Updated June 2026. IELTS is no longer the only way to prove your English. Duolingo English Test (DET) and PTE Academic are now widely accepted — and choosing the right one can save you time and money. Here is how Indian students should decide.
The quick comparison
- IELTS — the most universally accepted, including for visas in most countries. Test-centre based; speaking is with a real examiner. Best when you want the widest acceptance and zero risk.
- Duolingo English Test (DET) — cheapest and fastest, taken from home with quick results. Accepted by a large and growing list of universities, but check visa acceptance separately.
- PTE Academic — computer-based with fast, objective scoring; well accepted, especially for the UK and Australia.
How to choose
- Start from your universities and visa. Acceptance is what matters — confirm each target accepts your chosen test for both admission and the visa.
- Budget and speed — if cost and turnaround matter most and your universities accept it, DET is attractive.
- Play to your strengths — some students score better on computer-based, objectively-marked formats (PTE/DET) than on a live speaking test.
If your prior education was in English, you may not need any test at all — see studying abroad without IELTS.
Not sure which test your shortlist needs? AbroBot’s AI University Matcher shows the test requirements per university so you only sit the one that opens the most doors.
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Test acceptance for admission and for visas differs by university and country and changes over time; always verify current requirements.