PTE vs TOEFL: Which Is Easier? Complete Guide

Many students get confused on choosing between PTE and TOEFL in 2026. Although both exams can get you into great universities, they have very different test formats.

The TOEFL Exam has had quite a few changes in January 2026. These include the test being adaptive and much shorter. The results are also now on a new 1-6 band scale. The PTE exam still provides quick results and a score out of 90 for your PTE Academic Score.

Which is easier to take? This guide will help you understand which exam is easier in terms of the test format, cost, speaking, writing, reading, listening. We will also tell you an efficient PTE Exam Preparation Strategy. Also, we will tell you where to find PTE Coaching in India or TOEFL Coaching in India, if you want expert help. Continue reading below to find the perfect test for your skill level, budget and dream university.

Neither exam is easy for everyone. It really depends on what your strengths are. Many students with fast typing skills and clear speaking into a microphone will prefer PTE Academic. Whereas others may prefer the new, shorter TOEFL.

If you want quick results and shorter questions then consider PTE first. If your dream university in the USA asks for a TOEFL score then start preparing for this test.

The PTE Academic is run by Pearson. All answers are marked by a computer. Usually, you will receive your PTE Academic Score within 48 hours. The score is valid for two years. There are three sections:

• Speaking & Writing,
• Reading
• Listening.

The test should take around two hours to complete.

The TOEFL iBT is run by ETS. A major update was made on the 21st January 2026. This means the test is now adaptive in the Reading and Listening sections. This makes the test shorter. However, the TOEFL scoring has also changed. Results are now given on a 1-6 band scale in 0.5 increments. This will match to the CEFR levels. ETS will also show a similar score out of 120 for around two years.

PTE vs TOEFL at a Glance

Depending on the website, the fee may vary slightly. Please check the official Pearson and ETS site to confirm the exact fee.

One of the most common questions asked by students is 'What is the Pattern of the TOEFL Exam after the 2026 update?'. The exam has four sections:

1. Reading – approximately 30 mins (50 questions)
2. Listening – approximately 29 mins (47 questions)
3. Writing – approximately 23 mins (12 questions)
4. Speaking – approximately 8 mins (11 questions)

These durations are the minimum durations. The actual duration can vary slightly as the exam is adaptive.

If you’re looking for a clear TOEFL Exam Syllabus then the new exam will have new question types in each section. In the Reading section there are:

• Reading has Complete the Words, Read in Daily Life, and Read an Academic Passage.
• There are four listening tasks namely Listen and Respond, Conversation, Announcement, and Academic Lecture.
• Writing tasks include Sentence Construction, Email Writing, and Academic Discussion Writing.
• Speaking has just two tasks.

There are only two question types in the Syllabus of TOEFL Exam in Speaking section. These are Listen and Repeat and Take an Interview. There is zero preparation time so you need to answer quickly. This is often found to be the most challenging change by many Indian students.

PTE Part 1 is made up of Speaking and Writing and takes between 54 and 67 minutes.

1. Part 2 covers Reading in about 29 to 30 minutes.
2. Part 3 covers Listening in about 30 to 43 minutes.

One thing that makes PTE unique is that many questions require you to demonstrate two skills. For example, Listening and Writing. If you answer well, you can improve your score in more than one skill.

Speaking: Which test feels easier?

• PTE speaking requires reading out loud, repeating sentences, describing pictures and summarizing lectures. As it is against a computer, many anxious students struggle less.
• TOEFL speaking requires Listen and Repeat and answering 4 questions in an interview. There is no time to prepare so you must be very fluent. People who speak every day will definitely do well.

• Some of the easy pointers on how to speak in the PTE test are: Try to speak in a consistent rhythm. Don’t take long pauses and don’t stop to correct minor mistakes.

  Writing: Which test is gentler on students?

• For PTE writing test, you have to write summaries as well as an essay. Grammar, spellings, and vocabulary are automatically tested by the computer. Some tips for PTE writing include planning before writing, having a brief introduction, two body paragraphs, and a concise conclusion.
• TOEFL writing now has 'build a sentence' task which means placing words into sentences correctly. Next is an email writing followed by an academic discussion. This helps you use English effectively.

Reading - Where Do Students Struggle?

• The reading section of TOEFL is adaptive; that means that if you perform well/poorly on your first module, the next module will be easy/difficult for you. Reading materials such as notices and emails have been included as part of daily reading.
• PTE reading requires completing different tasks. Effective methods will include skim reading, paying attention to connecting words and not wasting time on individual questions.

Listening-

• There are various tasks in PTE listening like Write from Dictation and Summarize Spoken Text. You can practice every day through podcasts and lectures to improve your ears.
• TOEFL listening now includes announcements and campus talks. Watch English videos regularly. How much do the exams cost in India?
• The TOEFL Exam Cost in India is said to be around ₹18000 plus GST. However, some websites still show a lower cost of approximately ₹16900. You should always confirm your costs on the ETS website.
• The PTE Exam Cost has been reported to be ₹18900 (including 18% GST) since 16th March 2026. Both the TOEFL Exam Price and the PTE exam cost are similar so it shouldn’t be the main deciding factor. You will need to pay the fee again if you need to retake. This is why it’s important that you prepare yourself well.

• The TOEFL Exam Cost in India is said to be around ₹18000 plus GST. However, some websites still show a lower cost of approximately ₹16900. You should always confirm your costs on the ETS website.
• The PTE Exam Cost has been reported to be ₹18900 (including 18% GST) since 16th March 2026. Both the TOEFL Exam Price and the PTE exam cost are similar so it shouldn’t be the main deciding factor. You will need to pay the fee again if you need to retake. This is why it’s important that you prepare yourself well.

Both tests are widely accepted but TOEFL Test is trusted by over 12,000 universities and institutions in over 160 countries (ETS). PTE Academic is also accepted by many universities, especially those in countries such as Australia and the UK.

However, every university does have their own policies. Some schools will have their own policies around the new TOEFL 1-6 scoring. Always check your university’s English requirements page.

If you want quick results, enjoy speaking on a computer, and prefer short and varied tasks, then choose PTE. If your target university prefers TOEFL or you enjoy answering questions in a campus style, then go for TOEFL. Try a free sample of both.

• Start with a diagnostic test. This will show what your weakest area is and you can work on improving this gradually. Don’t waste time on your favorite section.
• Create an exam plan for PTE Academic. This should include focusing on each skill for a set amount of time weekly (6-8 weeks). Include a full practice day and spend Sundays going through your mistakes.
• Once you have completed the basics, take a PTE Mock Test Online weekly. This will show you your true ability and speed. Also make sure to learn some PTE Time Management Tips, such as moving on quickly if you are stuck on a question.

• Start with the official ETS resources. Don’t use old books as they won’t be in line with the 2026 format. Once you have done this try taking a TOEFL Practice Test weekly. Begin by taking a Free TOEFL Practice Test from the official website.
• Practice a TOEFL Mock Test in order to build up your endurance as well as pinpoint your weaknesses. Start with a Free TOEFL Mock Test. Once you feel ready take a Full-Length TOEFL Mock Test. This should be done in one go with no breaks to replicate exam conditions.
• A TOEFL Exam Simulation means that you take the test as if it were the real thing. This includes timing yourself. Take a Free Full-Length TOEFL Mock Test at least twice before your exam date.
• Students often look for a TOEFL Score Calculator. These are just a rough guide. As there has been a change in scoring in 2026 make sure that the calculator uses the new bands (1-6).
• Keep practicing daily for the TOEFL Exam. Even if it’s only for 45 minutes, this is better than doing one long session at the weekend.

Depending on your English proficiency, the amount of time you have for preparation, and your desired score, you can decide whether you will prepare on your own or require coaching from experts. Some students prefer preparing by themselves, whereas some students find coaching extremely useful. For those of you who have trouble with speaking, writing, managing time or the pattern of tests, taking a proper class would be beneficial for preparing for your test.

For those of you seeking PTE Coaching in Jaipur or TOEFL Coaching in Jaipur, there are both online and offline classes available. With offline classes, you would be able to interact with your teacher and work with your fellow students. Whereas, if you take Online PTE Coaching in India or Online TOEFL Coaching in India you will have a flexible schedule, recordable lessons and can learn from anywhere.

This all depends upon your lifestyle, mode of learning, and the availability of professional trainers. Working professionals and college-going students can go for online batches while you can also take an offline course to have classroom interaction.

 Look at how experienced the trainers are, what the structure of the course is, how many people there are in the class, how many practice tests there are, how much speaking practice there is, and whether there is individual feedback. Also look at the cost of the course, what study materials are provided and what other students say about the course.

Ensure that your TOEFL preparation course includes the most current exam pattern. For TOEFL preparation, ensure that your preparation includes the latest TOEFL question types, including Listen and Repeat, Take an Interview, and Build a Sentence.

Should I take a demo class? Yes! Taking a Free TOEFL Demo Class or PTE trial will allow you to see what the teaching style is like and what quality of trainers you will have. You can also look into Ooshas Prep PTE Coaching in Delhi  to see what preparation courses are available.

The PTE and TOEFL are beneficial once you practice over time. Decide best for you by assessing your skills, university want, and financing. Decide on a realistic target score and create a weekly schedule. Take our PTE Mock Test Online or Free TOEFL Mock Tests weekly and be honest about your errors. This will really help improve your time management skills and give a good reflection of your actual skill level.

If you want expert guidance, look into our Online PTE Coaching in India or TOEFL Coaching in Jaipur to practice with trained teachers. Capital students can look into Ooshas Prep PTE Coaching in Delhi. You can also request a Free TOEFL Demo Class. If you start now, and stay consistent, you will be getting closer to your target score every week.