DET vs IELTS 2026: Which English Test Should Indian Students Choose?

DET vs IELTS — which is easier for Indian students in 2026, and which English test should you choose? This is the most common question EEC's counselors hear from students planning to study in the USA or Canada. The DET vs IELTS comparison comes down to cost ($70 vs ₹16,250), convenience (home vs test center), speed (48 hours vs 5-13 days), and acceptance (5,700 vs 11,000 institutions). EEC offers expert coaching for BOTH tests at just ₹7,500 each — so you can choose the one that fits your goals. This 2026 guide gives you every detail to make the right decision.

DET vs IELTS: Complete Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Fee Comparison: $70 vs ₹16,250 — DET Is 70% Cheaper

The cost difference is dramatic. DET costs US$70 (~₹5,880), while IELTS costs ₹16,250 — making DET roughly 70% cheaper. When you add unlimited free score sends (DET) versus paid score sends after the first 5 (IELTS), the savings multiply. For a student applying to 10 universities, DET can save ₹15,000-20,000 compared to IELTS.

Format Comparison: 1 Hour at Home vs 3 Hours at Test Center

DET takes approximately 1 hour and is done from your home computer. No travel to test centers, no waiting in queues, no rigid scheduling. IELTS takes about 2 hours 45 minutes at a test center, with the speaking section sometimes on a separate day. For students in cities without convenient IELTS test centers, DET eliminates travel entirely.

Results Speed: 48 Hours vs 5-13 Days

DET results arrive in 48 hours — the fastest of any major English test. IELTS takes 5-13 days depending on whether you take paper-based or computer-delivered. If you have a tight application deadline, DET's fast turnaround can be a lifesaver. You can even retake DET multiple times (with a 48-hour cooldown between attempts) and still meet deadlines.

Score Conversion: What DET 120 Equals in IELTS Bands

For the complete conversion table, read our DET score conversion mega-table.

University Acceptance: Where IELTS Wins and Where DET Catches Up

IELTS is accepted by 11,000+ institutions worldwide — more than double DET's 5,700+. However, acceptance varies dramatically by country. In the USA, DET acceptance is nearly universal (4,000+ institutions). In the UK and Australia, IELTS remains dominant but DET is growing. For Canada immigration (not just university admission), IELTS is required — DET is not accepted by IRCC.

Which Test for Which Country?

EEC Coaches BOTH: IELTS and DET at ₹7,500

The good news? EEC offers expert coaching for both IELTS coaching at EEC and DET coaching at EEC at the same affordable price of ₹7,500 each. EEC's counselors help you decide which test best suits your target universities, budget, and timeline — then prepare you to ace it. And at every EEC branch, you also get FREE study abroad counseling for USA, Canada, UK, and 37+ countries.

“EEC helped me decide between DET and IELTS. Since I was applying only to US universities, they recommended DET. I scored 125 and saved ₹10,000 compared to IELTS. Smart choice!”

— Karan, MS in AI, USC — DET 125

Book a free consultation to decide which test is right for you. Related: DET vs TOEFL for USA, DET complete guide, DET accepted universities, DET preparation tips. Also explore PTE coaching at EEC, TOEFL coaching for USA, and education loan for study abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

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