The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an international standardized test of English language proficiency for non-native speakers. It is jointly managed by British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English. The test was established in 1989 and is accepted by more than 11,000 organizations in over 140 countries.
Overview
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) has become a ubiquitous requirement for non-native English speakers seeking to pursue higher education, professional opportunities, or immigration to English-speaking countries. This high-stakes exam assesses an individual’s proficiency in all four aspects of the English language: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
Eligibility Criteria
Here is a summary of the eligibility criteria for the IELTS exam:
Age
- The minimum age for taking the IELTS exam is 16 years old.
- There is no upper age limit.
Educational Qualifications
- There are no specific educational qualifications required to take the IELTS exam.
- The exam is open to individuals of all educational backgrounds, including those who have not completed high school or university.
Nationality
- The IELTS exam is open to individuals of all nationalities.
Other Requirements
- Candidates must have a valid passport or other government-issued photo ID.
- Candidates must be able to communicate in English at a level that is appropriate for the purpose for which they are taking the exam.
Additional Points
- While there is no minimum educational qualification, it is recommended that candidates have a good level of English before taking the exam.
- Candidates should check with the specific institutions or organizations to which they are applying to see what IELTS score they require.
- The IELTS exam is available in two formats: Academic and General Training. The Academic module is for those who are planning to study at a university or college in an English-speaking country. The General Training module is for those who are planning to work or emigrate to an English-speaking country.
Exam Pattern
Section | Format | Number of questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | Four audio recordings, with 40 questions | 40 | 30 minutes + 10 minutes transfer time |
| Reading | Three reading passages, with 40 questions | 40 | 60 minutes |
| Writing | Two writing tasks (250 words minimum for Task 1 and 250 words minimum for Task 2) | 2 | 60 minutes |
| Speaking | Three-part interview with an examiner | N/A | 11-14 minutes |
Application Process
Choose a test center and date. There are over 1,600 test centers in over 140 countries worldwide. You can find a test center near you on the official IELTS website. Once you have chosen a test center, you can select a test date from the available options.
Syllabus
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an internationally recognized English language proficiency test. It is required for many people who want to study or work in English-speaking countries. The IELTS syllabus covers four skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
IELTS Listening
The IELTS Listening test lasts for 30 minutes and consists of four sections. Each section consists of a recording and a set of questions. The recordings are of a variety of speakers, including native English speakers and non-native speakers. The questions are designed to assess your ability to understand information from a range of sources, including conversations, monologues, and lectures.
IELTS Reading
The IELTS Reading test lasts for 60 minutes and consists of three passages. The passages are of a variety of types, including extracts from books, magazines, journals, and newspapers. The questions are designed to assess your ability to read for gist, detail, and main ideas.
IELTS Writing
The IELTS Writing test lasts for 60 minutes and consists of two tasks. Task 1 requires you to write a short report based on a table, graph, or chart. Task 2 requires you to write an essay on a given topic. The essays are assessed on a variety of criteria, including coherence, grammar, and vocabulary.
IELTS Speaking
The IELTS Speaking test lasts for 11-14 minutes and consists of three parts. Part 1 consists of a short interview about yourself. Part 2 requires you to speak on a given topic for up to two minutes. Part 3 is a discussion about topics introduced in Part 2.
IELTS Syllabus for Academic and General Training
There are two versions of the IELTS test: Academic and General Training. The Academic test is designed for people who want to study at a university or other higher education institution. The General Training test is designed for people who want to work or migrate to an English-speaking country. The listening and speaking components of the two tests are the same. However, there are some differences in the reading and writing components. The reading passages in the Academic test are more demanding than those in the General Training test. The writing tasks in the Academic test are also more demanding, as they require you to write in a more formal style.
IELTS Preparation
There are many ways to prepare for the IELTS test. You can take a preparation course, study online resources, or practice with IELTS practice tests. The best way to prepare for the IELTS test is to practice regularly and expose yourself to a variety of English language materials.
Important Dates
Month | Date | Test Type |
|---|---|---|
| November | 18, 25 | Academic and General Training |
| December | 2, 9, 16, 23 | Academic and General Training |
Tips for Exam Preparation
Here are some tips for preparing for the IELTS exam:
General tips
- Set a realistic goal. What score do you need to get into your desired university or program?
- Start studying early. The earlier you start, the more time you’ll have to improve your English skills.
- Be consistent with your studies. Set aside a dedicated time each day or week to study for the IELTS.
- Use a variety of study materials. There are many different IELTS preparation materials available, so find ones that you find helpful and engaging.
- Practice under timed conditions. The IELTS is a timed exam, so it’s important to practice answering questions under time pressure.
- Take a practice test. This will help you to familiarize yourself with the format of the exam and identify any areas where you need to improve.
Listening tips
- Listen to a variety of English accents. The IELTS listening test features speakers from a variety of English-speaking countries, so it’s important to get used to hearing different accents.
- Practice note-taking. Note-taking will help you to remember key information from the listening passages.
- Don’t panic if you miss something. Just keep listening and try to catch up.
FEES
Test Type | Test Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| Computer-delivered IELTS | 16,250 |
| Computer-delivered IELTS for UKVI | 16,500 |
| Pen and paper-based IELTS | 16,250 |
| IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1) | 15,350 |
| IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration | 16,500 |
FAQ?
Anyone who wants to study, work, or live in an English-speaking country may need to take the IELTS exam. This includes students who want to apply to universities in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. It also includes professionals who want to work in English-speaking countries, such as nurses, doctors, engineers, and teachers.
There are two main types of IELTS tests: Academic and General Training. The Academic test is designed for students who want to study at a university or other higher education institution. The General Training test is designed for people who want to migrate to an English-speaking country or who want to work in a non-academic environment.
The IELTS exam consists of four modules: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each module tests a different skill. The Listening module tests your ability to understand spoken English. The Reading module tests your ability to read and understand written English. The Writing module tests your ability to write in English. The Speaking module tests your ability to speak English in a face-to-face conversation.
The IELTS exam takes 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete. The Listening and Reading modules each take 30 minutes. The Writing module takes 60 minutes. The Speaking module takes 11 to 14 minutes.
60 minutes of Duration
100 Questions
Instant Report
4 Dimensions
500+ Career Options
1M+ Test Taken
