PTE Exam 2025: Everything You Need To Know

If you’re planning to study or move abroad, the PTE exam (Pearson Test of English) is an important step. It’s a computer-based English test that checks your skills in speaking, writing, reading, and listening. The test is designed for people whose first language isn’t English and is accepted by many universities and countries worldwide.
PTE is known for its quick results and fair evaluation since it’s fully AI-scored. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a fast, reliable, and widely accepted English test.

PTE Exam Details

It’s important to understand all the key details about the PTE exam to prepare effectively. Here are some important points you should know before taking the test.

The PTE exam has two main versions: PTE Academic and PTE Core. PTE Academic is meant for students who want to study at universities or colleges abroad, while PTE Core is used to show overall English language skills for work or personal purposes.
Here are the key differences between the two PTE exams:

Category	PTE Academic	PTE Core
Purpose	For university admissions, immigration, and visa applications (Australia, NZ, UK)	Intended for Canadian permanent residency, work visas, and non-academic immigration purposes. Accepted by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada).
Scoring	Detailed score breakdown (Speaking & Writing, Reading, Listening)	Provides a general overall score; less detailed than PTE Academic
Format	Tests English skills through varied question types in academic settings	Slightly different format; broader English skill assessment
Acceptance	Widely accepted by universities and institutions worldwide	Less widely accepted for education and immigration purposes
Online Version	Available (PTE Academic Online)	Not typically available online
Specific Use	Best for study abroad and immigration	Best for general or professional English certification

Prepare smart, score high – join Our PTE course today!

Enroll Now

PTE Exam Format 2025

The PTE exam includes 4 sections: Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening.
Speaking & Writing Section
Duration: 54 – 67 minutes
This section tests candidates on their spoken and written communication skills, important for academic environments. It includes eight different types of tasks.

Question type	No. of Questions	Task Details
Personal Introduction	1	Prep Time: 25 sec, Speaking Time: 30 sec A short intro about yourself
Read Aloud	6 – 7	Prep Time: 30–40 sec, Speaking Time: Up to 40 sec Read a short paragraph aloud.
Repeat Sentence	10 – 12	Prep Time: None, Speaking Time: Immediate (after audio) Repeat a sentence you hear exactly as spoken.
Describe Image	3 – 4	Prep Time: 25 sec, Speaking Time: 40 sec Describe an image shown on screen (graph, map, diagram, etc.)
Re-Tell Lecture	1 – 2	Prep Time: Take note during audio, Speaking Time: 40 sec Listen to a lecture and summarize it in your own words.
Answer Short Question	5 – 6	Prep Time: None, Speaking Time: A few seconds Listen to a question and respond quickly with a short answer (one or a few words).
Summarize Written Text	1 – 2	Reading Time: 10 min, Writing Time: Within 10 min Read a passage and write a one-sentence summary (5–75 words).
Write an Essay	1 – 2	Prep Time: Included in task, Writing Time: 20 min Write a 200 to 300-word essay on a given topic.

Reading Section

This section tests your ability to read, understand, and interpret written English. It consists of five tasks.
Duration: 29 – 30 minutes

Question type	No. of Questions	Task Details
Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks	5–6	No prep time, Time per item: ~2 min Drag and drop words into blanks in a passage.
Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers	1 – 2	No prep time, Time per item: ~2 min Select more than one correct answer from the options after reading a passage.
Re-Order Paragraphs	2 – 3	No prep time, Time per item: ~2 min Rearrange text boxes to form a logically ordered paragraph.
Reading: Fill in the Blanks	4–5	No prep time, Time per item: ~2 min Select missing words for blanks from the dropdowns.
Multiple Choice, Single Answer	1–2	No prep time, Time per item: ~1–2 min Select the best answer to a question based on a reading passage

Listening Section

This section evaluates how well you can understand spoken English in an academic setting. It includes eight different types of tasks.
Duration: 30 – 43 minutes

Question type	No. of Questions	Task Details
Summarize Spoken Text	1 – 2	Prep Time: During audio, Writing Time: 10 min Summarize the lecture in 50–70 words.
Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers	1 – 2	Prep Time: During audio, Time per item: ~2–3 min Select all correct answers based on the recording.
Fill in the Blanks	2 – 3	Prep Time: During audio, Time per item: ~2 min Listen and type missing words into blanks.
Highlight Correct Summary	1-2	Prep Time: During audio, Time per item: ~2–3 min Choose the best summary of the audio.
Multiple Choice, Single Answer	1–2	No prep time, Time per item: ~1–2 min Select the best answer to a question based on a reading passage
Select Missing Word	1-2	Prep Time: During audio, Time per item: ~1–2 min Choose the correct word or phrase to complete the audio.
Highlight Incorrect Words	2 – 3	Prep Time: During audio, Time per item: ~1 min Click on words in the transcript that differ from what is heard.
Write From Dictation	3 – 4	Prep Time: During audio, Time per item: Immediate Type the sentence you hear exactly.

Key PTE Exam Updates 2025

There have been major changes and updates in the PTE exam pattern compared to the previous years. Here’s what you need to know :

Shorter Duration : The overall PTE exam time has been reduced from 3 hours to about 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Simplified Sections: Sections are now designed for quicker and smoother completion.
Clearer Instructions: Improved clarity to help candidates avoid mistakes.
AI Scoring: Starting November 4, 2024, Pearson integrated human evaluation into the scoring process for two specific Speaking tasks:

PTE Course Details

PTE coaching usually takes anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on your needs and learning style. Some PTE coaching programs are short and intensive, while others are longer and more detailed. The best option for you depends on your current English skills, target score, and how you prefer to study.

PTE Accepted Countries

The PTE exam is accepted in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, and France for purposes such as education and work visas (depends on employer) and immigration. However, it’s always a good idea to check with the specific institution or organization for their exact requirements and acceptance criteria.

PTE Exam Date 2025

Candidates should be aware that PTE exam dates are available almost every day at 62 test centers across India. However, slot availability may vary based on demand and time.
Common time slots for the PTE exam include 9 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 3:30 PM, 6 PM.
Candidates are also advised to regularly check the official website for updates on upcoming schedules, as the availability of dates may change depending on the number of applications received.
To book your PTE exam date and centre, visit the official PTE website.

PTE Exam Score Weightage

The PTE exam is scored using an algorithm that evaluates your performance across all four skills: listening, reading, speaking, and writing. While the exact weightage for each section is not publicly revealed, all four skills play an equal role in determining your final score.

PTE Exam Result Date

PTE exam results are officially available within 5 working days from the test date. However, a significant number of test-takers in India typically receive their results within 48 hours.

What does your PTE Exam score mean?

30-42: A2 (Basic) - Can understand and use simple phrases in familiar situations, and describe people, places, and things.
43-58: B1 (Intermediate) - Can understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar topics and write simple connected text.
59-75: B2 (Upper Intermediate) - Can understand complex text and communicate fluently and spontaneously.
76-84: C1 (Advanced) - Can understand a wide range of complex texts and express oneself fluently and spontaneously.
85-90: C2 (Proficient) - Can understand almost all forms of spoken and written English with ease, and express oneself fluently and accurately.

IELTS vs PTE: Which one suits you?

Both the IELTS and PTE exams are commonly used English language proficiency tests. Knowing the difference could help you choose the one that fits your needs.

Here’s how these two exams differ from each other :

FEATURE	IELTS	PTE
Test Format	Paper-based and computer-based options	Entirely computer-based
Speaking Section	Face-to-face with a human examiner	Computer-based speaking with automated scoring
Scoring	Human and computer-based scoring combined	Automated scoring by a machine (human rater-assessment limited to two tasks)
Acceptance	Widely accepted globally, including for immigration	Accepted by most countries for student visas, but less recognized for work visas/immigration
Results Time	1-5 days for computer-delivered exams	24-48 hours
Global Recognition	More widely accepted globally, especially for immigration	Less recognized for migration purposes
Flexibility	Choice of paper or computer-based exam	Exclusively computer-based
Speaking Test Format	Human interaction (face-to-face)	Machine interaction (computer-based)
Which is Easier?	Depends on personal preference; face-to-face speaking may suit some	Maybe easier for those who prefer computer-based testing

FAQs

What is the PTE exam?

The PTE exam is an English proficiency test designed to assess the speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills of non-native English speakers. It is widely accepted by universities, institutions, and governments for study, work, and immigration purposes.

Is PTE easier than IELTS?

Whether PTE is easier than IELTS depends on the person. Some may find PTE’s computer-based format and AI scoring easier, while others prefer IELTS’s traditional format with human examiners. The best choice depends on your comfort with technology, assessment style, and the requirements of the program or institution.

Which is better: IELTS or PTE?

Whether IELTS or PTE is better depends on your needs. IELTS is widely accepted globally, especially for immigration purposes, and includes face-to-face speaking with a human examiner. PTE, on the other hand, is entirely computer-based, offers faster results, and uses automated scoring. If you prefer human interaction and a more traditional exam format, IELTS might be better. If you’re comfortable with technology and want quicker results, PTE could be a better option.

Which is easier: IELTS or PTE?

There’s no clear answer to which test is easier, IELTS or PTE. It really depends on your personal strengths and preferences. PTE suits those who are comfortable with computer-based exams and AI scoring, while IELTS may be better for those who prefer a more traditional, human-evaluated format.

Is PTE accepted in Canada?

Yes, PTE is accepted in Canada for study, work, and immigration purposes by many institutions and organizations.

Is PTE accepted in Germany?

Yes, PTE is accepted by several universities and colleges in Germany for admissions.

Is PTE accepted in the USA?

Yes, PTE is widely accepted by universities and colleges across the USA for academic admissions.

How to book a PTE exam?

To book your PTE exam, go to the official Pearson PTE website. Create a new account or log in if you already have one. Click on “Book Test,” choose your country, and select the reason for taking the test (such as study or work). Then, pick a nearby test center, select your preferred date and time, review your information, and complete the booking by making the payment.

How to calculate PTE score?

The PTE Academic score is based on both communicative skills (Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing) and enabling skills (Grammar, Oral Fluency, Pronunciation, Spelling, Vocabulary, and Written Discourse). The overall score is usually rounded up if needed.