam booking by paying the INR 17,000 exam fee.

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PTE Academic 2025: The Complete Guide