International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Exam
Required For
Study/Work Permit in English speaking countries
Mode of taking test
Computer Based | Paper-Pen Based
Test Type
English Proficiency Test
Official Website
About IELTS
About Test
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the most popular English language test. It measures the language proficiency of people who want to study or work in locations where English is used to communicate. Some major countries that accept IELTS are the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. The test assesses one’s listening, reading, writing, and speaking abilities in less than three hours. There are two types of IELTS: Academic and General Training. Listening and Speaking are the same for both tests, but the subject matter of the Reading and Writing sections differs depending on which test you take. The Listening, Reading and Writing sections of all IELTS tests are completed on the same day, with no breaks between them. The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Why take the test?
Being one of the prime exams for testing English proficiency, the IELTS exam is recognized by more than 11,000 universities globally. With over 1000 test locations in more than 140 countries, it is accessible for most people. The IELTS test isn’t just essential for pursuing work or studying in foreign countries and helps students hone their English speaking and writing skills. Good command of English helps visa granting authorities ensure that one can easily communicate with the locals and won’t face major communication barriers later.
IELTS Basics
Eligibility
Must have a valid passport and must be 16 years of age.
General Facts
Date and Frequency
IELTS test dates are offered upto 4 times in a month making a total of 48 fixed test dates in one calendar year. The availability of IELTS dates in India may differ for the Academic and General Training module.
Center and Admit Card
The IELTS Exam is offered across more than 50 test city locations in India. There is no admit card provided for IELTS.
Result
IELTS Exam results are released 13 calendar days after the test for the paper based and 5-7 calendar days for computer based test. The candidate will receive only ONE original Test Report Form (TRF).
Score Reporting
A candidate may request up to 5 additional TRFs to be sent to Receiving Institutions (universities, professional bodies, etc) within 1 month of taking the IELTS test. TRFs sent by courier will be sent through DHL and students will be charged accordingly. If the Receiving Institution accepts electronic submission of scores then that can be arranged through the IDP IELTS office at no charge.
Score Validity
5 Years
Sections
IELTS General Training
Reading
- Questions - 40
- Duration - 60 minutes
- Score - 0 to 9
This section is designed to test a wide range of reading skills. It includes extracts from books, magazines, newspapers, notices, advertisements, company handbooks and guidelines. These are materials you are likely to encounter on a daily basis in an English-speaking environment.
Listening
- Questions - 40
- Duration - 30 minutes
- Score - 0 to 9
You will listen to four recordings of native English speakers and then write your answers to a series of questions. Assessors will be looking for evidence of your ability to understand the main ideas and detailed factual information, the opinions and attitudes of speakers, the purpose of an utterance and evidence of your ability to follow the development of ideas.
Speaking
- Questions - 17 to 18
- Duration - 12 - 14 mins
- Score - 0 to 9
There are three parts to this section. The examiner will ask general questions about yourself and a range of familiar topics, such as home, family, work, studies and interests. In the next part, you will be given a card which asks you to talk about a particular topic. The examiner will then ask few questions on the same topic.
Writing
- Questions - 2
- Duration - 60 minutes
- Score - 0 to 9
There are two tasks. First, you will be presented with a situation and asked to write a letter requesting information, or explaining the situation. The letter may be personal, semi-formal or formal in style. Then, you will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. The essay can be fairly personal in style.
IELTS Academic Training
Reading
- Questions - 40
- Duration - 60 minutes
- Score - 0 to 9
The Reading section consists of questions, designed to test a wide range of reading skills. These include reading for gist, reading for main ideas, reading for detail, skimming, understanding logical argument and recognising writers’ opinions, attitudes and purpose.
Listening
- Questions - 40
- Duration - 30 minutes
- Score - 0 to 9
You will listen to four recordings of native English speakers and then write your answers to a series of questions. Assessors will be looking for evidence of your ability to understand the main ideas and detailed factual information, the opinions and attitudes of speakers, the purpose of an utterance and evidence of your ability to follow the development of ideas.
Speaking
- Questions - 16 to 18
- Duration - 11 to 14 minutes
- Score - 0 to 9
There are three parts to this section. The examiner will ask general questions about yourself and a range of familiar topics, such as home, family, work, studies and interests. In the next part, you will be given a card which asks you to talk about a particular topic. The examiner will then ask few questions on the same topic.
Writing
- Questions - 2
- Duration - 60 minutes
- Score - 0 to 9
Topics are of general interest and there are two tasks. In the first one, a graph, table, chart or diagram will be presented and you will have to describe, summarise or explain the information in your own words. In the second task, you will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. Responses to both tasks must be in a formal style.
Fees
Registration Fees
INR 13250
Rescheduling Fees
INR 3312
Test Center Change Fees
INR 3312
IELTS Exam Registration Process
You can either register online and pay the test fee by Credit Card, or register by Courier and pay test fee by Demand Draft or ICICI deposit/Allahabad deposit slip or register in Person at IDP branch or Input Node
Step 1
Go to the official website for IELTS in India
Step 2
Select your test date and test city
Step 3
Complete the online application form
Step 4
Pay the test fee by credit card
Step 5
Get instant seat booking and acknowledgement
Not Sure where to start?
FAQs
IELTS is accepted by more than 11,000 organisations worldwide. These include universities, immigration departments, government agencies, professional bodies and multinational companies.
There are two types of the IELTS test: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. The IELTS Academic test is for people applying for higher education or professional registration in an English-speaking environment. It reflects some of the features of academic language and assesses whether you are ready to begin studying or training.The IELTS General Training test is for those who are going to English speaking countries for secondary education, work experience or training programs. It is also a requirement for migration to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK.The test focuses on basic survival skills in broad social and workplace contexts. Listening and Speaking are the same for both tests, but the subject matter of the Reading and Writing sections differs depending on which test you take.
As per British Council, scoring a 9 in the exam means that you are an “expert” in English, while getting an 8 shows that you are “very good” and so on. Generally, the test score varies from 1 to 9, i.e. non-user to expert and 0 for “did not attempt”. Register for our Leverage Live classes and get an IELTS score between 6-9.
The IELTS results are valid for two years from the result declaration date, but it also depends on the organisation to set their validity for different purposes.
Individual organisations have different requirements. Make sure you check which IELTS test the organisation you are applying to recognises. Note that you must know which version to take when you complete the online application form. If you need assistance in choosing the best IELTS test and preparing thoroughly, book a Leverage Live session with our IELTS experts.
There is no certain time limit to retaking the test, and it can be taken numerous times if the candidate wants to get the best score.
