While you prepare for PTE, get started with your application to your dream university!
The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is a computer-based exam to determine an individual’s level of proficiency in the English language. The PTE exam pattern is accepted as proof of English fluency in more than 3000 educational institutions across countries like the UK, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, and others. The PTE is known for its remarkable syllabus and fast results.
PTE exam types
There are three types of PTE exams: PTE Academic, PTE General, and PTE Academic Online. The PTE exam pattern in these versions comprises various sections that analyse a person’s fundamental English language skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking.
PTE exam pattern 2024
PTE Academic
The PTE exam time duration is approximately 2 hours 15 minutes, and the pattern consists of three sections:
- Speaking and writing
- Reading
- Listening
You should note that there is no fixed number of questions for any section. Here’s everything you need to know about the PTE exam pattern 2024.
PTE Academic pattern and sections
| Section | Question types | Duration (in minutes) | PTE exam pattern |
| Speaking and Writing | 7 | 54-67 | The longest section of the exam.
The question types are curated to test your speaking and writing skills.
You are required to perform tasks like reading aloud, repeating sentences, and describing an image. |
| Reading | 5 | 29-30 | This section is designed to assess your reading skills in the English language.
You will read a given text and provide answers for multiple choice questions, fill in the blanks, and reorder paragraphs based on the text. |
| Listening | 8 | 30-43 | The listening section will analyse your listening skills in understanding spoken English.
The question types include multiple choice questions, fill-in-the-blanks, and finding the missing word. |
Students can check out the PTE exam pattern pdf to understand the flow of the pattern and work on their English skills with the help of the materials. Regular practice will help familiarise yourself with the pattern and develop your language skills.
While you prepare for PTE, get started with your application to your dream university!
PTE General
The PTE General exam is designed to reward achievement in English language learning. The exam helps to showcase your communication skills, as a non-native English speaker, in a realistic environment. Authorities do not recognise this exam for immigration purposes.
The General version consists of two sections: Written and Spoken, designed to determine your reading, listening, writing and speaking skills in the English language.
When it comes to the PTE General exam, it is essential to know about the six levels of proficiency under the assessment. These levels are in link to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Levels in PTE General Test
| Level of proficiency | Grade | Duration |
| A1 | Foundation | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| 1 | Elementary | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| 2 | Intermediate | 1 hour 35 minutes |
| 3 | Upper Intermediate | 2 hours |
| 4 | Advanced (Operational Proficiency) | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| 5 | Proficient (Mastery) | 2 hours 55 minutes |
PTE Academic Online
PTE Academic Online is where you can attend the exam at home or any place you prefer. The PTE exam pattern for this type is the same as the Academic version, but PTE Academic Online’s result is currently not accepted for visa applications.
You should also check if the educational institution you are applying for considers PTE Academic Online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the sections in the PTE exam pattern?
There are three sections in the PTE exam pattern - Speaking and Writing, Reading, and Listening.
Which part of the PTE exam is difficult?
The difficulty level of the PTE test depends on your preparation. The PTE exam pattern is easy to attempt with regular practice and preparation. Make use of PTE preparation books to take a holistic approach to every exam section.
What is PTE exam general format?
The General version consists of two sections: Written and Spoken, designed to determine your reading, listening, writing and speaking skills in the English language.
Is PTE exam pattern changed?
Pearson reduced the duration of the PTE exam by one hour. The revised PTE exam time duration is approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.
How long is each section in PTE?
The PTE exam time duration is approximately 2 hours 15 minutes, split among the three sections of the PTE exam pattern.
- Speaking and Writing section - 54-67 minutes
- Reading section - 29-30 minutes
- Listening section - 30-43 minutes
What is the fees of PTE test 2024?
The PTE exam fees in India are INR 17,000 whether you take the test in-person or online at home.
