About IELTS

Why IELTS?

Students aspiring to study in the topmost universities and colleges of the English-speaking world need to clear an English language proficiency test. Non-native speakers of English have to show that they can read, write, speak, and understand English, so as to be able to follow lectures, study, take exams, and interact comfortably with fellow students, teachers and the local population. For this purpose as well as for the purpose of immigration, a standardized English language proficiency test for non-native English speakers has been established as a pre-requisite for the selection process. IELTS is the world’s most popular English language proficiency test and a world of opportunity awaits those who clear the required scores.

What is IELTS?

IELTS is the International English Language Testing System, the world’s proven English language test. IELTS is one of the pioneers of four skills English language testing for over 25 years ago, and continues to set the standard for English language testing today. IELTS is accepted as evidence of English language proficiency by over 10,000 organisations worldwide. Last year, more than 2.9 million tests were taken globally. IELTS is recognised as a secure, valid and reliable indicator of true-to-life ability to communicate in English for education, immigration and professional accreditation. IELTS is jointly owned by British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge English Language Assessment through more than 1,100 test centres and locations in over 140 countries.

VERSIONS:

There are two versions of the IELTS test: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. The purpose of both tests is different and the one you take will depend on the requirements of the academic institution you plan to study in, your work/professional or visa requirements.

• IELTS Academic: This test is meant for students wishing to study at universities and institutes of higher education in countries where English is the medium of instruction in the classroom. Many professions, like, medical, nursing, engineering etc., also require an IELTS Academic result for registration. The Academic test is designed to assess the proficiency in English required in an academic and higher learning environment.
• IELTS General Training: This test is usually a visa requirement for those applying for permanent residency to English speaking countries, such as, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Persons going to these countries for training programmes, employment or secondary education, are required to take this test. IELTS General Training is intended to test the English skills that an immigrant or a worker would need for communication in the workplace and in an everyday environment.

Scoring System:

• The IELTS test does not pass or fail a student, instead, the IELTS scoring system uses a band scale of 0 – 9 to assess the proficiency of the candidate.
• There are different band requirements for each country, institution, organization, and candidates will need to score accordingly.
• Sometimes the band requirements differ for visa and your chosen institution/organization/profession/employer.
• The IELTS test results have a validity of two years and you will be required to retake the test beyond that time period.

IELTS Test Format

The test is divided into two broad sections: Academic & General Training. Both versions of the test include the same Listening and Speaking components and different Reading and Writing components.

ACADEMIC - IELTS Academic is divided into four sections

• Listening - The test is of 30 minutes and 10 minutes are given extra for transferring answers to the answer sheet. The candidates are tested on monologues and conversations.
• Reading - The test is of 60 minutes in which students are tested on reading passages with tasks, text from descriptive and factual to discursive and analytical, diagrams, graph, text from books , journals, and newspapers.
• Writing - The test is of 60 minutes, which comprises of writing task of 150 words, describing tables, graphs, charts, diagrams and a short essay of 250 words.
• Speaking - Speaking test is of 11 to 14 minutes. In this test, candidates are put through face to face interview, short questions, speaking on a familiar topic and a discussion.

GENERAL - IELTS General Training is also divided into four sections

• Listening - The test is of 30 minutes and 10 minutes are given extra for transferring answers to the answer sheet. The candidates are tested on monologues and conversations.
• Reading - The duration of this test is 60 minutes in which three reading passages with tasks will be given.

  Section 1 will be based on two or three short factual texts.
  Section 2 will be based on two short factual texts.
  Section 3 will be based on one long text on general topic.

• Writing - Writing section will be of 60 minutes in which candidates will be asked to write a letter of 150 words and short essay of 250 words.
• Speaking - Speaking test is of 11 to 14 minutes. In this test, candidates are put through face to face interview, short questions, speaking on a familiar topic and a discussion.

How are Bands Allotted?

Candidates are judged on a band scale of 1 to 9 in each part of the test. These bands clearly mentions a candidate's ability to use and understand English. IELTS results are valid only for 2 years. There is no pass or fail system in IELTS test.