Difference Between PTE Academic Scores and IELTS After 7th August 2025

Are you confused about choosing between PTE Academic and IELTS for your study or migration plans? After 7th August 2025, significant changes have been introduced to both tests that every student needs to understand. This guide explains the key differences in simple terms so you can make the right choice for your future goals.

Why Understanding These Changes Matters?

Starting from August 7, 2025, both PTE Academic scores and IELTS have undergone important updates that directly impact test-takers. IELTS introduced the revolutionary “One Skill Retake” feature, while PTE Academic implemented new question types and adjusted its scoring system for Australian immigration. These changes affect how you prepare, what scores you need, and how much time and money you’ll spend.

What are PTE Academic and IELTS?

PTE Academic Overview

PTE Academic is a computer-based English test that scores candidates from 10 to 90 points. All sections—Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening—are evaluated using artificial intelligence. Results typically arrive within 2-5 days, making it popular among students who need quick results.

IELTS Overview

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) offers both Academic and General Training versions. It uses a band scoring system from 1 to 9 (with half-point increments). Speaking and Writing are assessed by human examiners, while Reading and Listening are computer-marked. Computer-based results come within 2 days, paper-based within 13 days.

Major Changes After 7th August 2025

IELTS Game-Changing Feature: One Skill Retake

The biggest advantage IELTS now offers is the One Skill Retake option. If you’re unhappy with your performance in just one section (Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking), you can retake only that section instead of the entire test.

Key Details:

• Available only for computer-based IELTS tests
• Must be completed within 60 days of your original test
• Costs approximately ₹11,300 in India
• Results available in 3-5 days
• You receive a new Test Report Form with updated scores

PTE Academic Updates: New Question Types and Scoring

PTE Academic has introduced several changes to make the test more realistic and conversation-focused:

New Question Types Added:

1. Summarize Group Discussion – Listen to a 3-minute conversation and provide a 2-minute summary
2. Respond to a Situation – Handle real-world scenarios like apologizing or making requests

Other Notable Changes:

• Test duration increased to 2 hours 15 minutes
• The total questions increased from 20 to 22
• Seven tasks now include human review alongside AI scoring
• Audio beep signals when to start speaking in “Repeat Sentence”
• Circular progress indicator instead of straight-line format

Australian Immigration Scoring Changes:

For Australian visa applicants, PTE Academic scores have been significantly adjusted:

English Level	Old PTE Requirement	New PTE Requirement (Aug 2025)
Superior	79 in all skills	Listening: 69, Reading: 70, Writing: 85, Speaking: 88
Proficient	65 in all skills	Listening: 58, Reading: 59, Writing: 69, Speaking: 76
Competent	50 in all skills	Listening: 47, Reading: 48, Writing: 51, Speaking: 54

Notice how Writing and Speaking requirements have increased significantly, while Listening and Reading have decreased.

Score Conversion: PTE Academic to IELTS

Understanding how PTE Academic scores convert to IELTS bands is crucial for meeting university requirements:

PTE Academic Score	IELTS Band Equivalent
86-90	9.0
83-85	8.5
79-82	8.0
73-78	7.5
65-72	7.0
59-64	6.5
51-58	6.0

For example, if you need an IELTS 7.0 band, you’d need approximately 65-72 points in PTE Academic.

Key Practical Differences

Test Experience

• PTE Academic: Fully computer-based with other candidates in the same room. Speaking tasks often affect multiple skill scores simultaneously
• IELTS: The Speaking test is face-to-face with a human examiner in a private room. Each skill is tested separately, making it easier to focus on strengths and weaknesses

Scoring Methods

• PTE Academic: Primarily AI-based scoring with some human review after August 2025 updates
• IELTS: Human examiners assess Speaking and Writing, providing a more nuanced evaluation of natural language use

Flexibility and Cost-Effectiveness

• IELTS: One Skill Retake costs ₹11,300 vs. full test fee of ₹17,000
• PTE Academic: Must retake the entire test (₹18,000) even if you need improvement in just one section

Which Test Should You Choose?

Choose IELTS if:

• You prefer face-to-face speaking interaction
• You want the flexibility of retaking only one section if needed
• You’re applying to universities that specifically prefer IELTS
• You value human assessment for speaking and writing skills

Choose PTE Academic if:

• You’re comfortable with fully computer-based testing
• You need results within 2-5 days
• You prefer consistent AI-based scoring
• Your target institution accepts PTE scores

Practical Tips for Success

For IELTS Test-Takers

• Take advantage of the One Skill Retake if you’re close to your target score
• Practice speaking with real people to prepare for the face-to-face interview
• Focus on natural, conversational English rather than memorized responses

For PTE Academic Test-Takers

• Avoid over-reliance on templates as human reviewers can now detect rehearsed answers
• Practice the new question types: group discussion summaries and situational responses
• Prepare for longer test duration and new interface features

The changes introduced after 7th August 2025 have made the choice between PTE Academic and IELTS more significant than ever. IELTS now offers greater flexibility with its One Skill Retake feature, potentially saving you time and money. Meanwhile, PTE Academic has evolved to focus more on authentic English communication, but requires you to retake the entire test if improvements are needed.

Consider your learning style, timeline, budget, and target institution requirements carefully. Both tests remain globally recognized, but the new features may make one more suitable for your specific situation than the other.

FAQs

Q1. What is the main difference between PTE Academic scores and IELTS after August 7, 2025?
A: The biggest difference is that IELTS now offers One Skill Retake, allowing you to retake just one section (Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking) for ₹11,300 instead of the full test. PTE Academic requires you to retake the entire test even if you need improvement in only one area.

Q2. How do PTE Academic scores convert to IELTS bands in 2025?
A: A PTE Academic score of 65-72 equals IELTS band 7.0, while 59-64 equals IELTS 6.5. However, for Australian immigration, the requirements have changed significantly—Superior English now requires PTE scores of 69+ in Listening, 70+ in Reading, 85+ in Writing, and 88+ in Speaking.

Q3. What are the new question types added to PTE Academic from August 2025?
A: PTE Academic has added two new question types: “Summarize Group Discussion” (listen to a 3-minute conversation and provide a 2-minute summary) and “Respond to a Situation” (handle real-world scenarios like apologizing or making requests). The test duration has also increased to 2 hours 15 minutes.

Q4. Which test is more cost-effective if I need to improve my scores?
A: IELTS is more cost-effective if you need to improve only one skill. The One Skill Retake costs ₹11,300 compared to ₹17,000 for a full test. PTE Academic requires you to pay the full test fee (₹18,000) even for retaking the entire test.

Q5. Are both tests equally accepted by universities and immigration authorities?
A: Both tests are widely accepted, but IELTS has broader recognition globally. For Australian immigration specifically, both tests are accepted, but the scoring requirements for PTE Academic changed significantly from August 7, 2025, making higher scores necessary for the same English proficiency levels.