TOEFL switched to a 1-6 band system in 2026 — shorter format, no essay, faster results. PTE remains fully AI-scored with 1-2 day results and is the only option for Australia PR and Canada Express Entry among these two. Here's how they compare.
Expert comparison based on 28+ years of coaching both tests.
| Aspect | PTE | TOEFL |
|---|---|---|
| Scoring | PTE 10-90 | TOEFL 1-6 bands (NEW) |
| Format | Computer-only, AI-scored | Computer-only, adaptive (NEW) |
| Duration | ~2 hours | ~2 hours (NEW) |
| AI Scoring | Fully AI-scored | Hybrid (AI + human for some sections) |
| Results Speed | 1-2 business days | 72 hours (NEW) |
| Fee (India) | INR 18,000 | INR 18,000 |
| Immigration (Australia) | Accepted for Australia PR | NOT accepted for Australia PR |
| Immigration (Canada) | PTE Core accepted for Express Entry | NOT accepted for Express Entry |
| Negative Marking | YES (MC multiple answer) | NO |
| Speaking | Recorded responses to AI | Recorded responses to computer |
| Writing | Summary + essay | Summarize discussion (NO essay — NEW) |
| Score Conversion | PTE 73 ≈ TOEFL Band 5.0, PTE 58 ≈ TOEFL Band 4.0 | (reverse) |
| EEC Coaching | From ₹7,500 | From ₹7,500 |
See how many courses open up at different PTE score levels across top destinations.
See how many courses open up at different TOEFL score levels across top destinations.
Reviews from Google Places API · 2026-02-16
Our coaches have prepared students for both PTE and TOEFL for 28+ years. Get a personalized recommendation based on your target country, immigration goals, and strengths. Available online from anywhere in India.
Preparing for US university admissions while living in the USA? Whether you need TOEFL for grad school, transfers, or professional licensing — here's how EEC's coaching works for you.
Live online classes — Monday to Friday (4:00–5:00 PM IST)
New York / New Jersey (EST)
5:30 AM – 6:30 AM
Early morning slot
Texas / Chicago (CST)
4:30 AM – 5:30 AM
Pre-dawn slot
Denver / Phoenix (MST)
3:30 AM – 4:30 AM
Use recordings
California / Seattle (PST)
2:30 AM – 3:30 AM
Use recordings
India (IST)
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Original batch time
East Coast students: 5:30 AM is feasible before work/class. Central & West Coast — all sessions are recorded same day. Watch recordings + attend live doubt sessions.
Hundreds of ETS/Prometric test centers across all 50 states
TOEFL iBT Home Edition available 24/7 — same score, same acceptance
Home test needs: computer with camera, mic, quiet room, whiteboard (no paper)
Register at ets.org — fee $245
110+ → MIT, Stanford, Harvard, Princeton (preferred)
100+ → Top-20 universities (minimum for most)
90+ → Most graduate programs
80+ → UC Berkeley, many state universities
MyBest Scores: ETS combines your highest section scores across attempts
Many US universities waive TOEFL after 2–4 years of US education
Students who completed a US bachelor's degree are often exempt
4 years at a US high school → typically exempt
Policy varies by university — always check admissions page
If unsure, take TOEFL anyway — having a score never hurts
Applying for MS/PhD? You likely need both GRE and TOEFL
EEC offers both courses — study simultaneously and save time
TOEFL score valid 2 years — time your test carefully
4 free score reports on test day, $20 each after
No waiting period between retake attempts
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