PTE vs IELTS is one of the top rivalries in the education sector.
Which is easy, IELTS or PTE is the most asked question by people who want to migrate abroad. Both tests are for studying and applying for PR and work permits.
The main comparison between IELTS and PTE is that you can only take the PTE on a computer, whereas you can take the IELTS on paper as well as on the computer.
In addition, there are important differences between the two exams’ checking methods. Your PTE exam is analyzed using artificial intelligence (AI), and you receive a score from the AI (artificial intelligence). Your IELTS test is manually checked by at least two professional examiners, who then give you a score based on your performance.
Which is easy IELTS or PTE?
To understand which is easier IELTS or PTE, you should know what the differences between IELTS and PTE are. These two are very different in every field, from their definition to the mode of conducting exams.
Differences between IELTS and PTE
Here, we have differentiated between the IELTS and the PTE exam, the two most preferred English language tests, on the basis of different criteria.
- Definition
- Marking range
- Type of questions
- Exam fees
- Test duration
- Result duration
- Test fairness.
Definition
The IELTS ( International English Language Testing System ) is for checking your English language proficiency. IDP conducts this test worldwide. It has 4 modules.
- Reading
- Listening
- Writing,
- Speaking
All modules are marked differently, and based on your all four modules’ band scores, your overall IELTS test score is calculated.
This is the internationally accepted English language test. IDP conducts this test in two ways.
- Computer-based IELTS
- Pen and paper-based IELTS
More than 10,000 universities or colleges accept IELTS as an English language test worldwide.
PTE is also known as Pearson Test for the English language. Approximately all nations accept this as an English language test. Pearson PLC Group conducts this test worldwide. It has 4 modules.
- Reading
- Listening
- Writing,
- Speaking
And just like IELTS, you will get marks in all four modules differently, and then AI (Artificial Intelligence) will calculate your overall score. The overall score is based on your performance in all modules.
Pearson PLC Group conducts this test in only one way.
- Computer-based PTE test
There is no offline version of this test.
Do not hurry in deciding which is easy IELTS or PTE. More differences are listed below that will help you answer this tough question.
Having trouble in IELTS preparation, read our other blog, “11 Tips On How To Crack IELTS To Get 8+ Band Score.”
Marking range
In both tests, the marking range is different. IDP grade candidates in the range of 0 to 9 band scores, where 9 is the highest band score you can get. In the PTE exam, Pearson PLC Group’s AI system grades students from a 0 to 90 score range.
Table for comparing scores of IELTS and PTE
| IELTS | PTE |
| 9 | 86 – 90 |
| 8.5 | 83 – 85 |
| 8 | 79 – 82 |
| 7.5 | 73 – 78 |
| 7 | 65 – 72 |
| 6.5 | 59 – 64 |
| 6 | 51 – 58 |
| 5.5 | 43 – 50 |
| 5 | 35 – 42 |
| 4.5 | 30 – 34 |
| 0 – 4 | 0 – 29 |
Type of questions
Here you will that what kind of questions you have to face in both English proficiency tests, IELTS and PTE.
To help you understand, we have provided you the tabular form of the type of questions in both exams.
Questions in PTE
| Module-wise questions in the PTE exam | ||
| Speaking and writing | READING | Listening |
| 1. Answer a short question2. Summarize the written test3. Describe the image4. Repeat sentence5. Re-tell the lecture6. Essay | 1. Multiple-choice, choose multiple answers2. Reading & writing -fill in the blanks.3. Re-order paragraphs4. Reading -fill in the blanks5. Multiple choice, choose a single answer. | 1. Fill in the blanks2. Multiple choice, choose multiple answers3. Summarize spoken text4. Highlight the correct summarySelect missing words5. Multiple choice, choose a single answer6. Highlight incorrect wordsWrite from dictation |
Questions in IELTS
| Module-wise questions in the IELTS exam | |||
| Listening | READING | WRITING | SPEAKING |
| 1. Matching information2. Form, note, flow chart, table3. Sentence completion4. Summary completion5. Plan, diagram labeling, map6. Multiple choice Short answer questions | 1. Identifying the writer’s claims/views2. Matching headings3. Multiple choice4. Identifying information5. Matching sentence endings6. Sentence completion7. Matching features8. Summary, table, note completion, flow-chart9. Diagram labeling completion10. Short answer questions | Task 1 ( Academic )1. Line Chart2. Table Chart3. Bar Graph4. Pie Chart5. ProcessMap6. DiagramTask 1 ( General Training GT )1. Formal letter2. Semi-formal letter3. An informal or personal letter Task 2 (academic and general training )1. Agree or disagree2. Advantages and disadvantages3. Cause and solution4. Discuss both views5. Double-question essays | 1. Section 1 – Give an introduction and interview.2. Section 2 – Talk about a particular topic (cue card) the examiner gave.3. Section 3 – Answer some follow-up questions about the cue card. |
It is hard to decide which is easy IELTS or PTE because both tests have the same 4 modules, and the questions are approximately the same.
Do you want to improve your writing in IELTS but don’t know what to do? Our blog, “Best 8 Tips On How To Improve Writing In IELTS”, will help you in improving your writing skills in IELTS.
Exam fees
It is a compulsion to register for the PTE exam by paying the registration fees. For an Indian student, the fee for the PTE exam is 13,300 INR. You have to book or select a slot for the test to make your fees for the exam application.
To give an IELTS exam, you have to book your slot according to the available date. After booking your exam, to confirm your seat, you have to pay the registration fees for the IELTS exam. For an Indian student, the IELTS exam fee is Rs. 15,500.
On the basis of fee structure, you can not tell which is easy IELTS or PTE.
Test duration
You only need one day to give the PTE test for all four modules. The total time duration for the PTE exam is 191 minutes or approximately 3 hours.
The IELTS test takes 2 days to complete. On one day, your listening, reading, and writing tests will take place, while speaking can take place any day before or after the exam. The listening, reading, and writing exams take around 3 hours. The speaking test will last for 15 to 20 minutes.
According to the test duration, you may answer which is easy IELTS or PTE, as you can see that the PTE exam took place only one day. Whereas for the IELTS exam, it takes 2 days to complete, one day, your speaking module takes place, and your other 3 modules take place some other day.
So you may say that it is easy to give PTE exam instead of IELTS.
Result duration
Which is easy IELTS or PTE? Within 2 to 5 days after giving your exam, you will get your result. The mode of declaration of results is online. You can check your result on the official website of PTE.
On the 13th day of your exam, you will get your result on the official site of the IDP by entering your details.
You will receive your test mark sheet (TRF) within 2 to 3 days of the declaration of your exam.
Test fairness
Most people think PTE has a more fair scoring system because of no human involvement. While other says that IELTS has a fair scoring system because, in this, qualified examiners check your result, also, we should not rely on machines because they can make mistakes easily.
There is a table below that will help you decide which test has a fair scoring system.
| PTE | IELTS |
| PTE has created automated software for scoring tests. | Highly qualified examiners give grades to your test. |
| Students feel less stressed about their performance because no one is watching them. | IELTS encourages students to react in a real-world realistic situation. |
| The exam is taken on the computer, so no one can cheat or do anything during the exam. | Test takers interact with humans instead of computers, so no microphone is used For speaking. |
May this table help you decide which is easy IELTS or PTE.
If you want to know about PTE academics, then you must read our blog on it.
Benefits of taking IELTS
Here are some advantages of taking the IELTS exam:
- Develop English language skills
- Accurate knowledge of your English skills
- Applicable for every country
Drawbacks Of Taking IELTS
Here are some disadvantages of taking IELTS:
- Most students find face-to-face speaking stressful, therefore they prefer other exams instead of IELTS.
- Candidates must set up two days for the test. This is because the speaking is scheduled before or after the other three modules. The LRW (listening, reading, and writing ) took place on the same day
- Not a cup of tea for everyone, as for many students, the IELTS writing test is hard compared to other tests.
Benefits of taking PTE
- Global acceptance
- Quick exam results
- Fair scoring
- No ambiguous questions
- No human interference in result
- Cheaper than IELTS
Drawbacks Of Taking PTE
- Test is graded by a machine using AI, sometimes, if you have a great accent then the AI may deduct your score.
- You have to rely on technology completely.
- Listening and reading may be difficult in PTE compared to other English language tests.
- Not accepted by every institute worldwide.
What is simpler, IELTS or PTE?
You need to have a strong base to take both exams. Your lexical resources knowledge should be higher. You have to use a variety of grammatical structures in your speaking and writing to gain a good score in both exams.
To learn about the PTE general exam, read our other blog.
PTE vs IELTS, which is better?
Both exams have their own importance in the field of study abroad. Both exams are accepted by all major countries, including the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
But if you want to give the exam as soon as possible, you can go for IELTS computer-based exam as you can get this exam date within a week.
If you want the result of your test urgently, then you should choose PTE, as you can get PTE results in 48 to 72 hours. It takes 13 days for IDP to declare your IELTS result.
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Book Now and Save 10%!Conclusion ( which is easy IELTS or PTE )
In this post, we discussed which is easy IELTS or PTE. Before reaching any conclusion, we have explained each and every factor about both exams, such as fees, the type of questions in the exam, and the most important factor marking range in both exams.
In our opinion, both exams are equal as most of the questions in both exams are similar.
If you feel shy speaking in front of others, you can take the PTE exam, but if you feel hesitant speaking in front of a machine, you can go for IELTS.
We hope you have enjoyed reading this article about IELTS and PTE.
FAQs ( which is easy IELTS or PTE )
Which English test is easier, PTE or IELTS?
Some people believe the PTE English language test is simple than the IELTS test. Both exams, commonly used as part of applications for student or work visas, test your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.
Is a month enough for PTE?
Four to six weeks of preparation before the PTE exam can help students get their target scores. Writing from dictation, answering brief questions, retelling lectures, summarizing written content, and reading and writing fill-in-the-blank exercises are good practices.
Which country is best for PTE?
Given countries are best for you if you take the PTE exam.
United States of America (USA)
United Kingdom (UK)
Canada.
Australia.
Germany.
New Zealand.
France.
What is simpler, IELTS or PTE?
If you ask which is easy IELTS or PTE then you should know that both tests demand skill building, and one should have proper knowledge of the test to achieve good scores on both exams. So, neither the test is easy nor difficult.
Which is better IELTS or PTE?
Both these exams have their own value, and universities equally accept both exams all around the world. So, it is quite difficult to make one of the exams superior. It depends from student to student which tests they want to give.
