IELTS Exam: Format, Syllabus, Registration, Fees, Dates, and Preparation Guide
IELTS, short for International English Language Testing System, is an English language proficiency test taken at an international level by millions of people worldwide. The exam serves as an eligibility criterion for those people who want to move to English speaking countries like the UK, USA, Germany, Canada, Ireland for studying, immigration, working abroad and personal or professional development.
IELTS was first introduced in 1980 by Cambridge English Language Assessment in collaboration with British Council and IDP IELTS Australia. It was designed to meet the growing need of standardizing English language as an assessment to test skills for academic, professional and immigration purposes. The exam is accepted by more than 11,500 institutions across 140+ countries including universities, employers, immigration authorities and professional bodies.
IELTS exam is of mainly two types – IELTS Academic, General Training each for different purposes. The IELTS exam fees in India is INR 18,000. The exam is of 2 hr 45 mins and is taken on multiple dates, all year round. Being of so much prestige, it covers a wide range of topics which students needs to practice for achieving good band scores.
What is IELTS?
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a well-known English test for people who want to study, work, or live in another country. It measures your skills in listening, reading, writing, and speaking and is accepted by top universities and organizations worldwide.
There are two types of IELTS tests:
IELTS Academic - for students applying to universities abroad.
IELTS General Training - for work visas and immigration.
You can take the IELTS test in three formats:
Paper-based (available up to 4 times a month).
Computer-based (available all days except national holidays and festivals).
IELTS Online (for those eligible to take the test from home).
Highlights of IELTS Exam
The IELTS exam plays a key role for anyone aiming to study, work, or migrate to English-speaking countries. For all the important details check out the table below.
Category | Details |
|---|---|
Test Name | IELTS |
Full Form | International English Language Testing System |
Official Website | |
Introduced in | 1980 |
Accepted By | 11,500 + organizations & institutions across 140+ countries |
Exam Mode | Online and Offline |
Fee | INR 18,000 |
Score Range | Band Scale from 0 - 9 |
Test Duration | ~2 Hours 45 Minutes (excluding speaking, which is 11-14 minutes) |
Score Validity | 2 years from the date of the test |
Countries where required | UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, USA |
Why take IELTS? | - University admissions |
Organised By | IDP Education Ltd. |
Contact | Phone: 1800-102-4544 (Mon-Sat: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM) Email: ielts.india@idp.com |
What Are the Recent Changes in the IELTS Exam?
While the overall structure remains largely the same, there have been some notable adjustments that make the exam even more accessible and flexible for test-takers. Let's break it down:
Listening (30 minutes): Comprising 4 sections, this part tests your ability to understand different accents and contexts. While the duration remains the same, the variety of recordings has been enhanced to mirror everyday conversations and lectures.
Reading (60 minutes): With 3 sections, the reading section evaluates your comprehension of different texts. The time remains unchanged, but the content now covers a broader range of materials.
Writing (60 minutes): This section consists of 2 tasks, with Task 1 focusing on data description and Task 2 on essay writing. While the time hasn't changed, there is now a stronger emphasis on structure and clarity.
Speaking (11-14 minutes): The speaking test is a face-to-face interview, assessing your spoken English in a conversational setting. Though the duration remains the same, the focus is on real-life communication.
IELTS One-Skill Retake: A new feature introduced, allowing test-takers to retake only the section they did not score well in (Reading, Writing, Listening, or Speaking). This option is currently available only for the computer-based version of IELTS at select centres across India.
Computer-Based IELTS Availability Expanded: The computer-based IELTS is now available at more centres, providing faster results and additional flexibility for candidates.
Faster Results for Computer-Based IELTS: Results for the computer-based test are now available within 3-5 days, making the process quicker for test-takers.
IELTS Speaking Test Flexibility: The Speaking test can now be scheduled on the same day as the other sections or on a different day based on availability.
Improved Test Booking System: A more streamlined and user-friendly online booking system that allows test-takers to easily choose and confirm their test date and centre.
Who Should Take the IELTS Exam?
The IELTS exam is designed for a wide range of individuals, each with unique goals. If you're planning to study abroad, build your career, or migrate, taking the IELTS can be a crucial step. Here's who should consider taking the test:
Students: If you're planning to apply to universities in English-speaking countries, IELTS is often a mandatory requirement for admission.
Job Seekers: Professionals aiming to work in the UK, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand will find that many employers prefer or require IELTS scores to assess their language skills.
Migrants Aiming for Permanent Residency: For individuals looking to migrate to countries like Canada or Australia, IELTS plays a huge role in visa applications, as it demonstrates your language proficiency.
Healthcare Professionals: Medical practitioners wanting to work in English-speaking nations need to take the IELTS to meet certification and registration requirements in countries such as the UK, Canada, and Australia.
Individuals Pursuing Professional Recognition: If you're looking to gain professional accreditation or membership in organisations where English is the primary language, IELTS is often part of the eligibility criteria.
What is the Eligibility Criteria for IELTS Exam?
Attempted by millions worldwide, IELTS provides broad eligibility to the test givers. While IELTS does not impose strict academic requirements, a few eligibility guidelines ensure fairness and readiness for the test.
Here’s a quick overview of IELTS eligibility criteria in 2025:
Eligibility Factor | Requirement |
|---|---|
Age Limit | Minimum 16 years |
Educational Qualification | No minimum Qualification |
Professional Status | Open to both students & working Professionals |
Nationality | Open Globally |
Attempts Allowed | No Limit |
Note: For migration, most governments consider applicants aged 18+, though IELTS itself allows from 16 onward.
What is IELTS exam pattern and how is it Structured?
IELTS exam follows a structured pattern where it is divided into 4 sections: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The total test duration is 2 hours 45 minutes. The Listening, Reading and Writing sections are conducted on the same day without breaks, the speaking section is held separately.
The test can be taken in two different modes:
Computer-delivered IELTS (faster results, flexible scheduling).
Paper-based IELTS (traditional format with pen and paper).
Here’s a quick breakdown of the IELTS exam pattern:
Section | Duration | No. of Questions / Tasks |
|---|---|---|
Listening | 30 Minutes | 40 Questions |
Reading | 60 Minutes | 40 Questions |
Writing | 60 Minutes | 2 tasks |
Speaking | 11-14 Minutes | 3 tasks |
Key features:
In the listening section, you’ll be given 4 recordings to hear (4 parts), each part having 10 questions each.
In the Reading section, you’ll be given 3 passages all with 40 questions (individually having 13-14 questions).
In the Writing section, you’ll be given 2 tasks – first a visual representation and describing in own words in at least 150 words and second you must give your opinion/view for a prompt given.
How is IELTS Scored on a Band Scale?
IELTS uses a band score on the scale of 0 to 9. Each section is evaluated individually on this band scale with an overall score taken as the average of all four.
Band Score | Header 2 | Header 3 |
|---|---|---|
9 | Expert User | Fully operational command of English |
7-8 | Very Good / Good user | Effective command with minor errors |
5-6 | Modest / Competent User | Partial effectiveness, struggles in complex use |
Below 5 | Limited User | Frequent breakdowns in communication |
What is the IELTS Exam Fee?
The IELTS exam fee in India is INR 17,000, and this amount applies equally to both the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training tests. Whether you choose the paper-based format or opt for the computer-delivered version, the fee remains consistent at INR 17,000 for 2025. Below is a breakdown of the different IELTS test types and their respective fees:
IELTS Test Type | Fee (INR) | Description |
|---|---|---|
IELTS Academic Test | 18,000 | Intended for students applying for undergraduate or postgraduate courses in universities where English is the primary medium of instruction. |
IELTS General Training Test | 18,000 | Designed for individuals seeking work experience, immigration opportunities, or secondary education in English-speaking environments. |
IELTS on Computer | 18,000 | The Listening, Reading, and Writing sections are computer-based, but the Speaking test is conducted face-to-face with an examiner. |
IELTS on Computer for UKVI | 18,250 | Tailored for visa applicants to the United Kingdom, following the same format as the standard computer-delivered IELTS test. |
IELTS Life Skills (A1 & B1) | 17,000 | Evaluates English proficiency at A1 or B1 levels, primarily for those applying for immigration to English-speaking countries. |
How Much is the IELTS Cancellation Fees?
The IELTS cancellation fee is INR 3,300 in India. If you decide to cancel your test after registration, you must do so at least five weeks before the test date to be eligible for a refund. However, the refund will only be issued after the cancellation fee has been deducted.
For cancellations within less than five weeks of the test date, you may not be eligible for a refund, except under exceptional circumstances (e.g., medical reasons). Check the official website for more details on specific cancellation policies.
What Are the IELTS Exam Dates?
The IELTS exam is offered multiple times throughout the year, with up to four test dates available each month, totalling 48 fixed test dates annually. The availability of IELTS test dates may differ between the Academic and General Training modules.
IELTS score requirement by Different Countries
The IELTS band score requirements vary widely depending on the country you are applying to for study, work, or migration. While most universities and immigration authorities accept an overall score between 6.0 and 7.0, the exact minimum can differ by program, degree level, and visa category. The table below provides a country-wise overview of the minimum IELTS scores generally needed for higher education and immigration purposes.
Country | Minimum IELTS Score for Study Visa | For Immigration/Work |
|---|---|---|
USA | 6.0–6.5 (Undergraduate), 6.5–7.0 (Postgraduate) | Not applicable for immigration (TOEFL/other tests used) |
UK | 6.0 (Undergraduate), 6.5 (Postgraduate) | 4.0–4.5 (UKVI & Life Skills for visas) |
Canada | 6.0 (Overall, no band less than 5.5) | CLB 7 = IELTS 6.0 (Permanent Residency) |
Australia | 6.0 (Undergraduate), 6.5 (Postgraduate) | 6.0–7.0 (Migration/Work visas) |
New Zealand | 6.0 (Undergraduate), 6.5 (Postgraduate) | 6.5 overall (Work/PR visas) |
Germany | 6.0–6.5 (Varies by university) | Not required for work visas (focus on German language) |
Ireland | 6.0–6.5 (For universities/colleges) | 6.0 overall (for work permits) |
Singapore | 6.0–6.5 (Universities) | Not usually required for work visas |
UAE | 5.5–6.5 (Universities) | Varies, often not required for work visas |
How can I Book IELTS Test Dates Online?
To register for IELTS and book any date for the exam, you’ll need to follow the steps:
Log in to IELTS IDP Website and select ‘Register for IELTS’.
Select your preferred test type (Academic, IELTS General training, UKVI or Life skills).
Pick your desired location / city as exam centre.
After completing all the steps, you’ll find list of IELTS test dates available. Choose them according to your own preference.
Fill up all the required details and complete application form. Uploading a clear scanned copy of your passport completes the application process.
Proceed to pay IELTS fees and confirm booking.
Once registered, you’ll receive a confirmation email with details of the test venue and timings.
Can I register for IELTS offline?
Yes, registering for IELTS can be done with offline ways also. The mode is ideal for those who do not have access to computer centres nearby. The following steps can show how to register offline:
Collect the IELTS application form from the nearest IDP office or test center.
Fill in the details, attach a passport copy and photograph.
Pay the fee via demand draft or cash at the center.
Submit the form at the test center.
5 Best Tips For IELTS Exam Preparation
Preparing for the IELTS exam doesn't need to feel overwhelming. With the right strategies, you can approach it with confidence and set yourself up for success. Follow these practical tips to guide you through the process:
1. Master the Test Format
Understand the structure of the IELTS exam inside and out. Acquaint yourself with the format of each section, Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. This will give you the confidence to attempt the test well.
2. Practice with Official Materials
Prepare with authentic materials, including official IELTS question papers. These resources are designed to replicate the actual exam format, giving you a clear sense of the type of content and question styles you'll encounter. Regular practice with these materials ensures you're preparing in the most efficient way possible.
3. Improve Your Speaking Skills
The speaking section can feel quite scary and intimidating! But frequent practice will make it feel like second nature. Speak on a range of topics in English, record yourself, and pay attention to fluency, pronunciation, and coherence.
4. Sharpen Your Reading Speed
IELTS reading demands speed and accuracy. To get better, practise skimming and scanning techniques to quickly identify key information. The more you read in English, the more your reading speed and comprehension will improve.
5. Review Your Mistakes
After every practice session, take time to review your answers, especially the mistakes. This is where the real learning happens. Understanding why you made an error helps you avoid repeating it in the future and solidifies your grasp of the material.
