The PTE exam costs NPR 28,000-32,000 in Nepal (2025), results arrive within 48 hours (can take longer), and preparation takes 4-12 weeks depending on English level. The test is accepted by 3,900+ institutions worldwide for university admission and immigration. New 2025 updates include Summarize Group Discussion (SGD) and Respond to a Situation (RTS) tasks. Target scores: 50 for diplomas, 55 for bachelor’s, and 60 for master’s programs.

This comprehensive FAQ answers the 14 most common questions we receive from students in Nepal preparing for PTE Academic. Whether you’re wondering about test costs in Kathmandu, realistic preparation timelines, or how the new Summarize Group Discussion (SGD) and Respond to a Situation (RTS) tasks work, you’ll find clear, practical answers here.

The PTE Academic test is an English proficiency exam accepted by universities, colleges, and governments worldwide for:

Academic Objectives:

• Admission to universities (master’s and bachelor’s programs)
• Professional degree programs and MBA programs
• Verification of the English language requirement

Immigration Purposes:

• Student visa applications (Australia, UK, Canada, New Zealand)
• Skilled migration programs
• Permanent residency applications

Professional Purposes:

• Professional registration (nursing, engineering, teaching)
• Employment verification in English-speaking countries

PTE Academic is accepted by over 3,000 institutions worldwide, which includes most of the universities in Australia, the UK, and New Zealand, and many institutions in Canada and the USA.

[Check Your PTE Eligibility for Study Abroad →]

PTE score requirements vary depending on the country, university, and level of study you are applying for. Generally, foundation and diploma programs may accept scores around 50, while bachelor’s programs typically require 50-58 and master’s programs usually require 58-65. Most Australian and UK universities accept scores of 50-58. For visa applications, Australia requires a minimum PTE score of 42 (with some exceptions for lower scores when combined with English language courses), while the UK requires at least 59 for degree-level study. Always verify the specific requirements with your chosen university and immigration authority, as criteria can vary significantly between institutions and programs.

The PTE Academic exam costs NPR 28,000-32,000 in Nepal as of 2025 (official fee: $245 USD, varies with exchange rate). 

💡 Tip: Book your test 2-3 weeks in advance to secure your preferred date.

Most students receive their PTE results within 48 hours (2 days). Also, sometimes the result may take 4-5 days as well.

How to Check Results:

• Log into your PTE account at pearsonpte.com
• Results appear automatically when ready
• Email notification sent when scores are available
• Download official score report immediately

You can send your scores to unlimited institutions for free within the validity period.

Pearson officially added TWO new question types to PTE Academic on August 7, 2025. If your test date is on or after this date, you WILL encounter both tasks:

1. Summarize Group Discussion (SGD)

Format:

• Listen to a 3-minute discussion between 3 speakers
• Take notes during listening
• Get 10 seconds to prepare your summary
• Speak for up to 2 MINUTES summarizing the main points
• Must speak for at least 90-120 seconds for full points

Scoring Impact:

• Affects both Speaking AND Listening scores (like Repeat Sentence)
• Contributes to: Content, Oral Fluency, Pronunciation, Vocabulary

This task includes human scoring oversight. Memorized templates will receive a lower score or zero. Natural, spontaneous speech is required.

2. Respond to a Situation (RTS)

Format:

• Read AND hear a real-life scenario (up to 60 words)
• Get 20 seconds to prepare (PTE Academic: 10 seconds)
• Speak for 40 seconds with an appropriate response
• Scenarios include giving advice, making requests, responding to invitations

Scoring Impact:

• Affects Speaking score only
• Contributes to: Content, Oral Fluency, Pronunciation

Focus your practice on these high-impact tasks that contribute most to overall scores:

1. Repeat Sentence  (Highest Impact)

• Appears: 10-12 times per test
• Affects: Speaking + Listening scores (dual impact)
• Why it’s important: Each sentence correctly repeated significantly boosts two module scores
• Practice goal: 30-40 sentences daily

2. Write From Dictation  (Highest Listening Impact)

• Appears: 3-4 times per test
• Affects: Listening and Writing scores
• Why it’s important: Each correct word = 1 point (easy scoring)
• Practice goal: 20-30 dictations daily
• Key skill: Spelling accuracy

3. Reading & Writing Fill in the Blanks

• Appears: 5-6 times per test
• Affects: Reading and writing scores (dual impact)
• Why it’s important: Tests vocabulary and grammar simultaneously
• Practice goal: 10-15 exercises daily
• Key skill: Collocation knowledge

4. Summarize Group Discussion (NEW 2025) 

• Appears: 2-3 times per test (estimation)
• Affects: Speaking and listening scores
• Why it’s important: 2-minute speaking task with high value
• Practice goal: 5-10 discussions weekly
• Key skill: Note-taking + spontaneous speaking

Yes, absolutely! You can practice PTE at home through self-study using different online materials and by doing continuous practice. 

Essential Requirements for Self-Study:

• Strong self-discipline (2-3 hours daily practice) 

• Access to quality resources (mock tests, question banks) 

• Good English foundation (minimum Band 5-6 level) 

• Computer and internet for online practice 

• Quiet study space with minimal distractions

KIEC PTE Preparation Includes:

• Guided classes with experienced instructors and small batch sizes
  
  
• Personalized speaking & writing feedback, including pronunciation and essays
  
  
• Weekly scored mock tests with detailed analysis
  
  
• Structured study plans tailored to your level
  
  
• Continuous progress tracking and weak-area focus sessions

Yes, you can retake PTE as many times as needed. However, you must wait at least 5 days between attempts. Most students retake it 1-2 times before achieving their target score.