What is the difference between Duolingo and IELTS exams?

Both IELTS and Duolingo assess the four main English language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. In IELTS, each section is scored on a band scale of 1–9, and the overall IELTS band score is calculated based on these sectional scores. In Duolingo, different question types are evaluated together, and the overall test is scored on a scale of 10–160. Duolingo is shorter, more affordable, and can be taken online from home, making it more convenient for many students. However, it is not accepted by all universities or visa authorities. IELTS is more widely accepted globally by universities, immigration authorities, and visa offices, and is generally considered the safer and more versatile option for study abroad applications.