IELTS 2024 : Exam Dates, Registration, Fees, Eligibility, Syllabus, Question Papers, Results

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Overview

IELTS exam is an English language test that is required of international students and professionals who seek to study or work in a country where English is the predominant communication language aka their native language. The United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, the United States, and Canada are the most common countries where IELTS is authorised for university admissions. The exam primarily assesses test takers' ability to communicate in four core English language skills: listening, reading, speaking, and writing. IDP Education Australia and Cambridge English Language Assessment together own and administer the IELTS exam.

The IELTS exam can be attempted on a computer or via pen-paper. Those who take the IELTS online test do so on a computer for the listening, writing, and reading portions. The Speaking test, on the other hand, is done in front of a trained examiner. With the computer-based test, there are more IELTS exam dates available and results are obtainable in 3-5 days. Those who choose to take IELTS on paper will complete the reading, writing, and listening parts on paper using HB pencils or a pen. The Speaking test, on the other hand, is done in front of a trained IELTS examiner.

Recent Updates In IELTS

  1. IDP has offered to acquire all of the IELTS centres in India. Therefore, now IDP must administer all IELTS examinations and issue all TRFs. The content, format, scoring, or security of the test have not changed.
  2. The IELTS test fee has been revised to INR 14,700 for registrations that have begun from 11th July 2023.
  3. With the spread of COVID-19, a new way to attempt the IELTS test has been introduced by the authority called as IELTS Indicator where students can take their tests from their homes and get IELTS exam results within 7 days. 

 

IELTS 2023 Highlights

 

  • IELTS Exam Fee increases to INR 16,250

From April 2023, the conducting body of IELTS exam has raised the fee for both Pen and paper-based IELTS and Computer-delivered IELTS exams to INR 16,250. Additionally, the IELTS exam fee for the Computer-delivered IELTS for UKVI has been increased to INR 16,500, while the fee for IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1) has been revised to INR 15,350.

 

  • IDP will administer IELTS Exam in India

IDP has taken over the administration of IELTS tests in India after acquiring 100% stakes from British Council. This move is expected to streamline the testing process and provide a better experience to test-takers.

 

  • IELTS Test Fee Update

As of now, candidates who wish to take the IELTS exam need to pay a revised fee of INR 15,500. It is crucial to note that IELTS assesses the test takers on four English language skills- Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking- necessary for their study or work placements abroad.

 

  • IELTS to introduce 'One Skill Retake' from March 2023 in India.

To provide more flexibility to test-takers, IELTS has introduced a 'One Skill Retake' provision, effective from March 2023 in India. This provision allows test takers to retake only the module in which they scored less, instead of retaking the entire exam.

Why is the IELTS Exam required?

The IELTS test determines whether or not a person can communicate effectively in an English-speaking country. The IELTS exam has become a non-negotiable eligibility criterion for candidates seeking to enter English-speaking countries for a variety of reasons. This includes studying at a reputable or leading educational institution, obtaining a work visa, or settling in a country where English is the primary spoken language.

IELTS is not required for all university applications. Many institutes may not even require IELTS scores to be evaluated for admission, but keep in mind that if you don't take IELTS, your chances of acquiring a student visa may be harmed because visa officers may be sceptical of your English skills if you don't have the IELTS results. Therefore, it is safer to take IELTS and aim for a score of at least 6 bands altogether.

You can take the IELTS exam once a week with IDP (four times a month). They have a global exam schedule of 48 days per year.

 

How does IELTS work?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) has been designed by renowned language assessment professionals to evaluate an individual's English language proficiency required for pursuing higher education or employment abroad. The assessment comprises four components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Familiarising yourself with the IELTS testing format can offer an edge to the test-takers. The IELTS is available in two categories, namely, IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training, and both are evaluated following the same grading system. Understand more about the different types in the section below

Types Of IELTS

There are three types of IELTS tests

  • Academic
  • General
  • IELTS UKVI

IELTS Academic Test

The IELTS Academic is a test that determines whether your English language skills are sufficient for international academic work. This test is appropriate for international students who want to study for their undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in an English-speaking setting, as well as those who want to migrate for professional registration.

IELTS General Test

Those who intend to relocate to major English-speaking countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom take the IELTS General Test. People who would like to enrol in training programmes or secondary education, or get job experience in a country where English is the primary language of communication, must take this test. IELTS General syllabus is the same as IELTS academic syllabus. However, the listening and speaking syllabus may vary sometimes.

IELTS UKVI

IELTS UKVI is equivalent to IELTS. The IELTS for UKVI is an assured English language test that has been approved by the government (SLET). This certification can be used to demonstrate the candidate's English language skills to apply for a UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) process.

IELTS vs TOEFL

Specifications

IELTS

TOEFL

Cost

INR 14,700 (varies by country)

INR 14,242 (varies by country)

Length

2 Hours 44 Minutes

About 3 hours

Sections

Listening: 30 mins

Reading: 60 mins

Writing: 60 mins

Speaking: 11-14 mins

Listening: 41-57 mins

Reading: 54-72 mins

Writing: 50 mins

Speaking: 17 mins

Test Dates Per Year

48

More than 50

Scoring Scale

1-9

1-120

 

Exam Fees

IELTS Exam Fees

 

From April 2023, the conducting body of IELTS exam has raised the fee for both Pen and paper-based IELTS and Computer-delivered IELTS exams to INR 16,250. IELTS exam candidates have the option to pay their exam fees either online through net banking or through offline modes. It is important for them to check the cancellation and rescheduling fees prior to making the payment. The payment can be made using Credit or Debit cards (Visa or Mastercard), Netbanking, or by Demand Draft.

 

IELTS Exam Fees

Amount

Computer Delivered IELTS for UKVI

INR 16,500

Computer Delivered IELTS

INR 16,250

IELTS Life Skills(A1 and B1)

INR 15,350

IELTS UK Visas and Immigration

INR 16,500

Pen and Paper Based IELTS

INR 16,250

IELTS Cancellation Charge

25% of test fee

IELTS Rescheduling Fee

INR 3312

IELTS Test Center Change Fee

INR 3312

IELTS Rechecking Fees

INR 8475

IELTS Score Sending Fee

INR 250 (Per University)

 

IELTS Cancellation Fees

If you are unable to take the IELTS test on the scheduled date for whatever reason, you have the option to cancel the exam and receive a refund. Before you cancel the test, here's what you should know.

  • You can take a full refund if you cancel the IELTS test five weeks before the scheduled date, excluding the administrative fees (25% of IELTS Registration Fees).
  • There will be no returns if you cancel the IELTS fewer than five weeks before the test date.
  • There will be no reimbursements if you do not show up for the test. 
  • If a medical emergency arises, the medical certificate must be presented within 5 days of the exam date to receive a refund.

IELTS Rescheduling Fees

The IELTS exam can be rescheduled five weeks after the actual exam date if it needs to be changed. Within five weeks of the exam, you will not be able to postpone it. The rebooked or rescheduled IELTS dates must fall within three months of the original booking date. Candidates must pay an administrative charge of INR 3,300, comprising all taxes, for the transfer of the exam date.

IELTS Scholarships

Several institutions and colleges offer IELTS scholarships for Indian students based on their academic records. They also give college loans regularly, as well as various fellowships and grants. These scholarships and awards might be quite beneficial to those who want to study abroad.

How is the IELTS Scored?

All IELTS scores range from 0 to 9. You can also earn a score of .5  (for example, 6.5 or 7.5). A band score will be assigned to each ability (listening, reading, writing, and speaking), as well as an overall band score. The total band score is calculated by taking the average of all the skills.

Listening

Reading

Writing

Speaking

Overall

8

7.5

7

7.5

7.5

IELTS Band Scale

For band scores of 0.9, the table below includes a description of each band score as well as information on the requisite level of English.

Band Score

English Level

Description

9

Expert User

A complete command of the English language, accurate, highly flexed, appropriate, fluent with full understanding.

8

Very Good User

Has complete command with only minor or rare errors which are unsystematic or inappropriate words. Deals with difficult situations well but make rare errors in complex situations. Can deal with detailed argumentation. 

7

Good User

Has a solid mastery of the English language, yet there are a few inaccuracies, incorrect phrases, and misunderstandings here and there. Can use complex language quite well, and have a detailed understanding of the argumentation. 

6

Competent User

Has effective command of English and can deal with the overall meaning. Makes errors quite frequently. Has better English in a common situation. Does not deal with complex language well. 

5

Modest User

Has a limited grasp of the language, coping with the broad meaning in most instances, but is prone to making numerous errors.

4

Limited User

Have regular difficulties comprehending and expressing themselves. Is unable to communicate in a complicated manner

3

Extremely Limited User

Can convey and understand merely the general message. Communication problems are common.

2

Intermittent User

Has a hard time comprehending spoken and written English.

1

Non User

Has a little capacity to use the language other than a few isolated words.

Colleges & Countries That Accepts IELTS

Taking the IELTS test opens up a world of possibilities! IELTS is accepted by over 10,000 organisations in 140 nations. Professional groups, schools, colleges, and universities are among them. This test will analyse the applicant's use of the English language at work and school, as well as how the aspirant will communicate while abroad. More than 3 million students write the IELTS exam every year, making it the most popular English language test.

IELTS Test Centers in India

In India, the IELTS exam is administered at 77 official test centres.

Candidates will be requested to specify the state and city when registering for the IELTS exam to schedule the proper location. Candidates should choose the exam centre that is closest to them.


IELTS FAQs

The price to give IELTS on paper and IELTS on the computer is the same i.e, INR 14,700 starting from October 2023.
The IELTS Academic Test is for students seeking higher education or professional courses, whilst the IELTS General Training Test is for people seeking immigration, job experience, or training in a nation where English is the primary language.
The IELTS test is owned by: IDP IELTS Australia Cambridge ESOL Earlier, both these organisations conducted IELTS in India but now it is IDP that has 100% authority and is solely responsible for conducting IELTS in India.
IELTS is conducted 48 times a year with 4 times each month. There is no limit to students' attempts provided you pay the fees.
Although IELTS is conducted both online and offline, IELTS Indicator was recently launched by the officials in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, where students can give this test from the comfort of their homes.
It is an English language proficiency test for people from non-native English countries.
The number of times a candidate can take the IELTS exam is free and there is no restriction.
In the United Kingdom, the United States, New Zealand, Australia, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Canada, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, and 140 other countries, the IELTS certification is accepted for educational and occupational purposes.
There are different IELTS eligibility criteria for each university and organisation. Most prestigious universities, however, consider a 7.0 band score with a 6.5 band score for each area to be the minimum acceptable score.
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