Nepal has roughly 9 to 12 official PTE Academic test centres across about six cities: Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Pokhara, Chitwan (Bharatpur), Butwal (Tilottama) and the eastern Terai (Itahari and Biratnagar). Centres open, move and close during the year, so always check Pearson's official centre finder for current addresses and free dates before you book.
Thousands of Nepali students sit PTE every month, mostly for study and migration to Australia. This guide helps you choose the right centre and know exactly what to expect when you arrive.
PTE test centres in Nepal by city
| City | Who it suits | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu | Students in the Valley and anyone wanting the most dates | Several centres. Dates fill fast before university intakes. |
| Lalitpur | Students in Patan and southern Kathmandu | Often has seats when Kathmandu centres are full. |
| Pokhara | Gandaki Province | Usually two centres. Book early in peak months. |
| Chitwan (Bharatpur) | Central Terai | Saves a trip to Kathmandu for students in Chitwan, Nawalpur and nearby. |
| Butwal (Tilottama) | Lumbini Province | Serves Butwal, Bhairahawa and western Terai. |
| Itahari and Biratnagar | Koshi Province | Serves the eastern Terai and hill districts. |
Always use the address in your Pearson confirmation email. Old websites and social posts often show centres that have moved.
How to choose a test centre
- Travel time: you need to arrive at least 30 minutes early. If you live outside the city, stay nearby the night before.
- Date availability: if your nearest centre is full, a centre in the next city may have a seat days or weeks sooner.
- Rescheduling room: book more than 14 days ahead so you can still move the date for free. See our reschedule and refund guide.
- Same test everywhere: every official centre uses the same Pearson equipment, rules and scoring. Choose on convenience, not on rumours about "easier" centres.
How to book a centre
Booking happens online in your myPTE account: choose PTE Academic, pick your city, compare dates across centres, then pay. Our step-by-step guide on how to book your PTE exam in Nepal and our PTE exam fee guide cover payment and costs.
What happens at the test centre
- Check-in: staff check your passport, take your photo and run a biometric check.
- Locker: phones, watches, bags, food and notes go in a locker. You receive an erasable notepad and pen.
- Rules briefing: you agree to the test rules and are taken to your seat.
- Your seat: a computer with a noise-cancelling headset and microphone. Other candidates start at different times, so the room is noisy when they speak.
- The test: about two hours. Follow our exam day checklist for the microphone check and timing.
Do not raise your voice to compete with others in the room. The microphone is directional and records you, not your neighbour.
Can I sit PTE at home instead?
Not for Australian visas. Home Affairs does not accept at-home or online versions of English tests. See PTE at home vs test centre for when the online option is and is not accepted.
Frequently asked questions
How many PTE test centres are there in Nepal?
Roughly 9 to 12 across about six cities. The number changes, so check Pearson's centre finder when you book.
Is there a PTE centre in Chitwan?
Recent listings include a centre in Chitwan (Bharatpur). Confirm the current address on Pearson's site.
Does the test centre affect my PTE score?
No. Every official centre uses the same equipment, rules and scoring.
What ID do I need at the test centre?
A valid passport with the same name as your booking.
Booked your date? Make every week before it count. See our courses or message us on WhatsApp for a plan built around your test date.