Which one to choose between IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE? Candidates planning to study abroad from non-English-speaking countries are required to provide proof of mandatory English language proficiency. The IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE are three of the most recognised English language proficiency tests globally. Students can take the IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo exams to submit language proficiency. Each exam has its distinct characteristics and plays a major role in the admission process of top universities in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and other countries abroad. Each of these exams evaluates the English listening, speaking, writing, and reading skills of an individual. Understanding the differences between IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE Academic is important for students.
This Story also Contains
- IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Major Highlights
- What is IELTS?
- What is TOEFL?
- What is PTE?
- IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Major Differences
- IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Exam Pattern
- IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE Fees
- IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE Results
- IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE Comparison
- IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Which is Easier?
IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE
Check the key differences between IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in terms of exam format, mode, duration, score system, results, and more. Read on to get a brief overview of the differences in IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE.
IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Major Highlights
Parameters | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic |
Full form | International English Language Testing System | Test of English as a Foreign Language | Pearson Test of English |
Conducting Body | British Council and IDP Education Ltd. | Educational Testing Services (ETS) | Pearson PLC Group |
Mode of Exam | Paper-based and Computer-based | Internet-based Test (iBT) and Paper-delivered Test (PBT) | Computer-based |
Types of Tests | Academic, General Training | iBT, PBT | Academic |
Duration | 2 hours 45 minutes | iBT: 2-2.5 hours PBT: 2.5 hours | 2 hours 15 minutes (approx) |
Exam Pattern | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking | Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing | Speaking & Writing, Reading, Listening |
Score Range | 0-9 | 0-120 | 10-90 |
Exam Fee | Rs 18,000 | Rs 16,900 | Rs 18,000 |
Result time | 13 days (paper-based), 3-5 days (computer-based) | 6 days (iBT), 11-13 days (PBT) | 2-5 days |
What is IELTS?
IELTS, also known as the International English Language Testing System, is an English language proficiency test taken by students planning to pursue higher education outside of India. It is one of the most popular and widely taken language competency examinations used for higher education and job opportunities abroad. The British Council, IDP, and Cambridge English jointly manage the IELTS exam.
The IELTS exam assesses the test takers’ listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills on a computer or paper. The total IELTS exam duration is 2 hours and 45 minutes. IELTS exam fees in India 2025 is Rs. 18,000 for all major cities. Students are required to score at least an overall IELTS band score of 6.5 or above to get admission to universities abroad. Over 10,000 universities and 12,000 organisations accept IELTS in over 140 countries.
What is TOEFL?
Unlike IELTS, TOEFL or Test of English as a Foreign Language is another test taken by students to provide proof of English language proficiency. TOEFL is accepted by more than 14,000 organisations in over 200 countries abroad. ETS is the conducting body for the TOEFL exam. Various skills such as listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills of an individual are evaluated for 2 to 2.5 hours of the TOEFL exam. Candidates can take the internet-based or paper-based exam by paying TOEFL exam fees, i,.e. Rs 16,900 for Indian students.
What is PTE?
PTE or the Pearson Test of English Academic is another language competency exam such as IELTS and TOEFL, which has gained immense popularity because it is a computer-based test and provides less scope for errors. The PTE exam lasts approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, and candidates find it easier than the TOEFL or IELTS. PTE exam fees are Rs 18,000 in all cities across India. Over 3,500 universities accept PTE, and it can be used to apply for study and migration visas in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, as well as study visas in the United States.
IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Major Differences
The major difference between IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL is regarding the exam pattern and scoring system of these exams. IELTS and TOEFL both offer a computer-based and paper-based test, however, the speaking test in the IELTS exam is conducted face to face, whereas PTE is a computer-based test. The scoring system varies greatly, as IELTS and TOEFL provide scores for individual sections, but PTE provides overall scores. Read on to learn about the major differences in IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE.
IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Exam Pattern
IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE all evaluate the Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking skills of the test takers. However, there are 4 sections in IELTS and TOEFL, but 3 sections in the PTE exam speaking and writing sections are conducted together. There are differences in time duration, The IELTS exam is conducted for 2 hours 45 minutes, but according to the new format, the exam duration of TOEFL and PTE has changed.
IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE Exam Structure
Exam | Test Duration | Mode of Exam | Format |
IELTS | 2 hours 45 minutes | Paper-based and Computer-based | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking |
TOEFL | 2-2.5 hours | Internet-based Test (iBT) and Paper-delivered Test (PBT) | Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing |
PTE | 2 hours 15 minutes | Computer-based | Speaking & Writing, Reading, Listening |
IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE Fees
All three exams, IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE have almost the same exam fees for Indian test takers. Candidates are required to pay around Rs 18,000 to take the examinations.
Exam | Fees in India |
IELTS | Rs 18,000 |
TOEFL | Rs 16,900 |
PTE | Rs 18,000 |
IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE Results
IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL results are typically released within 3-5 days after the computer-based test. The release of exam results for paper-based tests usually takes two weeks. For more details, check the table below.
IELTS TOEFL and/or PTE Academic Test Results
Exam | Result Time |
IELTS | 13 days (paper-based), 3-5 days (computer test) |
TOEFL | 6 days (iBT), 11-13 days (PBT) |
PTE | 2-5 days |
IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE Comparison
All three exams, IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE have different scoring systems. IELTS has a band score of 0-9 for all sections and overall scores. TOEFL has a scale of 0-120 with each sub-section score ranging from 0-30. PTE has a scoring range of 10-90 for the overall test. Below are the score comparison tables for each test:
IELTS
The IELTS uses a 9-band scoring system to evaluate one's language skills. Scores are provided for each section (listening, reading, writing, and speaking) in addition to overall scores.
IELTS Score Comparison
IELTS Academic | Proficiency Level |
9 | Expert |
8.5 | Very Good |
8 | Very Good |
7.5 | Good |
7 | Good |
6.5 | Competent |
6 | Competent |
5.5 | Modest |
5 | Modest |
4.5 | Limited |
0-4 | Extremely Limited |
TOEFL
TOEFL iBT has a scoring system that starts at 0 and goes up to 120. It is divided into four sections: listening, reading, speaking, and writing, with each section ranging from 0 to 30.
TOEFL iBT Score Comparison
TOEFL iBT | Proficiency Level |
118-120 | Expert |
115-117 | Very Good |
110-114 | Very Good |
102-109 | Good |
94-101 | Good |
79-93 | Competent |
60-78 | Competent |
46-59 | Modest |
35-45 | Modest |
32-34 | Limited |
0-31 | Extremely Limited |
PTE
PTE Academic's overall scoring scale encompasses from 10 to 90 marks. It provides specific scores for Communicative and Enabling Skills.
PTE Academic Score Comparison
PTE Academic | Proficiency Level |
89-90 | Expert |
83-85 | Very Good |
78-82 | Very Good |
73-77 | Good |
64-72 | Good |
58-63 | Competent |
50-57 | Competent |
42-49 | Modest |
35-41 | Modest |
30-34 | Limited |
0-30 | Extremely Limited |
IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Which is Easier?
Choosing among IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE depends on an individual’s strengths and academic preferences. Candidates must first check the admission requirements of their chosen university to determine which test is best suited for them. Those preparing for the IELTS exam must score at least 7.0 to get into a reputed university. Whereas for TOEFL and PTE, test takers must have a score above 90 and 60, respectively.
All three tests evaluate an individual’s reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, and the difficulty level is also similar. However, PTE is considered the easiest of the three of these examinations. Students are recommended to carefully choose the exam and test location depending on their geographical proximity, and other variables such as the chosen university and programme.
Also read: IELTS vs TOEFL
