For students planning to study abroad, proving English proficiency is a crucial step. Two of the most popular tests for this purpose are the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and the PTE (Pearson Test of English). But which one is easier?
The answer depends on several factors, including test format, difficulty level, and grading system. In this blog, we’ll break down these aspects to help you decide which test suits you best.
1. IELTS vs. PTE – Exam Format Comparison
IELTS (Paper-Based & Computer-Based Available)
The IELTS exam consists of four sections:
✅ Listening (30 minutes) – Audio recordings with different accents.
✅ Reading (60 minutes) – Passages followed by comprehension questions.
✅ Writing (60 minutes) – Two tasks: an essay and a report/letter.
✅ Speaking (11-14 minutes) – A face-to-face interview with an examiner.
📌 Key Challenge: Human examiners evaluate the speaking and writing sections, which can introduce subjectivity.
PTE (Fully Computer-Based)
The PTE exam also has four sections:
✅ Speaking & Writing (54-67 minutes) – Includes tasks like reading aloud, repeating sentences, and writing essays.
✅ Reading (29-30 minutes) – Includes multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blanks, and reordering paragraphs.
✅ Listening (30-43 minutes) – Includes summarizing spoken text, multiple-choice, and fill-in-the-blanks.
📌 Key Challenge: The entire test is AI-graded, meaning students must focus on clear pronunciation and structured responses.
🏆 Winner? If you prefer human interaction and writing on paper, IELTS may be better. If you’re comfortable with AI scoring and typing your responses, PTE is the way to go.
2. Difficulty Level – Which Sections Are Harder?
Speaking Section: Face-to-Face vs. AI
- IELTS: You have a face-to-face interview with an examiner, which may feel natural but nerve-wracking for some.
- PTE: You speak into a microphone, and AI evaluates pronunciation, fluency, and coherence.
🏆 Easier? If you are confident in conversational English, IELTS may be easier. If you prefer not talking to a human, PTE is better.
Writing Section: Handwritten vs. Typed
- IELTS: Requires handwritten essays (paper-based) or typing (computer-based).
- PTE: Fully typed responses with automated scoring based on grammar and structure.
🏆 Easier? If you type fast and prefer AI grading, PTE is easier. If you express yourself better in handwriting, IELTS is preferable.
Listening Section: One-Time Audio vs. Rewind Option
- IELTS: One-time audio playback; you must listen carefully.
- PTE: Some tasks allow replaying the audio.
🏆 Easier? PTE is slightly easier because of the ability to replay in some tasks.
Reading Section: Text Variety
- IELTS: Has longer academic texts that require deep comprehension.
- PTE: More interactive (e.g., filling in blanks, reordering sentences).
🏆 Easier? PTE is generally easier for those who prefer shorter, interactive reading tasks.
3. Grading & Scoring System – Which Is More Student-Friendly?
| Feature | IELTS | PTE |
|---|---|---|
| Grading | Human examiners | AI-based scoring |
| Scoring Scale | 0-9 Band Score | 10-90 Score |
| Speaking & Writing | Subjective scoring | AI-based accuracy |
| Retakes | Can take a few weeks to get results | Results in 2-5 days |
🏆 Easier? PTE is faster and more predictable since it is AI-graded, whereas IELTS involves human judgment.
4. Which Test Should You Choose?
✅ Choose IELTS if:
✔️ You are comfortable with face-to-face speaking tests.
✔️ You prefer paper-based exams (for the paper-based IELTS).
✔️ You want a test widely accepted by all universities worldwide.
✅ Choose PTE if:
✔️ You are comfortable with computer-based exams.
✔️ You type faster than you write.
✔️ You want quick results (usually within 2-5 days).
Final Verdict: Which Test Is Easier?
💡 If you prefer structured, human-graded tests → IELTS is better.
💡 If you prefer AI-based scoring with no human interaction → PTE is easier.
Ultimately, the easiest test depends on your strengths and comfort level. Choose the one that aligns best with your skills, test-taking style, and study abroad destination requirements!
💬 Which test are you planning to take? Comment below and share your thoughts! 🚀