Planning to take the Pearson Test of English (PTE) in Nepal?
Whether it’s for studying abroad, immigration, or professional registration, demonstrating your English proficiency is key. This comprehensive guide provides all the essential information you need to navigate the PTE process in Nepal, from understanding the test format and fees to finding centers, booking your exam, and knowing what to expect on test day.
What is the PTE Exam?
The PTE Academic is a computer-based English language test trusted by universities, governments, and organizations worldwide. It assesses your real-life English skills in an academic context. There are also other versions like PTE Core (often for Canadian immigration) and PTE Academic UKVI (for UK visas), which have similar fees but may differ slightly in acceptance.
PTE Academic Test Format
The PTE Academic exam is completed in a single session lasting approximately two hours. It is divided into three main parts, testing four key skills: Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening.
- Part 1: Speaking & Writing (Approx. 54–67 minutes): This combined section is the longest and includes various question types like reading aloud, repeating sentences, describing images, re-telling lectures, answering short questions, summarizing text, and writing an essay.
- Part 2: Reading (Approx. 29–30 minutes): This section tests your reading comprehension skills through question types such as multiple-choice (single and multiple answers), re-ordering paragraphs, and filling in blanks.
- Part 3: Listening (Approx. 30–40 minutes): Assesses your listening skills with tasks like summarizing spoken text, multiple-choice, filling blanks, highlighting correct summaries, selecting missing words, highlighting incorrect words, and writing from dictation.
Note: The PTE Core format is similar but tailored more towards real-life, non-academic scenarios.
PTE Exam Fees in Nepal
As of early 2025, the standard fee for taking the PTE Academic, PTE Core, or PTE Academic UKVI exam in Nepal is USD $205.
It’s important to note:
- This fee is subject to change, so always verify the current price on the official Pearson PTE website when booking.
- Fees are typically paid online via credit or debit card during registration.
- Late booking might incur additional fees.
PTE Exam Dates in Nepal: Finding Availability
Securing a test date requires checking current availability:
- Frequency: Test sessions are generally held weekly in Kathmandu. In other locations like Pokhara, Bharatpur, and Tilottama, the frequency can vary, often monthly, depending on demand.
- Checking Availability: Fixed, long-term schedules aren’t published. The most reliable way to find current dates is through the official Pearson PTE website. Use their ‘Check test availability’ feature or log in to your myPTE account.
Direct Link to Check Availability: https://www.pearsonpte.com/check-availability-overlay
Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular dates or locations.
PTE Test Centers in Nepal
Pearson operates several authorized test centers across Nepal. Here are the known locations (as of early 2025), with their verified addresses, contact information, and Google Maps links:
In Kathmandu:
Alfa Beta Institute Pvt. Ltd
Location: Alfa Beta Complex, New Baneshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal
Contact: info@alfabetaedu.com
British Professional College
Location: Trade Tower, Thapathali, Kathmandu, Nepal
Contact:
Phone: +977 (1) 5970003, +977 9823576995
Email: info@thebritishcollege.edu.np
PTE Specific Contact: 9803466327
Universal Language & Computer Institute
Location: 22 Gurans Marg, Dillibazar Height, GPO BOX: 4024, Kathmandu, Nepal
Contact: +977 15970036 (Phone), helpdesk@ulci.edu.np (Email)
Kathmandu College of Management
Location: Gwarko, Lalitpur, Nepal (While the previous text states Kathmandu, recent information indicates its test center is in Gwarko, Lalitpur, which is part of the Kathmandu Valley.)
Contact: 9767231799 (Mobile – for PTE classes as per Ozone Education, likely a point of contact for the center through them)
Mid Valley International College
Location: Gyaneshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal
Contact: +977-1-4537188, 4535188, 9841232529 (Phone)
Outside Kathmandu:
Pokhara: Chitwan Medical College – Pokhara
Location: House Number 99, Nayabazaar, Pokhara, Gandaki Province, Nepal
Contact: +977) 061-590980 (CMC Pokhara Branch Office)
Bharatpur: Chitwan Medical College – Bharatpur
Location: Bharatpur-10, Chitwan, Nepal (Hospital Campus) or Bharatpur-5, Kailashnagar, Chitwan, Nepal (College Campus). The PTE center is likely at one of these.
Contact: (+977) 056-597017 (CMC Academics), (+977) 056-493555 (CMC Hospital), 9801998019 (Admission)
Tilottama: Kathmandu College of Management
Location: Shankarnagar, Rupandehi (Butwal), Tilottama, Nepal
Contact: While specific contact for this branch wasn’t readily available, it’s best to contact the main Kathmandu College of Management or check the Pearson PTE website directly when booking for Tilottama.
Important: Always verify the current operational status, exact address, and availability of your chosen test center directly on the official Pearson PTE website during the booking process.
Booking Your PTE Exam: A Step-by-Step Process
Ready to book? Here’s how:
- Create a myPTE Account: Visit the official Pearson PTE website (https://www.pearsonpte.com/) and register for an account. This portal is essential for booking and managing your test.
- Choose Your Test: Log in and select “Book a Test.” Choose the specific exam you need (e.g., PTE Academic, PTE Core, PTE Academic UKVI).
- Find a Center and Date: Select “Nepal” as the country. Browse the listed test centers and choose your preferred one. Select an available date and time slot from the calendar.
- Register and Pay: Carefully review all your booking details (test type, center, date, time). Confirm accuracy, agree to the terms and conditions, and proceed to pay the exam fee using a valid debit or credit card.
- Confirmation: Once payment is successful, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Your booking details will also appear in your myPTE account.
Accepted Identification (ID) for the Test
Proper identification is crucial. For taking the PTE exam in Nepal:
- Valid Passport: This is the primary and universally accepted form of ID. It is mandatory if you are testing outside your country of citizenship.
- Nepali Citizens: While the official policy emphasizes passports, Nepali citizens may sometimes be allowed to use their valid, original National Identity Card (Nagarikta). However, using your passport is strongly recommended to avoid any issues on test day.
Crucially:
- The ID must be original (no photocopies), valid (not expired), and the name on your ID must exactly match the name used during registration.
- You must bring this physical ID document with you to the test center.
Test Day: What to Expect
Knowing the process can ease test-day nerves:
- Arrival: Arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to allow for check-in procedures.
- Check-in: You will need to present your valid ID (passport recommended). The test center staff will verify your identity, take your digital photograph, capture a digital signature, and scan your palm vein pattern (biometrics).
- Personal Belongings: You cannot take personal items into the test room. This includes bags, phones, watches (digital or analog), notes, books, wallets, coats, hats, food, or drinks. Secure storage (lockers) will usually be provided.
- Testing Environment: You will take the test at a computer in a shared room with other test-takers. You’ll be provided with headphones with a microphone and an erasable noteboard booklet with pens for taking notes.
- During the Test: Follow the on-screen instructions. If you need assistance, raise your hand to alert the Test Administrator.
- Breaks: There are no scheduled breaks during the two-hour PTE Academic/Core/UKVI tests.
Scoring and Results
Understanding your score:
- Scale: PTE Academic is scored on a scale of 10–90.
- Method: The test uses automated scoring technology, often involving AI. Some responses, like essays, might also be reviewed by human experts.
- Results Timing: One of PTE’s key advantages is speed. You can typically expect your results to be available in your myPTE account within 48 hours, though it can sometimes take up to 5 business days.
- Score Report: You receive a detailed Score Report showing your overall score and scores for individual communicative skills (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing).
- Sharing Scores: You can send your scores electronically to institutions directly from your myPTE account, free of charge.
Rescheduling and Cancellation
Plans can change. Pearson has specific policies for rescheduling or cancelling your exam. You can usually manage this through your myPTE account. Fees may apply depending on how close to the test date you make the change. For the most current and detailed information, refer to the official Pearson PTE website’s help center or policy section regarding booking modifications.
Pro Tips for Success
- Book Early: Secure your preferred date and center well in advance.
- Double-Check Details: Verify all information (name spelling, test choice, date, time, center) before finalizing your booking.
- Use Official Prep Materials: Utilize the resources available through your myPTE account and the official Pearson PTE website.
- Practice Regularly: Familiarize yourself with the question types and practice under timed conditions.
- Check ID Validity: Ensure your passport (or other ID) is valid and the name matches your registration exactly.
Taking the PTE exam is a significant step. By using this guide and preparing diligently, you can approach your test in Nepal with confidence. Good luck!
