IELTS Exam: Dates, Registration, Fees, Eligibility, Syllabus

IELTS (short for International English Language Testing System) is the most popular English language test in the world, with more than 2 million people taking it each year. In 2007, IELTS administered over a million tests in a single 12-month period for the first time, making it the world's most popular English language test for higher education and immigration. This means that IELTS is a test that accepts International English and not just British English. This test is designed to monitor a student’s use of English for work, and study, and is administered to understand how a person will cope with communication abroad.   

IELTS vs TOEFL

Compared to TOEFL or PTE, IELTS is more widely used for non-academic purposes. As a candidate, you can decide which of these two tests to take, but keep in mind that IELTS is the most popular test in the UK, Australia and New Zealand, while TOEFL is popular with applicants in the US and Canada. Slightly more than half (51%) of test takers took the IELTS test to apply to higher education institutions abroad. If you are applying for a job or attending a college or university in an English-speaking country, or if you are immigrating to that country, you will usually need to take the IELTS test.

Latest updates on IELTS

IDP to administer IELTS Exam in India: IELTS Tests in India henceforth will be conducted by IDP as it has bought 100% stakes from British Council. There is a general perception that administration of test in India by IDP will simplify the entire process and make it easier for candidates to take the test. 

IELST Test Fee Update: The fees for taking the IELTS exam has been revised from July of 2021. Now onwards candidates interested in taking the exams will have to pay INR 14,700 as registration fee.

CORONAVIRUS ALERT: Students affected by COVID-19 can take IELTS online from their home. This test has been termed as IELTS Indicator and the provision for the same has been made to enable candidates suffering from Covid to take the test from their home.

Why IELTS Exam is required?

IELTS scores can help you secure visa for both educational and working purposes in English speaking countries like Australia, UK, New Zealand, USA, and Canada. Please note that this this test assumes added importance in the UK, where it is the only English Language Test approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). IELTS tests your overall proficiency in English and as such a good score can convince authorities in English speaking countries that you will not face any communication problem while studying or working in the country. IELTS score may not be required for obtaining admission in all educational institutes, but nevertheless it is recommended that appear for IELTS and aim to score at least 6 bands overall to augment your chances of receiving a visa.

Types of IELTS

IELTS exams are of two types: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.

IELTS Academic Test

IELTS Academic is taken by students willing to study abroad.

IELTS General Test

IELTS General Test is taken by people interested in migrating to English-speaking countries like Canada, Australia, and the UK.

IELTS Eligibility

People of any race, nationality, gender, religion and age are eligible for IELTS. However, it is not recommended for people bel0w 16-years of age.

IELTS Registration

Before registration you will be asked for your passport number, and you need to have your passport with you on the test day as well. IELTS Registration can be done in few simple steps.

•            Log onto the official British Council registration page.

•           Create an account

•            Find your nearest test center.

•            the final stage is registration for the IELTS test by paying the requisite fee online

After successful registration, you will be informed about the date and time of your IELTS test.

IELTS Exam Fees

The current IELTS fee for registration is Rs. 14,700. In case, you cancel your registration five weeks before the test date, you will be refunded 75% of the registration fee. No refund will be issued if the cancellation request is placed less than 5 weeks before the test.

IELTS Exam Dates

IELTS IDP India is the body responsible for conducting IELTS in India. The IELTS test is available 48 days per year.

IELTS Exam Pattern and Syllabus

The duration of the test is 2 hours and 45 minutes, and tests a candidate’s ability in Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing.

Also Read: Student Essential Things For Studying Abroad