PTE Academic — structure
Single 2-hour computer-based test, 3 sections: Speaking & Writing (54-67 minutes), Reading (29-30 minutes), Listening (30-43 minutes). All integrated — Speaking score depends on Speaking tasks plus Listening tasks that have a spoken component.
20 task types: Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence, Describe Image, Re-tell Lecture, Answer Short Question, Summarize Written Text, Essay (200-300 words), Multiple Choice (single and multiple answers), Re-order Paragraphs, Fill in Blanks, Summarize Spoken Text, Highlight Correct Summary, Highlight Incorrect Words, Write from Dictation. Each task scores into specific skill metrics.
Scores: 10 to 90 in 1-point steps. 79+ ≈ IELTS 7.0; 65 ≈ IELTS 6.5; 50 ≈ IELTS 6.0. Fee around 14,700 INR. Centres at Ahmedabad and Vadodara — both reachable from VV Nagar in 90 minutes.
Where engineering and science students typically gain or leak points
Read Aloud — most students rush, dropping fluency score. The algorithm rewards 110-120 words per minute with consistent pacing. We use a metronome app in week one.
Describe Image — engineering and pharmacy students sometimes over-explain technical detail. The 25-second window rewards a clean template (overview + comparison + conclusion), not your engineering instinct to elaborate.
Write from Dictation — high-leverage because it counts toward Listening and Writing both. 30 sentences a session from week 3.
Summarize Spoken Text — paraphrasing is fine but main-point capture is non-negotiable. We drill 8 to 10 lectures a week.
PTE for Australia, Canada, UK — target scores by destination
Australia: most universities accept 50 to 65 PTE; Group of Eight (Melbourne, Sydney, ANU, UNSW, Monash) ask 65 to 79 depending on program. PR Skilled visa: 65 in each = Proficient English, 79 in each = Superior English (max points).
Canada: virtually all universities and most colleges accept PTE Academic now. SDS pathway accepts PTE since 2023 — typically 60+ overall. PR Express Entry currently doesn't accept PTE for language points (IELTS GT or CELPIP only).
UK: most universities accept PTE for direct admission. UKVI versions are required for visa-purposes only and are limited — confirm with your destination if your program needs SELT.
Sample 5-week PTE plan
Week 1: Diagnostic mock, full overview of all 20 task types, Read Aloud and Repeat Sentence pacing drills. Week 2: Describe Image template, Re-tell Lecture, Summarize Written Text.
Week 3: Essay structure, Listening Multiple Choice, Write from Dictation. Week 4: Mid-mock, Reading Re-order Paragraphs and Fill in Blanks, Summarize Spoken Text.
Week 5: Two full mocks, weak-task remediation, Pearson VUE slot booking. Exam day usually 7 to 10 days after week 5.
What's included
Lab classes 5 days a week, dedicated booth time, our internal PTE template booklet, 30+ recorded mock tests, weekly graded full-length mocks, individual Speaking and Writing feedback, retake guidance.
Not included: the PTE exam fee (around 14,700 INR paid directly to Pearson) and travel to Ahmedabad/Vadodara test centres.
