Duolingo vs IELTS: Key Differences Explained, Price, Score Comparison

Choosing the right English test can feel like a big decision on your journey to study or work abroad. Both the Duolingo English Test and IELTS are designed to measure your language proficiency, but they are very different. 

This article will compare the Duolingo test and IELTS in detail, covering everything from cost and format to university acceptance.

Key Highlights

• The Duolingo English Test is an online, adaptive test, while the IELTS exam is a structured test taken at a test centre.
• IELTS boasts wider global recognition, accepted by over 12,000 organisations, compared to Duolingo’s acceptance by over 5,000 institutions.
• Duolingo is more affordable and offers results in 48 hours, whereas IELTS is more expensive, with results taking up to 13 days.
• The scoring systems differ, with IELTS using a 0-9 band score and Duolingo using a 10-160 point scale.
• Your choice depends on your target university requirements and visa regulations for your study destination.

Duolingo vs IELTS: Key Differences

Here are some key differences between Duolingo and IELTS:

Duolingo vs IELTS: Price and Availability

When it comes to cost, the Duolingo English Test is the clear winner. At INR 4,852 plus taxes, its lower cost makes it a very attractive option for students on a budget. Because it’s an online test, you also save on travel costs to a test centre. You can take it anytime, anywhere, as long as you have a stable internet connection. This high accessibility is a major advantage.

The IELTS exam, on the other hand, is significantly more expensive, with fees typically starting from INR 18,000. You must book a slot at a designated test centre, which might have limited dates and locations. 

While IELTS offers both paper-based and computer-delivered options, both require you to be physically present. Results for Duolingo arrive within 48 hours, while IELTS results can take from 3 to 13 days, depending on the test format.

Accessibility and Scheduling in India

In India, scheduling the Duolingo English Test is incredibly simple. All you need is a computer with a camera, a microphone, and the internet. You can register and take the test from home at any time that suits you, offering maximum flexibility and accessibility. This removes the stress of travelling to a city with a test centre.

Booking your IELTS exam, managed by partners like IDP (IELTS Australia), requires more planning. You need to visit the official IELTS India website, find a test centre near you, and select an available date for your exam. Test slots can fill up quickly, especially during peak application seasons, so it is wise to book well in advance.

Duolingo vs IELTS: Scoring Systems

The way Duolingo and IELTS measure your language proficiency is quite different. 

The IELTS test uses a 9-band scale, where you receive a band score from 0 to 9 for each of the four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Your overall band score is the average of these four scores. Most universities require a score between 6.5 and 7.5.

The Duolingo English Test uses a scale of 10-160. Along with an overall score, you get subscores for Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation, and Production. Many institutions that accept Duolingo look for scores between 105 and 125. You can find official comparison charts online that show how Duolingo test scores roughly equate to an IELTS band score. For example, a Duolingo score of 120-125 is comparable to an IELTS 6.5.

Duolingo and IELTS Score Comparison

The below table shows Duolingo vs IELTS score comparison to help you understand the proficiency levels.

Duolingo vs IELTS: Which is Easier for Indian Students?

Deciding which English proficiency test is “easier” is subjective and depends on your strengths. Many Indian students may find the Duolingo test format more comfortable. It is a shorter, adaptive test, meaning the questions change based on your performance. The tasks are quick and varied, which can feel less intimidating than the long texts and structured essays found in the IELTS exam.

On the other hand, some students prefer the predictability of IELTS. Its format is consistent, and there are countless resources available to prepare for each section, including the face-to-face speaking section. 

If you are comfortable with formal essay writing and structured interviews, IELTS might feel more straightforward. Ultimately, the “easier” test is the one that best matches your learning style and test-taking preferences.

Pros and Cons of Duolingo vs IELTS

Both the Duolingo English Test and IELTS have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of both Duolingo and IELTS.

Benefits & Drawbacks of Taking Duolingo

Here are some key benefits of taking Duolingo:

• Lower Cost: It is one of the most affordable English proficiency exams available.
• Accessibility and Speed: You can take it online anytime, and results are ready in just 48 hours.
• Modern Format: The adaptive test format and integrated video interview section feel more intuitive to some users.

However, its biggest drawback is that it is not as widely accepted as IELTS. While the list of accepting institutions is growing, many universities and immigration authorities still prefer traditional tests. The AI-proctored environment is also very strict, which can be stressful for some test-takers.

Benefits and Drawbacks of taking IELTS

Here are some of the main benefits of taking IELTS:

• Global Recognition: It is accepted by over 12,000 organisations worldwide, including universities, employers, and immigration bodies.
• Structured Format: The test is predictable, with clear sections and extensive practice materials available.
• Face-to-Face Speaking Test: The live speaking test with a real examiner allows for a more natural and nuanced assessment of your communication skills.

The primary drawbacks of IELTS are the higher cost and the inconvenience of having to travel to a test centre. The waiting time for results is also longer, which can be a problem if you have tight application deadlines.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when you look at Duolingo vs ielts, think about what you need, how you learn, and where you want to go. Each option has its own benefits and limits, and these can shape your study plan and applications. When you understand the differences and compare them with your situation, the decision becomes easier. The right test can open many doors, so take a moment to see what fits you. And if you’re still unsure, you can always reach out to us for guidance.