PTE Exam 2026: Full Form, Fees, Dates, Eligibility & Exam Pattern

Conducted by Pearson Language Tests, the PTE evaluates four core skills: Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening. The PTE Academic test (Pearson Test of English) uses advanced AI scoring to ensure every candidate receives an unbiased result based strictly on their language performance.

Key Benefits of PTE Exam in 2026

The PTE exam plays a vital role in university admissions and visa approvals in countries like the UK, Australia, Canada, and the USA. It serves as proof of English proficiency, helping students and professionals meet language requirements.

• Fast Results: Most students receive their score report within 48 hours (2 business days).
• Flexible Testing: With tests conducted year-round in centers across India, you can book slots conveniently based on your deadlines.
• Unlimited Reporting: You can send your scores to as many universities as you like through your myPTE account at no extra cost.
• Integrated Scoring: Tasks often test multiple skills at once (e.g., Read Aloud tests both Reading and Speaking), reflecting real-life communication.

The top PTE accepted countries include Canada, Australia, the USA, the UK, and New Zealand. These countries recognise PTE Academic scores as proof of English proficiency for university admissions and visa applications. PTE is widely accepted by top institutions in these regions.
 

Here’s a list of countries that accept PTE (Pearson Test of English) scores for higher studies:
 

• PTE score for Australia
• PTE score for UK
• PTE score for Canada
• PTE score for New Zealand
• PTE score for Ireland
• PTE score for Germany
• PTE score for Singapore
• PTE score for USA

The eligibility for the PTE exam is straightforward to ensure it is accessible to all aspirants.

• Minimum Age: You must be at least 16 years old to register for the test. There is no upper age limit.
• Parental Consent: If you are between 16 and 18 years of age, you must provide a signed parental consent form from a parent or legal guardian before booking your test slot.
• Education: Pearson PLC Group, the conducting body, has no specific mandatory educational requirements. While a degree is not needed, it is generally recommended that candidates have completed secondary education to handle the academic nature of the test.
• Identity Document: For Indian applicants, a valid, original physical Passport is the only accepted identification for test-day entry. Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, or digital IDs are not accepted for registration or at the test center.

The exam lasts approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes and consists of three main sections. Recent updates have introduced tasks that prioritize authentic communication.

PTE Exam Duration & Structure

The exam is fully automated and consists of 22 different question types. It is divided into the following sections, each with a specific time allocation:

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

This section evaluates your ability to produce English in an academic setting.

Core Tasks:

• Read Aloud: Read a text (up to 60 words) aloud.
• Repeat Sentence: Listen to an audio (3–9s) and repeat it exactly.
• Describe Image: Study an image for 25s and describe it in 40s.
• Re-tell Lecture: Listen to a 60–90-minute lecture and summarize it.
• Answer Short Question: Give a one or a few-word answer to a spoken question.
• Summarize Written Text: Write a one-sentence summary (up to 75 words) of a 300-word text in 10 minutes.
• Write Essay: Write a 200–300-word argumentative essay in 20 minutes.

New 2026 Tasks:

• Respond to a Situation: Listen to and read a real-world scenario, then provide a 40-second spoken response.
• Summarize Group Discussion: Listen to a 2-3 minute conversation between three speakers and provide a spoken summary of the key points.

Part 2: Reading (29-30 Minutes)

This section assesses your ability to interpret and analyze academic texts through several question formats.

Tasks:

• Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks: Read a 300-word text and select the most appropriate words from a dropdown menu.
• Multiple Choice (Multiple Answers): Read a text and select all correct responses.
• Re-order Paragraphs: Arrange jumbled text boxes (about 150 words) into the original logical order.
• Reading: Fill in the Blanks: Drag and drop words into the correct gaps in an 80-word text.
• Multiple Choice (Single Answer): Read a text and choose the one correct response.

Part 3: Listening (30-43 Minutes)

Focuses on processing spoken English from various audio or video clips. The audio plays automatically and can only be heard once.

Tasks:

• Summarize Spoken Text: Listen to a recording and write a 50–70-word summary in 10 minutes.
• Multiple Choice (Multiple Answers): Listen to a 40s–90s audio and select all correct responses.
• Fill in the Blanks: Type the missing words into a transcript as you listen to a recording.
• Highlight Correct Summary: Select the text summary that best matches the audio clip.
• Multiple Choice (Single Answer): Select the one correct answer after listening to a recording.
• Select Missing Word: Predict the final word or phrase of an audio clip.
• Highlight Incorrect Words: Find and click on words in a transcript that differ from what is spoken.
• Write from Dictation: Listen to a short sentence and type it exactly.

The cost of the PTE exam has been updated. The fee is standardized across major Indian cities, though additional charges may apply for last-minute bookings.

Note: The fee is a combination of the base cost and mandatory GST.

PTE vs. PTE Core: Which One to Choose?

• PTE Academic: For those pursuing Higher Education (Undergraduate/Postgraduate) or Professional Registration globally.
• PTE Core: Specifically for Canadian Permanent Residency (PR). It focuses on everyday English rather than academic language.

PTE scores are measured on a scale of 10 to 90.

• Integrated Scoring: Certain tasks contribute points to two sections at once (e.g., Repeat Sentence contributes to both Speaking and Listening).
• Hybrid Scoring: While AI handles fluency and pronunciation, human experts now cross-check the content quality of open-ended tasks like the Essay to ensure accuracy.

PTE to IELTS Conversion

The PTE Academic exam registration is a fully digital process that can be completed through the official Pearson website. For Indian candidates, it is essential to have a valid physical passport, as it is the only accepted identification for test-day entry.

Step-by-Step Guide to Registering for the PTE Exam

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to PTE Website and click on "Book a Test".
2. Create or Log In to MyPTE: Sign up for a free myPTE account. Ensure your legal name and date of birth match your passport exactly.
3. Find Your Test: Use the test finder by selecting your destination country and goal (e.g., study abroad or immigration). This will recommend the appropriate test, such as PTE Academic or PTE Core.
4. Pick a Date & Location: Search for a test center near you. PTE exams are available almost every day in India across 62 test centers, with time slots typically ranging from 8:00 AM to 7:15 PM.
5. Complete Booking Questions: Answer mandatory profile questions regarding your primary language, target destination, and the level of study you are pursuing.
6. Review and Pay: Read the admission and cancellation policies carefully. Review your appointment details and complete the payment to receive a confirmation email and an acknowledgement receipt.

The PTE is conducted almost every day of the year in over 62 test centers across major Indian cities.

How to Book a Slot

1. Log in: Access the myPTE portal.
2. Search: Enter your city (e.g., Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru) to view available centers.
3. Choose: Select a center and a suitable time slot.
4. Confirm: Pay the fee to receive a confirmation email with your test details.

Strategic Tips

• Proximity: Choose a center close to your residence to avoid travel stress.
• Equipment: Popular centers (like Pearson Professional Centers) often have high-quality noise-canceling headsets.
• Advance Booking: It is recommended to book your slot at least 2–3 weeks in advance, especially for weekend dates.

A structured preparation plan and the right resources can improve your performance in the PTE exam.

Achieving a high score requires familiarity with the computer interface and AI triggers.

• PTE Mock Test: Taking a full PTE practice test every week is the best way to build stamina for the 2-hour session.
• PTE Academic Practice Test: Use official materials or PTE preparation books to see where you might lose marks in pronunciation or oral fluency.
• Mock Test Online: Platforms like Apeuni PTE or Leap Scholar offer real-time AI feedback, which is essential for refining your response quality.

Regular practice and strategic PTE exam preparation can boost confidence and help achieve a high PTE score.

Success in the PTE Exam for 2026 relies on mastering the new question types and understanding the AI scoring logic. By moving away from rigid templates and focusing on natural fluency through regular practice, Indian students can achieve the scores needed for their international goals.

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