How long is IELTS score valid?

IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL scores are all valid for 2 years from the test date. After expiry, you need to retake the exam. Plan your test date strategically - take the exam within 2 years of your planned immigration or admission application.

Can I take IELTS online from home?

IELTS now offers an online version called IELTS Online for Academic tests only. However, IELTS General (for immigration) must still be taken at a test centre. PTE is fully computer-based at centres. TOEFL Home Edition is available for studies.

IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL: Full Comparison

Q: Which is cheaper - IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL?

IELTS costs approximately INR 16,250, PTE costs around INR 15,900, and TOEFL costs approximately INR 16,900 in India. Prices are similar across all three exams. However, PTE allows unlimited score reports to be sent for free.

Kerala students planning to study or migrate abroad often struggle to choose between IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL. Each exam has different formats, scoring systems, and acceptance criteria. This comprehensive guide helps you make the right choice based on your specific needs.

Quick Comparison Table

Factor	IELTS	PTE Academic	TOEFL iBT
Test Format	Paper/Computer + Face-to-face Speaking	Fully Computer-based	Fully Computer-based
Duration	2 hrs 45 min	2 hours	3 hours
Scoring	0-9 Bands (0.5 increments)	10-90 points	0-120 points
Speaking Test	Face-to-face with examiner	AI-evaluated (computer)	Recorded (computer)
Results Time	13 days (paper) / 3-5 days (computer)	1-2 days	4-8 days
Test Fee (India)	INR 16,250	INR 15,900	INR 16,900
Validity	2 years	2 years	2 years
Canada PR	Accepted (Primary choice)	NOT accepted	Limited (study only)
Australia PR	Accepted	Accepted (popular)	Accepted
UK Visa	Accepted (UKVI IELTS)	Limited	Not accepted
USA Universities	Accepted	Accepted	Preferred
Retake Policy	Anytime (book new date)	Anytime (flexible)	Anytime (3-day gap)
Score Sending	5 free + paid extra	Unlimited free	4 free + paid extra

Score Equivalency Table

IELTS Band	PTE Score	TOEFL Score	CEFR Level
9.0	86-90	118-120	C2
8.0-8.5	79-85	110-117	C1
7.0-7.5	65-78	94-109	B2+
6.5	58-64	79-93	B2
6.0	50-57	60-78	B1+
5.5	42-49	46-59	B1
5.0	36-41	35-45	B1

Which Exam is Easiest?

IELTS is Easier If You:

Prefer speaking to a real person (face-to-face interview)
Are nervous about computer-only tests
Have strong handwriting skills (paper-based option)
Want the most universally accepted score worldwide

PTE is Easier If You:

Are comfortable with computers and typing fast
Get nervous speaking to examiners face-to-face
Want faster results (1-2 days)
Prefer objective AI scoring (no human bias)
Are targeting Australia immigration specifically

TOEFL is Easier If You:

Are applying to US/Canadian universities specifically
Have strong academic English reading skills
Prefer integrated tasks (reading + listening + writing combined)
Are comfortable with American English accent

Which Exam for Which Country?

Destination	Recommended Exam	Why
Canada PR	IELTS General	Only accepted exam for Express Entry & PNP
Australia PR	PTE Academic	Faster results, widely accepted, popular choice
UK Visa/Study	IELTS (UKVI)	Only UKVI IELTS accepted for all UK visas
USA Universities	TOEFL iBT	Preferred by most US universities historically
New Zealand	IELTS / PTE	Both equally accepted
Germany (English programs)	IELTS / TOEFL	Both accepted for English-taught programs
Nursing (OET alternative)	IELTS Academic 7.0	Accepted by nursing boards worldwide

Preparation Time Needed

At Aime Institute, here's the typical preparation timeline based on your current English level:

Current Level	Target Score	Preparation Time
Good English (B2)	Band 7+ / PTE 65+	4 weeks intensive
Average English (B1)	Band 6.5 / PTE 58+	6 weeks regular
Below Average (A2-B1)	Band 6.0 / PTE 50+	8 weeks intensive
Weak English (A2)	Band 5.5 / PTE 42+	10-12 weeks

Our Recommendation for Kerala Students

For Canada immigration: Take IELTS General Training - it's the only accepted exam for Express Entry PR.

For Australia: PTE Academic is faster and equally accepted. Great if you're comfortable with computers.

For UK: IELTS UKVI is mandatory - no alternative accepted for UK immigration.

For USA studies: TOEFL iBT is still preferred by most American universities.

Not sure? Take IELTS - it has the widest acceptance globally and is recognized by 11,000+ organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is easier - IELTS or PTE?

PTE is generally considered easier for students comfortable with computers, as it uses AI scoring which tends to be more consistent. IELTS is better if you prefer face-to-face speaking tests. PTE gives faster results (1-2 days vs 13 days for IELTS paper-based).

Which exam is accepted for Canada PR?

For Canada PR (Express Entry), IELTS General Training is the primary accepted exam. PTE is NOT accepted for Canada immigration. TOEFL works for some study permits but not for PR applications. Always choose IELTS for Canada.

Which is cheaper - IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL?

All three cost approximately INR 15,900-16,900 in India. PTE is slightly cheaper at INR 15,900 and offers unlimited free score reports. However, coaching costs should also be considered - IELTS coaching is more widely available.

Can I take the test from home?

IELTS Online is available for Academic only (not General/immigration). TOEFL Home Edition allows home testing for studies. PTE must be taken at a test centre. For immigration purposes, all exams require centre-based testing.

How many times can I retake these exams?

All three exams allow unlimited retakes. IELTS and PTE can be rebooked immediately. TOEFL requires a 3-day gap between attempts. At Aime Institute, most students achieve their target score within 1-2 attempts with proper preparation.

Get Expert IELTS / PTE / TOEFL Coaching

Aime Institute offers dedicated coaching for all three exams. Take a free mock test to assess your current level and get a personalized study plan.

Book Free Mock Test →

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IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL — Format, Scoring & Fees Comparison Table