PTE vs IELTS: Which English Test Is Easier for Indian Students? An Honest Comparison

This is the question I get asked at least five times a week: "Should I take PTE or IELTS?"

The honest answer is: neither is objectively "easier." But one is almost certainly better suited to YOUR specific strengths. And choosing the wrong test can cost you months of preparation time and thousands of rupees in retakes.

I've watched students score Band 6.0 on IELTS, switch to PTE, and immediately hit 65 (equivalent to Band 7.0). I've also seen the reverse — students who struggled on PTE and breezed through IELTS. The difference isn't intelligence; it's test format compatibility.

Let me help you figure out which test is right for you.

The Fundamental Difference That Changes Everything

IELTS is a human-evaluated test. A real, trained examiner marks your writing (reading your handwriting or typed text) and conducts your speaking interview face-to-face in a room. There's a human element — rapport, body language, and conversational flow all play a role.

PTE is entirely computer-evaluated. Artificial intelligence scores your speaking (analyzing pronunciation, fluency, and content through audio analysis) and your writing (evaluating grammar, vocabulary, and structure algorithmically). There's no human subjectivity — just code.

This single difference has massive implications for who performs well on each test.

Who Should Choose PTE (And Why)

• Clear, confident speakers with neutral pronunciation — PTE's AI rewards consistent pronunciation patterns and fluency. If you speak clearly without a very strong regional accent, PTE's scoring algorithm works in your favor. The AI doesn't care if you're nervous — it only analyzes audio quality.
• Fast typists — PTE writing tasks are typed, not handwritten. If you can type 40+ words per minute accurately, you'll have significantly more time to think, edit, and refine your responses. This is a HUGE advantage over IELTS paper-based writing.
• People who get nervous in interviews — No human examiner sitting across from you. No small talk. No judgment on your appearance or body language. You speak into a microphone in a booth. For introverts, anxious test-takers, or anyone who freezes in face-to-face interviews, this removes the single biggest stress factor.
• People who want fast results — PTE results arrive in 24-48 hours versus 13 days for paper-based IELTS (3-5 days for computer IELTS). When you're facing application deadlines, those 10 extra days matter.
• Students targeting Australia — PTE is widely accepted for both university admission AND Australian immigration (visa applications). It's the preferred English test in the Australian study abroad ecosystem.

Who Should Choose IELTS (And Why)

• Natural conversationalists who think on their feet — The IELTS Speaking test is a real 11-14 minute conversation with a trained examiner. If you're charming, articulate, and good at reading social cues, this format lets your personality shine through. The examiner can appreciate humor, depth of thought, and natural communication style — things an AI can't evaluate.
• People with strong regional accents — IELTS human examiners are specifically trained to understand ALL English accents — Indian, Chinese, Nigerian, Brazilian. PTE's AI, while improving, can sometimes unfairly penalize strong accents or unusual pronunciation patterns. If you have a thick Malayali, Bengali, or Punjabi accent, IELTS may score your speaking more fairly.
• Strong writers who prefer handwriting — If you organize thoughts better with a pen in your hand, IELTS paper-based lets you write naturally. Some students genuinely think more clearly when writing by hand.
• Students targeting Canada for PR — This is non-negotiable. Canada requires IELTS General or CELPIP for Express Entry and PR applications. PTE is NOT accepted for Canadian immigration. If Canada PR is your goal, prepare for IELTS. No exceptions.
• Students targeting UK — While most UK universities accept both, IELTS is the default and more universally recognized in the British education system.

Score Comparison Table

Cost, Speed, and Logistics Compared

PTE wins convincingly on logistics — more available dates, much faster results, and unlimited free score reports. This matters enormously when you're applying to multiple universities across different countries with tight deadlines.

Acceptance: Where Each Test Works

• IELTS: Accepted by 11,000+ organizations globally. Virtually every university worldwide. Required for UK and Canadian immigration. The "safe choice" that works everywhere.
• PTE: Accepted by 3,000+ institutions. All Australian universities and immigration. Most UK universities. Growing US acceptance. Some Canadian universities (but NOT for immigration). Growing rapidly but still less universal than IELTS.
• Duolingo English Test: The new kid on the block — $65, taken from home, results in 48 hours. Accepted by 5,000+ programs, especially in the US. Worth considering as a supplement.

Critical rule: Always check your specific university's accepted tests BEFORE choosing. Some programs accept only IELTS. Don't waste months preparing for the wrong test.

The Strategy I Recommend to Every Student

1. Check your target universities and immigration requirements first. If they only accept IELTS, or you need it for Canadian PR — your decision is made. Don't overthink it.
2. Take a free practice test of BOTH. PTE offers a free practice at pearsonpte.com. IELTS at britishcouncil.org. Spend one day on each. Compare your scores honestly.
3. If you're targeting Australia, PTE is often the smarter choice (faster results, widely accepted, excellent for visa applications).
4. If you're targeting Canada for PR, IELTS is mandatory for Express Entry. Don't waste time on PTE.
5. If both scores are similar in practice tests, choose PTE for the convenience (more dates, faster results, unlimited free score sends).
6. If you're applying to many countries, IELTS is the safest bet since it's accepted virtually everywhere.

My Bottom Line

Stop asking "which is easier" and start asking "which plays to MY strengths?"

A clear speaker with fast typing speed will almost always score higher on PTE. A natural conversationalist with strong handwriting skills will almost always score higher on IELTS. The content knowledge required is identical — it's the format that makes the difference.

Take both practice tests. The one where you score higher with less effort is your answer. And if you need help preparing for either test, our counselling team can connect you with specialist tutors for both IELTS and PTE preparation.

Related Reading

• IELTS Complete Guide
• PTE Complete Guide
• TOEFL Complete Guide
• Duolingo English Test Guide
• UK Universities Without IELTS
• Study in Canada Without IELTS
• All Test Preparation Guides