IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. It is a standardized test used to measure the ability of an individual to speak, read, write and understand the English language through four modules: reading, listening, speaking and writing. IELTS helps non-native students learn English and improve their communication skills. English is the third most spoken language in the world. This test is globally recognized by more than 11000 organizations, universities, schools and immigration bodies. Many English-speaking countries, like Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, etc., accept IELTS scores.
IELTS is basically of two types (a) Academic IELTS and (b) General IELTS. Academic IELTS supports students who want to study abroad at the undergraduate or graduate level. The test helps the student understand and use academic language, whereas General IELTS supports individuals who wish to work overseas or migrate. General IELTS allows individuals to learn English for everyday use.
| Name | International English Language Testing System |
|---|---|
| Acronym | IELTS |
| Conducted By | IDP India |
| Eligibility | Minimum 16 years of age |
| Test Duration | 2 hours 45 mins |
| Mode |
Pen and Paper based
Computer-based Exam
|
| Required For | English Proficiency Exam |
| Fees | ₹16,250 |
| Validity | 2 years |
| Result | 13 days after Exam |
| Official Website | https://englishtest.duolingo.com |
The IELTS is the most acceptable exam for English Proficiency worldwide due to its high standards of examination protocols. It is accepted by more than 10,000 organizations in over 140 countries, including governments, academic institutions, employers, and professional associations. They have more than 1600 test centers across the world.
To be eligible for the IELTS exam in India, you must be a minimum of 16 years of age and hold a valid passport.
For University Admissions, the required IELTS score depends on the institution and immigration authorities. For example, to get Canada Study Visa under the SDS stream, you must achieve a minimum of 6 bands in each module. However, colleges may accept applications with 5.5 in one module.
The IELTS exam has 4 sections.
The IELTS exam consists of 4 modules: Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking, and each module is worth 9 bands.
The Reading, Listening, and Writing exam is held on the exam date, and you will get 60 minutes for the Reading section, 30 minutes for Listening, and 60 minutes for the Writing section. The speaking test is taken 7 days before or after the exam date. You can also choose your preferred slot 10-12 days before the exam date; otherwise, the system will automatically assign you a slot. Total duration of IELTS exam is 2 hours and 45 mins.
From 1st April 2023, the fee for the IELTS exam in India is Rs 16,250, which increased from Rs 15,500. You have to pay Rs 250 extra for the UKVI format. The fee is the same for both Academic and General and Computer-delivered and Pen and Paper based formats. While booking the exam online, you can pay through Credit/Debit Card, net banking, UPI, Wallets, and Cash deposit at the Bank branch.
To book your IELTS test in India, you can do it online on the IDP IELTS India website or by visiting your nearest IDP branch or referral partner. You have to upload a scanned copy of your passport to complete the test booking.
The IELTS Academic exam is taken 48 times a year with a frequency of 4 times a month. But the IELTS General exam is conducted twice a month and 24 times a year. In comparison, the computer delivered in both formats is available 7 days a week and 3 times a day. The IDP has 65 test centers for Pen and Paper based across India.
If taken in Pen and Paper based, the IELTS result is declared at 05:30 AM IST on the 13th day after the exam. Otherwise, the Computer-delivered test result is published within 3-5 days. The official scores will be delivered to your address within 5-7 days after your result date.
The maximum band in IELTS is 9 overall and each module. Most of the Colleges in Canada require a minimum of 6 bands overall for Under-graduate Diploma programs and 6.5 bands for post-graduate programs. The requirement might vary based on the college and university. However, to apply for a Canada Study visa under the SDS program, you must have a minimum of 6 bands overall and at least 6 in all modules.
