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FAQs
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a standardized exam designed to assess a student's proficiency in the English language, particularly for non-native speakers. It is especially important for students whose medium of instruction in their 12th-grade board exams was not English.
IELTS is a key requirement for countries where English is the primary or preferred language for everyday communication. Other exams, such as PTE, TOEFL, and DET, serve similar purposes.
Before diving into the specifics of the IELTS exam, it’s important to determine whether you need to take it. Generally, if you plan to study abroad in countries like the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, or Ireland, you will likely need an IELTS score. However, there are exceptions known as IELTS waivers.
The IELTS exam uses a 9-point band score system, where students receive a score between 0 and 9, with 9 being the highest possible. Most universities and colleges have a minimum IELTS band score requirement, and students must meet or exceed this threshold to improve their chances of receiving an admission offer. Additionally, countries may have specific IELTS band requirements based on the student’s educational background and work experience.
| Country | UG IELTS Band Score Requirement | PG IELTS Band Score Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| United States of America | 6.0 – 7.0 | 6.5 – 7.5 |
| United Kingdom | 6.0 – 7.0 | 6.5 – 7.5 |
| Canada | 6.0 – 7.5 | 6.5 – 8.0 |
| Australia | 6.0 – 7.0 | 6.5 – 7.0 |
| New Zealand | 6.0 – 7.0 | 6.5 – 7.5 |
| Ireland | 6.0 – 6.5 | 6.5 – 7.0 |
Typically, postgraduate (PG) programs demand higher IELTS scores compared to undergraduate (UG) programs. This is because PG programs involve advanced academic rigor and specialized coursework. Activities such as thesis writing, presentations, and participation in seminars require a higher level of language proficiency. As a result, universities set higher language standards for PG programs to ensure students can effectively compete and succeed in their studies.
There are several types of IELTS exams available, as IELTS is not limited to studying abroad. It is also used for professional and immigration purposes. The table below provides a clear summary, along with detailed information about each IELTS type for reference.
| Feature | IELTS Academic | IELTS General Training | IELTS UKVI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Higher education, professional courses | Immigration, work, non-academic training | UK - specific visas (study, work, migration) |
| Test Content | Focuses on academic English | Focuses on everyday English | Content depends on Academic/General |
| Acceptance | Universities worldwide | Immigration/work globally | Specifically for UK visa processes |
| Test Centres | Available worldwide | Available worldwide | Only in UKVI-approved centres |
| Who needs it? | Students for UG/PG or professional certifications | Migrants or employees needing English proficiency | Applicants for UK study, work, or settlement visas |
For study abroad aspirants, the variety of formats might be confusing when deciding which one to take. As a general rule, anyone planning to study abroad—whether for undergraduate, postgraduate, or PhD programs—should take the IELTS Academic exam. From this point onward, all the information provided pertains to the IELTS Academic exam unless stated otherwise.
The IELTS Academic exam assesses four key language skills: Speaking, Reading, Listening, and Writing. Among these, the Reading, Listening, and Writing sections are conducted in a single session, while the Speaking section is held separately and is conducted face-to-face with an examiner. Here’s a breakdown of each section:
- Speaking: This section evaluates fluency, sentence structure, vocabulary, pronunciation, and the overall flow of thoughts. Conducted in a one-on-one, interview-like format, it is divided into three parts and is often considered the most challenging section of the IELTS exam.
- Writing: This section consists of two tasks. Task 1 requires summarizing information from a visual representation, such as a chart, graph, or process. Task 2 involves writing an essay on a given topic.
- Reading: The Reading section includes three passages with a variety of question types, such as table completion, matching headings, and note or sentence completion. Each passage contains 12 to 14 questions. This section is generally regarded as the easiest in the IELTS exam and can be mastered with minimal practice.
- Listening: This section features four audio recordings, each lasting 4–6 minutes. Each recording is accompanied by 10 questions, and the answers can be found within the audio. As the recordings are played only once, it is crucial to remain fully focused and jot down answers simultaneously to avoid missing key details.
| Module | Duration | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Speaking | 11 - 14 minutes | Communicating verbally in English |
| Writing | 60 minutes | Expressing yourself in written English |
| Reading | 60 minutes | Understanding written English |
| Listening | 30 minutes | Comprehending spoken English |
Unlike Indian exams like CAT or JEE, the IELTS exam is relatively more expensive, with a typical cost of INR 17,000. Students can take the IELTS multiple times to improve their scores, but they must pay the full fee for each attempt. Additionally, IELTS offers the option to retake a single section through the IELTS One Skill Retake. For instance, if a student performs well in all sections except Speaking, they can choose to retake only the Speaking section. The cost for this one-skill retake is INR 11,300.
While it is possible to retake the exam multiple times, achieving the desired band score on the first attempt is more cost-effective. For more details about IELTS fees across different exam types, you can explore further resources.
It is generally recommended to take the IELTS exam 3–6 months before your preferred intake. For instance, if you’re planning to apply for the September 2025 intake, you should aim to take the IELTS between March and May 2025. This timeline allows you to:
- Prepare ahead for your college applications and focus on other required documents.
- Retake the exam if needed to achieve a better band score.
IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date, making 3–6 months before your intended intake an ideal timeframe to take the test. Additionally, note that January to March and June to August are peak months for IELTS registrations in India. To secure your preferred test center and avoid last-minute issues, it’s advisable to book your exam well in advance. You can book your IELTS exam up to a year ahead, with the flexibility to reschedule if necessary.
Many people mistakenly equate preparing for the IELTS exam with improving their overall English language proficiency. This confusion is common, especially for those taking the IELTS Academic test, which focuses on academic English. However, with a basic understanding of English and sufficient practice in each module, students can perform exceptionally well on the exam.
Most students require 1–2 months to prepare for the IELTS exam. However, the exact preparation timeline depends on factors such as:
- The student’s current English proficiency and target band score
- Application deadlines and time constraints
- Specific weaknesses in a particular module, such as Speaking
An experienced IELTS trainer can accurately assess a student’s proficiency and provide tailored recommendations to ensure success.