IELTS
(International English Language Testing System)
What is IELTS
IELTS is renowned worldwide as the most widely accepted English language proficiency test for higher education and international migration. Whether your goal is to pursue further studies, advance your career, or establish yourself in an English-speaking country, IELTS can serve as a pathway to success.
Reasons for Taking IELTS
Global Acceptance
Over 10,000 institutions worldwide recognize IELTS scores, making it a universally respected test.
High Demand
In India alone, approximately 1.3 to 1.4 million individuals take the IELTS exam annually, indicating its widespread importance.
Global Reach
IELTS is conducted in 140 countries across the globe, with more than 1100 test centers available worldwide.
Long Validity
Test scores remain valid for a duration of 2 years, providing flexibility and convenience for future endeavor
IELTS Exam Eligibility
Age Requirement
Must be at least 16 years old.
Academic Background
Age Limit
Attempts
IELTS Syllabus
The IELTS exam comprises four main sections Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each section evaluates different language skills and abilities, providing a comprehensive overview of a candidate’s English proficiency. Understanding the structure and content of the IELTS syllabus is essential for effective preparation and achieving the desired score in the exam.
Reading
The reading section involves long reading passages accompanied by tasks. Non-verbal material such as graphs, diagrams, and illustrations is also included.
Listening
This section consists of four recorded monologues and conversations.
Writing
In this section, you are required to write an essay with a minimum of 250 words. This could involve summarizing, explaining, or describing a table, graph, diagram, or chart.
Speaking
The speaking round consists of a face-to-face interview aimed at assessing a person’s speaking skills. This session covers familiar topics.
IELTS Exam Pattern
| Section | Number of Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 4 questions | 30 minutes |
| Reading | 40 questions | 60 minutes |
| Writing | 2 questions | 60 minutes |
| Speaking | 3 questions | 11 to 14 minutes |
IELTS Score
IELTS Score and Band
IELTS scores range from 0 to 9, with increments of 0.5, such as 7.5 or 8.5. Each section—listening, writing, reading, and speaking—is assigned a band score from 0 to 9. The overall band score is calculated as the average of these four scores.
Total Band Score Calculation
The overall band score is determined by averaging the scores of all four sections. For instance, if a candidate scores:
- 7 in Listening
- 7.5 in Reading
- 8 in Writing
- 7.5 in Speaking
their overall band score would be 7.5 bands.
Rounding Up
If the score ends in .25, it is rounded up to the nearest 0.5. For example, a score of 7.25 is rounded up to 7.5.
Rounding Whole Band
Rounding Down
IELTS Score Chart
IELTS Band Scores and Skill Levels
| Band | Skill Level |
|---|---|
| 9 | Expert user |
| 8 | Very good user |
| 7 | Good user |
| 6 | Competent user |
| 5 | Modest user |
| 4 | Limited user |
| 3 | Extremely limited user |
| 2 | Intermittent user |
| 1 | Non-user |
| 0 | Did not attempt the test |
Language Test Equivalency – CLB to IELTS
| CLB Level | IELTS: Reading | IELTS: Writing | IELTS: Listening | IELTS: Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 10 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 7.5 |
| CLB 9 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 |
| CLB 8 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 |
| CLB 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| CLB 6 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| CLB 5 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| CLB 4 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 |
IELTS Validity
IELTS Registration Process
Follow these simple steps to register for the IELTS exam:
- Visit the official IELTS website.
- Create your login account by providing a username and password.
- Fill in all the required information accurately.
- Book your appointment for the IELTS exam by selecting the preferred date and time.
- Double-check all the details you have provided.
- Pay the registration fees for the IELTS exam.
- Click on the "Register/Apply" button to confirm your registration.
- A confirmation message will be sent to your registered mobile number.
IELTS Test Fees
The IELTS exam fees in India are INR 17,000. Candidates planning to take the IELTS exam must pay a registration fee of INR 17,000 each time they schedule their exam. Additionally, the exam fees for Computer-delivered IELTS for UKVI have been adjusted to INR 17,250. For the IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1) exam, the fee has been revised to INR 16,050, while the exam fee for the IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration now stands at INR 17,250.
| IELTS Exam - Type | Updated IELTS Exam Fee 2024 |
|---|---|
| IELTS Exam Fee 2024 (Pen and paper-based & Computer-delivered IELTS exam) | 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 |