What we need to understand is that PTE is a purely computer based proficiency test. Here is a computer system. You will have to type answers in computer. IELTS has 2 options. First is computer-based test and another is pen-and-paper test.Generally, in IELTS, pen and paper based exams are given.
First let's talk about the similarities between IELTS and PTE. There are four modules in both tests.
Reading, writing, listening and speaking. Its term is 2 years. As you gave a test today, it works for 2 years.
Now let's talk about the difference.
1. Acceptance
IELTS is accepted by more than 10,000 educational institutions worldwide and is accepted worldwide. But few institution accept PTE. But in countries like Australia, Canada, UK, New Zealand, both PTE and IELTS are accepted.
2. Exam Type
IELTS is based on pen and paper. We have to take the exam in a quiet room with an examiner take an interview. It's just like Viva that we used to give in school/college . But in PTE, the test should be given entirely on computer based. So simply, in IELTS, you write with pen in paper, in PTE, you type answers in computer.
3. Examiner Type
In the case of IELTS there is a examiner (person) and in the case of PTE there is a computer. If you feel comfortable talking to someone then IELTS may be the best option for you. If you are an introvert, PTE may be a good choice for you.4. Effect on Personal Development
The IELTS isn't just English proficiency test but it work well in personal development. Because IELTS has an examiner and communication skills are taught here. But in PTE, personal development can't be expected.5. Support During Exam
You can ask the tester to repeat the query in the IELTS speaking module but this cannot be done in PTE.6. Environment during Examination
In IELTS you can take the exam in a quiet environment but in PTE you have to take the exam in a crowded environment. In PTE you have a microphone and you need to talk to the computer system. Others students may distract you while giving examination.7. Time To Publish Results
PTE results usually come in 1 day while IELTS results come in 13 days and hard copy takes a few more days.8. Score
The IELTS score is 0-9 also called band 0 to band 9. There's no minimum pass score. They are evaluated overall of reading,writting, listening and speaking. The PTE score is 10-90. There's no minimum score in PTE also. However, 50+ is expected.9. Days To Complete Examination
The IELTS Speaking Exam is taken on a separate day. Whether 1 day before or 1 day after the other modules exam. But in case of PTE all four modules are tested on the same day.
10. Cost
Current cost of IELTS exam in Nepal is RS. 23,000/-.
For PTE, it's around RS. 40,000