The International English Language Testing System is designed to assess the language ability of candidates who need to study or work where English is the language of communication and instruction. It covers four basic language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking. IELTS is managed by three reputable, international organizations – British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL). IELTS is a compulsory exam for admission into universities and training programs in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Did you know that it has become a must for those of you who wish to get a student visa to Australia? The tests are administered at centers throughout the world. Internationally, universities, professional bodies, government agencies and immigration authorities of countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Australia recognize the tests.
There are two formats of the test – Academic and General training.
It should be noted that certain professions require an Academic test result for registration and migration purposes. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking modules but different Reading and Writing modules.
- There is no pass or fail in IELTS. Candidates are graded on their performance in the test, using scores from 1 to 9 for each part of the test – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Your results from the four parts then produce an Overall Band Score.
- The Reading and Writing sections are for 60 minutes each, the listening is for 30 minutes, speaking is for 11-14 minutes, which means that total duration is 2hrs 45 minutes. The Listening, Reading and Writing tests are done in one sitting. The Speaking test may be on the same day or up to seven days before or after the other tests.
- IELTS fee in India is INR 7900.
- IELTS scores are valid for 2 years.
- ELTS is available on 48 fixed dates a year – up to four times a month, depending on local demand