The Mohali–Chandigarh region is witnessing a sharp rise in overseas education demand, with international student mobility growing by nearly 25–30% annually. Driven by better career opportunities and global exposure, the region has become a major hub for study abroad admissions, student visas, and PTE coaching.

While Canada was once the top choice, students are now increasingly exploring destinations like the UK, Australia, Germany, Ireland, and other European countries due to changing immigration policies and visa restrictions.

The demand for PTE Academic has grown significantly as students prefer faster results, flexible exam dates, AI-based scoring, and globally accepted English proficiency tests for university admissions and visa applications.

Students are also actively searching for the following:

• Budget-friendly study abroad options
• No IELTS/PTE pathways
• Flexible study-gap policies
• Affordable European universities

This shift highlights how students in Mohali and Chandigarh are becoming more career-focused, strategic, and globally aware while planning their international education journey. The rise of language coaching and career guidance institutes in Mohali near Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar is the best example.

The PTE exam fee in India is ₹18,900 (including 18% GST), and exam bookings can be easily completed through the official Pearson portal.

As study abroad trends continue to evolve, PTE Academic is becoming one of the most preferred English proficiency exams for students seeking faster, smarter, and more flexible pathways to international education. Some of the PTE centers are listed below:

PTE Exam 2026: Complete Guide for Indian Students

What is the PTE exam?

The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is an English language proficiency exam designed for non-native English speakers. It is widely accepted for study abroad, work, and migration purposes, helping institutions and governments evaluate a candidate’s ability to listen, speak, read, and write in English.

PTE is accepted by over 4,000 universities and colleges worldwide, including prestigious institutions like

• Harvard University
• University of Oxford
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Types of PTE Exams

Pearson offers different types of PTE exams based on study, work, and immigration requirements:

• PTE Academic
• PTE Academic UKVI
• PTE Core
• PTE Home (A1, A2, B1)
• PTE General

What is PTE General?

The PTE General exam measures practical, everyday English communication skills. Unlike PTE Academic, which is mainly used for university admissions, PTE General is commonly used for:

• Immigration purposes
• Work applications
• Personal English certification
• School-level English assessment

This guide focuses mainly on the PTE Academic Exam, especially for Indian students planning to study abroad in 2026 and beyond.

What is PTE Academic?

PTE Academic is a computer-based English proficiency test conducted by Pearson for students planning to study or settle abroad. The exam uses AI-based scoring, meaning there is no human examiner involved during the evaluation process.

Where is PTE accepted?

PTE Academic is accepted by universities and immigration authorities in countries such as the following:

• United Kingdom
• Australia
• Canada
• New Zealand

It is widely used for:

• University admissions
• Student visa applications
• Permanent residency and migration

PTE Exam Format

The PTE Academic exam consists of three main sections:

1. Speaking & Writing

2. Reading

3. Listening

• The exam includes around 20 different question types.
• Total duration: approximately 2 to 3 hours

PTE Scoring System

• Scores range from 10 to 90
• Results are usually available within 48 hours.
• Most universities require scores between 58 and 79, depending on the course and institution.

PTE is known for delivering one of the fastest result turnaround times among English proficiency exams.

Why Students Prefer PTE

Many students choose PTE because of its convenience and flexibility:

• Faster results compared to other English tests
• Fully computer-based exam
• Flexible booking with frequent test dates
• Unlimited free score reports to universities.
• No face-to-face speaking interview
• AI scoring focuses more on fluency and clarity rather than accent.

PTE vs IELTS & TOEFL

Compared to exams like

• IELTS
• TOEFL

PTE offers several advantages:

PTE Registration in India

Registration for the exam can be completed through the official Pearson PTE website.

PTE Exam Fees in India (2026)

Important Requirement

A valid passport is mandatory as the primary ID proof for the exam.

Rescheduling & Cancellation Policy

Rescheduling Policy

• More than 14 days before exam: Free
• 8–13 days before exam: 50% fee charged
• Less than 7 days before exam: No rescheduling allowed

Cancellation Policy

• Full refund if cancelled at least 14 days before the exam
• No refund for cancellations made within 13 days of the exam date

Who Should Take the PTE Exam?

PTE is ideal for students who:

• Need quick exam results.
• Prefer computer-based testing
• Feel nervous during face-to-face speaking interviews.
• Want flexible test scheduling.
• Applying to multiple universities abroad

Latest Updates on PTE Exam 2026

New Question Types Introduced

Pearson has introduced two new question formats:

• Summarise Group Discussion
• Respond to a Situation

These question types have been added to the Speaking & Writing section to better evaluate real-life communication skills.

Human + AI Scoring System

In a major update, certain sections of the PTE exam will now be evaluated using both:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Human Assessors

This hybrid scoring system aims to improve fairness and more effectively detect copied or unoriginal responses.

Still worried about the PTE exam? Fear not! Scholastic Test Masters (STM), powered by SIEC, offers cutting-edge online and offline coaching for IELTS, GRE, GMAT, PTE, SAT, and TOEFL.

Since 2009, STM has been at the forefront of global test prep, empowering students to seize opportunities at top universities worldwide. From the SAT to the Duolingo English Test, our dynamic programs transform potential into outstanding performance.   

Conclusion

The PTE Academic Exam has become one of the most preferred English proficiency tests for students planning to study abroad. With faster results, flexible scheduling, and global acceptance, it offers a convenient and reliable pathway for international education and migration.

If you are planning to study abroad in 2026, preparing for the PTE exam can be an excellent step toward achieving your academic and career goals.