Which is Easier – IELTS or PTE? Guide for Nepalese Students

PTE is easier if you prefer predictable question types and a computer-based test, whereas IELTS feels more natural if you communicate well in English, prefer human interaction, and feel confident in your language ability.

If your favourite subject in school was English, you will likely do well in both! Nepalese students who watch English-language videos or listen to English podcasts usually excel in the listening section in both tests. Similarly, those who keep journals or write frequently tend to perform better in writing on either test.

Many Nepalese students who have taken both tests told Goreto that they found PTE easier because strategy plays a more important role in PTE compared to IELTS, especially in speaking and writing. With the right format training, even students with average English can achieve high PTE scores. IELTS, however, requires a stronger foundation in real-life language use.

How Are IELTS and PTE Structurally Different?

Despite PTE’s newer, AI-driven system, IELTS is still considered the gold standard by most international institutions. Many universities and governments trust IELTS more because it reflects real communication and is scored by trained examiners.

Which Speaking Test is Easier – IELTS or PTE?

PTE speaking is easier for students who feel nervous in live interviews or freeze under pressure, whereas IELTS speaking is easier for those who enjoy real conversation and are confident speaking naturally.

If you are confident talking to people, expressing opinions, and thinking on the spot, the IELTS interview may feel more relaxed. But if you are shy, introverted, or have less English-speaking experience, PTE is the easier option.

At Goreto, we have noticed a common pattern:

1. Students who struggle with PTE’s AI-scoring, especially due to accent or pronunciation, see better results after switching to IELTS.
2. Students who fear live interviews or freeze under pressure perform better in PTE speaking after practising with real test formats in our PTE classes.

Which Writing Test is Easier – IELTS or PTE?

PTE writing is generally considered easier than IELTS because the tasks are shorter, structured, and follow a repeatable pattern. With proper strategy and timed practice, students can improve their scores quickly without needing advanced writing skills.

IELTS writing feels more natural, especially for students who are already confident in their grammar and essay writing. It gives more space to explain ideas clearly and use real language, but it also demands stronger English proficiency to get high scores.

An interesting case at Goreto:

One of our students needed a writing score of 8 to get 20 points for the Australian PR. After getting 7, 7.5, and 7 again in IELTS writing, he switched to PTE and scored a perfect 90 in his first attempt after preparation!

Which Listening Test is Easier – IELTS or PTE?

PTE is easier if you are quick with computers and prefer direct, interactive tasks. This is because the tasks are short, visual, and involve clicking or typing answers. In contrast, IELTS listening uses longer audio clips and written responses, which feel more natural for students who have practised classroom listening or academic recordings.

PTE requires fast reactions and task-switching, while IELTS demands longer focus. In PTE, audio clips are short, and tasks like highlighting errors or selecting missing words offer less pressure. In IELTS, the questions follow the order of the audio and allow more time to read before listening, making it easier for those who take good notes.

Students who are focused and prepared with test techniques often perform well in PTE Listening.

Which Reading Test is Easier – IELTS or PTE?

Reading habits determine whether you find IELTS or PTE easier. PTE reading tasks are shorter, more visual, and do not involve reading long passages, so if you are good at scanning for keywords, PTE can be completed faster. In comparison, IELTS reading includes longer texts and comprehension questions, which suit students who enjoy in-depth reading.

PTE tests your ability to recognise patterns and respond to small chunks of information, which works well for those who prefer fast, tactical reading. IELTS rewards deeper understanding and attention to detail, especially in the Academic format with longer texts and advanced vocabulary.

IELTS is easier if you enjoy longer texts, and PTE is easier if you want faster reading tasks and can train for the PTE format.

When Should You Choose IELTS?

Choose IELTS if you want a natural test experience, human evaluation, wider acceptance for work/study, and the flexibility to retake just one section if needed. The speaking test feels like a real conversation, and the writing tasks let you express your thoughts fully. Moreover, its One Skill Retake option helps reduce pressure if you miss the mark in just one module.

IELTS is also the better choice if you do not trust AI-based scoring or feel uncomfortable with computer-based exams. Since the test reflects real-life communication (like university interviews or workplace discussions), many global institutions and immigration systems trust IELTS more than PTE.

IELTS is a better fit if:

When Should You Choose PTE?

Choose PTE if you need results quickly, are comfortable with a computer-based test, or want to improve your score through strategy and repetition when your English is not good enough.

The PTE question types are consistent across every test, and many Nepalese students succeed after focused practice, even if they struggled in IELTS. PTE’s quick results and format-based preparation make it ideal for test-takers with limited time or urgent PR/study goals.

PTE is a better fit if:

Why Do Nepalese Students Compare IELTS and PTE?

Nepalese students often compare IELTS and PTE to figure out which one is easier and more suited to their strengths. Many take the IELTS test more than once because they do not meet the required minimum score, especially in writing or speaking. After repeated attempts, they begin exploring PTE as an alternative that may offer quicker results and a more strategy-based format.

In some cases, students try PTE first, then switch to IELTS due to low speaking scores caused by AI evaluation or technical issues at the test centre. This comparison is not just about difficulty; it is also about finding the right fit based on test style, urgency, and personal confidence. Visa deadlines, scoring challenges, and test fatigue all play a role in the decision.

Why Nepalese students compare the two tests:

• IELTS scores for writing and speaking are hard to improve, as these require long-term practice.
• PTE feels easier after learning the question patterns.
• PTE gives faster results than paper-based IELTS.
• IELTS is more trusted by many universities and embassies.
• AI-scoring in PTE raises concerns for some students.

Final Advice – Which One is Easier: IELTS or PTE?

PTE’s predictable task types make it easier if you prepare strategically and practice every day. However, you may find IELTS easier if you are fluent in English, prefer natural communication, and want a more trusted test format with human evaluation.

Both tests are valid and accepted, but they suit different types of test-takers. The best choice depends on your strengths, learning style, and comfort level with technology.