What Is IELTS Exam? | All About It in One Place
IELTS exam or International English Language Testing System is a standard followed across globe to test a candidate ‘s proficiency in English language. Some countries might also have specific Language proficiency tests that are based on the language spoken in that particular country. However, about this test, if you want to know anything, then you are on the right page as you can find everything about it here.
So, let not the IELTS exam syllabus drive you crazy, eligibility criteria leave you confused, fees overwhelm you and the registration process take a toll on you. Instead, get in touch with the professionals to access top-notch quality training, approved study material and one-to-one sessions with experts. You can get answers to all your questions, like the process, syllabus, fees, eligibility, exam pattern, test preparation and IELTS exam date here. So, to begin with, know the need for the test.
Purpose of IELTS Exam Study in English Speaking Countries
Work in English Speaking Countries
Mode of Taking the IELTS Exam Computer-Based Online IELTS Exam
Paper-Pen Based Offline IELTS Exam
Types of IELTS Exams
- General Training
- Academic Tests
Before you rush to pay the IELTS exam fee, you need to know the two different types of IELTS exams. These are designed to serve the exact purpose of appearing for that exam in particular.
1. The IELTS General Training tests cover the IELTS Syllabus that is required to understand the language spoken for daily use in the country. It is most apt for leading a social life at work or in friendly gatherings.
2. The Academic tests come with a minimum IELTS eligibility. This test is applicable for students who want to pursue higher education or get a professional registration. It includes understanding the subject for vocabulary as well as academic purposes.
IELTS Eligibility
The IELTS entrance exam is a popular test given by students and professionals planning to study or work in an English-speaking country. So, before appearing for the same, many wonder about the eligibility criteria. It is now possible to give this test if you fall into a category who:
- Have a Valid Passport
- Is Above 16 Years of Age
IELTS Exam Pattern
If you have been busy with IELTS test preparation, then you must check out the exam pattern. This popular text is divided into four major categories, each focusing on a particular skill set. Every section of the exam is designed strategically to help students work on particular language areas.
Listening
The IELTS listening test is to determine the student's skills to listen and interpret.
30 Minutes
40 Questions
Score 0-9
Reading
The IELTS reading test is used to analyse a student's reading power, speed and focus.
60 Minutes
40 Questions
Score 0-9
Speaking
The speaking test helps determine students' fluency and pronunciation of the English language.
11-14 Minutes
3 Tasks
Score 0-9
Writing
The writing test is used to analyse student's comprehensive skills in the English language.
60 Minutes
2 Tasks
Score 0-9
IELTS Syllabus
When students start preparing for the IELTS exam, they must begin with the syllabus and understand it well. It gives a clearer picture of the purpose to the one preparing if the syllabus is pre-defined, which is in the case of IELTS.
IELTS Test Module | Academic IELTS | General Training IELTS | Time Allotted |
---|---|---|---|
Listening | 4 Sections 40 Questions | 4 Sections 40 Questions | 30 Minutes |
Reading | 3 Passages 40 Questions | Multiple Texts 40 Questions | 60 Minutes |
Writing | Task 1: Describe Data Task 2: Essay |
Task 1: Write a Letter Task 2: Essay |
60 Minutes |
Speaking | Part 1: Background Part 2: Topic Part 3: Discussions |
Part 1: Background Part 2: Topic Part 3: Discussions |
11-14 Minutes |
IELTS Exam Fees
Aspiring students who are looking forward to appearing for this exam should know about the IELTS paper fees. This registration process for the IELTS exam is completed after payment of the fee. The fee amount for Indian students are as follows:
Computer-delivered IELTS Exam Fee
INR 17000
Pen and paper based IELTS Exam Fee
INR 17000
IELTS for UKVI
INR 17250
IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1)
INR 16050
IELTS for UK Visa and Immigration
INR 17250
Exam dates
There are 2 official bodies that conduct the IELTS Test in 78 locations. They are :
- The British Council with its presence in 40 locations.
- IDP Education with its branches in 37 cities.
- Visit the IDP/British Council official website and click on Register
- Click on ‘Find Test Date’ and enter in the month city and module of choice
- You will be then redirected to the IELTS Application: Check Test Availability page
- Candidates are required to select the desired date and click Apply
IELTS Exam Registration
IELTS exam fees must be paid through credit card/debit card/net banking/bank deposit/demand draft to complete the registration process.
-
Step 1
Log on to the Official IELTS website -
Step 2
Select ‘Register for IELTS’ -
Step 3
Select the IELTS exam date and location -
Step 4
Complete the IELTS application form -
Step 5
Make the IELTS exam fees
IELTS Entrance Exam Results
After successful completion of the exam, the one thing student awaits are the results to check their performance. Moreover, it takes 3-4 days for a computer-based test and 13 days for a paper-pen-based test to get your results, and the process is as follows:
-
Step 1
Log on to the Official IELTS website -
Step 2
Log in with Registered Credentials -
Step 3
Fill the Required Details -
Step 4
Enter the Provided Captcha -
Step 5
Click on ‘Get IELTS Results’
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The ideal IELTS test preparation time is based on your level of English language. However, you must give a minimum of 6-8 weeks for this. Moreover, if you are clueless, Gradding has the best modules for IELTS preparation.
Listening and speaking are considered the easiest modules of the IELTS test preparation. However, you must score equally good marks in all for an overall good band score.
There are two main ways to take the exam- Online and offline from registered IELTS test centres. However, in some countries, the remote test approach is under process and will be introduced in many more.
The average cost for IELTS exam fees for 2024 is INR 17,000. This needs to be paid during the registration process to complete it. However, the fee for IELTS for UKVI is INR 17,250.
The writing, listening and reading sections are completed on the immediate basis of the test. However, the speaking test can be scheduled 7 days prior to or after the IELTS test based on the test centre facility with the equipment for the process.