Duolingo vs PTE: which is easier for you?
A side-by-side look at the two computer-based English tests, so you can pick the one that suits your university, your visa route and the way you work.
Neither test is easier for everyone; the right one depends on where you are applying. The Duolingo English Test is a 1-hour test you take at home, with results in about 2 days. PTE Academic is taken at a test centre, costs ₹18,900 in India, and results usually arrive in about 2 days. Duolingo is accepted by more than 6,500 institutions, but PTE is accepted for UK and Australian student visas as well as admissions. Check your university's list first, then choose the format you're more comfortable with.
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Duolingo vs PTE: side by side
| Duolingo English Test | PTE Academic | |
|---|---|---|
| Where you take it | Online, at home, no appointment | At a Pearson test centre (a home version also exists) |
| Length | About 1 hour: 5 minutes setup, 45 minutes scored, 10 minutes of writing and speaking samples | Longer; check Pearson's current format |
| Results | In about 2 days | Usually in about 2 days |
| Fee in India | Shown at checkout in your currency | ₹18,900 (PTE Home ₹15,300) |
| Valid for | 2 years | Check with your university |
Sources: Duolingo English Test applicant pages and Pearson's India price list, checked 26 October 2026.
Who is Duolingo better for?
- Students whose universities accept it and who want to test from home without travelling to a centre.
- Students who need a result quickly and want a shorter test.
- Students who like short, varied question types and are comfortable on a computer at home with a stable connection.
- Remember the home-test rules: a quiet room, a working camera and microphone, and no one else present. Read our Duolingo preparation guide.
Preparing for your English test? Ask a counsellor about the next coaching batch and a free demo class.
WhatsApp a counsellorWho is PTE better for?
- Students applying to the UK or Australia who want one test that works for both admission and the visa.
- Students who are comfortable typing and speaking to a computer, since PTE is fully computer-scored.
- Students who would rather test at a centre than set up a room at home.
- See fees, rescheduling and refunds in our PTE exam fee guide.
Where is each test accepted?
Duolingo is accepted by more than 6,500 institutions, including many in the UK, USA, Canada and Europe, but not by every university or every visa route. PTE is accepted for UK and Australian student visas as well as for admissions. Many UK universities accept Duolingo for admission and confirm your English level on your CAS, so a Duolingo score can still lead to a UK visa if your university accepts it.
Always check the exact test and minimum score on your university's own admissions page before you book. Compare all four tests in IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL vs Duolingo, and see the Duolingo-accepted universities list.
How do I choose between Duolingo and PTE?
- List your universities first. If all of them accept Duolingo, it is usually the simpler and quicker option.
- If even one needs PTE or IELTS, take that test rather than paying for two.
- Try a free practice test of each. The format you are calmer in usually gives the better score.
- Need help preparing? Ask about PTE coaching at our Himayatnagar centre.
Official sources
Figures on this page were checked on 26 Oct 2026. Rules and fees change, so always confirm the current numbers on the official site before you pay or apply.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Duolingo easier than PTE?
It depends on you. Duolingo is shorter and taken at home, while PTE is longer and taken at a test centre. Many students find the format they practised more feels easier, so try a free practice test of each.
Is Duolingo accepted for a UK student visa?
Many UK universities accept Duolingo for admission and confirm your English level on your CAS. Check your university's policy, because not all accept it. PTE Academic is accepted for UK and Australian student visas.
How much does PTE cost in India?
PTE Academic costs ₹18,900 in India in 2026, and the PTE Home tests cost ₹15,300, according to Pearson's India price list.
How much does the Duolingo English Test cost?
Duolingo shows the price at checkout in your currency, so check it on the official Duolingo English Test site before you buy.
Which test gives results faster?
Both usually give results in about 2 days.
Can Abbacy help me prepare for Duolingo or PTE?
Yes. We help you choose the right test for your universities and offer PTE coaching at our Himayatnagar centre.
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