International English Language Testing System (IELTS Exam)
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International English Language Testing System (IELTS Exam)
Overview
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a widely recognized test that measures the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. It is accepted by universities, employers, and immigration authorities in English-speaking countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, and the USA. There are two types of IELTS exams: Academic, for those seeking higher education, and General Training, for work or immigration purposes.
The test evaluates four key skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, with scores ranging from 0 to 9. The test takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, and the results are valid for 2 years. Each section is scored individually, and the overall score is an average of the four sections. IELTS is widely recognized for its reliability and fairness in assessing language skills.
IELTS Latest Updates 2024
The IELTS 2024 exam pattern has been updated for both the Academic and General Training versions, with changes impacting only the Reading and Writing sections. Test-takers will be required to answer a total of 85 questions within a duration of 2 hours and 45 minutes. If you're planning to take the IELTS exam in May 2024, available test dates are from 15th to 31st May.
| Exam Name | IELTS |
| Conducted by | IDP Education Ltd. |
| Official Website | www.ielts.org |
| IELTS full form | International English Language Testing System |
| Mode of Exam | Online and Offline |
| IELTS Exam Fees | INR 17,000 |
| Score Range | Band Score of 1 to 9 |
| Accepted by | Universities in Canada and Universities in USA |
Key Features of the IELTS Exam
- Accepted globally in English-speaking countries such as the UK, Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and Canada.
- It has two formats: Academic for higher education and General Training for work, migration, or training purposes.
- The test evaluates four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
- Each section is scored on a scale from 0 to 9, with the overall band score being an average of the four individual scores.
- The total duration of the exam is 2 hours and 45 minutes, with the Speaking section often scheduled separately.
- IELTS scores are valid for 2 years from the test date.
IELTS Eligibility
Anyone can register for the IELTS exam as there are no specific eligibility criteria.
- The exam is open to candidates aged 16 and above, though some institutions may require candidates to be 18 or older for certain programs.
- There are no minimum educational qualifications required to take the IELTS exam, but a basic understanding of English is recommended.
- Always check the specific requirements of the institution, organization, or country you are applying to, as they may have additional eligibility criteria.
Registration
To register for the IELTS exam online, follow these steps:
1. Visit the Official IELTS Website
Go to the official IELTS website (www.ielts.org) or the British Council website (www.britishcouncil.org) to begin the registration process.
2. Create an Account:
You will need to create an account on the IELTS registration portal. Provide your personal details such as name, date of birth, nationality, email address, and a valid ID (passport or government-issued ID).
3. Choose Your Test Type
Select the type of IELTS exam you want to take (Academic or General Training). Choose the test that best suits your purpose (e.g., for studying, work, or immigration).
4. Select Test Location and Date
Choose your preferred test center from the list of available locations in your area. You will also be able to select an available test date. Make sure to choose a date that gives you enough time to prepare.
5. Upload Your Documents
You may need to upload a valid photo ID (usually your passport) as part of the registration process.
6. Pay the Registration Fee
The IELTS registration fee must be paid online via credit card or other accepted payment methods. Ensure you confirm the fee amount, which varies by country and test center.
7. Confirm Your Registration
After completing the payment, you will receive a confirmation email with your test details, including the test date, time, and location. Keep this email safe as you will need it for reference on the exam day.
8. Prepare for the Exam
Once registered, start preparing for the exam. You can use the official IELTS preparation materials available on the IELTS website or other resources for study.
To register for the IELTS exam offline, follow these steps:
1. Find a Test Center
Locate an authorized IELTS test center in India through the official IELTS or British Council website.
2. Obtain the Form
Collect the registration form at the test center or download it from the official websites.
3. Fill Out the Form
Complete the form with your personal details, test type (Academic or General), and preferred test date.
4. Select Test Location and Date
Choose your preferred test center from the list of available locations in your area. You will also be able to select an available test date. Make sure to choose a date that gives you enough time to prepare.
5. Submit Documents
Provide a valid passport or government-issued ID for verification.
6. Pay the Fee
Pay the registration fee (around INR 15,500) via cash, demand draft, or cheque at the test center.
7. Get Confirmation
Receive a confirmation receipt with test details, including date, time, and location.
8. Prepare for the Exam
Begin preparing using official IELTS materials or by enrolling in coaching classes.
Exam Pattern
The IELTS exam consists of four sections: Listening (30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), Writing (60 minutes), and Speaking (11-14 minutes). The total test duration is around 2 hours and 45 minutes, with the Speaking section sometimes scheduled separately.
| Sections with Duration | IELTS Academic Test Description | Total Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Listening (30 minutes) | It encompasses four recorded monologues and conversations | 40 |
| Reading (60 minutes) | Three long reading passages with tasks Texts range from descriptive and factual to discursive, and analytical including non-verbal material like diagrams, graphs, and illustrations texts are authentic (taken from books, journals, and newspapers) | 40 |
| Writing (60 minutes) | In Writing Task 1 a candidate has to write at least 150 words where he/she must summarize, describe or explain a table, graph, chart, or diagram. In Writing Task 2, a candidate has to write a short essay of at least 250 words | 2 |
| Speaking (11-14 minutes) | A face-to-face interview includes an introduction of the candidate, a cue card, and a detailed discussion | 3 |
IELTS Test Format
| IELTS Sections | Testing Format | Testing Style |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | Audio recordings | 9 types of questions like - Matching, MCQs, Note completion, Summary completion, etc. |
| Reading | Academic comprehensions | 12 question types tested like - MCQ, True/False/NA, Matching Headings/Claims, etc. |
| Writing | Writing tasks | Task 1: Academic or Report writing task (e.g., graph, chart, diagram) Task 2: Essay (responding to a given point of view, argument, or problem) |
| Speaking | Face-to-face interviews | Part 1: Personal topics (about yourself) Part 2: Prepared talk on a given topic (cue card) Part 3: Follow-up questions on the topic above |
Listening section of the IELTS exam:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 30 minutes |
| Sections | 4 sections |
| Questions | 40 questions |
| Content | Conversations, monologues, discussions |
| Types of Questions | Multiple choice, short answer, map labeling, sentence completion, etc. |
| Answer Transfer Time | 10 minutes at the end to transfer answers to the answer sheet |
Reading section of the IELTS exam:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Sections | 3 sections |
| Questions | 40 questions |
| Content | Academic: Academic texts (articles, reports, etc.) General Training: Everyday texts (advertisements, notices, etc.) |
| Types of Questions | Multiple choice, matching headings, sentence completion, short answer, etc. |
| Scoring | One mark for each correct answer |
Writing section of the IELTS exam:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Tasks | 2 tasks |
| Task 1 (Academic) | Describe a graph, chart, diagram, or process |
| Task 1 (General Training) | Write a letter (formal, semi-formal, or informal) |
| Task 2 | Write an essay in response to a question or problem (both Academic and General Training) |
| Word Limit | Task 1: 150 words minimum, Task 2: 250 words minimum |
| Scoring | Task 2 carries more weight than Task 1 in the final score |
Speaking section of the IELTS exam:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 11-14 minutes |
| Format | Face-to-face interview with an examiner |
| Parts | 3 parts |
| Part 1 | Introduction and general questions about the candidate (4-5 minutes) |
| Part 2 | Short speech on a given topic (1-2 minutes), with 1 minute to prepare |
| Part 3 | Discussion on more complex issues related to Part 2 topic (4-5 minutes) |
| Scoring | Based on fluency, pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary usage |
Fees
The IELTS exam fee in India is approximately ₹15,500, which covers all four sections of the test. Additional fees may apply for cancellations, rescheduling, or sending extra score reports, with charges typically around ₹3,000 for changes.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Fee for IELTS | ₹15,500 (approximately) |
| Fee Includes | Full exam fee for all sections (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) |
| Payment Methods | Credit card, Debit card, Net banking, Demand Draft, or Cash (at select centers) |
| Additional Costs | - Re-scheduling fee: ₹3,000 (if changing test date) - Test center transfer fee: ₹3,000t |
| Test Validity | IELTS scores are valid for 2 years from the test date |
| Payment Deadline | Fees must be paid at the time of registration to confirm booking |
| Refund Policy | No refunds once registration is confirmed, except under exceptional circumstances |
Note: The fee mentioned is an approximate value and may vary slightly depending on the test center in India. Always verify the exact fee when registering at a particular center.
Some More Info About Policies
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cancellation Fee | - No refund if you cancel within 5 days of the exam date. - Refund will be processed minus the cancellation fee if canceled more than 5 days before the exam date. |
| Rescheduling Fee | ₹3,000 (if you wish to change the test date) |
| Transfer to Another Test Center Fee | ₹3,000 (if you want to change the test center location) |
| Late Fee | No late fee, but the test center must be contacted well in advance for any changes. |
| Re-marking Fee | ₹6,000 (if you request re-evaluation of your test results) |
| Additional Score Report Fee | ₹1,500 per report (if you want to send additional score reports to universities or organizations after the test) |
| Speaking Test Reschedule | No separate fee, but it must be rescheduled prior to the exam date as per test center policies |
These fees and policies are subject to change, and it’s always recommended to confirm the details with the specific test center at the time of registration.
FAQ
1. What is the IELTS exam fee in India?
The IELTS exam fee in India is approximately ₹15,500, which covers all four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
2. How can I register for the IELTS exam?
You can register online through the official IELTS website or the British Council website, or by visiting a local test center in person to complete the registration process.
3. What is the eligibility for taking the IELTS exam?
There are no specific eligibility criteria, but it is recommended for candidates to be at least 16 years old. The exam is available for those applying for higher education, migration, or work purposes.
4. How long is the IELTS test?
The total test duration is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, with the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections completed in one sitting. The Speaking section is usually scheduled separately and lasts about 11-14 minutes.
5. What are the different versions of the IELTS exam?
There are two versions: IELTS Academic (for study purposes) and IELTS General Training (for work and migration purposes).
6. How can I pay the IELTS exam fee?
The fee can be paid online via credit/debit cards, net banking, or at the test center via demand draft, cheque, or cash, depending on the test center’s payment policies.
7. How can I reschedule or cancel my IELTS exam?
Rescheduling or cancellation can be done by contacting the test center, and a fee of ₹3,000 applies. Cancellations made within 5 days of the exam date are typically non-refundable.
