Studying abroad is a dream cherished by countless Indian students. Thay put in immense effort to secure admission to the world's top universities. However, the journey is not as simple as it seems, students must go through severals stages to meet the eligibility requirements of their selected universities. One of the key criteria for international applicants is pffering their English language proficiency.
This brings us to an important question: Which English proficiency test should students take in 2026?
The IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE exams are globally recognized English tests accepted by universities across the global. But with multiple options availble, which one is the right choice for you?
In this blog, we will offer a detailed comparison of IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE , covering everything from test formats and scoring systems to fees, world acceptance and more to help you make an informed decision.
What are IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE Exam?
The IELTS Exam, short for International English Language Testing System, is one of the most widely accepted English proficiency tests globally. It is recognized in countries such as the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where top universities require proof of English language skills from applicants. The IELTS assesses your listening, reading, writing, and speaking abilities and comes in two formats — Academic (for study abroad) and General Training (for work or migration). The test can be taken in either paper-based or computer-based mode and has a total duration of 2 hours and 45 minutes. To qualify for most universities, students typically need a band score above 6.
The TOEFL Exam, which stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language, is another globally recognized English proficiency test. It is widely accepted by universities in the UK and other English-speaking countries. The TOEFL iBT is entirely computer-based and focuses primarily on academic English. Candidates are evaluated on their reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills. A good TOEFL score generally ranges between 90 and 120, and the test duration is around 2 hours.
The PTE Exam, short for Pearson Test of English, is a computer-based English proficiency test that uses AI technology for fair and accurate scoring. It is accepted in countries like Australia and New Zealand, and its popularity is increasing in the UK and Canada. The PTE assesses speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills and typically lasts for 2 hours and 30 minutes. To be eligible for university admission, candidates usually need to score between 70 and 90.
IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE Exam
If you’re still unsure about which English proficiency test to take — IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE — the following comparison can help you make the right choice. The table below highlights the key differences between these three globally recognized exams. By reviewing it, students can better understand which test best fits their study abroad goals and university admission requirements.
| Feature | IELTS Exam | TOEFL Exam | PTE Exam |
| Speaking | Face-to-face | Recorded on a computer | AI-based computer test |
| Writing | Two written tasks | Two written tasks | Combined with speaking |
| Listening | Audio recordings | Academic lectures | Mixed question types |
| Reading | Academic & General | Academic focus | Academic & general |
| Mode | Paper/Computer | Computer only | Computer only |
| Result Time | 3–13 days | 6–10 days | 2 days |
PTE, IELTS, and TOEFL Score Comparison
Understanding the PTE vs IELTS vs TOEFL score comparison is crucial for students planning to study abroad. Each exam follows a different scoring system, and knowing how these scores align helps you select the right test according to your target university’s requirements.
For instance, a TOEFL score between 60 and 78 is roughly equivalent to an IELTS band score of 5.5 or a PTE score between 42 and 49. Many universities, especially in the UK, clearly mention their required English proficiency scores in the admission criteria.
To make things easier, the table below compares PTE, IELTS, and TOEFL scores, helping you understand how they relate to one another and guiding you in choosing the most suitable exam for your study abroad journey.
| IELTS Score | TOEFL Score | PTE Score |
| 5.5 | 60–78 | 42–49 |
| 6.0 | 79–84 | 50–57 |
| 6.5 | 85–90 | 58–64 |
| 7.0 | 94–100 | 65–72 |
| 7.5 | 102–109 | 73–79 |
| 8.0 | 110–114 | 79–83 |
| 8.5 | 115–117 | 84–88 |
| 9.0 | 118–120 | 89–90 |
Remember that you must score above 6 to pass the IELTS exam, between 90-120 to pass the TOEFL exam, and between 70-90 to pass the PTE exam.