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

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.

1. IDP has acquired all of the IELTS centres in India. Therefore, IDP administers all IELTS examinations and issues all TRFs or transfer charges. The content, format, scoring, or security of the test have not changed.
2. The IELTS test fee has been revised to INR 17,000 as of 2024.

IELTS 2024 Highlights 

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

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 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 17,000. 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Taking the IELTS test opens up a world of possibilities! Over 10,000 organisations in 140 nations encourage this test. IELTS general is accepted in the United States, Ireland, Singapore, South Africa, and Canada in addition to the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. 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.

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.