PTE Academic Exam 2025-26: Everything You Need to Know Before You Apply

Key Takeaways 

• Understand the PTE Academic exam format and AI-driven scoring system for 2025-26. 

• Learn the straightforward online PTE registration and current exam costs. 

• Discover expert study strategies and minimum university score requirements. 

• Compare PTE Academic with IELTS and TOEFL to choose the best fit. 

PTE Academic Exam is a computer-based English test developed by Pearson that accurately measures your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. If you are a student preparing to take the PTE Academic Test in 2025–26, it’s important that you know about the new test pattern, scoring criteria, registration process, fees, and how to prepare to score well on the test for universities. This guide is all you need to know prior to applying and is a from-the-source companion and how-to reference for students wanting to join Elite Expertise’s target -driven preparation courses. 

What Is the PTE Academic Exam, and Who Conducts It? 

Pearson Test of English (PTE), developed by a leading Australian company, is a computer-based English language test aimed at non-native speakers wanting to study or work abroad. This is the only English assessment that is valid for Speaking, writing, reading and Listening punctuation. It is an integrated task where you will have to prove yourself with your english skills, doing so in four different ways, which will give you results in no longer than 48 hours. The test is taken by more than 10,000 higher education programs and institutions in the World for academic admissions. 

Who Is Eligible for the PTE Academic Exam in 2025? 

There are no specific eligibility criteria in terms of age and qualification for the PTE Academic exam. It is accessible to everyone who needs to demonstrate their English-language skills for work, immigration and study. The tests are computer-based, so candidates will need to have basic computer skills as they will be performing tasks based on audio and video. 

What Is the Format of the PTE Academic Exam? 

It runs for around 2 hours and 15 minutes and is made up of parts: 

Section	Duration	Question Types Example
Speaking and Writing	54 to 67 minutes	Read aloud, repeat sentences, essay writing, summarizing spoken text, new tasks like summarize group discussion and respond to a situation
Reading	29 to 30 minutes	Multiple choice, reorder paragraphs, fill in the blanks (dropdown and drag and drop)
Listening	30 to 43 minutes	Summarize spoken text, highlight correct summary, select missing words, write from dictation

There are around 20-22 question types that focus on practical language abilities for academic studies and everyday use. 

How Is the PTE Academic Exam Scored by Pearson AI? 

Pearson employs an AI-based automated scoring technology that is impartial and reliable. The test is scored between 10-90 for each section and an overall score. Tasks are marked as: 

• Right or Wrong with +3 for a right answer and -1 for a wrong one. 

• Partial credit where appropriate, for fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary and relevance to content. 

• It’s a level scoring field and messages are typically returned within 48 hours. 

This scoring method ensures fairness and quick results, usually within 48 hours. 

How to Register Online for the PTE Academic Exam? 

The PTE application is completely online, and very intuitive. Steps include: 

1. Registering on PTE official website to create Pearson account. 

1. Choosing the test format (PTE Academic). 

1. Select your preferred test centre or PTE Home Edition. 

1. Choose from a variety of test dates based on what works best for you. 

1. Make a secure online payment using your debit/credit card or e-wallet. 

1. Receive your verified email and sign-in details to test on test day. 

1. On test day, be sure to have valid identification with you at the test center. 

Make sure to have an accepted form of ID on test day. 

How Much Does the PTE Academic Exam Cost in 2025? 

Exam fees vary by country but typically are around: 

Country	Exam Fee (Approximate)
India	₹18,000 (includes taxes)
USA	USD 230
Australia	AUD 375 (varies by location)

Check the official Pearson website for updated fees and payment methods. 

How Often Can You Retake the PTE Academic Exam? 

The PTE retake policy has been updated in the new system, and now you can take he test for 12 times within a 12 months rolling period. You must wait for an official score report before you can schedule a retest, and only one may be scheduled at any given time. Preparation without study is highly discouraged; a targeted improvement plan should be followed. 

How to Prepare Effectively for the PTE Academic Exam? 

Effective preparation includes: 

• Familiarise yourself with the format and types of questions on the test. 

• Language is used interactively: writing, speaking, reading, and listening. 

• Solving as many mock tests for confidence and time management. 

• Preparing with the right resources from a preparation service like Elite Expertise, which provides personalised courses, AI mock scoring and feedback. 

• Give priority to high weight tasks like essay writing, summarizing spoken and written text. 

What Are the Minimum Scores Required by Universities? 

The minimum score requirements differ depending on the university and course; however, typically: 

• Total score needed: 58-65 or more. 

• Most single sections have minimum expectations of at least 50-60 for competitive programmes. 

• You should always verify the specific requirements from your chosen university on its website. 

How Does PTE Academic Compare to IELTS and TOEFL? 

Here’s a quick comparison: 

Feature	PTE Academic	IELTS	TOEFL iBT
Test Duration	~2 hours 15 minutes	~2 hours 45 minutes	~1 hour 50 minutes
Format	Fully computer-based	Paper- or computer-based	Internet-based
Sections	Speaking and Writing combined, Reading, Listening	Listening, Reading, writing, and speaking separately	Reading, Listening, speaking, and writing separately
Scoring Range	10-90	0-9	0-120
Result Time	Typically, 48 hours	13 days	6-10 days
Recognition	accepted globally	Most widely accepted	Mainly US, some European institutions

PTE Academic stands out for fast results and fully computer-based convenience. 

How Elite Expertise Supports Your PTE Journey 

Elite Expertise offers students personalised PTE ACADEMIC preparation courses based on trainers’ insight in a broad range of academic study contexts. They offer: 

• Comprehensive materials covering all sections. 

• Artificial Intelligence scored mock tests, giving you the best simulation against all possible factors trying to reduce your score. 

• Coaching strategies tailored for problem areas. 

• Part time schedule to accommodate working students. 

Elite Expertise is committed to helping you meet your targets in an effective and timely manner. 

Conclusion 

The PTE Academic in 2025 remains a contemporary, effective English proficiency test which can assess actual communication skills that are integrated across speaking, writing, reading and listening. While its scoring system is still AI-powered and based on modern best practices, the new version of Eiken now features two additional speaking tasks to keep pace with technological advances, but it also retains its speed. Candidates can expect scores within 14 days via post or web-based posting. The simple procedure of online registration and the option to reappear multiple times make it convenient for various aspirants. The PTEAcademic Test is an essential step on your path to obtaining the maximum points for immigration or student visa purposes. Knowing exactly what to expect, how the test is scored and what are the minimum university requirements will be key for preparation. With fast results and no paper-based testing, it is a great choice among alternatives like IELTS and TOEFL for students who wish to pursue education or professional opportunities around the world.