If you're a student in Hyderabad preparing your study abroad applications, you've probably heard of IELTS and PTE — but a third option, the Duolingo English Test (DET), has quietly become one of the most widely accepted English proficiency tests in the world. This guide explains what DET is, how it compares to IELTS and PTE on cost and convenience, which universities accept it, and who should seriously consider it.
1. What Is the Duolingo English Test?
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a fully online, at-home English proficiency test created by Duolingo — the same company behind the popular language-learning app. Unlike IELTS or PTE, there is no test centre visit required. You take the entire test on your own computer, using a webcam for identity verification and proctoring, and you can do it any time of day or night, from home.
DET has grown rapidly in acceptance since its launch, and today it is recognised by roughly 2,200 universities across the United States and by 95% of the US News & World Report Top 100 universities. It is also accepted by a growing number of institutions in the UK, Canada, and Australia, alongside many postgraduate and undergraduate programmes worldwide.
2. Cost Comparison — DET vs IELTS vs PTE
One of the biggest reasons Hyderabad students are exploring DET is cost. Here's how the three tests compare:
| Test | Approx. Cost | Duration | Results Time | Test Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duolingo (DET) | ~$65 (approx ₹5,400) | ~1 hour | ~48 hours | At home, online |
| IELTS | $245–$275 (approx ₹17,000–₹20,000) | ~2 hours 45 minutes | 3–13 days | Test centre |
| PTE Academic | Approx ₹15,900–₹18,300 | ~2 hours | ~48 hours (typically 2 days) | Test centre |
DET's price advantage is significant — it costs roughly a quarter of what IELTS costs, largely because there's no test centre infrastructure involved. For students taking multiple attempts to hit a target score, this difference adds up fast.
3. Universities That Accept DET
DET's acceptance has expanded dramatically in recent years. Well-known universities in the United States that accept the Duolingo English Test include (subject to change — always verify directly with the university's admissions page for your specific programme):
- Columbia University
- Cornell University
- Yale University
- Duke University
- Georgetown University
- New York University (NYU)
- Boston University
- University of Michigan
- Carnegie Mellon University
- University of Southern California (USC)
Beyond these examples, DET is accepted by approximately 2,200 US universities in total, and by 95% of the US News Top 100, along with a growing list of universities in the UK, Canada, and Australia. Because acceptance policies and minimum score requirements vary by institution and even by specific programme within a university, we always recommend cross-checking the exact requirement on your target university's official admissions page before booking your test.
4. How the Test Works
DET is designed to be fast and low-friction compared to a traditional test centre exam:
- Fully online: Taken on your own laptop or desktop with a working webcam and microphone — no test centre visit needed
- Adaptive format: The test adjusts question difficulty based on your responses as you go, which is why it can be completed in about an hour
- Available any time: You can book and take the test 24/7, rather than waiting for a fixed test centre slot
- Fast results: Scores are typically available within about 48 hours, much faster than IELTS in many cases
- Certified interview video: Along with your score, universities receive a short video interview recording as an added layer of verification
- Retake flexibility: If you need to retake, you generally don't have to wait as long as with a paper-based test centre exam
5. Who Should Consider DET
DET isn't the right fit for everyone, but it's worth strongly considering if:
- Your target universities explicitly list DET as accepted — this is the single most important factor. Don't choose a test based on cost alone; check your shortlisted universities' official requirements first.
- You want to save on cost — at roughly a quarter of the price of IELTS, DET is attractive for students applying to multiple universities or planning to retake a test.
- You're short on time before a deadline — with results in about 48 hours and no need to book a test centre slot weeks in advance, DET can fit into a tighter application timeline.
- You're comfortable with computer-adaptive, at-home testing — some students prefer the structure and human interaction of a test centre exam, while others do better in a quiet home environment.
On the other hand, if your target universities require IELTS or PTE specifically (common for UK, Australian, and Canadian immigration-linked applications, and for some US programmes that haven't yet added DET to their accepted list), you should prepare for that test instead. Read our TOEFL vs IELTS comparison guide if you're also weighing those two options.
6. FAQs
What is the Duolingo English Test (DET)?
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is an online English proficiency test accepted by over 2,200 universities in the USA and thousands more worldwide, including 95% of the US News Top 100 universities. It is taken entirely online from home using a computer with a webcam, takes about 1 hour, and results are typically available within 48 hours.
How much does DET cost compared to IELTS?
DET costs approximately $65 (around ₹5,400), while IELTS costs $245 to $275 (roughly ₹17,000–₹20,000 depending on the test centre). DET is significantly cheaper and does not require travel to a test centre, since it is taken online from home.
Do top universities accept the Duolingo English Test?
Yes. DET is accepted by roughly 2,200 US universities and 95% of the US News Top 100, along with many universities in the UK, Canada, and Australia. However, acceptance and minimum score requirements vary by university and by specific programme, so always confirm directly with your target university's admissions office.
Is DET easier than IELTS or PTE?
DET is not necessarily easier, but its format is different — it is adaptive (question difficulty adjusts based on your performance), shorter in duration, and taken at home without a test centre visit. Some students find the relaxed, familiar home environment less stressful than a test centre, while others prefer the fixed structure of IELTS or PTE. The right choice depends on your comfort with computer-adaptive testing and your target university's requirements.
Does GoWest offer DET coaching in Hyderabad?
GoWest Education's in-house coaching today is focused on IELTS and PTE preparation, including our 7+ band guarantee programme. We do not yet run a dedicated DET coaching batch, but our counsellors can guide you on whether DET is the right test for your target universities and how to prepare for it using official Duolingo practice resources.