IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Which International English Language Test Should You Choose in 2026?
In 2024, universities worldwide processed over 5 million English proficiency test results, with Canada, Australia, the UK, and the US tightening language requirements for admissions and visas. Choosing the right international English language test, IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic, has become a key decision for every international student.
A recent UK survey revealed that 27% of institutions report mismatches between test scores and actual classroom performance, making careful test selection more important than ever.
Discover Which International English Language Test Fits You Best
What Are IELTS, TOEFL & PTE?
All three exams, IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE Academic, are major English language proficiency tests used globally to assess Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each test is structured differently and suits different test-taking styles.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- Accepted by 12,000+ institutions globally.
- Two formats: Academic & General Training.
- Uses the human-examiner speaking test.
- Band score range: 0–9.
- Fee in India: ₹18,000 – ₹18,250 depending on category.
- Results: 2–7 days.
If you are specifically targeting admissions, explore:
TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test)
- Popular among US & Canadian universities (10,000+ institutions).
- Score range: 0–120.
- Duration: 170–180 minutes.
- Fee: ₹16,900.
- Results: 10 days.
PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)
- Fully computer-based; AI scoring.
- Duration: 154–191 minutes.
- Fee: ₹17,000.
- Score range: 10–90.
- Results: within 5 business days.
- Strong for UK, Australia, New Zealand visas.
IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Key Differences
Global test data shows that over 7.5 million candidates take an international English language test every year, but universities report a 27% mismatch between test scores and classroom performance. This makes it essential for institutions and every international student to compare IELTS, TOEFL, and the PTE Academic exam carefully before choosing one.
| Parameter | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test Duration | 161–164 mins (Academic) | 170–180 mins | 154–191 mins |
| Test Fee (India) | ₹18,000–₹18,250 | ₹16,900 | ₹17,000 |
| Score Range | 0–9 band | 0–120 | 10–90 |
| Result Time | 2–7 days | 10 days | 5 days |
| Speaking | Human examiner | AI + recorded | AI scoring |
| Mode | Paper/Computer | Computer only | Computer only |
| Acceptance | 12,000+ institutions | 10,000+ | 3,500+ (rapidly growing) |
| Best For | UK, Canada, Australia | US & Canada | UK, AU, NZ visas |
How Many Students Take These Tests?
Universities across 190+ countries rely on the English test results, with acceptance ranging from 3,500 institutions for PTE to 12,000+ for IELTS, showing the scale and reach of these exams.
| Exam | Candidates per Year | Global Acceptance | Popular Regions |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 4.5+ million | 12,000+ institutions | UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand |
| TOEFL iBT | 3 million+ | 10,000+ institutions | US & Canada |
| PTE Academic | 400,000+ | 3,500+ institutions (growing) | UK, Australia, New Zealand |
Format of the Exam: IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE
Global mobility reports show that over 82% of universities assess applicants based on the exam format, especially the speaking and writing delivery method. Recent student feedback data from 2024 also indicates that 71% of test-takers choose an exam based on whether it is paper-based, computer-based, or AI-scored.
IELTS Format
The IELTS exam, classified as Academic and General Training, is taken by over 4 million test takers annually. It evaluates all four skills and uses band-based holistic scoring.
| Section | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 30–36 mins | Audio played once |
| Reading | 60 mins | Academic passages or general texts |
| Writing | 60 mins | 2 tasks (essay + data description) |
| Speaking | 11–14 mins | Face-to-face with a human examiner |
IELTS on Computer vs IELTS on Paper
There are slight differences between IELTS Computer based test and the one taken on paper, such as:
- Identical test content
- More test dates & flexible time slots
- Results in 2 days (Computer) vs 7 days (Paper)
Also Check:
- Is IELTS the Perfect English Language Test for You?
- Check IELTS requirements for Canada & Australia.
PTE Format (Pearson Test of English)
The pearson pte exam, especially the pte academic exam, uses AI for scoring and is fully computer-delivered. For students who prefer fast results and objective scoring, the pte examination has become one of the fastest-growing tests.
- Accepted by 100% of Australian universities
- Accepted for UK study visas since 2022
- Average score required: 55–65 for most universities
| Section | Tasks |
|---|---|
| Speaking & Writing | Retell lectures, describe images, and essay writing |
| Reading | Multiple-choice, reorder paragraphs |
| Listening | Summarise spoken text, multiple-choice |
TOEFL Format (US-centric test)
TOEFL measures academic English readiness and is widely preferred in US admissions.
- Writing: 2 tasks
- Total Test Time: 4 hours
| Section | Tasks | Questions |
| Reading | Academic passages | 36–70 |
| Listening | Lectures & conversations | 34–51 |
| Speaking | 6 tasks | Computer-recorded |
| Writing | 2 tasks | Integrated + independent |
Speaking Test: Real Person vs Computer
In 2024, over 4 million IELTS candidates experienced human-assessed speaking tests, while PTE and TOEFL combined tested 3.4 million candidates via AI or computer scoring. Surveys show that 65% of students felt human examiners better understood accents and idiomatic expressions, whereas AI-based scoring provided faster, standardised results.
IELTS (Human Examiner)
The IELTS Speaking test is a face-to-face interview lasting 11–14 minutes. A human examiner can assess:
- Accent clarity
- Pauses due to thinking vs confusion
- Idioms, jokes, cultural expressions
This is why IELTS is preferred by students who struggle with automated speech recognition.
See how Human Examiners assess IELTS Speaking and simulate real test conditions.
PTE & TOEFL (AI/Computer Scoring)
- PTE uses AI scoring trained on millions of speech samples.
- TOEFL uses an automated + human scoring mix.
- Consistency and objectivity are strengths, but accents may trigger minor errors for some test takers.
Which Test Should You Choose?
Choose IELTS if:
- You want a human examiner for speaking
- You’re applying to UK, Canada, Australia
- You prefer mixed question types (MCQs + long answers)
Choose PTE Academic if:
- You prefer a fully computer-based English language assessment test
- You want fast results
- You’re applying for UK, Australia, and NZ work/study visas
Choose TOEFL if:
- You’re applying to US/Canadian universities
- You prefer academic English tasks
- You’re comfortable speaking into a computer
What Students Say About Each Test
Student feedback from 2024–2025 shows how IELTS, PTE Academic, and TOEFL iBT differ in experience, speed, and scoring. Knowing these experiences can help you pick the right test for study or migration.
IELTS
Students say the human examiner reduces anxiety and understands accents better. Paper-based tests can lower scores if handwriting is unclear. Computer-delivered IELTS is preferred by those who type faster.
A Reddit user said: "I got 59 on PTE and 1 week later I got 7.5 on IELTS... The human examiner got my pauses and fluency right."
Another user said: "The face-to-face chat made me chill out—no staring at a screen. I paused to think, but the examiner nodded along."
A Quora user talked about preparing for IELTS and said: "Practice speaking to your friends or family in English... If you don’t have anyone to talk to, talk to yourself in the mirror.”
PTE Academic
AI scoring rewards structured answers for fast high scores but may misinterpret accents. Practicing mocks helps adapt. Results in 24-48 hours are useful for visa deadlines.
Answering the question: "Is there any template to score 79 in PTE essay writing?”, a Quora user said: "My suggestion is not to use any template instead use a cohesive structure which will fetch you good marks.”
Another Reddit discussion said: "Thick Bengali accent tanked my PTE twice (58, then 61). AI didn't get my 'r's or flow. Switched to IELTS and the human got it."
TOEFL iBT
TOEFL is highly regarded for US admissions because of its academic focus. Speaking into a silent-room mic can feel awkward. The home edition is convenient but internet glitches can be stressful.
A Reddit user ranted: "It's also pretty awkward to scream the answers with 20 people in the room."
Another Reddit user said: "I recently gave my TOEFL at Home and somehow must have lost my internet connection for a couple of seconds during the Writing section. The Proctor disconnected as well as the Test-Browser. I got reconnected and the Proctor logged me in again and I continued the test."
FAQs
Ques. Has anyone taken IELTS on computer? Is it better to take IELTS on computer or IELTS on paper?
Ans. A Quora user said: "I have taken the IELTS test in both formats. I scored an overall 8 band on the paper-based test and an 8.5 band on the computer-based test. I took the test twice for different purposes, and my first score had expired. I took the computer-based test recently, reluctantly, as I was more comfortable with paper."
Ques. IELTS, CELPIP OR PTE Core for PR?
Ans. For Canada/Australia PR in 2026, IELTS's 12,000+ acceptances make it the safest. CELPIP shines for US-style English, but IELTS's human speaking evens out nerves better than AI options.
A Reddit user explained: "My partner is a language assessor. She says the CELPIP is slightly easier (American vs British English) but there’s no major differences between how they’re assessed. Also since you’re in Australia, you’d probably be better off with IELTS whereas Americans are better for CELPIP."
Ques. Does PTE Academic discriminate some accents?
Ans. While AI aims for neutrality, 2024–2025 threads reveal accent biases (e.g., South Asian users scoring 10–15 points lower in speaking). A Quora user clarified: "PTE Academic is designed to be fair and unbiased... However, like any standardized test, individual experiences may vary."
Ques. Is PTE a simple exam to crack for an Indian with average English skills?
Ans. For average speakers, PTE's templates make it "crackable" in 1–2 weeks (vs. IELTS's essay depth). A Quora user detailed: "I am an Indian with average English Skills. PTE is all about tips and tricks to answer particular questions and to get the maximum marks in that section. Its all about the strategy."
Ques. Does US universities accept PTE language test scores rather than IELTS OR TOEFL?
Ans. 10,000+ US schools take all three, but TOEFL edges for Ivies (90% preference). A Quora user confirmed: "US universities accept all these mentioned language efficiency test in your question( PTE, IELTS, TOEFL). However, it depends on few universities which test they prefer as per their particular requirements. For example, scholarship, particular course you chose etc."
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