IELTS Exam: Know About Important Dates, Registration Process, Eligibility, Fees, & Much More!

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Introduction

The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a crucial exam for individuals planning to study or work in English-speaking countries like the UK, Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and Canada. This test evaluates proficiency in listening, reading, speaking, and writing, essential skills for effective communication.

There are two main types of IELTS exams: Academic, for university admissions, and General, for immigration purposes. Over 5000 universities globally recognize IELTS scores for migration or higher education opportunities.

With 48 exam dates annually and the option to take the test up to four times a year, candidates have flexibility in scheduling. Results for computer-delivered exams arrive within 3 to 5 days, while paper-based exams typically take 13 days.

Scoring ranges from 1 to 9, with many universities requiring a minimum of 6.5 for admission. The exam offers two modes: computer-based, with listening, reading, and writing sections on a computer and a face-to-face speaking test, and paper-based, with all sections on paper.

Registration for the IDP IELTS exam is available year-round on the official website, ielts.idp.com. Applicants can select their preferred test center and date after paying the exam fee. Preparing for the IELTS exam is crucial for success in academic and professional endeavors. It demonstrates proficiency in the English language, a vital skill in today’s globalized world.

Highlights of the IELTS Exam

The below table shows the highlights of the IELTS exam:
Particulars Highlight
Exam Name IELTS
IELTS Exam full form International English Language Testing System
Conducted by British Council in Partnership with IDP Education Ltd. & Cambridge University Press & Assessment. 
Types of IELTS Exam IELTS General & IELTS Academic 
Most popular for Studying, working, and migrating to English-speaking countries like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, and the UK
Accepted By More Than 5000 Universities Globally 
Minimum Age Requirement 16 Years 
Mode of Exam Computer and Paper–delivered test
Number of Sections  4 (Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking)
Total Number of Questions 85 Questions 
Exam Fees INR 17,000
Score Range On a scale of 1 (the lowest) to 9 (the highest)
Contact Details  Head Office Global Gateway Towers, Tower-B, 5th Floor, Sikanderpur Ghosi, Sector-26, M.G. Road, Gurugram -122002 Haryana, India Phone: 1800-102-4544 (Mon to Sat - 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM) Email: [email protected]
Official Website https://www.ielts.org/

Updates Around IELTS Exam

21st February 2024: IELTS Registration Costs: Academic and General Training at Rs. 17,000; UKVI Version Rs. 17,250.

7th December 2023: New Zealand to Allow IELTS One Skill Retake, Permitting Test-Takers to Retry One Skill.

9th October 2023: PTE Surges as IELTS Sees a 50% Drop in Students at Punjab Coaching Centers. 

10th August 2023: Canada updates IELTS criteria: No longer mandatory to submit individual section scores.

IELTS Exam Important Dates

As the official conducting body, IELTS IDP India offers multiple test dates throughout the year. Candidates must choose a convenient exam date, that aligns with their university admission deadlines. To avoid last-minute issues, booking your IELTS exam 3-4 months in advance is advisable. There are 48 annual dates for the Academic section and 24 for the General Training section, catering to international students. Booking your slot is easy and can be done through the British Council, IDP, or the official IELTS website.

Following is the schedule for May and June 2024: 

Type of IELTS Exam May & June 2024 IELTS Exam Date
Academic Only Saturday, 4 May 2024
Academic & General Training Thursday, 9 May 2024
Academic Only Saturday, 18 May 2024
Academic & General Training Saturday, 25 May 2024
Academic Only Saturday, 1 June 2024
Academic & General Training Saturday, 8 June 2024
Academic Only Thursday, 13 June 2024
Academic & General Training Saturday, 22 June 2024

What is the IELTS Exam?

The IELTS, or International English Language Testing System, is a widely recognized exam for assessing English proficiency, especially for Indian students aspiring to study abroad. Accepted in 140 countries, including Australia, the US, Canada, the UK, New Zealand, and Ireland, it evaluates skills in speaking, reading, writing, and listening in an academic context.

In 2024, the IELTS remains crucial for migration and academic pursuits in English-speaking nations like Australia, the UK, New Zealand, the US, and Canada. Recognized by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), it’s vital for visa applications within and outside the UK.

Students often wonder about its significance. Simply put, universities and visa authorities seek assurance of strong English communication skills for seamless integration. Thus, achieving a good IELTS band score is paramount for success abroad.

IETLS Exam Eligibility Criteria

The IELTS exam, a widely recognized English proficiency test, offers opportunities for education and employment globally. Understanding its eligibility criteria is crucial for aspiring candidates.

Age Limit and Recommendations

There is no age limit set by the IELTS conducting body, ensuring inclusivity across demographics. However, it’s advised that candidates under 16 years old carefully consider their readiness for the exam due to its academic nature.

Qualifications and Intent

The IELTS exam doesn’t mandate specific qualifications, fostering accessibility for all seeking international study or career prospects. Whether for Academic or General Training purposes, individuals with diverse backgrounds and ambitions can pursue the exam.

 While IELTS doesn’t impose rigid criteria, candidates should align with the requirements of their target institutions or organizations. This ensures a smooth transition toward their academic or professional endeavors abroad.

IELTS Registration Process

Registering for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a straightforward process that can be done either online or offline. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how you can complete your IELTS registration seamlessly.

Online Registration
  • Visit the official IELTS website to begin the process.
  • Create an account by providing the necessary details.
  • Choose a convenient date and time slot from available options at nearby test centers.
  • Complete the registration by making an online payment securely.
Offline Registration
  • Download the IELTS exam registration form from the official portal.
  • Fill in the required details, including selecting your preferred test date.
  • Make the payment either by demand draft or cash.
  • A demand draft should be made in favor of “IDP EDUCATION INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED, Payable at New Delhi.”
  • For cash payments, visit the nearest ICICI bank with a payment slip.
  • Provide a Blue Dart courier serviceable address on the registration form for communication purposes.
It’s important to note that IELTS welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of gender, age, race, religion, or nationality. However, the test is not open to individuals below 16 years of age. With several test centers spread across India, candidates can easily find a location that suits them best.

IELTS Exam Fee

The IELTS exam, a pivotal step for many aiming for international education or migration, comes with specific fees in India. Understanding IELTS exam fees and their variations is crucial for candidates planning to undertake this test.

IELTS Exam Fee 2024 in India
  • IELTS Exam (Pen and paper-based & Computer-delivered): INR 17,000
  • IELTS for UKVI: INR 17,250
  • IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1): INR 16,050
  • IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration: INR 17,250
Key Points
  • Standard IELTS Exam: Costs INR 17,000 and covers both pen and paper-based as well as computer-delivered formats.
  • IELTS for UKVI: Priced at INR 17,250, specifically designed for candidates applying for UK visas.
  • IELTS Life Skills: Tailored for A1 and B1 levels, with fees set at INR 16,050.
  • IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration: Similar to IELTS for UKVI, this exam also costs INR 17,250 and is aimed at immigration purposes.
Understanding these fee structures ensures candidates can plan their IELTS journey effectively, considering their specific requirements and goals.

IELTS Centres in India

Following are the major test centres for the IELTS Exam:

Ahmedabad Indore Navi Mumbai
Ambala Jagraon Navsari
Amritsar Jaipur Nawanshahr
Anand Jalandhar New Delhi
Angamaly Jammu Noida
Bangalore Kannur Patiala
Barnala Kapurthala Patna
Bathinda Karnal Pune
Bhopal Khanna Raipur
Bhubaneswar Kochi Rajkot
Calicut Kolkata Ranchi
Chandigarh Kollam Rudrapur
Chengannur Kothamangalam Sangrur
Chennai Kottayam Siliguri
Coimbatore Kurukshetra Sri Ganganagar
Dehradun Lucknow Sri Muktsar Sahib
Faridkot Ludhiana Surat
Firozpur Madurai Thane
Gandhinagar Mangalore Thimphu
Goa Mehsana Tiruchirappalli
Gurdaspur Moga Tirupati
Gurgaon Mumbai Thrissur
Guwahati Nadiad Trivandrum
Hoshiarpur Nagpur Vadodara
Hyderabad Nasik Vapi
Vijayawada Visakhapatnam --

IELTS Exam Pattern

The IELTS Exam Pattern is crucial for candidates aiming to excel in their IELTS Test, especially for academic purposes such as university admissions. This exam evaluates your English proficiency across four key sections: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.

section Description Details
Reading 3 passages, 40 questions 60 minutes total time
Writing 2 tasks, 1 question each 60 minutes total time
Listening 4 recordings, 10 questions per recording 30 minutes + 10 minutes transfer
Speaking 3 parts, varying questions 11-14 minutes
In the Reading section, candidates analyze passages and answer questions to demonstrate their comprehension skills. The Writing section involves descriptive tasks and essay writing. Listening assesses your ability to absorb information from audio recordings. Lastly, the Speaking section is a 1-on-1 interview covering various topics from personal experiences to global issues. Understanding this pattern helps candidates prepare strategically, allocating time and focus appropriately to each section.

IELTS Exam Syllabus

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a standardized test designed to assess English language proficiency for non-native English speakers. The IELTS exam comprises four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each section evaluates specific language skills and contributes to the overall IELTS score.

Section Description Duration
Listening Tests understanding of spoken English through recordings like conversations, monologues, and lectures. Approximately 30 minutes
Reading Evaluates reading comprehension with academic texts from various sources like books, journals, and newspapers, covering articles, essays, and graphs. 60 minutes
Writing Consists of two tasks: Task 1 involves summarizing or explaining visual data like graphs, charts, or diagrams; Task 2 requires writing an essay expressing opinions or arguments on a given topic. 60 minutes
Speaking Assesses oral communication skills through a face-to-face interview with an examiner, covering personal experiences, opinions, and abstract topics. 11-14 minutes

The total duration of the IELTS exam is 2 hours and 45 minutes. Candidates receive individual scores for each section, and the total score is the sum of these scores, ranging from 0 to 9 bands. Understanding the structure and content of each section is crucial for effective preparation and performance in the IELTS exam.

IELTS Results

Upon completing your IELTS exam, you can expect to receive your results swiftly, typically within a week for online access and 13 calendar days for offline retrieval. An email notification will alert you when your scores are ready for viewing. To access your results, simply login to your IELTS account on the official IDP IELTS India website.

Your IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) serves as your comprehensive mark sheet, detailing individual scores for each of the four modules along with your overall band score. Keep in mind that you will receive one TRF per IELTS test, which can be utilized for various purposes, including university applications.

Moreover, you’re entitled to request up to 5 Additional Test Report Forms (ATRFs) free of charge. These ATRFs can be directly sent to universities of your choice, streamlining the application process and ensuring that your scores reach the desired institutions promptly. Remember to specify the universities for TRF dispatch during your IELTS Application Form submission for a seamless experience.

IELTS Band Score

The IELTS is a comprehensive assessment tool designed to evaluate the English proficiency of students across all levels. Unlike traditional exams, the IELTS doesn’t result in “failing” scores but rather provides a detailed assessment of language skills.

The scoring system ranges from Band 1 to Band 9, encompassing four key skills and an overall band score. A Band 9 denotes an expert user with impeccable language command, while Band 8 signifies a very good user with occasional errors. Candidates scoring Band 7 are considered good users despite some inaccuracies, whereas those in Band 6 exhibit competence in handling complex language with occasional mistakes.

Moving down the scale, Band 5 represents a modest user who can grasp general meanings despite making frequent errors. Band 4 indicates limitations in understanding and expressing ideas, while Band 3 reflects extreme limitations with frequent breakdowns in communication. Bands 2, 1, and 0 signify varying degrees of inability to effectively use the English language.

It’s important to note that IELTS score requirements vary across universities and programs, making the overall band score significant for university admissions, job placements, and immigration to English-speaking countries. Understanding these score bands helps candidates gauge their language proficiency accurately and work towards achieving their goals effectively.

Books for preparing IELTS Exam

Preparing for the IELTS exam requires the right study materials to ensure success. Here are some highly recommended books authored by experts in the field:

  • The Official Cambridge Guide To IELTS – Pauline Cullen, Amanda French, Vanessa Jakeman
  • Cambridge IELTS 12 Academic Student’s Book With Answers – Cambridge English
  • Cambridge IELTS 13 Academic Student’s Book – Cambridge University Press
  • Cambridge IELTS 12 General Training Student’s Book – Cambridge University Press
  • Official IELTS Practice Materials – Cambridge ESOL
  • Barron’s IELTS – Lin Lougheed
  • Ace the IELTS: IELTS General Module – Simone Braverman
  • IELTS (Academic) 5 in 1 Actual Tests eBook combo – IELTS material
  • IELTS (General) 5 in 1 Actual Tests eBook combo – IELTSMaterial
  • English Collocations in Use – Felicity O’Dell, Michael McCarthy
  • Improve your IELTS Skills Series: Reading, Writing, and (Speaking and Listening) – Sam Mccarter
  • New Insight into IELTS – Cambridge
  • Target Band 7: IELTS Academic Module – Simone Braverman
  • IELTS Advantage Series – Richard Brown, Lewis Richards
  • Cambridge Vocabulary for IELTS – Pauline Cullen

These resources cover a range of skills from reading and writing to speaking and listening, providing comprehensive preparation for the IELTS exam.

IELTS Preparation Tips

Preparing for the IELTS exam requires a strategic approach that encompasses all four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Here are key tips for each section to help you excel:
Listening
  • Practice active listening by focusing on keywords and the overall context.
  • Familiarize yourself with various accents through podcasts, movies, and news broadcasts.
  • Use practice tests to improve your time management and concentration skills.
Reading
  • Develop skimming and scanning techniques to quickly grasp the main ideas of a passage.
  • Expand your vocabulary by reading diverse materials such as newspapers, magazines, and academic articles.
  • Practice completing reading tasks within the allocated time to improve speed and accuracy.
Writing
  • Enhance your grammar and vocabulary through regular writing exercises.
  • Learn different essay structures for Task 1 and Task 2 essays.
  • Seek feedback from teachers or peers to identify areas for improvement in your writing.
Speaking
  • Practice speaking English regularly with native speakers or language partners.
  • Work on fluency by discussing various topics and expressing your opinions confidently.
  • Record and review your speaking sessions to identify pronunciation or grammar errors.
By following these tips and maintaining consistent practice, you can boost your confidence and readiness for the IELTS exam.

Consult an expert

All sorted, are you sure you will be able to crack the IELTS exam? Even if you crack, have you thought of the course and country you are exploring? Are they the right fit for you? Do you know – there are around 4 million (globally) test takers annually. The competition is huge! Have you considered talking to an expert career counsellor? If not yet, why don’t you start now…

How can iDreamCareer help you?

With our study abroad advisors, you will have –

  • Boost your skills, interests, strengths, qualifications, and personality.
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  • Choose the perfect overseas destination for a fruitful career
  • Get LOR/SOPs evaluated by experts and support in interview preparation.
  • Guidance about IELTS accepting colleges and options beyond IELTS.
  • The whole process will be aligned keeping your interests and skills in consideration.

At iDreamCareer, we aim to empower you with knowledge and confidence, paving the way for a successful journey.

Ask your query

Still Need Help? Chat directly with our career experts for free and get answers to all your study abroad or IELTS exam-related queries. Whether you need guidance on choosing the right career path or want tips for IELTS preparation, our experts are here to help. If you wish to study abroad and looking for options beyond IELTS, you can reach out to our Study Abroad Career Advisors for free profile evaluation. Don’t let doubt hold you back – Ask anything, anytime, and empower yourself with the knowledge and confidence to succeed in your academic and professional journey.

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