Overview
What is IELTS?
IELTS(International English Language Testing System)is an English exam that assesses an individual’s Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking skills.
You can use your test score for
- Admission to various educational institutions
- applying for visas to various countries.
Types of IELTS tests
There are three types of tests
- IELTS Academic – This test is needed if you plan to study in a country where English is the language of instruction.
- IELTS General Training – This test is useful if you want to migrate to a country where English is spoken, e.g. Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK etc.
- IELTS for UKVI – This test is specifically for individuals who want to apply for UK Visas.
- IELTS Life Skills – A secured English language test that the UK government has approved for applying for various visas.
How is the test conducted?
There are 3 ways to conduct the test.
- Computer-based testing – You can book your test to be conducted at a test centre on a computer.
- Paper-based testing – You can book a paper-based test at a test centre.
- Online testing – If you are unable to visit a test centre you can attempt the test online from home (has limited usage)
What is the fee for the test?
The test costs 16250 INR.
What is the duration of the test?
The test has a duration of 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Documents required
You will need a valid passport to register and book a test. It is also important to carry your original passport to the test centre on the day of the test otherwise you will be prevented from taking the test.
Eligibility
IELTS is available for people of all religions, ethnicities, races, genders and nationalities. The only recommendation is that the age of the test taker shouldn’t be under 16 years. However, a minor can also attempt the test by presenting the consent form for minors on the test day to the test administrator.
You can find the form here
Scoring
IELTS vs CEFR(Common European framework of reference)
CEFR is an internationally recognised standard that is used to identify language ability. Its scale is divided into six parts ranging from A1 to C2, where A1 is the lowest and C2 is the highest proficiency. By mapping the IELTS score to the levels in CEFR it is easy to see the language proficiency of a user.
CEFR C2 level maps to IELTS band score of 8.5 and higher, 8 being on the border.
CEFR C1 level maps to an IELTS band score of 6.5 to 7.
Band and skill descriptions
| Band | Skill level | Description |
| 9 | Expert user | The test taker has a complete command of the language. Their English is accurate and fluent and have a complete understanding of it. |
| 8 | Very good user | The test taker has a complete command of the language but has unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. May misunderstand certain things in new situations. Good handling of complex and detailed argumentation. |
| 7 | Good user | The test taker has an operational command of the language with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings in some situations. They understand detailed reasoning and handle complex language well. |
| 6 | Competent user | The test taker has an effective command of the language with some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings. They can use and understand complex language in familiar situations. |
| 5 | Modest user | The test taker has partial command of the language and can cope with overall meaning in most situations although they make many mistakes. they can handle basic communications in their field. |
| 4 | Limited user | The test taker has basic competence which is limited to familiar situations. They have frequent problems in understanding and expressing and are unable to use complex language. |
| 3 | Extremely limited user | The test taker can convey and understand only general meaning and only in familiar situations. there are frequent breakdowns in their communication. |
| 2 | Intermittent user | The test taker has great difficulty in understanding written and spoken language. |
| 1 | Non-user | The test taker has no language ability except for a few isolated words. |
| 0 | Did not attempt the test | The test taker did not answer the questions. |
Registration
You can register for IELTS by going to the IELTS registration website
Test structure
The IELTS test has 4 parts
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
Listening, Reading and Writing parts of the IELTS test can be given on a single day, whereas, the Speaking part can be either given on the same day or any day up to a week before or after the test date. The listening and speaking sections of IELTS Academic and IELTS General training are the same.
IELTS Academic
| Listening (30 minutes) The Listening part has four recordings of native English speakers. You will have to listen to them and then answer the questions asked. |
| Reading (60 minutes) 1. Three reading passages with tasks. 2. Texts may include diagrams, graphs or illustrations. 3. Texts are derived from books, journals, magazines and newspapers. |
| Writing (60 minutes) 1. The test taker has to describe a table, graph, chart or diagram in 150 words. 2. Short Essay task of 250 words. |
| Speaking (11-14 minutes) 1. Face-to-face interview with an examiner. 2. The test taker is required to answer short questions. Speak about a familiar topic at length and structured discussion. |
IELTS General training
| Listening (30 minutes) The Listening part has four recordings of native English speakers. You will have to listen to them and then answer the questions asked. |
| Speaking (11-14 minutes) 1. Face-to-face interview with an examiner. 2. The test taker is required to answer short questions. Speak about a familiar topic at length and have a structured discussion. |
| Writing (60 minutes) 1. Letter writing task of 150 words. 2. Essay writing task of 250 words. |
| Speaking (11-14 minutes) 1. Face-to-face interview with an examiner. 2. The test taker is required to answer short questions. Speak about a familiar topic at length and structured discussion. |
Preparation
To prepare for your IELS test you will need the preparation resources, we have mentioned some of the best resources available that you can count on to get a good score.
IELTS Progress Check
- This is a paid resource.
- Official online practice test developed by IELTS.
- Marked by trained and qualified IELTS markers.
- You receive the official feedback.
- With overall band score and band score for each section.
- Result within five days of attempting the test.
Master
- Free access for one month if you book your test with IDP.
- An online preparation course developed by Macquarie University.
- Includes sample questions and answers.
- Includes 60 video tutorials by award-winning trainers.
- Includes 100+ practice tests and quizzes.
- 150+ grammar and vocabulary lessons.
- 14 writing assessments with answers.
- 7 speaking assessments.
- 8 mock tests with feedback.
Masterclass
- Free 90-minute seminar(in person and webinar) from the IELTS experts.
- Guidance on all four parts of the IELTS test.
- Tips and tricks on how to attempt the questions on the test.
- Common mistakes to avoid on the test.
- Question and answer session with the experts.
Advantage
- A free 40-minute webinar.
- All information about the IELTS test.
- What to expect on the day of the test.
- How skills are assessed.
- Faqs about all the 4 parts Listening, reading, writing and speaking.
Scored practice tests from Cambridge
Scored practice tests are a great tool to gauge your level of preparation before you attempt the actual IELTS test. They help by simulating the actual test yet at a fraction of the price of the original test. Attempt the scored practice tests before you attempt the actual test. Some of their advantages are
- Authentic tests from the Co-owners of IELTS tests.
- Automated marking.
- Simulates the actual IELTS test which familiarizes the test taker and prepares them for what to expect.
Testbank-i: Academic 4 Listening + 4 Reading tests
- Set of 4 listening tests for Academic.
- Set of 4 Reading tests for Academic.
- Priced at 1125 INR.
Testbank-i: General 4 Listening + 4 Reading tests
- Set of 4 listening tests for General
- Set of 4 Reading tests for General
- Priced at 1125 INR.
Write & Improve: 1 month of paid access to 40 GT and 60 Academic tasks
- Set of 40 General writing tests.
- Set of 60 Academic writing tests
- Priced at 625 INR
You can buy these Cambridge resources from here
Books
- The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS
- Official IELTS Practice Materials 2
- IELTS Booster Academic Self-Study edition
- IELTS Booster General Training Self-Study edition
- Top Tips for IELTS Listening
- Top Tips for IELTS Academic Writing
- Top Tips for IELTS General Training Writing
- Top Tips for IELTS Speaking
- Top Tips for IELTS Academic Reading
- Top Tips for IELTS General Training Reading
Result
Once you have attempted the test you will get your results in 5-7 days for the computer-based test and 13 days for the paper-based test.
Re-schedule or cancel your test
To reschedule or cancel your test, you will need to contact the centre where you booked your test.
- If you reschedule or cancel your application more than five (5) weeks before the test date, you will receive a refund after deduction of an administration charge.
- If you reschedule or cancel within five (5) weeks of the test date, you will be charged the full fee unless you have a serious medical reason.
- If you provide a medical certificate within five (5) days of the test date, you will receive a refund after deduction of an administration charge.
Late for the test due to conditions beyond control
If you are going to be late for your test due to conditions beyond your control, please inform your test centre immediately as they might be able to reschedule your test to the next available date.
Absent or sick on the day of the test
If you are unable to attend the test due to a serious medical condition and you provide a medical certificate within 5 days of the test you will receive a refund after deducting the administration fee.
If you are absent on your test day without notice to your center you will lose your complete fees.
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