PTE Exam 2026: Full Guide to Eligibility, Pattern, Fee & Scoring

Introduction

If you are planning to study or settle abroad in 2026, you have likely heard a rumor: "PTE is easier than IELTS."

Is it true? For many Indian students, the answer is Yes.

The PTE (Pearson Test of English) has exploded in popularity because it removes the biggest variable in testing: The Human Examiner. There is no tired interviewer judging your speaking skills. Instead, a sophisticated AI (Artificial Intelligence) scores you based on objective data.

This means if you speak fluently and spell correctly, you get the marks. No bias, no bad days.

However, the 2026 landscape is tricky. With the launch of PTE Core for Canada PR and stricter visa rules in Australia, choosing the right test is vital.

In this beginner's guide, we cover everything about the PTE Exam 2026—from the exam pattern and fees to the "Tips" that help thousands of students score a perfect 90.

Highlights: PTE Exam 2026 at a Glance

Feature	Details
Full Name	Pearson Test of English
Test Modes	PTE Academic (Study) & PTE Core (Migration)
Duration	2 Hours 15 Minutes (Approx.)
Fee (India)	₹18,000 (Inclusive of Taxes)
Scoring	10 – 90 (AI Scored)
Result Time	Ultra-Fast (Typically 24-48 Hours)
Accepted By	UK, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada

1. Which PTE Should You Take in 2026?

This is where 50% of students make a mistake. There are now multiple versions.

A. PTE Academic (The "Student" Test)

• Purpose: For Study Visas (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD).

• Content: Focuses on university-level English (Lectures, Essays).

• Accepted By: 3,000+ universities worldwide (including Harvard and Yale) and for UK/Australian study visas.

B. PTE Core (The "PR" Test)

• Purpose: Specifically for Canada Permanent Residency (PR) and Work Permits.

• Content: Focuses on "Real Life" English (Emails, workplace chats).

• Warning: You cannot use PTE Core for University Admission.

C. PTE UKVI

• Purpose: For UK Visas where a "SELT" (Secure English Language Test) is mandatory (usually below-degree level courses).

• Content: Identical to PTE Academic but with a specific reference number for the visa application.

2. PTE Exam Pattern 2026 (Computer-Based)

The test is taken in a single 2-hour session. You sit at a computer with a headset.

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

This is the longest section.

• Personal Introduction: Unscored (don't stress).

• Read Aloud: You read a text on screen. (Tests Reading & Speaking).

• Repeat Sentence: You hear a sentence and say it back.

• Describe Image: Look at a graph/chart and explain it.

• Essay: Write a 200-300 word essay in 20 minutes.

Part 2: Reading (29–30 Minutes)

• Fill in the Blanks: The most important task. You drag and drop words into gaps.

• Multiple Choice: Standard reading comprehension.

Part 3: Listening (30–43 Minutes)

• Summarize Spoken Text: Listen to a lecture and write a summary.

• Write from Dictation: The "King" of PTE. You hear a sentence and must type it exactly. This task contributes heavily to both Listening and Writing scores.

3. PTE Scoring System: The "Integrated" Advantage

Unlike IELTS, where Speaking marks only count for Speaking, PTE is Integrated.

• Example: In "Read Aloud," you are speaking words. So, you get marks for Speaking AND Reading.

• Example: In "Write from Dictation," you listen and write. You get marks for Listening AND Writing.

Why this helps: If you are weak in one skill (e.g., Reading), being strong in another (Speaking) can actually boost your Reading score!

Score Comparison Table:

• PTE 79+ = IELTS 8.0 (Superior)

• PTE 65+ = IELTS 7.0 (Proficient)

• PTE 58+ = IELTS 6.5 (Competent)

4. PTE Exam Fee & Booking in India

• Standard Fee: ₹18,000.

• Booking Method: Online via pearsonpte.com.

• Passport: Mandatory for Indian students.

• Attempts: You can take it as many times as you want. You can book a new test 5 days after your previous one.

5. Why is PTE Popular for Australia & UK?

Australia:

• PTE is the favorite for Australian PR aspirants. Getting a 79+ (Superior English) gives you 20 Points for PR. Many students find it much easier to score 79 in PTE than 8.0 in IELTS.

United Kingdom:

• PTE results come out in 2 days (sometimes 2 hours!). If you have a tight deadline for your CAS letter, PTE is a lifesaver compared to the 13-day wait for IELTS.

FAQs regarding PTE Exam 2026

1. Is PTE accepted for USA Student Visa?

Yes. Thousands of US universities (including Stanford, Harvard, and Wharton) accept PTE. However, some very traditional universities might still prefer TOEFL. Always check the university website.

You can't "fool" it, but you can "optimize" for it. The AI likes clear pronunciation (not fake accents), oral fluency (no hesitation), and correct spelling. Using templates for essays works very well because the AI looks for structure.

3. Is PTE harder than IELTS?

Most students find the Writing section easier in PTE (AI scoring is lenient on creativity) but the Speaking section harder in PTE (requires fast processing and speaking into a mic with others talking around you).

4. What if the computer crashes during the exam?

Pearson centers are equipped with backups. If a major failure occurs, they usually reschedule your exam for free.

5. How long is the score valid?

For study purposes: 2 Years. For Australian migration purposes: 3 Years.

Conclusion

The PTE Exam 2026 is the modern, fast, and objective way to prove your English skills.

If you are comfortable with computers, have good typing speed, and prefer a test that rewards logic and fluency over creative writing, PTE is likely your best bet for a high score.