About PTE Academic
PTE Academic is Pearson's English test for study and migration. Everything happens on a computer in one sitting of about two hours, including Speaking, which you record into a headset. Scoring is automated, using a system trained on marks from expert examiners.
Many questions are integrated: one answer counts towards two skills. Writing a sentence you hear, for example, scores for both listening and writing. That is why strong speaking and accurate spelling can lift several of your scores at once.
Results usually arrive within two working days, which helps students close to an application deadline.
Quick facts
| PTE Academic | |
|---|---|
| Test length | About 2 hours, one sitting |
| Parts | Speaking & Writing, Reading, Listening |
| Delivery | Computer at a Pearson test centre; Speaking recorded into a headset |
| Score | 10–90 overall and for each skill |
| Results | Usually within 2 working days (up to 5) |
| Fee in India | ₹18,900 incl. GST (from 16 March 2026) |
| Result validity | 2 years from the test date |
| Accepted for | University admission worldwide; Australia and NZ visas |
Who should take it
- Students applying for degrees in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Ireland, the USA and Europe
- Australia and New Zealand visa applicants
- Students who prefer a fully computer-based test
Commonly accepted for
- University admission at institutions that accept PTE
- Australia Student visa and other visas (scores set by Home Affairs)
- UK degree-level study at universities that accept it
How it differs from the other tests
- 01
PTE Academic vs PTE Academic UKVI
Same test and scoring. The UKVI version carries a SELT reference number for UK visa routes that require one.
- 02
PTE Academic vs PTE Core
PTE Core uses everyday and workplace topics and is for Canadian immigration only. Universities, including Canadian ones, need PTE Academic.
- 03
PTE Academic vs IELTS Academic
PTE is fully computer-based with fast results; IELTS Speaking is a conversation with an examiner. Both are widely accepted.
Test format
| Part | Time | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1: Speaking & Writing | 76–84 minutes | Personal introduction (unscored), Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence, Describe Image, Retell Lecture, Answer Short Question, Summarize Group Discussion, Respond to a Situation, Summarize Written Text, Write Essay |
| Part 2: Reading | 23–30 minutes | Reading & Writing Fill in the Blanks, Multiple Choice (single and multiple), Re-order Paragraphs, Reading Fill in the Blanks |
| Part 3: Listening | 31–39 minutes | Summarize Spoken Text, Multiple Choice, Fill in the Blanks, Highlight Correct Summary, Select Missing Word, Highlight Incorrect Words, Write from Dictation |
Scoring
- Overall score from 10 to 90, plus Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing scores from 10 to 90.
- The overall score is not a simple average: it reflects every question, and integrated questions count towards more than one skill.
- Some question types give partial credit; Multiple Choice (multiple answers) and Highlight Incorrect Words deduct marks for wrong choices.
- Pearson's concordance puts IELTS 6.5 at about PTE 56 and IELTS 7.0 at about PTE 66; universities set their own PTE minimums.
How to book
- Confirm which PTE test your university or visa route names before you book.
- Create a myPTE account on Pearson's website with your name exactly as in your passport.
- Choose the test, your city and test centre, then a date and time.
- Pay online and keep the confirmation email.
- After the test, send your score to institutions free of charge from myPTE.
PTE Academic costs ₹18,900 including GST in India from 16 March 2026 (confirm in myPTE). Rescheduling is free more than 14 full days before the test; a rescore costs US$160 and is refunded if your scores change.
How we prepare you
- A computer-based diagnostic mock first, so you see how integrated scoring affects each skill.
- Headset practice in a room with other voices, because that is what the test centre is like.
- Speaking drills for fluency and pronunciation: steady pace, no long pauses, natural stress.
- Spelling and typing drills for Write from Dictation, Fill in the Blanks and summaries.
- Full timed mocks every week, with a review of the question types that cost you the most marks.
- No score guarantees: we help you prepare well and track your progress honestly.
Plan your PTE Academic dateWe match your batch to your university or visa deadline and track your progress with timed mock tests.
Preparation tips
- Never pause for more than three seconds while speaking: the microphone closes.
- Treat the unscored personal introduction seriously; institutions can hear it.
- Don't guess on multiple-answer questions, because wrong choices are deducted.
- Every word in Write from Dictation counts for both listening and writing: practise spelling.
- Book two to four weeks before your deadline so a retake is still possible.
Batch dates
Choose a start date and timing. A counsellor calls to confirm the batch and fee.
Upcoming batches
- IELTS Academic · At the centre · morning 8:00–10:00 am or evening 6:00–8:00 pm
- IELTS General Training · At the centre · morning 9:00–11:00 am or evening 6:30–8:30 pm
- IELTS for UKVI · At the centre · morning 8:00–10:00 am or evening 5:30–7:30 pm
- PTE Academic · At the centre · morning 10:00 am–12:00 pm or evening 7:00–9:00 pm
- PTE Academic UKVI · At the centre · morning 10:00 am–12:00 pm or evening 6:00–8:00 pm
- PTE Core · At the centre · morning 9:00–11:00 am or evening 7:00–9:00 pm
- Spoken English · At the centre · morning 7:00–8:00 am or evening 6:00–7:00 pm
- Interview Preparation · Live online · morning 9:00–10:00 am or evening 8:00–9:00 pm
PTE Academic: frequently asked questions
What PTE score equals IELTS 6.5?
Pearson's concordance puts IELTS 6.5 at about PTE Academic 56. Universities often ask a little more, commonly 58–64.
How fast are results?
Usually within 2 working days, sometimes up to 5.
Is PTE Academic accepted in Canada?
Canadian universities and colleges that accept PTE take PTE Academic. For permanent residence you need PTE Core instead.
What score do I need for the Australia Student visa?
For tests taken from 7 August 2025, 47 overall, or lower with a period of English study (ELICOS) first. Check Home Affairs for your case.
How many times can I take PTE?
There is no limit. Each retake is a full test at the full fee.
How much does it cost in India?
₹18,900 including GST from 16 March 2026. Confirm the fee in your myPTE account.
Sources
- Pearson PTE: PTE Academic test format (opens in a new tab)
- Pearson PTE: scoring explained (opens in a new tab)
- Pearson PTE: Australian visa score requirements (7 August 2025) (opens in a new tab)
- Pearson PTE: cancellations and rescheduling policy (opens in a new tab)
- Pearson PTE: rescore policy (opens in a new tab)
