Get ₹50,000 Cashback
Search Scholarships
Get ₹50,000 Cashback

PTE Exam Pattern

Untitled design 2 1 e1779688404220
Overview
Exam Pattern
Syllabus
Registration
Exam Fees
Exam Dates
Min. Score
PTE UKVI
Results & Scoring
PTE Discount Voucher

Types of PTE Exams

Before diving into the exam pattern, it is important to know the different types of PTE tests available. Each version is designed for a specific purpose — from academic admissions to immigration.

TypePurposeFormatValidity
PTE AcademicUniversity admissions and skilled migration visa applicationsComputer-based: Speaking, Writing, Reading, Listening2 Years
PTE Academic UKVIUK Visa and Immigration applications approved by the Home OfficeComputer-based: Same as PTE Academic2 Years
PTE HomeUK visa applications for family, work, or student routes below degree levelComputer-based: Speaking and Listening only2 Years

PTE Academic Exam Pattern

The PTE Academic exam is completed in a single session of approximately 2 hours. It is conducted entirely on a computer, and the sections are integrated, meaning speaking and writing are tested together. Below is a detailed overview of the exam structure.

PTE SectionNo. of Tasks/QuestionsDurationDescription
Speaking & Writing~54–67 items77–93 MinutesIncludes Personal Introduction, Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence, Describe Image, Re-tell Lecture, Answer Short Questions, Summarise Written Text, and Essay
Reading~13–18 items32–41 MinutesIncludes Multiple Choice (Single & Multiple), Re-order Paragraphs, Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks, and Reading: Fill in the Blanks
Listening~12–20 items45–57 MinutesIncludes Summarise Spoken Text, Multiple Choice, Fill in the Blanks, Highlight Correct Summary, Select Missing Word, Highlight Incorrect Words, and Write from Dictation

PTE Reading Section

CriteriaDescription
ContentPassages and text-based tasks to assess reading comprehension
Number of Questions13–18 items
Time Duration32–41 Minutes
MarkingVaries by question type; partial credit available for some tasks
  • Multiple Choice (Single Answer): Read a passage and choose one correct answer from five options.
  • Multiple Choice (Multiple Answers): Select more than one correct answer from a given text.
  • Re-order Paragraphs: Arrange text boxes in the correct logical order to form a coherent passage.
  • Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks: Drag and drop words into the correct blanks in a passage.
  • Reading: Fill in the Blanks: Select the most appropriate word from a drop-down list for each blank.

PTE Listening Section

CriteriaDescription
ContentAudio recordings including lectures, interviews, and conversations
Number of Questions12–20 items
Time Duration45–57 Minutes
MarkingCorrect responses earn marks; some tasks allow partial credit
  • Summarise Spoken Text: Listen to a recording and write a 50–70 word summary.
  • Multiple Choice (Multiple Answers): Select more than one correct response from audio content.
  • Fill in the Blanks: Type missing words from a transcript while listening to the recording.
  • Highlight Correct Summary: Choose the paragraph that best summarises the audio.
  • Multiple Choice (Single Answer): Pick the correct answer based on the audio played.
  • Select Missing Word: Choose the word or phrase that logically completes the recording.
  • Highlight Incorrect Words: Identify words in the transcript that differ from what was said in the audio.
  • Write from Dictation: Listen and type the sentence you hear, word for word.

PTE Speaking & Writing Section

CriteriaDescription
ContentTasks to evaluate spoken and written communication skills
Number of Tasks8 task types (~54–67 items total)
Time Duration77–93 Minutes
  • Personal Introduction: A brief 30-second personal introduction (not scored but sent to institutions).
  • Read Aloud: Read a text displayed on screen and record your response.
  • Repeat Sentence: Listen to a sentence and repeat it accurately.
  • Describe Image: Analyse a chart, graph, or image and describe it in 40 seconds.
  • Re-tell Lecture: Listen to a lecture and re-tell it in your own words.
  • Answer Short Questions: Listen to a question and give a one-word or short answer.
  • Summarise Written Text: Read a passage and write a one-sentence summary (75 words max).
  • Write Essay: Write a 200–300 word argumentative essay on a given topic.

PTE Speaking & Writing Section

PTE Academic is a fully computer-based exam with no human examiner. This ensures a standardised and unbiased evaluation. Here are the key highlights of the test format:

  • Exam Mode: 100% computer-based; responses are recorded and typed directly on-screen.
  • Test Duration: Approximately 2 hours (plus optional 10-minute break between Reading and Listening).
  • Speaking Assessment: Responses are recorded through a headset and scored by AI.
  • Integrated Sections: Speaking and Writing are combined into a single section at the start.
  • Score Delivery: Scores are typically available within 48 hours of taking the test.
  • Test Centre: Available at Pearson-authorised test centres across 200+ countries.
FeatureDetails
Test FormatComputer-based (no human examiner)
Total Duration~2 Hours (can extend up to 3 hours with breaks)
Number of Sections3 (Speaking & Writing, Reading, Listening)
Score Scale10–90
Score Validity2 Years
Score TurnaroundWithin 48 hours
Test AvailabilityAvailable year-round at 200+ countries

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total duration of the PTE Academic exam?

The PTE Academic exam takes approximately 2 hours to complete. This includes all three sections — Speaking & Writing (77–93 min), Reading (32–41 min), and Listening (45–57 min). There is an optional 10-minute break between the Reading and Listening sections.

The PTE Academic exam has three main sections: Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening. The Speaking and Writing skills are combined into a single integrated section, which is the first part of the test.

PTE Academic scores are reported on a scale of 10 to 90. Each of the four communicative skills — Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening — receives an individual score, along with an Overall Score.

PTE Academic scores are valid for 2 years from the date the exam was taken. After this period, the score report expires and you would need to retake the exam if required.

The PTE exam uses an automated AI-based scoring engine developed by Pearson. There is no human examiner involved. The system evaluates your responses based on content, fluency, pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and discourse skills, depending on the task type.

No posts found
IELTS Image

IELTS Bootcamp

AdmitX

4.8

FREE

₹̶𝟫̶,̶𝟫̶𝟫̶𝟫̶

90+ Lessons

5+ Full Mock Tests

Access IELTS Bootcamp

Other Exams

TOEFL Logo

TOEFL

English test for non native speakers, assessing skills for study or work, accepted by 13,000+ institutions.
Duolingo English Test Logo

Duolingo

Online test for study/work abroad aspirants, assessing language skills and accepted by 5,000+ institutions.
GMAT Logo

GMAT

Standardized test for business aspirants, assessing verbal, quantitative, and data skills for 2,400 B-schools.

GRE Logo

GRE

University entrance test measuring academic readiness of international students for STEM, law, and humanities programs.

IELTS Logo

IELTS

Most popular English test assessing speaking, writing, listening, and reading skills for study/work abroad, accepted by 12,000+ institutions.
Pop up Image
close menu icon

Get ₹50,000 Cashback on Tuition Fees

Join 200+ students pursuing their dream with AdmitX

Pop up Image
close menu icon

Share your details and get instant access to your guide!

Cost of living Calculator - AdmitX
close menu icon

Free Cost of Living Calculator

CV POP UP - AdmitX
close menu icon

Free CV Review

POP UP SOP - AdmitX
close menu icon

Free SOP Review