IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Which Exam Should You Take in 2025?
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IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Which Exam Should You Take in 2025?
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04-Oct-2025
Introduction
For any student planning to study abroad, proving English proficiency is a mandatory requirement. Universities in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe rely on exams like IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE to evaluate international students’ ability to communicate in English.
But here’s the catch—which exam should you take in 2025? Each test has different formats, scoring styles, and acceptance levels worldwide. Choosing the right exam can boost your chances of admission, scholarships, and even visa approval.
This guide compares IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE in detail, so you can make the right choice.
Quick Comparison Table – IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE
| Feature | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test Format | Paper-based & Computer-based | Computer-based | Computer-based |
| Duration | ~2 hrs 45 min | ~3 hrs | ~2 hrs |
| Sections | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking | Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing | Speaking & Writing, Reading, Listening |
| Scoring | 0–9 band scale | 0–120 | 10–90 |
| Popularity | Widely accepted in UK, Canada, Australia | Preferred in USA, also accepted globally | Gaining popularity, accepted by many unis |
| Accent Style | British, Australian, Global | American English | Neutral AI-based scoring |
| Speaking Test | Face-to-face with examiner | Recorded responses | AI-based computer evaluation |
| Results | 5–7 days (computer) | 4–8 days | 1–3 days (fastest) |
| Cost (India) | ₹16,500 approx. | ₹16,900 approx. | ₹15,900 approx. |
Section-Wise Breakdown
1️⃣ Listening Section
IELTS: 30 minutes, different accents (UK, Australia, US).
TOEFL: 41–57 minutes, mostly American English.
PTE: 30 minutes, computer-based with AI scoring.
Best for: Students who are comfortable with different accents (IELTS) vs. those comfortable with American English (TOEFL).
2️⃣ Reading Section
IELTS: Academic or General reading passages, more straightforward.
TOEFL: More academic-style texts with MCQs.
PTE: Includes re-ordering sentences and fill-in-the-blanks.
Best for: Students with strong comprehension skills (TOEFL) vs. those who prefer shorter, real-life passages (IELTS/PTE).
3️⃣ Writing Section
IELTS: Two tasks (essay + graph/letter).
TOEFL: Integrated (reading + listening + writing) + essay.
PTE: Summarize written text + essay writing.
Best for: Students good at formal essay writing (TOEFL), or those who want simpler essay + graph interpretation (IELTS).
4️⃣ Speaking Section
IELTS: Face-to-face with examiner (many students prefer human interaction).
TOEFL: Recorded responses (computer listens).
PTE: AI-based, fully computerized speaking tasks.
Best for:
IELTS → If you’re confident in live conversations.
TOEFL → If you’re comfortable with structured speaking tasks.
PTE → If you prefer AI evaluation without human judgment.
Acceptance by Country (2025 Updates)
USA → TOEFL is traditionally preferred, but IELTS and PTE are also accepted widely.
UK → IELTS Academic & IELTS UKVI are highly preferred. TOEFL and PTE accepted in most universities.
Canada → IELTS (Academic) and PTE gaining popularity; TOEFL also accepted.
Australia & New Zealand → IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE all equally recognized.
Europe (Germany, France, Netherlands) → IELTS is most common, but TOEFL & PTE are widely accepted too.
⚖️ Which Exam is Easier in 2025?
Easiest for Fast Results → PTE (results in 1–3 days).
Best for Conversation Lovers → IELTS (face-to-face speaking).
Best for Academic Students → TOEFL (complex academic passages).
Best for Tech-Savvy Students → PTE (AI-based evaluation).
Exam Costs in India (2025)
IELTS: ₹16,500 (Computer-based slightly more expensive).
TOEFL iBT: ₹16,900 approx.
PTE Academic: ₹15,900 approx.
???? PTE is usually the cheapest and fastest.
How to Choose the Best Exam for YOU
Check university requirements → Some universities prefer one over the other.
Know your strengths → If you’re good in face-to-face speaking → IELTS. If better with structured tasks → TOEFL/PTE.
Consider timelines → Need fast results? PTE.
Check country preference → For UK & Canada → IELTS; For USA → TOEFL (but others accepted too).
Comfort with technology → IELTS offers paper-based; TOEFL/PTE are fully computer-based.
Pro Tips to Score Higher
Practice sample papers at least 1 month in advance.
Work on time management (PTE and TOEFL have strict timing).
For IELTS, practice face-to-face interviews with friends/mentors.
For PTE, focus on pronunciation and clarity since AI scoring is strict.
Take mock exams under real exam conditions.
✅ Final Verdict – Which Exam Should You Take in 2025?
Choose IELTS if you’re applying to UK, Canada, or Australia, and prefer human interaction during speaking.
Choose TOEFL if you’re aiming for USA universities and are strong in academic English.
Choose PTE if you need quick results, AI-based evaluation, and a modern format.
Ultimately, all three tests are widely accepted. The “best English test for study abroad” is the one that aligns with your strengths, university requirements, and future study destination.
