International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a highly recognized and extensively utilized examination designed for assessing individuals’ English language proficiency. It is widely employed by over 11,000 educational institutions and organizations across more than 140 countries for immigration and higher education purposes.
This test serves as a comprehensive means of evaluating the language skills and abilities of candidates aspiring to study or migrate to different countries. The IELTS exam has gained immense popularity due to its reliability, credibility, and adherence to international standards. It offers a fair and objective assessment of candidates’ reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, enabling institutions to make informed decisions regarding their eligibility for admission or immigration.
Conducting body |
IDP and British Council |
Mode |
Paper-based and online |
Exam fee |
INR 16,250 |
Scoring |
1-9 band |
Accepting countries |
UK, Canada, Australia, USA, New Zealand, etc. |
Duration |
2 hours 45 minutes |
Primarily there are two types of IELTS exams to demonstrate language proficiency at various levels. The listening and speaking sections of the exam in both types are often similar.
IELTS Academic |
This IELTS test type is primarily designed for candidates who wish to pursue higher education abroad. As the name suggests, it is suitable for academic purposes and assesses whether candidates have the necessary English language proficiency to understand and communicate effectively in academic settings. |
IELTS General Training |
This test type is intended for individuals planning to migrate to an English-speaking country for work, training programs, secondary education, or immigration purposes. It assesses practical, everyday English language skills needed in social and workplace contexts. |
IELTS for UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) |
This version of the test is approved by the UK government for visa applications, primarily for immigration purposes. |
Apart from the above-mentioned types, there is also an IELTS Life Skills test designed for those who need to prove their speaking and listening skills at levels A1 or B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for visa and immigration purposes in the UK.
The fees for the IELTS exam are the same in all Indian states, Candidates can easily get a refund of INR 12,000 in case they cancel the test 5 weeks before the test date. A rescheduling fee of INR 4,050 is charged in case the candidate wishes to change the date of the test.
|
IELTS exam fee in India |
INR 16,250 for both online and paper-based test |
IELTS exam fee in Canada |
Ranges between INR 19,000 – INR 20,000 |
IELTS exam fee in Nepal |
INR 16,920
|
IELTS exam fee in the USA |
INR 17,795 and above |
The IELTS examination consists of four sections, each of which is significant in assessing one’s understanding of the English language
Age limit |
The primary eligibility criteria stated for the IELTS exam is that the candidates must be of age 16 years and above |
English proficiency level |
There is no specific minimum or maximum English proficiency level required to register for the test |
Candidates can choose to take the test based on their current language abilities. Major institutions accept an IELTS score of 7 with a minimum of 6.5 in each section.
Each country and university has different minimum requirements for the IELTS score. It is advisable to the candidates that they check the requirements.
| IELTS band score | Skill level |
|---|---|
9 band |
Expert level |
8 band |
Very good |
7 band |
Good |
6 band |
Competent |
5 band |
Modest |
The above-mentioned band score system offers a clear and standardized way to determine a candidate’s language abilities, ranging from non-user 1 band) to expert user (9 band). The IELTS results are widely accepted by educational institutions, employers, immigration authorities, and professional organizations worldwide. The scores are valid for two years from the test date, and candidates can view their results online or receive them via email. The IELTS results play a crucial role in helping individuals achieve their academic, professional, and migration goals, making it one of the most recognized and trusted English language proficiency tests globally.
The exam has four different sections out of which the listening, reading, and writing sections can be completed in one day. The speaking section is completed within or after one week.
The reading section is 60 minutes long and aims to test the candidate's ability to read and comprehend complex academic texts. It contains three reading passages of increasing difficulty. The passages are typically taken from books, journals, magazines, or other academic sources.
This section assesses a candidate's ability to write in an academic context. It consists of two tasks that require candidates to produce well-structured and coherent pieces of writing. Candidates are required to discuss, argue, agree or disagree, offer solutions, or analyze a particular topic.
This section consists of four sections, and candidates are required to listen to a range of recordings, such as lectures, discussions, and conversations. The section is approximately 30 minutes long, and there is an additional 10 minutes to transfer answers to the answer sheet.
Candidates must determine their target score and understand thoroughly the requirements of the institutions or organizations they are applying to. This will help them set realistic study goals. Utilizing the official IELTS preparation materials, including sample test papers and practice questions.
These resources are specifically designed to help the applicants understand the test and give them an idea of what to expect. Along with that, they must regularly take full-length practice tests to simulate the actual test conditions. This will help them manage their time effectively and identify areas where there is a need for improvement.
Candidates should Work on expanding their vocabulary by reading English texts, using flashcards, and learning new words in context. Practicing reading different types of texts, such as articles, essays, and academic papers can also Improve their reading comprehension and speed by summarizing and analyzing the content.
Students can also enhance their writing skills by practicing writing essays and reports on various topics. Regularly listening to English audio materials, such as podcasts, news, and interviews can also help in improving listening skills and give good exposure to different accents and speaking styles of the candidates.
The IELTS exam holds immense importance for individuals seeking opportunities in English-speaking countries. It serves as a reliable and globally recognized measure of English language proficiency, helping candidates pursue their academic, professional, and migration goals. For students aspiring to study abroad, achieving a high IELTS score is often a prerequisite for admission to universities and colleges.
A large number of universities in Canada accept a score of 6.5 in IELTS with no less than 5.5 bands in each section. However, different universities in different countries have their own minimum requirements for the IELTS score. Therefore, it advised that candidates check with their respective universities.
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