IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is one of the widely accepted tests to access the language ability of candidates who need to study or work where English is the language of communication.
IELTS is jointly managed by:
There are four language skills accessed in the test.
There are two formats of the test
The modules of Academic Training are designed to access the candidate’s English language ability to study in undergraduate or postgraduate programs.
It is suitable for candidates who are interested in admission to undergraduate or postgraduate programs in universities and colleges.
On the other hand the modules in General Training are designed to access the English language ability of a candidate from a broad social and educational context.
It is suitable for those candidates who are visiting English speaking countries for immigration, secondary education, work and training (not a degree level).
The candidates are tested in four modules – listening, reading, writing and speaking. All candidates take the same listening and speaking modules. There is a choice of reading and writing modules – Academic or General training.
This is the responsibility of candidate, to tell the administrator which format, Academic or General, he needs to take.
Listening Module
Time: 30 minutes
Questions: 40
Sections: Four
The Listening module is recorded on CD. The candidates are allowed to listen only once.
After the recording ends, ten minutes are given to candidates to transfer their answers on answer sheet. The candidates can read the questions, write down and check their answers.
The first two sections are concerned with social needs, while the next two sections are related to training or educational context
Reading Module
Time: 60 minutes
Questions: 40
Sections: Three (Reading passages with a total of 2,000+ words)
The candidates are required to transfer all the answers within 60 minutes time.
Academic Training Reading:
Normally texts for Academic Reading are taken from books, journals and newspapers.
Texts may contain non-verbal materials such as illustrations, maps and diagrams.
General Training Reading:
Section ‘Social Survival’ contains text relevant to basic linguistic survival in English.
Section ‘Training Survival’ focuses on training context
Section ‘General Reading’ involves reading more extended prose with more complex structure.
Writing Module
Time: 60 minutes
Tasks: 2 (150 words and 250 words)
Academic Training:
In task 1, some information (graph/map/data/table/chart) is given to the candidate and he has to describe it in his own words.
In task 2, a problem or point of view is presented. The candidate has to demonstrate his abilities in terms of organization of ideas, contents and vocabulary.
General Training:
In task 1, candidates are given a situation and asked to respond with a letter requesting information or explaining situation.
In task 2, a problem or point of view is presented. The candidate has to demonstrate his abilities in terms of organization of ideas, contents and vocabulary.
Speaking Module
Time: 11 - 14 minutes
This module consists of an oral interview between the candidate and an examiner. Interviews are recorded.
It takes 13 days to prepare the test results and mailed to candidates on 13th day. Sometimes a candidate can also collect his test result on 13th day.
Following is the detail, how IELTS Bands are categorized
Band Description
0 Did not attempt the test
1 Non user
2 Intermittent user
3 Extremely limited user
4 Limited user
5 Modest user
6 Competent user
7 Good user
8 Very good user
9 Expert user
What is the minimum age recommended?
The test is not recommended for candidates under 16 years of age.
How to obtain test application form and available test dates?
The candidate can contact nearest IELTS Test Center for available test dates and application forms. The test centers also have the Official IELTS Practice Material for sale.
How to apply for Test?
Fill in the application form and submit to the IELTS Test Center with the test fee. You will also need two recent passport-sized photographs, evidence of identity - Passport or National Identity Card. The documents must be valid. It is suggested that you should apply at least five weeks in advance.
What happen if candidate is absent or want to cancel or postpone the test?
If candidate is absent on the test day or he requested the cancellation of test within five weeks of the test date, he will be charged the full fee unless he is able to provide appropriate medical evidence to support his request no later than five days after the test date. However, any administrative fee may be deducted.
IELTS Test day
Each candidate must have same evidence of identity as entered on the application form.
Candidates are suggested to bring pen, pencil, a pencil sharpener and an eraser. Bags, books, papers, mobiles, calculators and other communication and recording devices are not allowed. Candidates are not allowed to leave the test room during any module. Candidates are suggested to transfer all the answers on answer sheets provided.
What, if candidate is unhappy with the result?
Candidates may apply for an enquiry on results procedure at the centre at which they took their test. There is a fee for this which is refunded should the band score change.
What if candidate loses his Test Report?
The candidate can request for the further copies of Test Report within 2 years of the test taken.
For how long Test score is valid?
The result is valid for no longer than two years