What is IELTS?
IELTS, or the International English Language Testing System, is a standardized English test designed to assess the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. Consisting of four modules - listening, reading, writing, and speaking. IELTS is accepted by more than 12,000 organizations in over 140 countries. This not only includes universities, schools, training colleges, or tertiary institutes, but also government departments and agencies, professional and industry bodies, and companies and employers.
How does the format look?
The duration of the IELTS exam is 2 hours and 45 minutes. There are no breaks during the exam. Listening, reading, and writing are to be completed on the same day. But a candidate has a provision to book their speaking test after a week or two days before the other tests.
| IELTS Test |
Duration |
Details |
| IELTS Listening |
40 minutes |
4 sections |
| IELTS Reading |
60 minutes |
3 passages |
| IELTS Writing |
60 minutes |
2 tasks |
| IELTS Speaking |
11 to 14 minutes |
One-on-one conversation |
Listening Test: The listening test is for 30 minutes, and an additional 10 minutes are provided to transfer the answers to an answer sheet in the case of a paper-based test. However, these 10 minutes are not given to a candidate who opts for a computer-based test. There are four sections in the test. Each section consists of 10 questions. The recordings are in different accents, like British, Australian, New Zealand, American, and Canadian.
| Particulars |
Details |
| Total Questions |
40 |
| Timing |
30 minutes, additional 10 for transfer time |
| Task Types |
Matching, multiple choice, plan/map/diagram, labeling, sentence completion, form/note/table/flow-chart/summary completion. |
| Answering |
As they are listening, test takers write their responses on the question paper, and they have 10 minutes to transfer those answers to an answer sheet. |
| Marks |
1 mark for each question |
Reading Test: The reading test is for 60 minutes and consists of 3 passages with 40 questions. The passages are descriptive, analytical, discursive, and factual. It also includes reading to find out the purposes and attitudes of writers. The content is taken from magazines, newspapers, books, and journals.
| Particulars |
Details |
| Total Questions |
40 |
| Timing |
60 minutes |
| Task Types |
multiple choice, identifying the writer's views or claims, identifying information, matching information, sentence completion, summary completion, matching headings, matching features, matching sentence endings, table completion note completion, flow-chart completion, diagram, short-answer questions, and label completion |
| Sources |
Books, magazines, journals, and newspapers |
| Answering |
Transfer the answers presented on the question paper to the answer sheet |
| Marks |
1 mark for each question |
Writing Test: The writing test is for 60 minutes and has two tasks. This test is to evaluate the students' English writing skills. The topics are given to the candidates from the fields of undergraduate and postgraduate studies. The test consists of:
- Task 1: A graph, table, chart, or diagram will be presented to candidates, and they will be asked to summarize the data in their own words.
- Task 2: An essay topic is given to the students, who are required to present their point of view, claim, or issue.
| Particulars |
Details |
| Total Questions |
2 |
| Timing |
60 minutes |
| Task Types |
In Task 1, candidates are asked to describe visual information (graph, table, chart/diagram) in their own words. A student must write 150 words in about 20 minutes.
In Task 2, different types of essays are given like argumentative, causes and measures, advantages and disadvantages, etc. They must write 250 words in 40 minutes. |
| Answering |
Detailed answers are directly written on answer sheets. |
| Marks |
Task 2 carries more weightage in the marking system compared to Task 1 |
Speaking Test: The speaking test examines the English-speaking ability of candidates. This test is recorded. The duration of this test is only 11 to 14 minutes.
| Particulars |
Details |
| Total Questions |
Interview mode: 3 parts |
| Timing |
11-14 minutes |
| Task Types |
Introduction, Longturn, and Discussion |
| Answering |
Verbal spoken |
| Marks |
Scores will be reported in whole and half bands |
What is the difference between IELTS Academics and IELTS General?
IELTS Academic: The academic test is curated for individuals who wish to study at a university or college or enter a professional institution. Also, it is required for undergraduate or postgraduate students
IELTS General Training: The IELTS General Training test is designed to check a candidate's English language proficiency in a practical or day-to-day setting. The context reflects the situations both at the workplace and in social scenarios.
Take IELTS General Training if a person wants to:
- Work or undertake work-related training in an English-speaking country
- Emigrate to an English-speaking country
- Get a job in another country where a recognised proficiency in the English language is required.
IELTS One Skill Retake:
The One SKill Retake is a newly introduced norm by the exam authorities. The main purpose of this policy is to allow test takers to retake their test for a specific module where they have not performed to their full potential. A student can choose to retake any one of the four sections: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
IELTS One Skill Retake would be of great help to the students who don’t wish to appear for all four modules again. Both the IELTS Academic and General Training will have this policy. This policy first started in Australia in March 2023 and will soon be a part of various nations and regions, including India.
A candidate can only apply for this approach after a 60-day break between the first exam and the IELTS One Skill Retake. The One Skill Retake test has the same structure and timing as the original IELTS test.
Exploring Testing Formats: Paper-Based vs. Computer-Based:
IELTS, or the International English Language Testing System, gives its test-takers the choice between paper-based and computer-based formats.
The paper-based test follows a traditional approach, where candidates complete the listening, reading, and writing sections using a paper answer sheet. This format is useful for students who are more comfortable and prefer writing by hand. Conversely, the computer-based test offers a contemporary alternative, integrating technology into the examination process. The test-takers use a computer for listening, reading, and writing sections, enabling candidates to receive their results sooner for these components. The computer-based format also offers greater flexibility in scheduling.
If the students want to complete the immigration process swiftly, then opting for the computer-based test is advisable as results are immediate compared to the paper-based test.
If the test taker finds it challenging to type, then it is better to attempt it on paper. In IELTS, time is of the essence, and therefore, the test taker needs to be aware of what mode of test best suits them.
The choice between the two formats totally depends on individual preferences and comfort levels.
Which IELTS test do I need?
| Visa description |
Minimum CEFR level required |
Skills |
IELTS test and minimum scores required |
| Start-up |
B2 |
Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking |
IELTS for UKVI
5.5 overall, and in each of the four skills |
| Skilled Worker (formerly known as Tier 2 General work visa) |
B1 |
Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking |
IELTS for UKVI
4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills |
| Student (formerly known as the Tier 4 General student visa) - Degree level or above |
Equivalent to B2 |
Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking |
IELTS/IELTS for UKVI
5.5 overall, and in each of the four skills |
| Student (formerly known as the Tier 4 General student visa) - Below degree level |
B1 |
Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking |
IELTS for UKVI
4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills |
| Family Route; Spouse/partner; Fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner; Parent of a dependent |
A1 |
Speaking and Listening |
IELTS Life Skills A1 - Pass
IELTS for UKVI - 4.0 in Speaking and Listening |
| Settlement (also known as indefinite leave to remain) |
B1 |
Speaking and Listening |
IELTS Life Skills B1 - Pass
IELTS for UKVI - 4.0 in Speaking and Listening |
| Citizenship |
B1 |
Speaking and Listening |
IELTS Life Skills B1 - Pass
IELTS for UKVI - 4.0 in Speaking and Listening |
IELTS LIFE SKILL:
IELTS Life Skills is an English test for people who need to prove their English speaking and listening ability as part of a UK visa and immigration application (UKVI). The test assesses the English-language communication skills of candidates for immigration. Unlike the traditional IELTS Academic or General Training tests, IELTS Life Skills focuses specifically on an individual's ability to communicate effectively in English. This exam is particularly relevant for those seeking to meet immigration requirements in certain countries. The test is structured around real-life scenarios, evaluating the candidate's proficiency in listening and speaking. Overall, IELTS Life Skills serves as a targeted evaluation tool for applicants for immigration processes.
Where can the IELTS test take you?
IELTS, or the International English Language Testing System, is a widely recognized English language proficiency test that can open doors to various opportunities.
IELTS for the United States
There are 3,400 institutions in the United States that recognize the IELTS test as an international English language certification. This opens doors to education and employment in this country.
IELTS for Canada
IELTS is accepted by Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and by more than 350 institutions in Canada. Read our article about IELTS for Canada.
IELTS for the United Kingdom
The IELTS English test is accepted for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and also by all British educational institutions and colleges.
IELTS for Australia
More than 1,000 organizations in Australia accept the IELTS test, including the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.
IELTS for New Zealand
Immigration New Zealand and many other organizations in that country accept the IELTS English language test.
IELTS for the world
The IELTS certificate is recognized in Germany, Malaysia, Holland, and many other countries around the world.
Cancellation and refund policy:
You can cancel your IELTS test registration at any time before taking your test by notifying your test center. Refund terms depend on when you cancel and whether exceptional circumstances apply.
If a student cancels IELTS test registration more than 14 days before the test, they will receive a 75% refund of the total test fees.
If a student cancels the IELTS test registration within 14 days but more than two days before the test, then they will receive a 50% refund of the total test fee.
If a candidate cancels the IELTS test registration within two days of the test, they will receive a 25% refund of the total test fee.
If a test taker cancels the IELTS test registration on the test day or after the test, no refund will be provided.
Evidence for exceptional circumstances and supporting evidence must be presented to the test center no later than five working days after the scheduled test date. If the test center approapproves, a full refund, less an administration fee of no more than 25% of the test fee, will be given.
The exceptional circumstances include:
- serious medical conditions which prevent you from attending or performing normally on test day; such conditions require supporting evidence of a medical certificate from a qualified medical practitioner
- evidence of bereavement, trauma or other forms of significant hardship
- military service.
Also, a student can change the test date at any time, not more than 14 days before the test. You can only transfer the same booking once. The test center may charge an administration fee of up to 25% of the total test fee.
IELTS acts as a pivotal tool in opening the doors to possibilities in education, the professional sector, immigration, and international mobility. It is a valuable asset for individuals looking to broaden their horizons in English-speaking settings.
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