Both the Duolingo English Test and IELTS scores evaluate the candidates' English language skills. The Duolingo English Test scores are scaled from 10-160 in increments of 5. IELTS scores are scaled on a scale of 0-9. Both the Duolingo English Test and IELTS assess the English language skill level of applicants, but they are not identical exams. They differ in terms of syllabus, mode of examination, scoring, fee structure, and more. Most universities accept a Duolingo English Test score of 120 and above, which is equivalent to an IELTS score above 7. The article below provides a detailed analysis of Duolingo English Test scores compared to IELTS scores. The cost for Duolingo English Test registration is 49 USD (INR 3605).
Click here to register for Duolingo English Test
IELTS vs DET
Candidates often wonder which is the better test between IELTS and the Duolingo English Test. Below is a comparison between the Duolingo English Test and IELTS that should help candidates in understanding both exams better:
| Points of Difference | DET | IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| Nature of Test | Duolingo English Test is an entirely computer-based English Proficiency test. | Paper-based Test and a Computer-based Test |
| Test Conducted | Candidates can take the test anytime and anywhere after registering and making a payment | Candidates have the option of booking from 48 test dates in a year of a paper-based test and 5 days in a week when it comes to a Computer-based Test |
| Test Location | Anywhere (usually from a quiet room at home) | Designated testing centers at numerous locations |
| Test Fees | Just 49 USD (INR 3605) | INR 15,500 |
| Score report fees to other universities | Free | Free for the first 5 |
| Test Structure | broadly divided into three sections, namely- Introduction and Onboarding, Graded Adaptive Test, and Ungraded Video and Writing Sample. | 4 different sections- Reading, listening, speaking and listening |
| Test Duration | 60 minutes | 2 hours 45 minutes |
| Types of Questions | Duolingo English Test is inclusive of short questions. The Adaptive test includes short questions in random order. The writing task include topic that need to be answered with 50 – 100 words as the maximum limit. | The reading section and the writing tasks include the writing of a minimum of 250 words. |
| Test Results |
receive results in less than 48 hours. |
within 6 days |
What do the DET and IELTS Exam Consist of?
The DET comprises three sections: Introduction and Onboarding(5 minutes), Graded Adaptive Test(45 minutes), and Ungraded Video and Writing Sample(10 minutes). Here is a sample Duolingo English Test question:
IELTS test consists of four sections, listening (30 minutes), reading (1 hour), writing (1 hour), and speaking (approximately 15 minutes). The Listening and Speaking sections are similar for the Academic and General Training tests. The Reading and Writing sections vary. Check the both IELTS Academic and General format below:
| Features | IELTS General Training | IELTS Academic |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 30 minutes (20 minutes to listen to a tape and to answer questions on what you hear, and 10 minutes to transfer your answers to Answer Sheet.) | 30 minutes (20 minutes to listen to a tape and to answer questions on what you hear, and 10 minutes to transfer your answers to Answer Sheet.) |
| Speaking | 11 to 14 minutes (consists of 3 parts: Personal Interview, Little Speech and a Discussion.) | 11 to 14 minutes (consists of 3 parts: Personal Interview, Little Speech and a Discussion.) |
| Reading | 60 minutes (your task is to read passages of text and answer questions according to what you have read. There are also other types of assignments ) | 60 minutes (your task is to read passages of text and answer questions according to what you have read. There are also other types of assignments ) |
| Writing | 60 minutes (20 minutes to write a letter and 40 minutes to write an essay.) | 60 minutes (20 minutes to write a letter and 40 minutes to write an essay.) |
DET vs IELTS Score Comparison
Here the table below compares Duolingo English Test scores with IELTS scores for better understanding:
| IELTS Band | DET Score |
|---|---|
| 9 | 155-160 |
| 8.5 | 145-150 |
| 8 | 135-140 |
| 7.5 | 125-130 |
| 7 | 115-120 |
| 6.5 | 105-110 |
| 6 | 95-100 |
| 5.5 | 85-90 |
| 5 | 75-80 |
| 4.5 | 65-70 |
| 4 | 55-60 |
| 3.5 | 45-50 |
| 3 | 35-40 |
| 2.5 | 25-30 |
| 2 | 15-20 |
| 1.5 | 5-10 |
DET to IELTS Score Interpretation
The Duolingo English Test is considered to be convenient and hassle-free, and it is more widely accepted than ever before. On the other hand, IELTS is a comprehensive and lengthier test. 115 Duolingo English Test score equates to an IELTS 7, which is a good score. Here is the score interpretation for both IELTS and Duolingo English tests.
| Duolingo English Test | IELTS | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 1.5 |
Understand basic English words and phrases Understand straightforward information and express their thoughts in familiar contexts |
| 15 | 2 | |
| 20-25 | 2.5 | |
| 30-40 | 3 | |
| 45-50 | 3.5 | |
| 55-60 | 4 |
Understand the key points of the speech or writing on routine things like school and work Describe opinions, plans, and experiences (with some hesitation) |
| 65-70 | 4.5 | |
| 75-80 | 5 | |
| 85-90 | 5.5 |
Communicate well and grasp unfamiliar topics too Understand the key ideas of concrete and abstract writing Interact with proficient English speakers fluently |
| 95-100 | 6 | |
| 105-110 | 6.5 | |
| 115-120 | 7 | |
| 125-130 | 7.5 |
Understand various challenging written and spoken language along with some specialized language-use situations Understand the implicit, figurative, pragmatic, and idiomatic language Can use language flexibly for academic, social, and professional purposes |
| 135-140 | 8 | |
| 145-150 | 8.5 | |
| 155-160 | 9 |
Universities Accepting DET and IELTS
The Duolingo English Test is globally certified by more than 3,500 universities. Top US universities like Columbia, Chicago, Duke, New York, and Yale University have recognized the test as an acceptable proof of English proficiency. IELTS score is accepted in all the English- speaking countries like the US, UK, New Zealand, Canada, and Australia for education and also for visas.
Here are some of the universities that accept both exams. Candidates can easily calculate their scores by following the below table. For instance, the 110 Duolingo score equates to IELTS 6.5. Hence candidates can choose colleges according to their scores.
| Top Colleges/Universities | Country | IELTS Band Score | DET Scores |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvard University | USA | 7.5 or above | 125 |
| Stanford University | USA | 7.0 or above | 100 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | USA | 7.5 | 125 |
| University of California Berkeley (UCB) | USA | 6.5 | 115 |
| University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | USA | 7.0 | 120 |
| Yale University | USA | 7.0 | 120 |
| Columbia University | USA | 7.5 | 125 |
| Princeton University | USA | 7.0 | __________ |
| New York University (NYU) | USA | 7.5 | 125 |
| University of Pennsylvania | USA | 7.0 | 120 |
| University of Oxford | UK | 7.0 | __________ |
| University of Cambridge | UK | 7.0 | __________ |
| Imperial College London | UK | 6.5 | 110 |
| University College London (UCL) | UK | 6.5 | 109 |
| London School of Economics and Political Science | UK | 7.0 | __________ |
| University of Edinburgh | UK | 6.5 | 105 |
| King's College London | UK | 6.5 | __________ |
| University of Manchester | UK | 5.5 | 115 |
| University of Warwick | UK | 6.5 | 119 |
| University of Bristol | UK | 6.5 | __________ |
| University of Toronto | Canada | 6.5 | 120 |
| University of British Columbia | Canada | 6.5 | Only accepted for countries where no other English test is available |
| McGill University | Canada | 6.5 | 115 |
| McMaster University | Canada | 6.5 | __________ |
| University of Alberta | Canada | 6.5 | 115 |
| University of Montreal | Canada | 6.5 | 120 and above |
| University of Calgary | Canada | 6 | 110 |
| University of Ottawa | Canada | 6.5 | 120 |
| University of Waterloo | Canada | 6.5 | 120 |
| Western University | Canada | 6.5 | 115 |
| University of Munich | Europe | 6.5 | 120 |
| Catholic University of Leuven | Europe | 6.5 | 105-110 |
| Karolinska Institute | Europe | 6.5 | __________ |
| Utrecht University | Europe | 6.5 | __________ |
| Heidelberg University | Europe | 6.5 | 95 |
| University of Manchester | Europe | 5.5 | __________ |
| Universite Paris Saclay | Europe | __________ | __________ |
| Erasmus University Rotterdam | Europe | 6.5 | 110 |
| University of Zurich | Europe | 7 | __________ |
| Université de Paris | Europe | 6.5 | 115+ |
DET vs IELTS Test Scores
IELTS scores are generated between 5-7 days for computer-based, and for paper-based, it takes up to 13 days. On the other hand, the Duolingo English Test is quicker and delivers test results within 48 hours. Test takers can share their Duolingo English Test scores as many times as they want for free.
Score Validity
Both IELTS and Duolingo English Test scores are valid for two years. After this period, the candidates will not be able to send an IELTS score to any university or organization, no matter how high a band score they have secured. That’s why we recommend the candidates to apply wherever they want within its IELTS score validity. Candidates will receive the Duolingo English Test score reports by using the Duolingo English Test app from their computers only.
Is the Duolingo English Test easier compared to IELTS?
The difficulty level of any test depends on the preparation of the candidates. Though Duolingo English Test is considered easier due to the absence of test pressure. It also provides a homely atmosphere since DET is conducted through the internet.
Are the DET Scores accepted for a Canadian visa?
Both the IELTS and the DET can be amazing options for an English proficiency test. But currently, the Duolingo English test is not listed as an acceptable option. The online IELTS indicator test is also not accepted for a Canadian or Australian visa. IELTS paper-based test scores are only acceptable for Canadian visas.
