IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Which English test should Indian students take for the US Fall intake?

For many Indian students, the journey to a US university begins long before application deadlines, it starts with a language test. Proving English proficiency is a requirement that ensures eligibility, and even scholarship opportunities.

Choosing an English test is now a strategic step in any US application. Which exam you pick can affect timing, cost, test preparation and, ultimately, admission chances. The three main options for Indian applicants are the International English Language Testing System ( IELTS ), the Test of English as a Foreign Language ( TOEFL ) and the Pearson Test of English Academic ( PTE Academic ), each with distinct formats and scoring methods relevant for the Fall intake.

What each test looks like
Each test assesses similar skills but in distinct ways. Here’s how their formats differ.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language; internet-based test)

• Four skills tested: reading, listening, speaking, writing.
• Mostly multiple-choice tasks and integrated items that combine skills (for example, listen then speak).
• Delivered at test centres and sometimes at home where permitted.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System; Academic)

• Four modules: listening, reading, writing, speaking.
• Speaking is a short live interview with an examiner. Other modules mix long and short tasks.
• Tests are offered on paper and computer.

PTE (Pearson Test of English Academic)

• Fully computer-based. Tests real-life academic English across listening, reading, speaking and writing in an integrated format.
• Results are automated and delivered quickly.

Cost and logistics in India
Costs vary by provider and by country. For India (2024-25 figures), approximate fees are:

• TOEFL: ₹16,900 (standard registration).
• IELTS Academic: ₹18,000.
• PTE Academic: around ₹18,000 (inclusive of taxes; check local booking for exact figure).

Turnaround time matters. TOEFL and IELTS typically report scores within days to two weeks. PTE often reports results within 48 hours. Faster results can help meet tight deadlines.

It is also important to note that the booking windows differ. PTE and IELTS offer frequent slots and late availability in many cities. TOEFL has many test dates but book early for popular centres.

Score comparison: IELTS, TOEFL and PTE
Universities set score requirements in different ways. Many list acceptable tests and give equivalent thresholds. Official concordance research exists for these exams. Use conversions as guides, not as hard rules. It is also important to always verify programme requirements.

Below is a practical conversion table based on official concordance and alignment documents (rounded to commonly used thresholds):


Sources used to align these bands include the TOEFL-IELTS linking studies and the official IELTS-PTE alignments. Use the table as a directional tool. Exact cutoffs vary by university and by department.

Which test suits which student?
Choose TOEFL if:

You prefer integrated, academic tasks.

You aim for institutions that list TOEFL explicitly.

You are comfortable with typed speaking responses (some universities value TOEFL’s integrated format).

Choose IELTS if:

You want a live speaking test with an examiner.

You favour a mix of paper and computer options.

Your target universities list IELTS and you feel more confident in face-to-face speaking.

Choose PTE if:

You need quick results.

You prefer a fully computerised test and automated scoring.

Your target programmes accept PTE; this test is increasingly recognised by US universities.

Making the right choice for the US Fall intake
Before deciding, it helps to look at your timeline, testing comfort, and target universities in one frame. Use this checklist to narrow down your decision:

Practical decision checklist:

• Check university pages first. Confirm which tests are accepted and the minimum score for your programme. Acceptance may differ by department.
• Match format to strength. If you speak better in conversation, prefer IELTS. If you write and integrate well, consider TOEFL. If you want speed and convenience, PTE may fit.
• Factor timing. For a late application, PTE’s speedy results can help. Otherwise, allow buffer time for re-tests.
• Fees are broadly comparable in India, but centre availability and travel can change total cost. Book early.
• Use official concordances. If you need to map a target score across tests, rely on official alignment documents rather than third-party calculators.

Making the right choice
There is no single “best” test. Each exam measures similar skills in different formats. Your choice should rest on three things: which format suits you, the universities you target, and your timeline for the fall intake. Check programme pages first, then pick the test that gives you the clearest path to the required score and the soonest results.