Is PTE easier than IELTS? This is very common question among the test takers who are confused after the recent changes in PTE test format. Both IELTS( International Language Testing System) and PTE ( Pearson’s Test of English ) are the world famous English proficiency tests.

People who are applying to Australia and New Zealand mostly consider that PTE is more helping in getting visas for higher education, work or professional registrations. But this is only a myth, both these tests are equally important with their availability of Exam Dates, Test Centers, test structure, quick results and being computer based now. The recent changes occurred in August when PTE introduced some new Speaking exam components like group discussion, this has caused confusion again that, Is PTE easier than IELTS?.

Overview Why Students Compare PTE and IELTS

Global popularity of both tests

Both PTE and IELTS are globally recognized and accepted worldwide. The exam system, test fairness and the quick results make them a more desired choice for authorities, universities and institutes in the whole world. IELTS( International English Language Testing system ) is there for decades, started from paper based with the availability of result in 13 days, PTE used AI based evaluation and quick results in 2-3 days, boosted its importance and made this a valuable choice.

Purpose: Study, work, and migration use

IELTS and PTE are accepted by various universities, colleges, immigration authorities, in English speaking countries like UK, Australia, Canada, USA. PTE-Academic is accepted by Australian and New Zealand authorities for skilled immigration and professional registrations for engineers and doctors. IELTS UKVI and PTE-Academic UKVI version is for UK, Student and work visa routes.

Why 2025 updates make this comparison more important

This is important question, Why 2025 updates has made it important. That is because in March 2025 a major change in IELTS Exam Pattern happened when IELTS Partners decided to vanish the paper based test and replaced it with the IELTS Computer based test. Those who always preferred the paper based IELTS got in deep trouble due to less computer friendly and tech oriented.

Where as PTE was already a computer based test with its AI based evaluation it became more popular who were always shy in speaking in front of other human. but this changed in August 2025 when PTE introduced more updated AI evaluation system with Human interaction involvement for the essay writing questions before the final scoring. This change made mostly thinking, is PTE easier than IELTS?

What Changed in the PTE Test on 7 August 2025

Summary of Pearson’s official 2025 updates

Pearson officially updated the PTE Scoring system and made some updates to task weightage and AI calibration on 7 August 2025. This all happened to make scores more consistent with other English tests like IELTS and TOEFL.

New Task Types and Scoring Adjustments

Reduced task overlap	Tasks like Read Aloud and Repeat Sentence now contribute more evenly to Speaking and Listening.
Revised scoring bands	The AI Scoring system of PTE now focus more on grammar accuracy, pronunciation clarity, and coherence.
Refined listening accuracy	Audio based sections now include adaptive background filtering, reducing unfair difficulty spikes.

The overall test duration of PTE reduced to two hours, but with more balanced timing across sections.
The AI scoring system now uses updated response modeling, making it even less likely for human bias to affect marks, this is the major difference from IELTS.

IELTS in 2025, Now Fully Computer Based

How IELTS computer-delivered works

The IELTS Exam was shifted fully into computer delivered testing ( CD IELTS ), offering faster and quick results (in 3–5 days) with flexible exam dates and test centers across the globe.

Timing, structure, and result release speed

The duration of the test and structure remain the same, only the test is held on computer rather than Paper Based,

Listening 30 Minutes
Reading 60 Minutes
Writing 60 Minutes
Speaking 11-14 Minutes

The availability of the CD IELTS Exam is very easy, and the results are now quicker ever than before in maximum 2-3 days in some cases in 5 days. Speaking exam is now available online with a human and face to face at the test centers.

Differences from paper-based IELTS

There is a huge difference between paper based and computer based IELTS, Paper bases used to have the extra sheets to transfer the answers of listening and reading to them. which some times confused students and wrongly shifted answers listening on the reading one and reading on the listening. It was normally easy for listening with 10 extra minutes, and tough in the reading exam where needed to transfer the answers in the same 60 minutes to the answer sheets.

CD IELTS has helped students get rid of this , and there is no need of transferring answers to any extra sheet. and the typed answers are the final answers.

The computer based test has helped people who are tech savy, and can use the computer in well manner, with good typing speed they have advantage of avoiding bad handwriting.

PTE vs IELTS 2025, Section-by-Section Comparison

Speaking & Writing: Which is simpler now?

Speaking

Speaking Exam used to be easy for PTE before the recent updates which enhanced AI scoring evaluator with more developed tone and understanding the pronunciation, It might be now difficult to score better in PTE speaking with AI, without human bias. PTE speaking has more parts in speaking exam as compare to IELTS.

On the other hand IELTS Speaking is much easier as Human Examiner can ignore the minor mistakes. For few it causes the confidence down while facing the examiner live in front of them. IELTS has introduced also the online face to face speaking exam on the screen via live call. IELTS has simple 3 parts in Speaking IELTS exam.

Writing

PTE Academic Writing (After 7 August 2025 Update)

The PTE Writing section also includes two tasks.
The total time duration is approximately 40 minutes.
All responses are typed on a computer.
You will complete a Summarize Written Text task and write an essay on a given topic.
The responses are scored automatically using AI and algorithm-based evaluation, focusing on grammar, content, structure, and clarity.

IELTS (Computer-based) Writing

The IELTS Writing section consists of two tasks.
The total time duration is 60 minutes.
All answers are typed on a computer.
You are required to write a long form essay and either a report (for Academic) or a letter (for General Training).
The responses are assessed by a human examiner, based on task achievement, coherence, vocabulary, and grammar.

Reading: Time pressure and question difficulty

The reading tasks in PTE are shorter but need more concentration, with Fill in the Blanks and Re-order Paragraphs carrying more weight after the 2025 update.
IELTS reading focuses on comprehension and logic, with academic passages that test vocabulary depth.
IELTS may feel tougher due to longer passages, while PTE challenges fast analytical readers.

Listening: Accent variety and audio challenges

PTE audios use diverse international accents and clear recordings, while IELTS listening still includes regional accents (British, Australian, Canadian), which can be difficult for non-native listeners.
PTE is slightly easier for listening due to clearer AI controlled audio quality.

PTE Scoring vs IELTS Band System (2025 Update)

AI-Based Scoring vs Human Examiners

PTE is marked 100% with AI advanced calibration, The system has enhanced its ability after the 2025 update.

Where as IELTS is Still graded by human examiners for Writing and Speaking.

AI consistency in PTE removes human bias but punishes unnatural pauses or robotic tone. IELTS, meanwhile, allows a bit more human empathy and a bit relaxation in this case.

Updated Equivalency Chart (2025)

IELTS Band	PTE Score (Approx.)	Level Description

9.0

89–90

Expert User

8.0

79–82

Very Good User

7.0

65–72

Good User

6.0

50–58

Competent User

5.0

42–49

Modest User

PTE Score to IELTS Calculator

Which test gives a fairer score?

In 2025, Pearson modified and updated Its AI Scoring system and designed to align more closely with IELTS band levels. Both are equally fair but PTE gives results within 24–48 hours, a huge advantage for time sensitive visa applicants.

Which Test Is Easier for You in 2025?

While considering which English test is easier, Need to keep few things in mind

How confident are you about your self, in using computer typing and how much you are familiar with the computer usage. Because in PTE there are several parts in the exam questions,and you have to answer them. but in IELTS, Reading passage is too long and the screen usage needs more attention and concentration. Specially you must have good Typing speed to write two different tasks.
How confident are you while speaking with the examiner face to face or you are comfortable with machine, while asking you few questions and you speaking in front of the system in the mic. During IELTS Speaking exam you have to face the examiner face to face, it might be online through a video link or it might be in the real exam room. so while deciding it make sure you understand better.
PTE Academic is more popular among Australia for PR and study visas, While Canada refers IELTS in immigration matters, recently PTE core has also recognized by IRCC Canada for the applicants as the proof of English proficiency. UK accepts equally IELTS UKVI and PTE UKVI version for any type of visa applications and admissions in universities.

Both tests are equal as the level of difficulty is just your matter of undertanding, and you are the one who can better answer to the question ”Is PTE easier than IELTS ?”

Is PTE Easier Than IELTS ? What Trainers and Test Takers Say

Feedback from 2025 PTE Candidates

Test takers report that the new PTE test pattern feels slightly tougher in listening module but fairer overall in scoring. Many appreciate shorter, faster test sessions.

IELTS Examiner Perspectives

IELTS trainers highlight that computer-based IELTS has improved accessibility but remains challenging for writing reading under time pressure due to lengthy answers and reading passages.

Trend of Switching from IELTS to PTE

Recently PTE has high trends because in 2025, many students and migrants have shifted to PTE for faster results, transparent scoring, and AI accuracy, especially in Australia and New Zealand.

Final Verdict: Is PTE Easier Than IELTS in 2025?

PTE is generally easier for digital and native test takers who are confident in pronunciation and fast thinking. IELTS remains ideal for those who prefer human interaction and natural communication.

Both tests are equally valid in 2025, the key is choosing the one that fits your personality and test-taking style.

Top 10 Updated FAQs: Is PTE Easier Than IELTS (2025 Edition)

1. Is PTE easier than IELTS after the August 2025 update?

The new PTE update (7 August 2025) made tasks shorter and scoring more balanced. It’s not necessarily easier, but many students find PTE more predictable due to AI scoring, while IELTS can feel tougher because of human evaluation.

2. Which test gives faster results, PTE or IELTS?

PTE results arrive in 24–48 hours, whereas IELTS (computer-based) takes 3–5 days. PTE is faster and ideal for urgent university or visa submissions.

3. Has the new PTE pattern made the test harder?

Not exactly. The 2025 PTE recalibration refined scoring fairness, pronunciation, fluency, and grammar now carry more weight. So, well-prepared candidates may find it even easier to score higher than before.

4. Is PTE speaking easier than IELTS speaking?

Yes, for most test-takers. PTE speaking is recorded and graded by AI, reducing human bias. IELTS speaking is face-to-face, which some find stressful but others prefer for natural interaction.

5. Is IELTS writing more difficult than PTE writing?

Generally yes. IELTS writing requires formal academic tone and human evaluation. PTE writing is typed, AI-marked, and typically easier for those comfortable with structured responses and templates.

6. Which test is better for PR and immigration — PTE or IELTS?

Both are accepted in 2025. PTE Academic is approved for Australia, UK, and universities worldwide, while PTE Core (new) is accepted for Canada PR. IELTS is still valid for all migration purposes globally.

7. Is PTE scoring stricter than IELTS?

After August 2025, PTE scoring became more accurate, not stricter. The AI now detects hesitations and pronunciation clarity better, but scores remain fair and closely aligned with IELTS band levels.

8. Which is better for non-native speakers PTE or IELTS?

Non-native speakers often find PTE easier due to its clear audio, computer interface, and automated marking. IELTS, however, allows more flexibility in expressing ideas naturally.

9. Can I prepare for both IELTS and PTE together?

Yes. The reading and writing skills overlap, and many institutions offer combined IELTS–PTE training. Focus on fluency and typing speed for PTE, and academic writing and communication for IELTS.

10. Which test is easier to score 7 bands (or equivalent) in 2025?

It’s generally easier to reach IELTS Band 7 equivalent (PTE 65–72) in PTE due to AI precision and reduced task complexity. But success still depends on consistent preparation and understanding of task patterns.

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