IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Duolingo, which one should you actually sit?
Students usually pick an English test because a friend sat that one. It is the wrong basis, and the mistake costs both the fee and several weeks.
Start from the acceptance list, not the test
Before anything else, check what your shortlisted universities and the destination’s visa authority accept. These are two separate lists and they do not always agree, a university may take a test that the immigration authority will not, which is exactly how a student ends up with an offer they cannot get a visa for.
The four, honestly
IELTS Academic
The safest default. Accepted essentially everywhere and by every visa route we handle. Face-to-face speaking section, which suits students who freeze in front of a microphone and unsettles those who prefer a machine. Results in 3–13 days.
TOEFL iBT
Strongest in the United States, where some departments quietly prefer it. Entirely computer-based including a recorded speaking section. Longer test, integrated tasks that combine reading, listening and writing.
PTE Academic
Fully computer-scored, so no human variation, and results typically inside 48 hours. That speed makes it the right answer when a deadline is close. Rewards clear pronunciation and pace; students who mumble score worse than their English deserves.
Duolingo English Test
Cheapest by a wide margin, sat at home in about an hour. The acceptance list is much shorter and changes, so it is only sensible when you have confirmed in writing that your specific universities take it, and check the visa route separately.
The band, not the average
Most master’s programmes want IELTS 6.5 overall with no individual band below 6.0. Universities and visa routes usually enforce the minimum band as strictly as the overall. A 7.0 average with 5.5 in writing fails. Plan your preparation around your weakest section, not your total.
Book so a retake still fits
Set the test date from the application deadline backwards, leaving room for one retake. A retake you have time for is an inconvenience; a retake you do not have time for costs an intake.
If you are undecided
Sit a free diagnostic in each format before you pay for anything. Most students discover a clear preference within an hour, and it is usually about the speaking section. We run those at the Jaipur centre, see test preparation.
Talk it through
Not sure how this applies to your file?
Bring the question to a free counselling session and get an answer against your actual marks, budget and intake.