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The Pearson Test of English, or PTE, is an English language test that assesses a person's ability to communicate effectively in English. It is required for anyone planning to work, settle, or study abroad. The 4 skills tested by PTE are speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The exam has various types depending on the purpose:
- PTE Academic, for university applications, work visas, etc.
- PTE Core, for Canadian immigration applications.
- PTE UKVI and Home, for UK student visas, work visas, settlement, and citizenship applications.
In India, the PTE test fees range from INR 15,284 to INR 18,000, depending on which exam you take. The test is available 20-24 times a month in over 62 test centers across the country. Since January to March are the peak exam-taking times (for Fall 2026 admissions), it is advisable to book your test early.
In this article, we will be discussing everything you need to know about the PTE exam. You will learn about the test fee, the booking process, the latest exam pattern, and scoring. We will also suggest when to take the exam and tips to score higher.
Check the PTE New Updates Here
PTE Exam Highlights
The table below gives a brief overview of the PTE exam.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | PTE |
| Full Form | Pearson Test of English |
| Purpose | Assess basic communication in English |
| Acceptance | 3,500+ organisations, including universities and governments (As per Pearson) |
| Fee in India | INR 18,000 - for Academic, Core, and UKVI tests INR 15,284 - for UKVI Home tests |
| Exam Pattern | 3 sections: Listening, Reading, Speaking & Writing |
| Score Range | 10-90 |
| Score Validity | 2 years |
PTE Exam Price in India 2026
The table below gives the prices of the different types of PTE exam:
| PTE Exam Type | Fee in India 2026 |
|---|---|
| PTE Academic | INR 18,000 |
| PTE Core | INR 18,000 |
| PTE UKVI | INR 18,000 |
| PTE Home A1 | INR 15,284 |
| PTE Home A2 | INR 15,284 |
| PTE Home B1 | INR 15,284 |
Notes:
- All prices are inclusive of 18% GST.
- PTE can only be taken at a test center. There is no remote version available.
Also Read
PTE Core vs PTE Academic
Is the PTE fee refundable?
Yes, partial refunds are available if you cancel in advance. The refund amount depends on how many days before the test you cancel.
How to Book a PTE Test?
The PTE test booking process is explained below.
- Create a myPTE account on the official PearsonPTE website.
- Click on “Book a Test.”
- Answering the questions below will tell you which test you need to take, Academic, Core, UKVI, or Home.
- “Where do you want to go?”
- “What do you want to do there?”
- Click on “Check availability & book.”
- Enter your location, or the city where you want to take the test. You will then be provided with a list of PTE test centers for the city.
- Choose from a list of dates and slots for your test center and click on “Book.”
- Answer the booking questions, like your destination and purpose. Agree to the test policies.
- Review your appointment details and make the payment using the approved payment methods.
- You will receive an email confirming your test and its details.
Note:
- Anyone with a valid and updated Indian passport can take the exam.
- No ID is required at the time of booking, but passport is mandatory to be presented at the test center on the test day.
Check If You are Eligible to Take PTE
Ques. Can I reschedule my PTE exam after booking?
Ans. Yes, you can reschedule your test online. Free rescheduling is allowed if done well before the test date.
Ques. What name should I use while booking the PTE exam?
Ans. Your booking name must exactly match your passport. Even small spelling differences can stop you from taking the test.
PTE Exam Dates 2026
PTE test dates vary greatly from city to city and across test centers. Therefore, you need to thoroughly check the availability of a test at your preferred city and test center. Below is the PTE test schedule for some of the cities and test centers in India.
| City and Test Center | January 2026 | February 2026 | March 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Opportunities, Kailash Colony, New Delhi | All dates except 26th | All dates excet 15th | All dates except 4th |
| TUV SUD South Asia Private Limited Labs, Ludhiana | All days except Sundays, Mondays, and 13th | All days except Sundays and Mondays | All days except Sundays, Mondays, and 4th |
| K L University, Hyderabad | 8, 9, 10, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 31 | All days except 16th and Sundays | All days except Sundays, 19th, and 20th |
| Touchstone Educationals LLP, Jalandhar | All dates except 18th and 26th | All dates except 15th | All dates except 4th |
| Kangaroo Studies Pvt. Ltd., Chandigarh | All dates except 26th and Sundays | All days except Sundays | All days except 3rd, 4th, and Sundays |
| Pearson Professional Centers, Noida | 16, 24, 28 | Every Friday | 7, 13, 20, 26 |
| Take Off Academy, Ahmedabad | All dates except 14th, 15th, 26th, and Sundays | All days except Sundays | All days except 4th and Sundays |
| Auro University, Surat | All dates except 14th, 26th, Saturdays, and Sundays | All dates except 16th , Saturdays, and Sundays | All days except 4th, 20th, 26th, Saturdays, and Sundays |
| Pearson Professional Centers, Blue Area, Mohali | 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29 | Every Friday | 13, 20, 26 |
| TC Global, Bengaluru | All days except 26th and Sundays | All days except 14th and Sundays | All days except Sundays |
Note: These dates are subject to change at the discretion of Pearson.
Ques. How early should I reach the test center?
Ans. You should arrive at least 30 minutes before your test time for check-in, document verification, and security checks.
Ques. Can my test center change after booking?
Ans. Test centers usually do not change, but in rare cases, Pearson may reassign you and inform you by email.
PTE Exam Pattern 2026
The PTE exam pattern underwent significant changes last year. New types of questions were added in the Speaking & Writing section, and the total number of questions was reduced to around 52-64 from the earlier 70-82. The test duration remains the same.
The PTE exam pattern, along with the changes are mentioned below.
| Section | Duration | Number of Question Types | Question Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| PTE Speaking & Writing | 76-84 minutes | 10 | Read aloud, repeat sentence, describe image, write essay New: Summarize Group Discussion, Respond to a Situation |
| PTE Listening | 31-39 minutes | 8 | Summarize spoken text, fill in the blanks, highlight correct summary, write from dictation |
| PTE Reading | 23-30 minutes | 5 | Fill in the blanks, MCQs with multiple as well as single answers, reorder paragraphs |
Ques. Is there a break during the PTE exam?
Ans. No, the PTE exam has no official break. You must complete all sections in one sitting.
Ques. Are spelling mistakes penalized in PTE?
Ans. While there is no negative marking, spellings are taken into consideration for scoring. Mistakes affect your score, especially in writing and listening tasks like write from dictation.
PTE Results and Scoring 2026
PTE underwent significant changes in its scoring system. Human intervention will now be implemented alongside AI scoring. If there is a clash between the AI and the human examiner, a second human will evaluate your test.
Here are some important information related to PTE scoring:
- Total score range: 10-90
- No negative marking
- Availability: Within 2 business days
- Score sending: Free to send to unlimited number of universities
- Rescoring: Request can be made up to 14 days of receiving the official score. Fee is USD $160 (approx. 14,380 INR); will be refunded if score changes.
PTE Sample Score Report:
Will background noise affect my speaking score?
Minor noise is common in test centers and usually not an issue. The system focuses on your voice clarity and fluency.
PTE Score for Top Universities Abroad in 2026
The table below gives a partial list of universities accepting PTE score and their requirement:
| University | PTE Score Requirement | |
|---|---|---|
| UG | PG | |
| University of Queensland | 64 overall, 60 in each section | |
| University College London | 75 overall, 67 in each section | |
| King’s College London | 69 overall, 62 in each section | |
| Monash University | 58 overall, 50 in each section | |
| National University of Singapore | 62 overall, Reading, and Writing | |
| University of Toronto | 65 overall, 60 in each section | |
| University of Melbourne | 64 overall, 60 in each section | 72 overall, Writing 65, Speaking 66, Reading 64, Listening 64 |
| University of Bath | 62 overall, 59 in each section | 69 overall, 62 in each section |
| University of Sydney | 64 overall, 60 in each section | 72 overall, 60 in each section |
| University of Manchester | 70 overall, 62 in each section | 76 overall, 70 in each section |
Note: These scores are general and may vary from course to course. You are advised to first check the specific course requirements on the university website.
Can I use the same PTE score for visa and university applications?
Yes, as long as the score meets both the university and visa authority requirements.
Challenges Faced by Indian Students in the PTE Exam
Here’s what Indian students are discussing on Reddit regarding the PTE exam:
- One user said this for the new Respond to a Situation question type: “Respond as in real life. Be polite, structured, and fluent. Avoid repetition. Practice common scenarios aloud for authenticity.”
- Students on Reddit also discuss that the Speaking & Writing sections being together makes them confused.
- For the Summarize Group Discussion new task, one candidate says, “Structure as ‘The discussion involved [speakers/topics]. Speaker A said..., Speaker B argued..., and they concluded…’. Focus on fluency, content coverage, no fumbling. Avoid templatised answers.”
Tips for Indian Test-Takers
Follow the tips below to help yourself prepare for the PTE test:
- Don't rely only on templates: Many get 50-65 using heavy templating, but 75+ almost always requires natural delivery and understanding scoring logic (fluency, pronunciation, content).
- Take a mock test (official Pearson or platforms like Apeuni, Alfa PTE, Gurully) right at the beginning to know your baseline, then another just 3-5 days before the real exam.
PTE assesses speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills for academic, work, and migration purposes. By understanding the exam types, fees, dates, and preparation resources, you can plan your test and preparation more effectively.
FAQs
Ques. Can I take the PTE exam more than once?
Ans. Yes, you can take the PTE exam multiple times. There is no official limit, but you must wait for your previous result before booking a new test.
Ques. Is PTE easier than IELTS?
Ans. PTE is computer-based and uses AI scoring, which many students find more predictable. Difficulty depends on your comfort level with speaking to a computer and typing essays.
Ques. Is coaching mandatory to score well in PTE?
Ans. No, coaching is optional. Many students prepare using online resources, mock tests, and self-practice.
Ques. Should I practice with a headset at home?
Ans. Yes, practicing with a headset helps improve speaking clarity and prepares you for the real test environment.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
Comments
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Yes, PTE is accepted by many Canadian Colleges and Universities as one the English Proficiency tests required for admission. PTE is also accepted for visa purposes in Canada.