Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE)
If you’re considering taking an English proficiency test, the PTE exam is one of the options you should consider. PTE Academic is one of the most widely used English proficiency tests to study abroad.
What is the PTE exam?
The PTE is a computer-based English proficiency test that assesses your ability to use and understand the English language in an academic context. In general, the PTE full form is the Pearson Test of English. It is widely recognized and accepted by universities, colleges, and organizations around the world.
The PTE exam is administered by Pearson, a leading global education company known for its commitment to high-quality assessment services.
PTE Exam Pattern
The PTE exam is divided into Three main sections: Speaking & Writing, Listening, and Reading. Each section evaluates specific language skills, and the overall test duration is approximately two hours.
- Speaking & Writing
In the PTE test, the Speaking & Writing section typically takes around 54-67 minutes to complete. During the speaking section, test-takers will face a variety of tasks, including reading aloud, repeating sentences, describing images, and answering questions based on short audio clips. The Speaking section aims to evaluate a candidate’s oral communication skills, pronunciation, fluency, and ability to convey information effectively.
In the writing section, candidates will be required to write essays and summarize written texts. They may encounter tasks like summarizing written passages, writing essays on given topics, and responding to prompts. The Writing section assesses the test-taker’s written communication skills, including grammar, vocabulary, and coherence in writing.
- Listening
The Listening section of the PTE test spans approximately 30-43 minutes. During this section, test-takers will be presented with various audio clips and tasks designed to assess their listening comprehension skills. These tasks may include listening to conversations, lectures, and spoken announcements and then answering questions based on what they have heard. The Listening section evaluates a candidate’s ability to understand spoken English which is used in the university environment, including details, main ideas, and specific information, while also testing their capacity to follow spoken instructions accurately.
- Reading
The Reading section of the PTE test is allotted approximately 29-30 minutes. During this time, test-takers will encounter a variety of reading tasks designed to evaluate their reading comprehension skills.
These tasks may involve reading and responding to different types of texts, such as academic articles, news articles, or essays. Test-takers will need to answer questions that assess their ability to understand the main ideas, details, inferences, and vocabulary within the provided texts. The Reading section aims to gauge a candidate’s proficiency in comprehending written English in an academic context.
Time Allocation for Each Section
- Speaking & Writing: 54-67 minutes
- Listening: 30-43 minutes
- Reading: 29-30 minutes
Question Type for Each Section
| Skills | Question Type |
| Speaking and Writing | 1. Personal Introduction 2. Read Aloud 3. Repeat Sentence 4. Describe Image 5. Re-tell Lecture 6. Answer Short Question 7. Summarize Written Text 8. Essay |
| Listening | 1. Summarize Spoken Text 2. Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers 3. Fill in the Blanks 4. Highlight Correct Summary 5. Multiple Choice, Single Answer 6. Select Missing Word 7. Highlight Incorrect Words 8. Write from Dictation |
| Reading | 1. Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks 2. Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer 3. Re-order Paragraphs 4. Fill in the Blanks 5. Multiple Choice, Single Answer |
Importance of scoring well in PTE
Scoring well in the PTE exam holds significant importance for individuals aspiring to study abroad, and seek admission opportunities in English-speaking universities. A high PTE score not only enhances one’s chances of admission to prestigious universities and colleges. Therefore, achieving a strong score in the PTE exam can open doors to a wide range of academic opportunities.
PTE Score Chart
| PTE Band Score | PTE Band Score Description |
| Above 85 | At this level, test-takers can understand complex texts easily, summarize information effectively, and express themselves fluently with precision even in challenging situations. |
| 76-84 | Test-takers in this range can understand demanding texts, express themselves fluently, and produce clear, detailed content on complex subjects for various purposes. |
| 59-75 | At this level, individuals can grasp the main ideas of complex texts, interact fluently in conversations, and produce clear, detailed written content on a wide range of topics. |
| 51-58 | Test-takers with scores in this range have a sufficient command of the language to deal with familiar situations but may require repetition and make occasional mistakes. |
| 43-50 | Individuals in this range can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters and produce simple connected text on familiar topics. |
| 30-42 | At this level, test-takers can understand basic sentences and expressions related to immediate needs and communicate effectively in simple, routine tasks. |
| 10-29 | Test-takers in this range can use basic everyday expressions, introduce themselves, and interact positively with help and slower speech from others. |
PTE Exam Fee
The PTE Exam fee in India is ₹15,900, which includes taxes. If you wish to schedule the PTE exam and take it within 48 hours, there will be an additional 5% late fee, making it approximately ₹16,695. If you decide to retake the exam, you’ll need to pay the full booking amount.
Regarding cancellations, test-takers can receive a full refund of the PTE fees if they cancel their test booking at least 14 calendar days before the scheduled PTE exam date. If the cancellation occurs between the 13th and 8th full calendar days before the exam, a partial refund of 50% of the PTE exam fees is provided. Any cancellation beyond that timeframe results in forfeiture of the booking fee.
PTE Exam Center Location
| Location | Exam Center Address |
| Chennai | 6th Floor, Nelson Chambers E Block, 115, Nelson Manickam Rd, Rajaram Mehta Nagar, Aminjikarai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600029 |
| Bangalore | Pride Hulkul, ground floor, 004b, Lal Bagh Main Rd, Sudhama Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560027 Unit 101, ground floor, Prestige Atrium, Central St, Shivaji Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001 002/3, A, Wing Mittal Towers, Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Yellappa Chetty Layout, Sivanchetti Gardens, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the PTE exam accepted worldwide?
Yes, the PTE exam is widely recognized and accepted by universities, colleges, and organizations globally.
How can I register for the PTE exam?
You can register for the PTE exam on the official Pearson website.
What is the passing score for the PTE exam?
There is no specific passing score for the PTE exam. The score requirements vary depending on the institution or organization you are applying to.
Which forms of identification are recognized at PTE academic test centres?
A valid passport is the accepted form of ID, while Aadhar cards and other alternative identification documents are not permissible.
Why Maven:
- Unlimited doubt-clearing sessions
- Personalized and regular performance assessment
- Structured learning mechanism for a better score
- Tailor-made, individual tutoring for subject-based tests.
- Customized one-on-one training sessions for students seeking individual attention.
- Comprehensive Study plan custom-made to suit your needs.