IELTS VS PTE – Which One Is Easier?
TL;DR:
- This blog is aimed at students, professionals, and migrants planning to study, work, or move to English-speaking countries, helping them compare IELTS vs PTE, understand exam formats, and evaluate pte score vs ielts for academic, professional, or migration goals in 2025.
- IELTS and PTE differ in format, mode, and duration; IELTS is paper/computer-based with face-to-face speaking, while PTE is fully computer-based with automated scoring.
- IELTS has separate Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking sections, whereas PTE combines Speaking and Writing, with Reading and Listening assessed digitally through integrated tasks.
- Candidates may prefer IELTS for traditional, face-to-face exams, while PTE suits those seeking computer-based testing, faster results, and digital convenience.
- Understanding pte score vs ielts equivalency (e.g., 57 PTE ≈ 6.0 IELTS, 60 PTE ≈ 6.5 IELTS, 77 PTE ≈ 8.0 IELTS) helps candidates set realistic targets and evaluate which exam suits them best.
Introduction
English proficiency exams are essential for students, professionals, and migrants planning to study, work, or move to English-speaking countries. Among the most popular exams are IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and PTE (Pearson Test of English Academic).
This blog provides a detailed IELTS and PTE comparison, covering exam formats, scoring, and difficulty levels. It also helps candidates understand PTE vs IELTS and determine which test is easier: PTE or IELTS for their academic, professional, or migration goals in 2025. Additionally, we will touch upon PTE score vs IELTS for easier score comparison.
Know more about IELTS and PTE exams in 2025:
- How to self-study for the PTE-Academic exam
- Complete PTE Academic Guide
- Best Way to Prepare for IELTS 2024
In this blog, we will provide a detailed IELTS and PTE comparison, explain the differences between PTE vs IELTS, and help you understand which is easier: PTE or IELTS in 2025. This includes understanding PTE score vs IELTS for academic or migration purposes.
IELTS VS PTE – Which One Is Easier?
English proficiency examinations are commonly required for students, professionals, and migrants who wish to study, work, or move to English-speaking countries.
The PTE (Pearson Test of English) is a reliable computer-based exam that evaluates and certifies non-native English speakers’ ability to use English effectively.
On the other hand, IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is one of the most widely recognized English proficiency tests globally.
We will provide a detailed IELTS and PTE comparison, explain the differences between PTE vs IELTS, and help you understand which is easier: PTE or IELTS in 2025. This includes understanding pte score vs ielts for academic or migration purposes.
Difference Between IELTS Academic and General
IELTS Academic is designed for candidates who plan to study at English-speaking universities or colleges in countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA. It is also suitable for those seeking professional registration in English-speaking countries.
On the other hand, IELTS General Training is ideal for candidates who want to pursue vocational training, work experience, or secondary-level education in English-speaking countries. It is also relevant for individuals planning to migrate or work abroad in countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA.
PTE General vs PTE Academic
The PTE General examination analyzes the level of English effectiveness and tracks progress, while also identifying any weak points in speaking English.
While this test is not suitable for immigration purposes, it is applicable for those who wish to improve their English or for work-related objectives. PTE General is accepted for college and career goals in countries like Poland, Switzerland, Greece, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
On the other hand, for immigration, higher education, and university admissions, candidates must take the PTE Academic exam. PTE Academic is widely accepted in countries such as the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Understanding PTE score vs IELTS can help candidates plan their target scores accordingly.
The PTE Young Learners
For students aged 6 to 13, PTE Young Learners is a program designed to assess proficiency in English and comprehension skills. The test has two portions: a written section including listening, reading, and writing, and a final speaking test.
IELTS vs PTE: Format
The IELTS and PTE comparison highlights differences in test formats for each exam.
There is a slight distinction between IELTS and PTE in terms of format. IELTS has four sections:
- Reading and Writing
- Listening and Speaking
PTE is divided into three sections:
- Speaking / Writing (together)
- Listening and Reading
Reading Section
For the IELTS exam, there are 40 questions designed to assess the candidate’s ability to identify the main idea, understand logical arguments, and recognize the author’s perspective. The IELTS reading section lasts 60 minutes.
The PTE reading section includes 15–20 tasks assessing independent and integrated skills. Candidates complete a variety of tasks, including multiple-choice questions (MCQs), fill-in-the-blanks, and paragraph reordering. PTE Academic reading also includes a writing skill assessment and lasts 32–40 minutes.
Listening Section
The IELTS listening section has 40 questions based on 4 recordings, including talks and discussions, and lasts 30 minutes.
The PTE listening section consists of 8 question types covering at least 2 skills per type. Tasks include MCQs, dictation, fill-in-the-blanks, and summarizing spoken texts. The PTE listening section lasts 45–57 minutes.
Writing Section
The IELTS writing section consists of 2 tasks, including essays or letters, and lasts 60 minutes.
The PTE writing section is combined with the speaking section and includes 8 tasks such as essay writing, summarizing written texts, repeating sentences, and reading aloud. This assesses academic writing and grammar skills. The combined PTE writing and speaking test takes 77–93 minutes.
Speaking Section
The PTE speaking section includes 3 subsections with 11–17 tasks, each taking 4–5 minutes. Tasks include personal introductions and topic-based discussions.
The IELTS speaking section is face-to-face with an examiner and lasts 11–14 minutes. Both IELTS and PTE speaking sections are conducted on the same day as the other test components.
Exam Format Comparison
| Section | IELTS | PTE Academic |
| Reading | 40 questions, 60 mins | 15–20 tasks, 32–40 mins |
| Listening | 40 questions, 30 mins | 8 question types, 45–57 mins |
| Writing | 2 tasks, 60 mins | Combined with Speaking, 77–93 mins |
| Speaking | 3 parts, 11–14 mins | 11 tasks, part of Writing/Speaking |
| Test Duration | 2 hrs 45 mins | 3 hrs |
| Mode | Paper & Computer-based | Fully Computer-based |
This IELTS and PTE comparison table helps candidates decide which test is easier based on duration, task types, and test mode. Using PTE score vs IELTS can help aspirants compare their current level and target score effectively.
Which Test Should You Choose?
Choose IELTS: If you prefer paper-based exams, face-to-face speaking, or are applying to traditional universities. This makes it suitable for candidates evaluating IELTS vs PTE and wondering which test is easier for their academic or professional goals.
Choose PTE: If you prefer computer-based testing, faster results, or automated scoring. The PTE exam is ideal for candidates looking for a modern approach to English testing and comparing PTE vs IELTS in terms of convenience and efficiency. Additionally, candidates often check pte score vs ielts before selecting the test to understand score equivalency.
FAQs
Q1:Which test is easier: PTE or IELTS?
The ease of the test depends on your individual strengths. PTE vs IELTS comparisons show that PTE is computer-based with automated scoring, making it suitable for candidates comfortable with typing and digital formats. IELTS, with face-to-face speaking and paper-based tasks, may feel more challenging. This answers queries like PTE or IELTS which is easier.
Q2:How long is the PTE exam compared to IELTS?
The PTE exam lasts approximately 191 minutes (3 hours), while IELTS lasts around 170 minutes (2 hours 45 minutes). Understanding IELTS and PTE comparison in terms of duration helps candidates manage exam day.
Q3:57 PTE = ? IELTS band
A score of 57 in PTE is approximately equivalent to 6.0 IELTS, which is useful for candidates comparing pte score vs ielts.
Q4:60 PTE = ? IELTS band
A score of 60 in PTE roughly corresponds to 6.5 IELTS, helping candidates understand ielts equivalent to pte for admissions or migration. This is a common reference when checking pte score vs ielts.
Q5:77 PTE = ? IELTS band
A score of 77 in PTE is approximately equal to 8.0 IELTS, an important reference for those evaluating pte score vs ielts results.
