IELTS & PTE Band Score System in Bangladesh You Need to Know

In Bangladesh, thousands of students and professionals prepare each year for international exams like IELTS and PTE to achieve their goals of higher education, career advancement, or immigration opportunities abroad. Both IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and PTE (Pearson Test of English) are globally recognized English proficiency tests, but they differ significantly in their test format, scoring systems, and worldwide acceptance. Choosing the right exam can have a major impact on your plans, so understanding how these tests work is essential for anyone aiming to succeed internationally.

The band score system of IELTS and PTE is one of the most important aspects to consider before deciding which test to take. While IELTS scores range from 0 to 9, PTE uses a scoring scale of 10 to 90, which can feel very different for test-takers. Each exam evaluates your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, but the way these skills are assessed varies. By familiarizing yourself with the IELTS and PTE band score system, you can better plan your preparation, set realistic goals, and choose the test that aligns with your strengths and objectives. What is IELTS? The IELTS exam (International English Language Testing System) is one of the most widely recognized and trusted English proficiency tests worldwide. It is jointly administered by the British Council, IDP Education, and Cambridge Assessment English. The exam is specifically designed to evaluate your English communication skills across four key areas: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. There are two main versions of IELTS, each catering to different purposes: IELTS Academic – ideal for students planning to pursue higher education abroad, as it focuses on academic language skills required for university-level study. IELTS General Training – suitable for individuals applying for immigration or professional purposes, emphasizing practical English used in everyday social and workplace environments. IELTS is highly valued by universities, immigration authorities, and employers in countries such as the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, making it a crucial step for Bangladeshi students and professionals seeking international opportunities. Understanding the structure and scoring of IELTS can significantly improve preparation strategies and increase the chances of achieving the desired band score. What is PTE? The PTE Academic is a modern, computer-based English proficiency test developed by Pearson. Unlike traditional paper-based tests, PTE leverages AI technology to evaluate Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing skills with full automation. This ensures unbiased results and significantly faster score delivery, usually within 48 hours. The test structure includes integrated tasks that assess real-life language use, such as summarizing written texts, describing graphs, and participating in simulated conversations. In Bangladesh, PTE is gaining popularity due to its flexible test dates, fully computerized format, and globally recognized acceptance for university admissions and immigration purposes. Many test-takers prefer PTE over IELTS because it reduces human bias, adapts to individual skill levels, and provides a convenient online testing experience. Understanding the PTE test format and scoring system enables candidates to plan effective preparation, ensuring they achieve a competitive score that supports their academic or professional goals. IELTS vs PTE: Which is Easier? When deciding between IELTS and PTE, many Bangladeshi students and professionals often wonder which test is easier to handle. The difficulty largely depends on your personal strengths, learning style, and test-taking preferences. The IELTS exam is generally preferred by candidates who are comfortable with traditional testing methods. It includes a face-to-face IELTS speaking test with an examiner, allowing natural interaction and the chance to use gestures, tone, and expression—helpful for those confident in spoken English. The IELTS writing section also lets you write by hand (on paper-based tests) or type (on computer-based tests), depending on your comfort level. For those preparing in Dhaka, enrolling in the best IELTS course in Dhaka or an online IELTS course can provide expert guidance, mock tests, and strategies to achieve a high band score. On the other hand, the PTE Academic test is often considered easier by tech-savvy candidates who prefer a fully computerized format. Since PTE is entirely computer-based and AI-scored, it provides faster, unbiased results and integrates all language skills in real-world contexts—for example, listening to a recording and then summarizing or responding verbally. Many test-takers in Bangladesh appreciate PTE’s quick results, flexible scheduling, and clear question types. Those looking to prepare effectively can join the best PTE course in Dhaka or an online PTE course, which offers practice tests, expert feedback, and personalized training. Ultimately, IELTS vs PTE comes down to personal preference: if you enjoy human interaction and structured questions, IELTS is ideal; if you prefer a modern, automated, and technology-driven testing experience, PTE is the better choice. IELTS Band Score System The IELTS scoring system ranges from Band 0 to Band 9. Each skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) gets a separate band score, and the overall band is an average of all four. Band 9 – Expert user Band 8 – Very good user Band 7 – Good user Band 6 – Competent user Band 5 – Modest user Band 4 – Limited user Band 3 and below – Extremely limited user or non-user Most universities abroad require a minimum Band 6.0 to 7.5, while immigration programs like Canada and Australia usually require a Band 6 or higher. PTE Band Score System The PTE Academic score ranges from 10 to 90. Like IELTS, candidates receive scores for each skill and an overall score. 86–90 –C2- Expert level 76–85 – C1-Advance 59–75 – B2-Upper Intermediate 43–58 – B1- Intermediate 30–42 –A2- Basic 10–29 – A1 - Beginner Universities typically require 50–65, while highly competitive programs may demand 70–79 or higher. IELTS vs PTE Band Score Difference Here’s a quick comparison of IELTS and PTE scores: IELTS Band 6.0 ≈ PTE 50–58 IELTS Band 6.5 ≈ PTE 59–64 IELTS Band 7.0 ≈ PTE 65–72 IELTS Band 7.5 ≈ PTE 73–78 IELTS Band 8.0 ≈ PTE 79–83 IELTS Band 9.0 ≈ PTE 86–90 This conversion helps Bangladeshi students compare scores and decide which exam aligns with their study or immigration needs. How to Prepare for the IELTS and PTE Exam Online Preparing for IELTS and PTE exams requires the right strategy, consistent practice, and access to expert guidance. With today’s digital learning platforms, students in Bangladesh can now prepare effectively from the comfort of their homes. The best way to begin your preparation is by understanding the test format, scoring criteria, and question types for both exams. Once you’re familiar with the structure, focus on developing your core English skills—listening, reading, writing, and speaking—through regular practice tests, mock exams, and feedback sessions. For those looking for a trusted and result-oriented online course, Mentors' Learning stands out as the best online IELTS and PTE Live course provider in Bangladesh. Their interactive classes, AI-based mock tests, and personalized instructor feedback make test preparation more effective and engaging. Students can choose from flexible course options designed for university admission, professional licensing, or immigration purposes. With Mentors Learning’s proven teaching methods and experienced trainers, you can build confidence, improve your English proficiency, and achieve your desired IELTS or PTE band score faster. Conclusion Both IELTS and PTE are widely recognized English proficiency tests in Bangladesh. The choice depends on your goals, test style, and target country. IELTS is best for those comfortable with face-to-face speaking and traditional writing tasks, while PTE is ideal for candidates who prefer a fully computerized, AI-based test with faster results. Always check the English requirements of your chosen university, visa, or employer before deciding, so you can prepare effectively and achieve your desired score.