PTE Academic 2023: Exam Dates, Registration, Fees, Eligibility, Pattern, Question Papers, Results & Score

PTE Exam 2023: Conducted by PLC Group, PTE exam dates are available around the clock and can be booked until the last minute. Candidates can decide to take the PTE exam from a network of 35 PTE Test centers in India or opt to take the PTE exam from home by opting for the PTE at Home edition of the test - provided they have the necessary system requirements for the test. Keeping student safety in mind, PTE test centers follow the highest safety standard with no more than 15 seats per test room. 

The PTE exam pattern requires candidates to solve different question types in the test, ranging from multiple choice through to essay writing. Candidates looking to take the PTE exam are required to visit the official website and register for their PTE Exam. Candidates would be required to create/log in to their 'my pte' page and go ahead with PTE exam slot booking. On completion of their registration, they would be required to pay a PTE exam fee of INR 15,900. The PTE Academic is scored on a scale of 10 - 90 and PTE results are available to candidates on their 'my pte'  dashboard in just two working days. The automated scoring system adopted by PTE requires zero human interference in the scoring process and leaves out any room for error. Candidates can send their digital copies of their PTE score cards available on their 'my pte' dashboard to as many universities and colleges as they want free of charge. Your PTE scores are valid for two years from the date of the PTE exam.  

The PTE Academic exam is a computer-based English language test accepted by educational institutions around the world. The full form of  PTE is the Pearson Test of English and PTE-Academic is the English test undertaken by students and aspirants who desire to go abroad to study or immigrate to a major English-speaking country. Candidates eligible to appear for the PTE exam are required to take the test to prove their English language competency.

Conducted by Pearson PLC Group, PTE Exams were not being conducted temporarily due to the COVID-19 situation across the country. However, now with the COVID-19 cases on a decline, PTE test centres are re-opening with a safer space for candidates to appear for the PTE test. The PTE Exam Fee has also been updated to 15,900 inclusive of taxes. In short, candidates would be required to pay INR 15,900 for booking their PTE test. 

The PTE at Home launched by Pearson PLC Group is identical to the PTE test. However, the PTE at Home is held in the safety of the home of the candidate keeping student safety in mind. The conducting body also shortened the total duration of the PTE exam from three hours to two hours on November 16, 2021. 

The PTE Syllabus of the two-hour-long computer-based test focuses on day-to-day English rather than the high-level English language and tests a student on his/her ability to effectively understand the language as spoken daily. The multi-level grading system of the PTE exam ensures a better understanding of the student’s proficiency in the English language.

There are many factors that distinguish PTE Academic from other English proficiency tests. The first and foremost distinguishing aspect of the same is the scoring pattern and the results. As the tests are completely computerized, the PTE results and scores are declared much quicker, typically in two business days. This makes it aptly suited for students who are in a bit of a rush. Candidates looking to appear for their PTE Academic Exam will learn about the most important topics related to the PTE Exam 2023. 

Why take the PTE Exam?

PTE Academic is a computer-based English language test for non-native English speakers who wish to study abroad. It tests the Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking skills of the candidates. The test is designed in such a way that every question generally tests two skills together, like reading and speaking or listening and reading.

This section will cover any latest developments revolving around the PTE Exam for the benefit of students who are planning to appear for their PTE Academic exam.

PTE Exam Fee 2023

February 2023: Candidates wanting to appear for the PTE exam would be required to shell out 15,900. Candidates should note that this amount is inclusive of 18% tax. While the base fee for the PTE exam fee has been fixed at INR 13,038. An additional 18% tax of INR 2,862 brings the total PTE cost to 15,900 for Indian candidates.

Pearson launched a shorter version of the PTE Test and PTE at Home in November 2021

Pearson introduced the 'PTE at Home' version of the PTE Exam on October 25, 2021. Candidates wanting to take the ‘PTE at Home’ can book their PTE Academic online test. The conducting body of the PTE Academic exam, the Pearson PLC Group also shortened the PTE Academic Exam on November 16, 2021. Know all about the changes introduced by the Pearson PLC Group on the PTE Academic Exam. 

PTE Testing resumes as COVID restrictions ease in major parts of the country

Candidates should note that due to the pandemic, a lot of the PTE exam test centres had to temporarily shut down due to the COVID restrictions imposed across the country. However, with COVID cases on a decline across the country, PTE test centres have resumed operation, following the highest safety standard. Candidates should note that PTE Test Centres are conducting the PTE tests for smaller batches, hence it is important to book your PTE slot early.  

Coronavirus Covid-19 PTE Academic Exam Alert

Due to the ongoing pandemic coronavirus COVID-19, all PTE Academic Testing has been suspended across PTE test centres in India. PTE Academic is yet to introduce the option of appearing for the PTE Academic exam from home. Candidates who have booked their PTE Academic test slots would have the option of cancelling their exam for a full refund or simply rescheduling their test date at zero cost. Candidates are requested to keep an eye on this section for the latest developments.

The Pearson Language Tests – a unit of Pearson PLC Group is responsible for conducting three formats of the English proficiency test to assess the English language skills of non-native speakers of the English language. The three tests are PTE Academic, PTE Academic UKVI and PTE Home.

What is PTE Academic Exam?

The PTE Academic exam is conducted round-the-year, for students looking to get admission to a university or institution. The exam consists of four sections, reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The scores of the PTE Academic exam are valid for a period of two years.

What is PTE Academic UKVI?

The PTE Academic UKVI is a Secure English Language Test (SELT) that is approved by the UK Home Office for all UK visas that require a 4-skill language test. It is a fast, fair, and convenient choice for candidates who wish to work, study, or live in the UK. Candidates should note that there is no difference in the content or format of the PTE Academic UKVI exam when compared to the PTE Academic exam. There are minor differences in the registration process. 

What is PTE Home?

The PTE Home is an English test that is accepted by the UK Home Office for family and work visas. The PTE Home English test is broadly classified into PTE Home A1, PTE Home A2 and PTE Home B1 English tests. These serve various purposes when it comes to applying for various family and work visas.

Note: PTE Home is different from the PTE at Home version of the test. The PTE at Home has been recently launched and is an extension of the PTE Academic Exam. 

As such, there are no specific criteria set by the Pearson PLC Group – the conducting body of the PTE exam. However, according to the PTE Academic eligibility criteria, the following factors must be kept in mind.

Age Limit to Appear for PTE Academic Exam

In order to take the PTE Academic test, the candidate must be at least 16 years old. Candidates below 18 years of age need to take a parental consent form signed by either parents or guardians before taking the test. Candidates can download the consent form from the official website of the PTE Academic Exam. 

Education Qualification to appear for PTE Academic Exam?

Pearson PLC Group – the conducting body of the PTE Academic Exam has not laid down any education qualification criteria for candidates wanting to appear for the PTE Academic test.

Candidates wanting to register for the PTE exam 2023 would be required to follow the steps mentioned below to successfully book their PTE exam slot. Candidates should note that for booking your PTE Academic online, you need a valid ID - a valid Indian passport. Candidates will also be required to show their valid ID on the day of the PTE exam or else they will not be allowed to enter the PTE Test centre.

Steps to register for PTE Academic online

• Visit the official PTE Academic website 
• Create your Pearson account by providing your personal details.
• Once you complete the PTE registration process, you will receive an email within 48 hours from Pearson with your login details.
• The next step is to search for your nearest PTE test centre.
  • Candidates can also opt for the PTE at Home version of the test, at this step
• Also, select a suitable time and PTE date to appear for the PTE exam.
• After selecting all your details like time, date, and PTE slot you will be asked to proceed to the checkout button.
• Then pay the PTE Exam Fee of 15,900 Indian rupees and finalize your PTE exam booking.

Other methods of registering for the PTE Exam

PTE Phone Registration: Apart from the much preferred online method of registering for the PTE exam, candidates can also register for the PTE Exam via phone. Indian students wanting to register for the PTE Exam can contact the PTE Academic testing body by dialling: 00080 0440 2020. (Operating hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm local time; closed on local holidays.)

Know all about PTE Slot Booking/ PTE Exam Booking

Candidates looking to appear for their PTE Academic exam would be required to create a Pearson account to register for their PTE exam booking. On successful registration, candidates would receive an email within 48 hours with their login credentials. Candidates are required to read the handbook carefully available on the official website before booking the exam. 

Candidates would be then required to select their preferred PTE test centre and PTE exam date and go ahead with the PTE exam booking. Do note that, that candidates would be required to pay the PTE Exam Fee of Rs. 15,900 and go ahead with the PTE registration process. 

PTE at Home

With the onset of the covid-19 pandemic, exams have been shifted from the test centre to the safety of the home. Locally imposed lockdowns and safety protocols have only furthered exams to be held in the safety of the test takers' homes. In sync with the current environment, Pearson PLC Group, the conducting body of the PTE exam has also launched the PTE Academic online - a convenient reliable testing solution from the safety of your home - in short PTE at Home test. The PTE at Home is the PTE Academic Online Test that will be conducted from the safety of the home.

However, there are certain important factors that have to be kept in mind before registering for the PTE at Home test. Registration for the PTE at Home test is now open. Candidates would be required to visit the official website and create a test taker profile on the MyPTEaccount Online webpage. Candidates should note that PTE at Home tests can be scheduled up to 24 hours in advance starting November 16 onwards. The PTE at Home exam fee is the same as the PTE Academic exam that is conducted in the test centre. Students who are registering for the PTE online test are required to pay Rs. 15,900 for the PTE at Home test.

PTE at Home test Requirements

Candidates should note that PTE at Home would come with certain obligations the test taker would have to follow to be able to opt for the PTE at Home test. These include:

• A quiet and private location
• A reliable computer with a webcam
• A wired headset
• A strong internet connection
• Adequate System requirements: Candidates would be required to download and run the OnVUEsoftware - a system check via the PTE Academic Online webpage before deciding to schedule a test.

The standard PTE Academic exam fee is Rs 15,900. If the candidate is booking his PTE exam within 48 hours of the PTE test date, the candidate would be required to pay a PTE Late Booking Fee.

How to Cancel or Reschedule PTE Exam?

If you don't want to appear for the PTE Academic test, then you can claim a refund 14 calendar days before the test date. Cancelling or rescheduling the PTE Academic exam can be done on the PTE official website. Candidates can reschedule the PTE exam 2023 to any other date via phone or online. You can read more about the Cancellation and Rescheduling PTE Academic fee below.

PTE Exam Cancellation Fees

Candidates who decide not to pursue their PTE Academic test after booking their exam online have up to 14 calendar days before their test date to claim a full refund. Candidates who cancel the test, with less than 14 calendar days, but at least 7 calendar days before their test date will receive a partial refund of 50% of the test fee paid. However, no refunds would be provided to candidates for cancelling the exam less than 7 calendar days before the exam. Candidates should note that the cancellation and reschedule policy does not include your test date.

PTE Rescheduling Fees

Candidates who plan to reschedule the test, with less than 14 calendar days, but at least 7 full calendar days before their test date will be required to pay 50% of the test fee. No refunds will be provided on rescheduling the exam less than 7 calendar days before the exam. Candidates should note that the rescheduling policy does not include your test date.

The PTE exam is conducted throughout the year at designated PTE test centres across the country. The PTE exam dates in 2023 might vary from centre to centre. Students must search for the seats available on the Pearson PTE Academic website. Simply select the test centres closest to you, and click next. The website would prompt you to the calendar with the available dates.

PTE Exam Centres

Here is a list of PTE Academic Exam test centres for candidates looking to appear for their next PTE Academic Exam. Candidates are reminded to choose the PTE exam test centre that is most convenient for them to be able to perform their best on the day of the exam.

PTE Test Accommodations/ Special Arrangements

Committed to providing access for all individuals with disabilities, test accommodations also known as “special arrangements” or “reasonable adjustments" are made available by Pearson VUE to make the test assessable to everyone. Arrangements made possible include,

• A separate testing room
• Extra testing time
• A Reader or Recorder

How do I request a test accommodation?

Candidates who require special arrangements need to specify their needs and how the disability is hindering them from performing their best under standard conditions. Candidates would have to provide documentation proof and apply weeks in advance for the conducting body to make the required arrangements. Candidates are required to apply for the request before the PTE exam booking.

PTE Academic Syllabus includes three sections - Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening. You get marked on these three sections and you get the PTE Academic total score as well. The PTE Exam Pattern mentioned below talks about the components of the PTE Academic Paper in detail for the benefit of the candidate. Candidates looking to appear for their PTE Academic Exam can check out the PTE Exam Pattern 2023 mentioned below. Note: The PTE Exam Pattern has been shortened by 1 hr and now the entire PTE exam is for 2 Hrs. 

It is important for candidates to understand the PTE Academic syllabus in order to appear for the PTE exam. The PTE Academic is broadly divided into PTE Speaking and Writing Section, PTE Reading Section, and PTE Listening Section. Candidates can check out the detailed PTE Syllabus for each category below:

PTE Speaking and Writing Section Topics

For the Speaking and Writing Section candidates would have a total of 54 – 67 minutes and the section would include the following question types.

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

PTE Reading Section Topics

For the Reading Section, candidates would be getting a total of 29 – 30 minutes to complete the section. The questions in the PTE Reading section would include the following topics.

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

PTE Listening Section Topics

For the Listening Section, candidates would be getting a total of 30 – 43 minutes to complete the section. The PTE Listening section would include the following types of questions.

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

PTE Syllabus 2023 - At a glance

Here is the combined PTE Syllabus for our readers. 

PTE Results are usually available online within two working days from the test date. The PTE Academic results are issued online. And can be accessed from your PTE Academic student account. First, you will receive an email within five working days with instructions on accessing the results online. After that, you need to follow the instructions to log in to your Pearson account.  You can share your results with the colleges and universities of your choice through your Pearson account.

PTE Academic Exam is scored on a scale of 10 – 90 where 10 is the lowest, with increments of 1 point. Graded on the scale, the score showcase the person’s ability to read, speak, understand verbal instructions and write the English language. The scores are presented in a graph, giving an easy understanding of the candidate’s core skills in the language as well as improvement areas.

How to Access PTE Scores

Candidates can access their PTE Academic scores via their online accounts. Candidates would receive an email notifying them about the availability of their scores. After receiving the notification, candidates would be required to log in to their Pearson VUE account that they created to book their tests and access their scores.

How to Send PTE Score Report?

Candidates who wish to send their scores can do so via an online secure portal set up by PTE. Universities do not accept paper or PDF versions of PTE Academic score reports.

Sample PTE Score Report. Source: Offical PTE website

Steps to sending your PTE Score Report

• Login to your account.
• Click 'View Score Reports'.
• Click 'Send Scores'.
• Type the name of your chosen institution
• Review your details then scroll down the page and click 'Next' and then 'Next' again to confirm

What is the validity of the PTE test scores?

The scores of your PTE Academic exam are valid for a period of two years.

How many times can I appear for the PTE Academic Exam?

There is no limit by Pearson as to how many times a candidate can give the PTE Exam 2023. Candidates can take the exam with a gap of 5 days. So, candidates can take the PTE Academic exam as many times as they want.

Rescoring the PTE exam?

If candidates are unsatisfied with their PTE Score they can request a rescore. However, since the PTE Academic is a computer-scored test, the chance of an error is highly minimalized. Only spoken responses and open-ended written responses are rescored. Candidates can only request a rescore for their most recent PTE Academic Test and candidates are barred from requesting a rescore if they have already either scheduled another test or sent their score to an institution. In the event the score changes, the new score will replace the previous score and the original score report will be reissued to reflect the new score.

PTE Academic exam is accepted by thousands of educational institutions across the world. Apart from this, PTE Academic is also accepted by the governments of Australia and New Zealand for visa purposes. Those who aspire to go abroad for studying in a major English-speaking country like the UK, Australia, USA, and Canada take the PTE Academic exam to prove their English language efficiency. One of the most widely accepted English exams PTE Academic scores are accepted by top universities and colleges worldwide. Download: List of universities, countries and organisations that are accepting PTE Scores. 

Colleges Accepting PTE

Candidates who have appeared for their PTE Academic Exam can choose from the huge number of colleges that accept PTE Scores.

• MS Colleges Accepting PTE Academic scores
• MBA Colleges Accepting PTE Academic scores

Countries Accepting PTE Score

Aspirants looking to pursue higher education in Australia, New Zealand, the USA, UK, Canada, Ireland, Singapore, and Germany among many other countries are required to appear for the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic exam. One of the most widely accepted computer-based tests of English, PTE Academic is generally undertaken for studying abroad and immigration options. 

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Related Reads

PTE Study Material: Often students start the preparation by either joining a coaching centre or simply signing up for free practice tests. What a student forgets is that, like any exam, even language proficiency exams have to be dealt with a methodology. Here are the most important PTE study tips that would help you perform in the PTE Academic Exam. It is, however, important to note that no amount of tips, tricks or tools can outwit the dedication and efficiency of the practice. So, improve these skills and practice them over and over again to succeed.

PTE Study links 

Candidates can prepare for their PTE Academic using a range of official course books. Candidates can choose from the below-mentioned study material to excel in their PTE test. For a list of the best books and resources, click here.

Best Books to Prepare for PTE Academic and PTE App

Books for PTE Reading Section: Candidates looking for the best PTE test material can refer to the Expert PTE Academic Coursebook B1 & B2. Often touted as one of the best books for PTE preparation, the Expert series is a great way to prepare for PTE Academic if you have more time to study. This follows a preparation course structure and takes you through lessons designed to prepare you for PTE Academic. Choose from level B1 or B2, depending on your language level. PTE Academic Expert contains access to MyEnglishLabs – digital practice for all students.

PTE Prep: Offline Practice Test

A lot of times candidates may opt out of buying books. They could simply refer to the official Pearson PTE Academic to download a full version of the PTE Academic test in pdf format. Candidates would be able to solve this exam in the offline mode allowing them to understand the exam much better.

PTE Exam Preparation: PTE Official Practice App

Candidates can now practice for their PTE Academic examination on the go. All they would be required to do is download the PTE Academic Official Practice App. The app is available on multiple platforms and this would allow students to practice for their PTE Exam on the go. The app provides students with a study planner, practice activities, and useful information about the test.

Also, Read

• PTE Online Coaching
• PTE Preparation for Beginners

Practicing PTE Sample Papers are a good way to prepare for your upcoming PTE Academic Exam. Candidates are advised to solve multiple PTE Practice Papers for the benefit of the student. With the objective of enhancing your communication skills, the PTE Academic exam is designed to test your command of the English language. No high-level language proficiency is required to clear the exam, it rather checks your regular English communication, thereby helping you become expressive. Practising each section separately with a relaxed and focused mind is advisable to fully absorb the subject matter and score well. 

PTE Exam Day Tips

Candidates looking to appear for the PTE Academic Exam can go through the PTE Exam Day tips mentioned below. 

• There should be no question of missing breakfast. A moderately heavy breakfast would fuel you for a longer period of time. Candidates are recommended to carry a light snack or a fruit with them to satisfy that untamed hunger pang.
• Candidates are advised to wear loose clothes that would get them through all temperatures. It is very important for the candidate to feel comfortable while taking the exam.
• Candidates are required to reach 30 mins before the reporting time at the PTE Academic Test centre as this would enable them to reach on time and avoid any last-minute hassle.
• Once at the PTE Test Centre candidates would be required to show their identification proof which should be a valid passport to proceed further. For security reasons, the candidate would have his/her photograph taken and biometrics scanned at the time of verification of id for official use only.
• Candidates would be provided with a locker facility for the safekeeping of the belongings that they bring to the PTE Test Centre. These could include, their electronics such as a watch or their mobile phone, snacks and their bag if they have any on them.
• Once they have kept their personal belongings in their designated area they would be ushered into their test-taking room. Candidates should make sure that no restricted item should be on them while appearing for the exam. They would be ushered into their system to take the PTE Academic exam.
• During the PTE Exam, students will be allowed to take a break of 10 mins. After this time they would be again required to report back to the PTE Testing Room.

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What to expect on the test day?

Candidates are required to arrive at least 30 minutes before their test, to check in and pass security. They should not forget to bring an acceptable ID, usually a passport for the smooth functioning of the exam formalities.

PTE Scholarships

With the availability of various Scholarships and education loans, students can finally make their dream come true. Scholarships are available on the official website of every college along with other fellowships and grants that are awarded to deserving students on a regular basis. Students can also opt for education loans from financial institutions for studying abroad. 

Related Reads

• Click here for more on FAQs for PTE Exam
• The Future of IELTS, PTE, GRE & TOEFL exams in the face of COVID-19

Still, have queries regarding your PTE test, check out the most frequently asked questions for any lingering queries around PTE Exams 2023.

How to choose the right PTE exam?

How should I prepare for the PTE to get 79+ marks?

When do we get the PTE academic exam results?

How can I boost my PTE score to 90?

IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL: Which Test is better?

How many times can I appear for the PTE Academic Exam?

Is there an age limit to appear for the PTE Academic test?

What is PTE Academic UKVI?

What is the PTE Academic exam fee?

What is the validity of the PTE test scores?

Is the PTE Academic test harder than the IELTS exam?