CAE (Cambridge English Advanced) Exam Fees, Dates, Syllabus & Eligibility

authorImageVaishnavi k Pandhari30 Aug, 2025
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CAE(Cambridge English Advanced) is one of the top English proficiency evaluations. The advanced English proficiency stands as a universal requirement across governmental organizations and businesses, and academic establishments throughout the world.  This exam is taken by most of the candidates to pursue their higher education in foreign countries. This helps them to clear the English language exam, which is mandatory for most of the english speaking countries. This exam assesses all four sections of the language, like reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This test is widely accepted in four countries. They are the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia. CAE is also like other English proficiency exams, such as IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE. All these exams focus on English language skills. 

 What's CAE Exam? 

The full form of the CAE test is the Cambridge Advanced English test. The University of Cambridge operates the worldwide recognized English language proficiency assessment known as CAE. The assessment evaluates advanced English communication abilities that operate effectively in academic and professional contexts.

The CAE test is managed by Cambridge English Qualifications structure which also includes the primary( PET), First( FCE), and Proficiency( CPE) examinations. The CAE test serves as a specialized assessment for candidates who have previously reached an advanced level of English proficiency.  

The table below shows an overview of the Cambridge English Advanced

 

CAE Exam Overview

Particulars

Details

CAE Exam 

Cambridge English Advanced (CAE)

A popular English test to assess skills in reading comprehension, vocabulary range, and grammar control

CAE Exam Dates

12/12 (Conducted every month)

CAE Test Pattern

Four sections: Reading & Use of English - 90 minutes, Writing - 2 tasks, 90 minutes, Listening - 40 minutes, 30 questions, Speaking - interview with another candidate, 15 minutes

CAE Fee

In India ₹3500

CAE Examination Modes

Paper-based and computer-based

Countries accepting CAE

USA, UK, Canada, Australia

CAE Score Range

180-199

 

CAE Exam Dates

The CAE exam is conducted throughout the year. Candidate has the choice to pick a date of his own choice by visiting the test centres. 

 

Upcoming CAE Exam Dates

5 July, 2025

25 July, 2025

22 August, 2025

6 September, 2025

18 October, 2025

10 May, 2025

13 May, 2025

17 May, 2025

31 May, 2025

26 November, 2025

29 November, 2025

6 December, 2025

13 December, 2025

4 June, 2025

 

Cambridge Advanced English Exam Importance

The purpose & significance of the CAE exam is to demonstrate your capability to communicate confidently and effectively in English. 

  • This can open doors to advanced education, job openings. Numerous universities and employers around the world fete and accept the CAE instrument as evidence of advanced English language proficiency.

  •  As a result, it's a generally used language proficiency test that professionals and scholars can take.

  • A strong CAE score demonstrates your excellent verbal capability and comfort with the English language.  

CAE Eligibility 

There's no specific age limit for candidates, making it accessible to individuals across colorful age groups who aim to demonstrate advanced language chops for academic or professional endeavours. The eligibility criteria for the CAE test are outlined below.

  • There's no upper age limit

  • Candidates 16 years of age and up are advised to take the test. 

  • The test is applicable for professionals, scholars, and anybody looking to upskill their education or find employment in English-speaking nations. 

  • Aspirants should have advanced English proficiency equal to C1 on the CEFR scale; no previous qualifications are necessary.

CAE Exam Fees

The costs for the CAE (C1 Advanced) exam vary based on the country and the particular test center. The fees for the CAE exam in India are set at INR 3,500.  India features over 20 CAE exam centres throughout the nation. 

CAE Registration  

The CAE test is offered all year round, with certain dates differing by region. Applicants are encouraged to sign up at the nearby CAE centers. Below are the key steps to sign up for the CAE (C1 Advanced) exam: 

Find an Exam Centre

The CAE is conducted in 20+ locations throughout India. To locate the closest exam center, go to the official website of Cambridge Assessment English. CAE test centres are mentioned below

 

  • Madurai

  • Noida

  • Mumbai

  • Hyderabad

  • Pune

  • Ahmedabad

  • Vadlamudi

  • New Delhi

  • Bangalore

  • Faridabad

  • Chennai

  • Gurugram

  • Bhubaneswar

  • Kalol

CAE Exam Syllabus 

The  C1 Advanced examination syllabus contains advanced sentence structures and phrasal verbs, and colloquialisms, together with idiomatic expressions and formal writing rules.

  • Reading skills- Recognizing key ideas, drawing conclusions,  and comprehending various text types.

  • The ability to write well depends on creating texts that follow correct grammar and have logical structure and clear organization.

  • The ability to listen includes understanding various English accents while extracting key information from speeches and monologues.

  • The ability to speak involves presenting opinions and supporting them with evidence and maintaining effective dialogue participation.

Cambridge Advanced English Exam Pattern

The CAE (C1 Advanced) exam comprises four main sections that test different language abilities. Students need to understand the exam structure, which outlines their required knowledge. The students need to be aware that they must finish each test section within the specific time limits. Cambridge English Advanced questions are specific to all the sections.  The Cambridge English Language Assessment PDF will give detailed information on the exam pattern. 

CAE Exam Pattern

Section

Parts/Questions

Purpose

Duration

Tasks

Reading And Use Of English

8 parts/56 questions

Tests reading comprehension and language knowledge, including grammar, vocabulary, and collocation.

1 hour and 30 minutes

 

Writing

2 tasks

Producing two distinct writing pieces, such as essays, letters/emails, proposals, reports, and reviews.

1 hour and 30 minutes

Producing two distinct writing pieces, such as essays, letters/emails, proposals, reports, and reviews.

Listening

4 parts/30 questions

Assesses the ability to comprehend and follow a range of spoken materials.

40 minutes

 

Speaking

4 parts

Tests the ability to communicate effectively in face-to-face scenarios.

15 minutes per candidate

 


CAE Results

 The CAE (C1 Advanced) examination results function as essential indicators of candidate English language abilities. Knowledge about the scoring system and grading criteria and CEFR levels, result validity, and failure percentages enables understanding of CAE result implications.

 CAE Scoring System

The CAE  assessment uses the Cambridge English Scale, which ranges from 142 to 210 points to evaluate candidate achievements.  The scoring system provides individual results for each skill and calculates an overall score by averaging these five individual scores.

CAE Grading

Three performance categories exist to classify candidates' results according to their final scores.  The assessment reaches its highest level at Grade A when candidates achieve scores between 200 and 210, while  Grade B spans 193-19,9, and Grade C represents 180 to 192.

CEFR Levels

The CAE test measures language abilities according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)  at C1 level proficiency. The range 180-199 represents C1 proficiency, with Grades B and C  representing C1 achievement.

Validity

The results of CAE tests remain valid forever without any expiration date. Various institutions require candidates to submit scores, which remain valid for 2-3 years for their acceptance process, meaning recent scores become crucial.

Scale Score

Grade/CEFR

CEFR Level

200-210

Grade A

C2

193-199

Grade B

C1

180-192

Grade C

C1

160-179

Level B2

B2

 

Cambridge Advanced English test Failure Rate

Throughout the world, fewer than 5% of candidates fail the complete CAE examination, which demonstrates the success rate of most students. A total of 20% of test takers received grades that show they did not meet the C1 criteria.

 The examination results from CAE measure reading and writing skills alongside listening and speaking abilities and English usage proficiency between scores of 142 through 210. The certificate remains valid, but certain institutions enforce time restrictions on score acceptance for particular application requirements. 


The CAE (Cambridge English:  Advanced) exam represents an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your advanced proficiency in English. This demanding examination provides extensive rewards because it enables students to access multiple educational and professional opportunities. Cambridge English Advanced practice tests are available for preparation to ace the exam.  Cambridge C1 practice tests PDFs are also available on the official website.

Your path to CAE certification becomes achievable through dedicated practice and proper utilization of available resources.

 

CAE FAQs

What is the CAE exam?

The CAE (Cambridge English: Advanced) examination demonstrates a candidate's ability to use English effectively across study environments and work settings, and social interactions at an advanced (C1) level.

How long does the CAE exam take?

The complete CAE exam requires students to spend approximately four hours.

What score do I need to pass CAE?

The CAE exam requires students to obtain a score between 180 and 199 on the Cambridge English Scale for C1 grade certification.

Are there any test centres in India?

Yes, there are 20+ CAE test centres in India

What is the C1 level of English in IELTS?

While CAE and IELTS are different tests, a C1 level in English generally corresponds to an IELTS score of 7.0 to 8.0, indicating a highly proficient user of English.
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