Cambridge English Test Advanced: The CAE exam full form is Cambridge English Advanced. The exam is also known as C1 Advanced. It is a popular English proficiency test for students aspiring to study or work abroad. C1 Advanced exam serves as a transitional test for the English language between the B2 First and C2 Proficiency test levels. It is accepted by over 9,000 organisations, government agencies, and educational institutions worldwide. CAE is offered in both paper and computer-based versions. There are around 15 CAE test centres in India. CAE exam 2026 has four major test sections: Reading & Use of English, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. Read along to understand what the CAE exam is, its eligibility, pattern, syllabus, exam fee and more details.
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CAE Exam Full form
Cambridge English Advanced (CAE)
CAE Test Pattern
Four sections of CAE exam format 2026 are:
Reading & Use of English - 90 minutes
Writing - 2 tasks, 90 minutes
Listening - 40 minutes, 30 questions
Speaking - interview, with another candidate, 15 minutes
CAE Fee
For students, the CAE exam fees in India vary
CAE Examination Modes
Paper-based and computer-based
What is CAE exam?
It is a popular English test used to test the following skills: Reading comprehension, vocabulary range, and grammar control are generally tested in the Cambridge English Test Advanced
Countries accepting CAE
USA, UK, Canada, Australia
CAE Duration
4 hours
CAE Score Range
180–199
Check these key factors for the Cambridge English Advanced tests:
Popular exams to study abroad:
CAE Cambridge Tests Registration: To register for the CAE exam 2026, students are required to apply directly with an authorised exam centre. There are over 2,800 CAE test centres in more than 130 countries in the world. So, aspirants must find out the nearest test location and contact the centres. They will tell them about the CAE exam price and the preparation materials. Select the appropriate CAE 2026 exam dates and register. So, the steps are as follows:
Follow the steps mentioned below to register for the CAE exam.
Step 1: Find out the nearest CAE exam centre in India
Step 2: Contact the test centre to book the CAE slot.
Step 3:Select the convenient CAE exam date 2026
Step 4: Register by confirming.
CAE dates 2025 are available almost throughout the year for aspirants. Checking the CAE exam dates in advance helps students to plan their preparation for the exam accordingly. Here are the C1 Advanced test online dates for the year 2025:
11 January, 2025 | 21 June, 2025 |
1 February, 2025 | 5 July, 2025 |
19 February 2025 | 25 July, 2025 |
8 March, 2025 | 22 August, 2025 |
22 March, 2025 | 6 September, 2025 |
12 April, 2025 | 18 October, 2025 |
10 May, 2025 | 15 November, 2025 |
13 May, 2025 | 26 November, 2025 |
17 May, 2025 | 29 November, 2025 |
31 May, 2025 | 6 December, 2025 |
4 June, 2025 | 13 December, 2025 |
Note: Official CAE Exam Dates
The following are the CAE exam dates 2026.
24 January, 2026
18 February, 2026
14 March, 2026
21 March, 2026
18 April, 2026
9 May, 2026
12 May, 2026
16 May, 2026
6 June, 2026
10 June, 2026
20 June, 2026
27 June, 2026
4 July, 2026
31 July, 2026
28 August, 2026
12 September, 2026
17 October, 2026
14 November, 2026
25 November, 2026
28 November, 2026
5 December, 2026
12 December, 2026
The Cambridge English Test Advanced online showcases the following:
That you have the academic ability to pursue a university-level programme.
You possess managerial and professional communication skills.
That you have the confidence to take part in group discussions at work or in lectures and seminars.
You have excellent fluency in your communication.
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Check out the key details mentioned below on the Cambridge English Test Advanced for aspirants:
At 2,800 testing facilities worldwide, there are monthly Cambridge English online test dates available.
The CAE examination 2026 is accepted by more than 9,000 enterprises, government agencies, and educational organisations.
The C1 advanced test online opens opportunities for jobs, study, and travel abroad.
List of scholarships to study abroad by country:
Cambridge English Advanced tests Format: The Cambridge English online test format consists of four tests: Reading & Use of English, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. All these sections are used to gauge the proficiency of the candidates in the English language. The speaking test is conducted face-to-face in the presence of two candidates and two examiners. This provides a precise assessment of your language ability and makes it obvious whether you are language-ready to operate in the global setting you desire. Here is the CAE exam format for international students:
CAE Exam Format 2026:
Paper | Number of Questions | Description |
Reading and Use of English (1 hour 30 minutes) | 8 parts/ 56 questions | Demonstrates your ability to handle several genres of material, including fiction, newspapers, and periodicals, with confidence. This part uses a variety of exercises to test your command of the English language and how well you can manage your grammar and vocabulary. |
Writing (1 hour 30 minutes) | 2 parts | You are required to produce two distinct written works, such as essays, letters, emails, proposals, reports, and reviews. |
Listening (about 40 minutes) | 4 parts/ 30 questions | Tests your capacity for listening to and following a variety of spoken content, including radio broadcasts, speeches, presentations, and casual chats. |
Speaking (15 minutes per pair of candidates) | 4 parts | This section evaluates your capacity to engage in effective face-to-face conversation. You will be required to take the speaking test with another candidate. |
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CAE English test Syllabus: The CAE examination is structured in such a way that it assesses the candidate's abilities and skills across 4 main elements which are reading, writing, listening, and speaking. So, the Reading & Use of English syllabus 2026 is to test the vocabulary range, grammar, and reading comprehension. Writing is to test writing skills. CAE Listening syllabus 2026 evaluates the ability to understand spoken English through various audios. Speaking is to examine the spoken abilities in English. Understand the CAE English test syllabus for more information. Here is a brief description of CAE Exam 2026 Syllabus for international students:
CAE Syllabus 2026:
CAE 2026 Exam Syllabus | Description |
Reading & Use of English | There are MCQ based questions, re-order paragraph, and fill ups type questions |
Writing | There is a requirement for an essay, report, and letter |
Listening | There are MCQ based questions based on the recordings, fill ups, and summary questions. |
Speaking | Face-to-face interview with another candidate |
CAE test results for computer-based tests are released by the conducting agency after 2-3 weeks of the exam date. Students can download their CAE results 2026 by logging into the official website.
CAE Exam Results 2026
Test Mode | Result Date |
CAE Computer-based results | 2-3 weeks |
CAE Paper-based results | 4-6 weeks |
The Cambridge English scale is used to report your CAE exam (C1 Advanced) results. Students will be scored separately for each of the four skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) and the use of English. You will also receive an average overall score of these five scores to give you a clear understanding of your English language proficiency.
Candidates will also be given a grade and a Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level. The exam aims to assess knowledge at CFPR Level C1. Additionally, you will be given a trustworthy evaluation at levels C2, which is higher than C1, and B2, which is lower than C1. You will not be given a certificate if your score falls between 142 and 159, but it will be reported for C1 Advanced. However, your Statement of Results will show your Cambridge English Scale.
CAE Exam (C1 Advanced) Score scale
Cambridge English Scale Score | Grade/CFPR | CFPR Level |
200-210 | Grade A | C2 |
193-199 | Grade B | C1 |
180-192 | Grade C | C1 |
160-179 | Level B2 | B2 |
Best countries to study abroad:
The CAE test fee in India is Rs. 3500, which is the CAE exam price. There exist 40 centres in India for Cambridge ESOL tests. However, it is the starting price. The CAE exam fees in India depend on the specific exam center and whether you choose the paper-based or computer-based version. Understanding the Cambridge English exam fees in India beforehand help students in financial planning for the test.
There exist more than 2,800 CAE 2026 exam centres in 130 countries around the world. All the centres are monitored by Cambridge English to ensure that they maintain the high standards set by the exam conducting body.
CAE Test Centres in India 2026
Madurai | New Delhi |
Noida | Bangalore |
Mumbai | Faridabad |
Hyderabad | Chennai |
Pune | Gurugram |
Ahmedabad | Bhubaneswar |
Vadlamudi | Kalol |
Here are some of the CAE exam Tips 2026 to ace the exam:
For comprehensive instructions on how to prepare for the CAE examination, visit the exam's official website and get in touch with your neighbourhood test centre.
Additionally, you can access a number of tools on the website for the CAE 2026 exam PDF to aid in your preparation. These comprise computer-based sample tests, paper-based sample tests, and sample tests for reading comprehension and English usage, listening comprehension, and writing.
Additionally, you get access to the hearing, reading, and English use answer keys.
Additionally, you can hone your skills by completing the Cambridge C1 practice tests PDF, free online reading, writing, listening, grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary exercises.
You may enhance your English writing online for free using the Write and Improve programme. The Write & Improve workbooks include hundreds of writing exercises for Business, Just for Fun, and Intermediate, Advanced, and Professional levels.
Additionally, there is a practice tool called On-the-go practice with Test & Train activities that you may use to prepare for the C1 Advanced exam with quick, focused workouts.
On the official CAE 2026 exam website, you can also find additional self-study resources like Cambridge English test papers that can be used to hone your reading, writing, speaking, and listening abilities.
Additionally, a writing checklist for C1 is available to assist you in honing your written English and preparing for your test.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
CAE scores are valid indefinitely. This means that the scores do not expire. However, institutions require recent scores from the CAE applicants.
There are no specific eligibility criteria for the CAE exam. Any candidate who plans on working or studying abroad is eligible to appear for the CAE exam. This exam is required to prove the English proficiency skills.
The biggest distinction between the two exams' formats is the difficulty level and breadth of the questions. Additionally, you'll discover more complex subjects; at C1 Advanced, the well-known themes of The Environment, Free Time, and Education are still present but are further explored.
The Cambridge examinations (FCE & CAE) are valid for life, unlike the TOEFL and IELTS exams which are only valid for two years.
The exam is demanding, challenging, and effectively assesses your level of English. You won't pass if you're not a genuine C1 level English learner using the appropriate study techniques. For this reason, if you are unsure about your level or if your teacher advises against it, don't take the test.
Students who succeed in Cambridge credentials frequently gain admission to the greatest universities in the world, including those in the US, the UK, Australia, Canada, Germany, and other countries. Universities all throughout the world, including MIT, Harvard, and Cambridge, accept and appreciate Cambridge qualifications.
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