IELTS vs Duolingo English Test: Which One Should You Take in 2025?

Until recently, IELTS was the standard for foreign students seeking to pursue studies abroad. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Duolingo English Test (DET) became a convenient, online-based option. In 2025, the debate over the IELTS vs. Duolingo tests rages on, as institutions and students alike weigh their choices. If you are an Indian student looking to apply to a foreign university, deciding between these two tests is one of the most important choices of your academic life.

Exam Structure and Scoring Differences

The first area of comparison is how each test is constructed and scored.

IELTS:

Both paper-based and computer-delivered versions are available.
Four parts: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
Speaking test is taken face-to-face with an examiner.
Band scale: 0–9, universities typically requiring 6.0–7.5.

Duolingo English Test:

Completely online; can take from home with computer, internet, and webcam.
Adaptive test format – questions become harder or easier based on answers.
Speaking, reading, listening, and writing in short interactive tasks.
Score range: 10–160, and universities usually require 105–125.

IELTS is more formal and conventional, whereas Duolingo is quicker, more concise, and AI-based.

Universities & Visa Office Recognition

Recognition is where the IELTS vs Duolingo test comparison becomes relevant.

IELTS:

Used by 11,000+ institutions globally.
Accepted for **immigration** purposes in Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
Universally accepted for academic and migration purposes.

Duolingo English Test:

Used by 4,500+ universities globally (as of 2025).

Accepted widely in the USA and Canada, including Ivy League and best public universities.
UK universities also accept it for entry more and more, but visa applications tend to require IELTS or other standardised tests.

If your aim is immigration, IELTS is the better bet. If it’s just for university admissions, Duolingo could be sufficient depending on the university.

Cost and Convenience Comparison

Finances and logistics usually play a role in students’ choices.

IELTS: Approximates ₹16,000–17,000 in India (USD 250 approx.).
Test duration: ~2 hours 45 minutes.
Results within 5–7 days for computer-based and up to 13 days for paper-based.
Needs to travel to an official test centre.
Duolingo English Test: Charges $65 (₹5,400 approx.).
Test duration: ~1 hour.
Results within 24–48 hours.
Taken at home, at any time, with very little requirement.
Duolingo is more convenient and less expensive, whereas IELTS is more costly but recognized internationally.

Which Test Is Suitable for Which Student

Selecting between IELTS vs Duolingo test requires your purpose and situation:

IELTS is more suitable if:

You are going to migrate to Canada, UK, or Australia.
You prefer formatted, predictable exam structures.
You desire global recognition with no danger of limited acceptance.

Duolingo English Test is more suitable for you if

You are applying to universities that specifically accept DET.
You are on a tight budget and require a quick, affordable solution.
You prefer an at-home test that is flexible with rapid results.

Preparation Differences

Both tests need preparation, but the strategies are different.

Preparing for IELTS:

Consists of thorough practice in essay writing, academic reading, and formal speaking.
Needs getting accustomed to British/Australian accents during listening.
Most students take the help of coaching centers or online sample tests.

Preparing for Duolingo:

Emphasizes brief, natural responses.
Adaptive questions both check accuracy and fluency with speed.
Duolingo practice apps and free sample tests are typically sufficient.

IELTS requires long-term preparation, whereas Duolingo can be prepared for within a relatively short time.

Conclusion

In 2025, the IELTS vs Duolingo test comes down to what you plan to do in the future. If you’re serious about immigration or visa language requirements in countries that are very strict, IELTS is still the most secure and most accepted option. But if your target university accepts it and you need a cost-effective, fast option, the Duolingo English Test for study abroad works fine.

Consider IELTS a solid, general-purpose tool, and Duolingo a new, versatile short-cut. Your decision should be guided by your long-term plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Duolingo accepted in Canada or UK?

Yes, most Canadian and UK universities accept Duolingo, but visas usually demand IELTS.

Which is easier: IELTS or Duolingo?

Duolingo is easier because it is shorter in duration and adaptive questions.

Does Duolingo give faster results than IELTS?

Yes, Duolingo results are available within 48 hours, while IELTS is 5–13 days.

Can Duolingo replace IELTS for immigration?

No, immigration authorities still need IELTS or equivalent tests.

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Proving one's ability in the English language is a prerequisite for employment, education, or immigration to English-speaking countries in the globalized world.…