PTE Exam 2026: Dates, Fees, New Pattern & Registration Guide

Introduction

For Indian students and professionals aiming for Australia, the UK, or Canada, the PTE (Pearson Test of English) has become the preferred alternative to IELTS. Why? Because it uses AI Scoring—meaning no human bias, faster results (often within 48 hours), and a format that many find easier to crack.

However, the PTE Exam 2026 landscape has evolved. With the introduction of the new "PTE Core" for Canada and subtle changes to the speaking section, navigating the test requires updated strategies.

Whether you are a student targeting the UK Student Visa or a professional aiming for Canada PR, choosing the right PTE version is critical. In this complete guide, we decode the PTE Exam 2026, covering the updated fee structure, the new question types, and how to score a perfect 90.

Highlights: PTE Exam 2026 Snapshot

Feature	Details
Exam Name	Pearson Test of English (PTE)
Test Types	PTE Academic (Study) & PTE Core (Migration)
Duration	Approx. 2 Hours 15 Minutes
PTE Exam Fee 2026	₹18,000 (Inclusive of Taxes)
Scoring	10 – 90 (AI Scored)
Results Time	Typically within 48 hours
Validity	2 Years (3 Years for Australia PR)

1. PTE Exam 2026 Fees in India

As of the 2026 cycle, Pearson has standardized the fees for Indian test-takers.

• PTE Academic Fee: ₹18,000

• PTE Core Fee: ₹18,000

• PTE UKVI Fee: ₹18,000

• Rescheduling Fee:

  • 14+ days before test: Free.

  • 7-14 days before test: 50% of fee.

  • Less than 7 days: No Refund.

Tip: Always book your slot at least 20 days in advance. Late bookings do not incur extra fees, but slots in major cities like Mumbai and Delhi sell out fast.

2. PTE Exam Pattern 2026: What’s New?

The PTE Exam 2026 remains a computer-based test divided into three main parts. However, recent updates have introduced new task types to test "real-world" communication.

Part 1: Speaking & Writing (Approx. 54–67 Minutes)

• Core Tasks: Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence, Describe Image.

• New Tasks:

  • Respond to a Situation: You listen to a everyday scenario and give a spoken response.

  • Summarize Group Discussion: Listen to three people discussing a topic and summarize their points.

• Writing: Essay Writing (20 mins) + Summarize Written Text.

Part 2: Reading (Approx. 30 Minutes)

• Tasks: Fill in the Blanks (Reading & Writing), Multiple Choice, Re-order Paragraphs.

• The Challenge: This section tests your collocation and grammar skills heavily.

Part 3: Listening (Approx. 30–43 Minutes)

• Tasks: Summarize Spoken Text, Highlight Incorrect Words, Write from Dictation.

• The Goldmine: "Write from Dictation" is the highest-scoring task in the entire exam.

3. The Big Confusion: PTE Academic vs. PTE Core

This is the most critical section for 2026 applicants. Choosing the wrong test will lead to Visa Rejection.

Feature	PTE Academic	PTE Core
Purpose	Study Visas (University Admission)	Work/Migration (PR & Citizenship)
Accepted By	UK, Australia, NZ, USA, Canada (SDS)	Canada (PR/Express Entry)
Content	Academic lectures, graphs, essays	Everyday emails, notices, workplace chats
Key Difference	Requires writing an Essay	Requires writing an Email

Verdict:

• Going to Canada for Masters/Diploma? Take PTE Academic.

• Going to Canada for PR (Express Entry)? Take PTE Core.

4. PTE Registration Process (Step-by-Step)

1. Create Account: Visit the official Pearson PTE website.

2. Profile: Fill in details exactly as per your Passport.

3. Select Test: Choose "PTE Academic" or "PTE Core" carefully.

4. Center & Date: Select a specialized Pearson Professional Center (recommended for better headsets).

5. Payment: Pay the ₹18,000 fee via Credit/Debit card.

5. Score Validity and Requirements 2026

• Australia:

  • Study Visa: Overall 42-50.

  • PR (Subclass 189/190): Need "Superior English" (79+ in each section) for 20 points.

  • Update: Australia now requires higher scores (minimum 47 for student visas).

• United Kingdom:

  • Student Visa: Overall 59 (Degree level).

  • Universities: Top Russell Group unis often ask for 65-70.

• Canada (SDS Study Visa):

  • Requires Overall 60 in PTE Academic.

6. Why Choose PTE Exam 2026 over IELTS?

1. AI Scoring: No human mood swings. If you speak clearly and fluently, the computer gives you marks.

2. Speed: Results come in 2 days (vs 13 days for IELTS paper).

3. Writing Hack: In PTE, you can use "Templates" for the Essay and Summarize Text tasks. The AI looks for structure and keywords, not creativity.

FAQs regarding PTE Exam 2026

1. Is the PTE Exam 2026 fee refundable?

If you cancel 14 days before the test, you get a full refund. Inside 14 days, you lose 50% or 100% of the fee.

2. Can I use PTE Core for a Student Visa?

No. PTE Core is strictly for migration (PR) and work visas in Canada. For Study Visas (SDS category), you must take PTE Academic.

3. What is a "Good Score" in PTE?

• 50-58: Average (Competent).

• 65+: Good (Proficient - equivalent to IELTS 7.0).

• 79+: Excellent (Superior - equivalent to IELTS 8.0).

4. Are calculators allowed in PTE?

No. There is no math section, so calculators are not needed or allowed.

5. How many times can I take the PTE Exam 2026?

Unlimited times. You can book your next test as soon as 5 days after your previous attempt.

Conclusion

The PTE Exam 2026 is the smartest route for students who struggle with the ambiguity of IELTS. With its fixed patterns and AI scoring, it is "hackable"—provided you prepare correctly.

Focus on Oral Fluency (for Speaking) and Spelling (for Writing/Listening). These two skills alone contribute to 50% of your score.