What is IELTS?
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is devised to assist people who intend to work, study, or relocate to a country where English is the primary language. These countries include Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. During the test, one is judged on the ability to listen, read, write, and speak English. IELTS is graded on a scale of 1 to 9, with one being the lowest and nine being the highest band score.
There is a computer-based IELTS and paper-based IELTS. Candidates use a computer for the listening, writing, and reading sections of the IELTS computer-based test. The speaking test, on the other hand, is done in front of a trained examiner. More test dates are available with the computer-based IELTS, and results are ready in 3-5 days. Those taking the IELTS on paper use HB pencils or a pen to complete the reading, writing, and listening portions, and the speaking test is done in front of a trained IELTS examiner.
The IELTS exam in Pen and Paper mode is also conducted in the presence of a trained IELTS examiner.
Read this article to learn more about the IELTS exam requirements, test procedures, IELTS exam types, eligibility, revised guidelines, and much more.
IELTS Exam Requirement For 2023:
In English-speaking nations such as Australia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada, the IELTS exam is necessary for migration as well as academic purposes. It is the only English Language Test that UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has approved for visa applicants applying both for outside and inside the United Kingdom. Many students question the relevance of the IELTS exam. A simple answer is that international universities and visa-granting authorities must ensure that students will not experience any communication problems during their period of study in the country. Their overall IELTS band scores are critical because they must demonstrate a good grasp and command of the English language. Another confusion among students is whether IELTS is a compulsory exam or not. Many institutions may not even use IELTS scores when considering applicants. However, students should keep in mind that if they do not take IELTS, their prospects of receiving a student visa may be harmed. The validity of the IELTS score is two years from the date of declaration of the test. IDP IELTS has over 1,400 test locations across 56 countries, including over 260 computer-delivered IELTS centers.
IELTS Test Procedure:
The total time of the test is 2 hours 45 minutes and is divided into 4 parts:
- Writing – 60 minutes
- Reading – 60 minutes
- Listening – 30 minutes (10 minutes extra are allowed to transfer answers from the question booklet to an answer sheet)
- Speaking – 11 to 14 minutes
Types of IELTS Exam:
IELTS examinations are divided into two categories: Academic and General Training. For both exams, the listening and speaking components are identical. The writing and reading sections, on the other hand, vary depending on which one is taken. The reading, writing, and listening components of the IELTS examinations are all completed on the same day, with no breaks in between. The speaking component of the test can be completed a week before or after the other tests.
- IELTS Academic Test: Those applying for higher education or professional registration in another country must take the IELTS Academic exam.
- IELTS General Test: Those who intend to migrate to major English-speaking nations such as Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom take the IELTS General Test. Those who want to enroll in training programs or secondary education, or get work experience in a country where English is the primary language of communication, must take this test.
What is the Importance of IELTS Examination?
Improved English language skills: This exam is designed to evaluate a variety of English language skills, including speaking, listening, writing, and reading, in order to prepare people for real-world scenarios, such as conversing with international students at college, conversing with people at work, or even traveling abroad.
Study abroad facilities: For international students to be admitted, top-ranked and leading educational institutions demand an average IELTS score. It is a common eligibility criterion for admission, coupled with a degree and academic results. The higher the institution’s reputation, the higher the IELTS score requirement. Academic IELTS is not only required for non-native speakers to attend university but it is also required for those desiring to register with professional organizations. IELTS is a true goal-setter, assisting deserving students in gaining admission to some of the world’s most prestigious schools.
Global employment opportunities: As communication is the most basic requirement for work, big brands and corporations require a valid IELTS score. Applicants must be able to speak, write, and communicate in English in order to work for a worldwide employer. For firms with an English-speaking atmosphere and setting, language skills are critical. When it comes to giving work chances, developed economies such as the United States, Australia, Europe, Canada, and the United Kingdom recognize a high IELTS score. A strong IELTS score is necessary for obtaining a work visa. The IELTS score for USA usually falls in the range of 6.5 to 7 for most universities and colleges.
Permanent residency and immigration services: Non-native English speakers must have an IELTS score in order to be granted visas and permanent residency. When applicants apply for PR or immigration in English-speaking nations, the IELTS score is used as a prerequisite component of the application procedure. In countries such as the United States, Australia, Europe, Canada, and Germany, settling down is always a wealthy and attractive prospect. An IELTS score is required to assess applicants’ English language abilities and determine whether they can integrate, communicate, and settle down in an English-speaking environment. Only visa and immigration applications with an IELTS score are accepted and recognized by the immigration authorities and process. The IELTS score aids applicants in their quest to immigrate to and settle in one of the world’s most developed countries.
IELTS Eligibility:
The IELTS exam is open to anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, nationality, or religion. As such, the IELTS administrators (IDP) have not set an age limit. Candidates who are under the age of 16 are not encouraged to apply. However, they can take the test if they wish to.
The IDP, which administers IELTS, has not established any IELTS eligibility requirements. The IELTS IDP exam is open to anyone who wishes to pursue higher education or employment in a foreign country (both Academic and General Training). Candidates should, however, carefully check the educational institution’s or organization’s eligibility requirements before applying.
IELTS Registration:
IELTS can be applied in two ways: online or in person. Applicants can register via phone, SMS, e-mail, or the internet. Applicants must identify a nearby test location and obtain the contact number in order to register via phone. They must contact, provide all pertinent information with ID evidence, and then reserve a date and time slot. Payment must be made via the internet. When it comes to IELTS exam registration, all that is required is valid national ID proof, such as a passport or driver’s license.
The easiest and most convenient way to register for IELTS is to do it online:
- Visit www.ieltsidpindia.com
- Choose “Register for IELTS”
- Choose the test day and location (students will see the seat availability status)
- Fill out the online application
- Pay for the exam with a credit card (Mastercard or Visa)
- Get an instant seat reservation and confirmation
IELTS Registration Fee:
The IELTS fee for registration in India is ₹ 15,750 but it is subject to changes. Therefore, applicants must confirm the amount when scheduling a test slot and then pay with a digital payment method.
IELTS Cancellation Fee:
- You will receive a refund minus a 25% administrative fee if they cancel their IELTS application more than five weeks before the test date.
- You will not be refunded if they cancel their IELTS exam less than five weeks before the test date.
- If you fail to show up for the test then the amount will not be refunded. Cancellation is a term used to describe this situation.
- After deducting the local administrative cost, those who can show a medical certificate within five days of the test date will be eligible for reimbursement.
IELTS Reschedule Fee:
If there is a need for you to modify the test date, then request a test day transfer at least five weeks before their scheduled test date and pay the cancellation/postponement cost. Furthermore, the replacement test date must be no more than three months after the initial test date. For the transfer of the exam date, candidates must pay an administrative fee of INR INR 3,875 (Paper-Based Test), inclusive of all taxes.
IELTS Exam Dates:
IELTS IDP India is the official IELTS conducting body in India. The IELTS test is offered at various times throughout the year. You should choose an IELTS exam date that is convenient while also considering the institution’s admissions deadlines. To prevent making a last-minute mistake, you must plan to take the IELTS should schedule their exams three to four months before their application deadline. To know more about the dates and centers, visit https://www.ieltsidpindia.com/registration/registration
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IELTS Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2023:
| Section | Number of Questions and Duration | Content | Marks |
| Listening | Four recordings40 questions30 minutes + 10 minutes (transfer time) | Four recorded monologues and conversations | 40 |
| Reading | 40 questions60 minutes | Three passages which can be analytical, factual, discursive or descriptive | 40 |
| Writing | 60 minutes | Summarize, description of a table, graphs, chart or diagramShort essay task of at least 250 words | 2 |
| Speaking | 11 to 14 minutes | Face-to-Face interview without distractionsshort questions, speaking at length about a general topic and a structured discussion | Three Parts to the test focusing on a specific function in terms of interaction pattern, task input, and test takers output. |
IELTS Reading Section:
- The reading modules are broken into three parts, each of which has 40 questions, the majority of which are multiple-choice.
- Candidates’ abilities are examined in areas such as short answer question fact identification, sentence or summary completion, identifying writer’s attitudes/views, and matching list or phrases.
- Students will have 30 minutes to complete the portion and 10 minutes is the transfer time.
IELTS Writing Section:
- In this section of the IELTS exam, there are only two questions. Candidates will be given a diagram, data, or a table in the first question, and they must then represent the information in their own words. This question has a word limit of 150 words.
- Candidates are given an argument, or point of view problems, in the second question. The goal is to evaluate the candidate based on their response’s opinion, justifications, ideas, and evidence. Candidates will have 60 minutes to complete this portion in total.
Ace your IELTS Writing Score with our comprehensive list of expert-approved IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics.