August 2025 PTE Exam Changes Now in Effect
Big shifts have officially landed in the PTE Academic Exam, and if you’re registering now or sitting the test soon, here’s your need to know briefing.
As of August 7, 2025, Pearson’s new updates to both the PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI tests are live. And no, these aren’t just cosmetic adjustments.
We’re talking two fresh question types, human examiners teaming up with AI for scoring, and an enhanced scoring framework, all engineered to make the test a sharper reflection of real world communication skills.
Here’s the breakdown,
✅ Two (2) new question types that simulate workplace and classroom conversations.
✅ Greater human scoring involvement for tasks that demand nuance.
✅ Refined AI detection for copied or templated responses.
Introducing (2) Two New Question Types
The PTE Academic test just got two powerful upgrades designed to test your real world communication chops. These new question types bring the total speaking tasks to nine, up from seven, giving test-takers more opportunity to showcase listening, thinking, and speaking skills in everyday scenarios.
1. Summarize Group Discussion
This task simulates an academic or workplace setting. You’ll listen to a lively, 3 person group conversation and then summarize the entire discussion, in your own words, within 2 minutes.
- Prompt Length – Up to 3 minutes
- Skills Tested – Listening + Speaking
- Answer Time – 2 minutes
2. Respond to a Situation
You’re given a brief scenario in writing (up to 60 words). Your job? React to it in real time, like you would in a meeting or social setting. You’ve got 40 seconds to deliver a response.
- Prompt – Situation described via short text
- Skill Tested – Speaking
- Answer Time – 40 seconds
Both tasks are easy to manage if you’ve practiced under the right conditions, which is exactly what Svarna Training Institute offers through updated mock exams, real time speaking drills, and expert coaching.
New Scoring & Marking Criteria Changes
Pearson is upping its game when it comes to how your PTE exam is scored. While AI still plays a central role in evaluation, there’s a significant change you need to know about, increased human involvement.
That’s right, if the AI suspects your response is irrelevant, templated, or lacks originality, your answer will now be flagged and reviewed by an actual human examiner.
This applies to seven high-impact task types,
- Describe Image
- Re-tell Lecture
- Summarize Written Text
- Summarize Spoken Text
- Essay
- Reading Tasks
- Listening Tasks
So what does this mean for you?
- Cookie cutter templates? Risky.
- Irrelevant filler content? Points deducted.
- Authentic, contextual responses? Rewarded.
This hybrid scoring model is designed to mirror real world expectations, where both logic and delivery matter. And don’t worry, Svarna Training Institute’s PTE preparation program is already aligned with these changes. Our trainers will coach you on exactly what the new scoring system values, authentic, relevant, and impactful responses.
Changes in Number of Questions (Extra Questions Added)
Pearson isn’t increasing the test time, but it’s definitely increasing the challenge. The PTE Academic test format 2025 now includes more questions across key sections, giving you more chances to score, but also demanding sharper focus.
Here’s what’s changing,
Speaking Section
- Describe Image – Now 5/6 questions (previously 3/4)
- Re-tell Lecture – Now 2/3 questions (was just 1 before)
Writing Section
- Summarize Written Text – Now consistently 2 questions (was 1/2)
- Essay – Remains at 1 question
Listening Section
- Summarize Spoken Text – Fixed at 1 question
- Highlight Correct Summary & Select Missing Word – Now 2/3 questions (previously 1/2)
Reading Section
- MCQs, Single & Multiple Answers – Now fixed at 2 each (previously 1/2)
Why does this matter?
- You’ll need to train for endurance and be consistent throughout the test.
- Time management becomes even more crucial.
- Practice under updated exam conditions is non-negotiable.
Additional Details to Keep in Mind
Before you lock in a test date, here’s what matters most about the August 2025 PTE changes, especially if you’re taking the exam in Dubai or anywhere across the UAE.
These changes apply to,
- PTE Academic
- PTE Academic UKVI
No changes are being made to,
- PTE Core
- PTE Home
If your PTE Academic test is on or after August 7, 2025, you’re already in the new format. The old format is officially retired, so every test taker from this point forward will experience the latest version in full.
Key Details,
- No increase in test duration, Still approx. 2 hours
- No changes to pte exam fees
- Fast results, Delivered within 2 days (no more than 5)
- No changes to, Repeat Sentence, Write from Dictation, Read Aloud
What’s Svarna doing about it?
- Updated mock exams that match the new format
- New course materials and practice tests
- Real-time strategy sessions, webinars & expert video tutorials
Whether you’re a first-timer or a retaker, Svarna Training Institute has tailored resources designed specifically for the new format so your prep stays laser focused and exam ready.
Pro tip – With the old format gone, your best move is to train directly in the new system so test day feels like practice, not a curveball.