IELTS is jointly managed by:
The University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, British Council
IDP: IELTS Australia
TEST FORMAT:
Candidates must choose to sit either the ACADEMIC or the GENERAL TRAINING IELTS Test.
ACADEMIC TEST:
This Test is for individuals who plan to study in English at University (undergraduate or postgraduate level), and is designed to test the understanding and use of complex level academic language.
GENERAL TRAINING:
This test is suitable for individuals requiring a more general level of English proficiency for Employment or Immigration purposes.
TEST MODULES:
The IELTS test is divided into four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
All candidates sit the same Listening and Speaking test. However, Academic and General training candidates each sit a different Reading and Writing Test.
30 MINUTES |
LISTENING TEST |
60 MINUTES |
ACADEMIC OR GENERAL TRAINING, READING TEST READING TEST |
60 MINUTES |
ACADEMIC OR GENERAL TRAINING
WRITING TEST WRITING TEST |
11-14 MINUTES |
SPEAKING TEST |
SCORE:
There is no fixed pass mark in IELTS. Candidates are marked on a band scale of 1-9 in each part of the test. The individual module's Band score is considered as per the requirement.
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 |
Depending on various English language requirements, individual universities, organizations and countries decide which IELTS band score is suitable for their applicants.
Validity
The IELTS examination is held thrice a month.
The individual module's Band score is considered as per the requirement. The Band score obtained is valid up to two years. While obtaining admission to an educational institute, the latest IELTS score is considered.
Eligibility and Fees
IELTS is not recommended for candidates under the age of 16.
In India, the fee is Rs.7, 200 payable at the time of registration.
You can pay INR by means of a Nationalized bank draft payable to the British Council.
NOTE: Candidates may sit the IELTS test as many times as they wish.
When the question is English language ability – IELTS is the answer |