IELTS 2024: Eligibility, Exam Dates, Registration, Fee, Exam Pattern, and Preparation
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Content Curator | Updated On - Jul 29, 2024
Highlights-
- IELTS is accepted in 140 countries globally and more than 11,000 universities accept IELTS as a proof of the English language proficieny.
- IELTS has two modules – IELTS Academic and IELTS General. It also offers both paper and computer based test. IELTS measures your reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills for studying in an English-speaking country.
- The duration of the IELTS test is 2 hours and 45 minutes. The validity of the IELTS results are for 2 years from the date of the test taken. IELTS band score ranges from 0 to 9.
- There is no upper age limit restrictions or any eligibility criteria for taking the IELTS. However, You must be at least 16 years of age to take the exam.
- IELTS can also be taken for applying to UK visa called the UKVI IELTS.
IELTS is an English language proficiency test accepted by 140 countries and 11,000 organizations globally. IELTS exam comprises four different sections and is of two types: IELTS academic and IELTS General Training. IELTS exam fee for registration is INR 17,000. However, the fees are different if you take UKVI IELTS. Candidates are graded based on IELTS band scores ranging from 0-9. IDP IELTS exam is available for attempt in two different modes; pen-paper based and computer-delivered. Test-takers can select dates and centers according to their convenience. IELTS academic are for those who wants to study in an English-speaking country, whereas, IELTS general test is needed if you are planning to move or work in aborad. IELTS is collaboratively owned by British Council, IELTS Australia and Cambridge English Language Assessment. IELTS score is delivered in a Test Report Format and is valid for two years. You will get IELTS score within 13 days after the exam date for IELTS on paper. IDP IELTS results for computer-delivered tests are available at the official website after 3-5 days of the exam date. IELTS band scores range from a band 0 to a band 9. The raw scores are converted to band scores that represents a level of English-language competence. You will get the IELTS TRF within 2 years of the exam taken.
Note: IELTS Latest Update
IELTS to introduce IELTS ‘One Skill Retake’ for candidates registering from India. Mentioned below are the perks of IELTS exam ‘One Skill Retake’:
- Candidates can reappear for either of the section in IELTS exam syllabus
- Allows test-takers to send individual scores of each section based on requirements
IELTS administering bodies have introduced an IELTS indicator. Mentioned below are the necessary takeaways for IELTS indicator:
- Allows to appear for test from home
- Majorly meant for candidates affected by COVID-19
IELTS Highlights
| IELTS Full Form | International English Language Testing System |
| Official Website of IELTS | https://www.ielts.org/ |
| Accepted By | More than 10,000 universities |
| Can Be Used to Apply For | Studying, working, and migrating to English-speaking countries like Australia, New Zealand, and the UK |
| Conducted By | IDP and British Council |
| Mode of IELTS | Paper Based IELTS Test and Computer Delivered IELTS Test |
| IELTS exam fee | INR 17,000 |
| IELTS band score Range | 1-9 |
| IELTS Conducting Body Contact | IDP Head Office – 01244445999 Email – ielts.india@idp.co British Council Office – 01204569000 Email – examscustomercare@britishcouncil.org |
Why IELTS Online?
Candidates can appear for IELTS exam from the convenience of their home by opting for IELTS online. Perks of IELTS Academic online have been mentioned below:
- Convenience
- Personalized Test Experience
IELTS online requires candidates to ensure a few major points like minimum system, equipment and software requirements. IELTS exam online test requirements have been summarized below:
- Ensure quiet and private well-lit space
- Stable internet connection
- a desktop or laptop
- Speakers and microphones (Headphones are not accepted)
- a camera; can be internal or external
- a valid passport for taking IELTS General and Academic Test.
- a mobile phone or tablet with a working camera
IELTS Online Software Requirement
IELTS login requires candidates to meet basic software necessities as exam is taken at home and not IELTS test centre. The requirements on how to prepare for IELTS have been provided below:
- Operating System: Mac version 10.15 or higher or Windows version 10 or 11 on 64-bit platforms
- System must support SSE 4.2
- Minimum 2 core CPU is required, however, recommended is 4 core CPU
- Graphics driver must be OpenGL 2.0
- Minimum 2GB RAM; Recommended minimum 4GB RAM
- 75 MB of free storage
- Web camera & microphone (internal or external)
- Availability of browsers: Google Chrome, Apple Safari, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge
- Upload and download speed of 0.6 Mbps
Moreover, candidates are required to perform a pre-system check which will be provided post logging for IELTS online test.
IELTS Online Test Format
IELTS online test also requires you to have an extensive preparation. For that you can consider opting for IELTS online coaching. IELTS speaking in IELTS online test requires candidates to ensure few measures as mentioned below:
- Exam portal must be accessed 15 minutes prior to commencement of exam
- Opt for IELTS Online Speaking A1 T1 applicable only for IELTS Speaking test
- Opt for Listening, Reading and Writing test called IELTS Online AC Written T1
- Login with designated username, password and Speaking Pin Code provided
- Login with separate pin provided for the listening, reading and writing sections
- Cross-check audio and video features
- A photo of candidate is to be submitted along with photo of ID
- Appear for the test with examiner
- Leave the test room post completion of the test
IELTS Eligibility
Test-takers aged 16 or above come under IELTS eligibility criteria. IELTS exam eligibility doesn’t require a candidate to be of any specific gender, nationality, or background. IELTS eligibility comes under consideration when test-takers are willing to appear for the school admission process. The table below highlights the necessary criteria for IELTS eligibility:
| IELTS Eligibility Criteria | Not Specific |
| Minimum Age | 16 |
| ID Proof | Valid Passport |
| IELTS Eligible Countries | UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia |
| Minimum Score | 5.5 Each Band Score(Varies from universities to universities) |
IELTS Registration
IELTS registration can be done by two means; online and offline. Test-takers under IELTS eligibility criteria can choose from 82 IELTS test centers that are located across India according to their accessibility. Passport is required for IELTS registration process. Candidates are also required to carry their passports at IELTS test centers for ID verification. IELTS online registration can be accomplished via the official website. Registration via IELTS offline requires candidates to send registration forms via mail. IELTS exam fee is to be paid by the means of demand draft.
IELTS Exam Fee
IDP IELTS exam fee can be paid through means of net banking or offline by visiting the nearest ICICI branch. IELTS exam fees for registration and IELTS exam booking is INR 17,000. IELTS fees for both paper-based and computer-delivered tests are the same as mentioned. However, the fees differ for UKVI IELTS, and life skills. The table mentioned below provides necessary details with respect to fees that is charged for IELTS exam:
| IELTS Exam Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Computer Delivered IELTS for UKVI | INR 17250 |
| Computer Delivered IELTS | INR 17,000 |
| IELTS Life Skills(A1 and B1) | INR 16,050 |
| IELTS UK Visas and Immigration | INR 17,250 |
| Pen and Paper Based IELTS | INR 17,000 |
| IELTS Cancellation Charge | 25% of test fee |
| IELTS Rescheduling Fee | INR 3,650 - INR 3,935 |
| IELTS Test Center Change Fee | INR 3,312 |
| IELTS Rechecking Fees | INR 10,450 - INR 11,810 (varies with format) |
| IELTS Score Sending Fee | INR 250 (Per University) |
IELTS Test Centers and Dates
IELTS exam dates are available four times in a month and 48 times in a calendar year. Test-takers can choose from 82 IELTS test centers located across India. IELTS test centers are available in one location in Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal. Multiple IELTS test centers are located in Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Karnataka. Candidates can attempt IDP IELTS booking according to their convenience. IELTS exam Booking must be done 3-4 months in advance prior to the application deadline. IELTS dates can be booked through three different portals: British Council, IDP, or IELTS (official website). Below mentioned table highlights IELTS exam dates for the year 2024:
| IELTS Test Date 2024 | IELTS Test Type |
|---|---|
| Saturday, 23 March 2024 | Academic and General Training |
| Saturday, 30 March 2024 | Academic and General Training |
| Saturday, 13 April 2024 | Academic only |
| Thursday, 18 April 2024 | Academic only |
| Saturday, 27 April 2024 | Academic and General Training |
| Saturday, 4 May 2024 | Academic only |
| Thursday, 9 May 2024 | Academic and General Training |
| Saturday, 18 May 2024 | Academic only |
| Saturday, 25 May 2024 | Academic and General Training |
| Saturday, 1 June 2024 | Academic only |
| Saturday, 8 June 2024 | Academic and General Training |
| Thursday, 13 June 2024 | Academic only |
| Saturday, 22 June 2024 | Academic and General Training |
| Thursday, 6 July 2024 | Academic only |
| Saturday, 13 July 2024 | Academic only |
| Saturday, 20 July 2024 | Academic and General Training |
| Saturday, 27 July 2024 | Academic and General Training |
| Saturday, 3 August 2024 | Academic only |
| Thursday, 8 August 2024 | Academic and General Training |
| Saturday, 17 August 2024 | Academic only |
| Saturday, 24 August 2024 | Academic and General Training |
| Saturday, 31 August 2024 | Academic only |
| Saturday, 7 September 2024 | Academic and General Training |
| Thursday, 12 September 2024 | Academic only |
| Saturday, 21 September 2024 | Academic and General Training |
| Saturday, 5 October 2024 | Academic and General Training |
| Thursday, 10 October 2024 | Academic only |
| Saturday, 19 October 2024 | Academic only |
| Saturday, 26 October 2024 | Academic and General Training |
| Saturday, 2 November 2024 | Academic only |
| Thursday, 7 November 2024 | Academic and General Training |
| Saturday, 16 November 2024 | Academic only |
| Saturday, 23 November 2024 | Academic and General Training |
| Saturday, 30 November 2024 | Academic and General Training |
IELTS Exam Pattern
IELTS exam pattern comprises of four different sections namely:
Candidates are required to attempt all the sections of IELTS syllabus except for IELTS Speaking on the same day of tests. IELTS speaking is required to be scheduled by the test-takers up to a week before or after the other test dates. Each of IELTS sections in IELTS syllabus have different sub-sections. The chart below highlights the sections in IELTS Syllabus along with duration and number of questions. IELTS Writing section comprises of writing task 1 and Writing task 2, where writing task 1 format differs for academic and general.
IELTS Score
IELTS scores are credited in the form of bands on a scale of 1-9. Each section of IELTS syllabus is marked based on IELTS score. IELTS scores for each of the sections; IELTS listening, IELTS writing, IELTS Speaking and IELTS reading add up to the overall band scores of the test-takers. IELTS scores for individual sections and the overall IELTS band scores can be in whole numbers. Bands can be credited like IELTS band 5.0, IELTS band 6.0 or in decimal representation (halves) like IELTS band 5.5 or IELTS band 6.5. Timelines for receiving IELTS scores differ for the online and offline mode of IELTS exam. Timeframe for receiving IELTS band scores for both of the exam mode has been mentioned below:
- Offline Mode: Test-takers receive IELTS results in a Test Report Format post 13 days of appearing for the exam
- Online Mode: IELTS TRF can be received by test-takers post 3-5 days from the date of the examination.
Test-takers can receive an evaluation of their scores from the official website of IELTS by accessing IELTS result checker section.
IELTS Band Score
IELTS band score ranges from a scale of 1-9, 1 being the lowest band and band 9 being the highest. Overall IELTS band score calculator requires scores from each section of IELTS syllabus. This contributes to the overall IELTS band score secured by the test takers. Overall band score is the average of IELTS band scores secured in each of the sections by a candidate and is calculated with the help of IELTS band calculator. Good IELTS band score can be acquired with appropriate IELTS preparation and practice that undertakes IELTS exam reading practice test as well. Table below highlights the criteria for IELTS band score calculator that are used to mark individual sections as well as the overall score in IELTS syllabus that are used to evaluate the sections like; IELTS exam academic writing task 1 and other sections as well:
| Band Score | Skill Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Expert user | The test taker has a fully operational command of the language. Their use of English is appropriate, accurate, and fluent, and shows complete understanding. |
| 8 | Very good user | The test taker has a fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. They may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations. They handle complex and detailed argumentation well. |
| 7 | Good user | The test taker has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage, and misunderstandings in some situations. They generally handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning. |
| 6 | Competent user | The test taker has an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage, and misunderstandings. They can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations. |
| 5 | Modest user | The test taker has partial command of the language and copes with overall meaning in most situations, although they are likely to make many mistakes. They should be able to handle basic communication in their field. |
| 4 | Limited user | The test taker's basic competence is limited to familiar situations. They frequently show problems in understanding and expression. They are not able to use complex language. |
| 3 | Extremely limited user | The test taker conveys and understands the only general meaning in very familiar situations. There are frequent breakdowns in communication. |
| 2 | Intermittent user | The test taker has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English. |
| 1 | Non-user | The test taker cannot use the language except for a few isolated words. |
IELTS Scholarship
IELTS scholarships are offered to test-takers that meet certain criteria. IELTS scholarship for Indian students allows candidates to enroll themselves for financial aid when planning to move abroad. IELTS exam scholarship involves aids in regards to full fee payment of IELTS examination. IELTS scholarships for Indian students involves the below mentioned aspects for eligibility:
- Test-taker must be an Indian citizen
- Availability of valid passports
- Must have a valid acceptance letter from recognised university
Test-takers willing to avail IELTS exam scholarships can visit the official website of the universities. Minimum of IELTS band 6.5 is required to avail scholarships offered by universities. IELTS band score criteria differs from universities and specific requirements.
IELTS Cutoff
IELTS Cutoff for top universities ranges from IELTS band score 7 to IELTS band score band score 8. Few of the global universities require sectional IELTS cutoff from IELTS syllabus. Minimum IELTS cutoff for top universities globally is IELTS band 7. Table below highlights IELTS cutoff for top selected top universities:
| Name of the Institution | IELTS CutOff |
|---|---|
| MIT | 7.0 |
| Stanford University | 7.0 |
| Harvard University | 7.0 |
| California Institute of Technology | 6.5 |
| University of Oxford | 7.0 with 6.5 in each band |
| Eth Zurich | 7.0 |
| University of Cambridge | 7.0 with 7.-0 in each band |
| Imperial College London | 6.5 with 5.5 in each band |
| University of Chicago | 7.0 |
| UCL | 7.5 |
| University of Toronto | 7.0 |
| University of British Columbia | 7.0 |
| University of Alberta | 6.5 |
| McGill University | 6.5 |
| University of Waterloo | 6.5 |
| McMaster University | 6.5 |
| Dalhousie University | 7.0 |
| Oxford University | 7.0-7.5 |
| Cambridge University | 7.0 |
| University of Edinburgh | 6.5 |
| UCL (University College London) | 6.5 |
| Imperial College London | 7.0 |
| University of Warwick | 6.5 |
| University of Bristol | 6.0 |
| LSE (London School of Economics and Political Science) | 7.0-7.5 |
| King’s College London | 7.0 |
IELTS Preparation Tips
IELTS preparation tips play a key role in the effective preparation of IELTS exam. Test-takers can get access to IELTS preparation full course that are available online. Test-takers wanting to undertake IELTS exam booking must ensure that they opt for a potential source of IELTS training. IELTS online classes can opt from IELTS preparation online apps that will help with addressing complexities associated with grammar for IELTS and provide IELTS listening practice test. IELTS mock test must be considered by candidates willing to appear for the exam. IELTS coaching also ensures that test-takers get to avail IELTS mock test against each of the sections of IELTS syllabus along with reading IELTS test practice. IELTS preparation tips will help with below-mentioned aspects:
- Helps with improving grammar for IELTS
- Practice reading from sources like magazines, newspapers and other relevant materials
- Practice writing IELTS tips
- Ensure following a strict time table
- Practice pronunciation
- Develop focus
- Practice IELTS Speaking topics
IELTS Coaching
IELTS Coaching can be availed via both online and offline means as they provide appropriate preparation and insights against syllabus of IELTS. Perks offered are similar on both platforms of IELTS coaching. There are a number of sources that provide IELTS training offline and IELTS training online which includes preparatory resources for IELTS writing task 1 academic. Organizations providing IELTS coaching are; British Council, Jamboree, Megamind and several other institutions. Moreover, IELTS mock test are also offered by these institutions that are potential in scoring desired IELTS band scores. IELTS practice test are the key reasons that IELTS coaching must be considered by candidates.
IELTS Preparation Books
IELTS preparation books apart from IELTS coaching are also a potential source of IELTS preparation. These IELTS preparation books help with enhanced understanding of IELTS exam pattern and attain high IELTS band scores. They prepare candidates for IELTS exam syllabus; IELTS academic reading, and CEFR level IELTS. IELTS Essay Below-mentioned are few IELTS preparation books that can be considered by the test-takers for preparation:
- The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS – Check PDF
- IELTS Trainer 2 Academic: Six Practice Tests- Check PDF
- Cambridge IELTS’ Book 14 for Academic with Answers
- Simone Braverman’s Target Band 7- Check PDF
- Official IELTS Practice Materials- Check PDF
- Focus on IELTS Foundation Coursebook- Check PDF
- Barron’s IELTS Superpack- Check PDF
IELTS Writing Sample Papers
Here are the list of IELTS Writing Practice Test Papers PDFs:
Table below highlights IELTS writing task 2 sample papers:
IELTS Reading Sample Paper
Table mentioned below highlights IELTS reading practice test for academic:
Table mentioned below highlights IELTS general reading sample papers:
IELTS Listening Sample Paper
IELTS listening requires candidates to listen to certain audio and answer questions accordingly. IELTS listening sample paper will allow candidates to identify weak areas and work on the necessary skills. IELTS listening sample papers have been provided below:
IELTS Speaking Sample Paper
Students should take IELTS Speaking Practice Test. Here are IELTS Speaking Sample paper PDFs:
Prior to IELTS exam booking, test-takers must go through certain parameters such as IELTS exam pattern, IELTS scholarships and IELTS preparation. Apart from IELTS coaching, and IELTS preparation books, candidates can check IELTS practice papers that are available online. IELTS practice papers can be availed separately for each of the sections of IELTS syllabus such as; IELTS listening practice test. There are a number of practice papers available for all the sections of IELTS which includes IELTS listening test as well. The question pattern for IELTS academic writing task 2 and general writing task 2 is similar. IELTS writing task 2 topics are referenced from regular and daily life topics that require logical approach while answering.
FAQs
Ques: What is IELTS?
Ques: What types of IELTS are available?
Ques: How is the IELTS exam scored?
Ques: How long is the IELTS exam?
Ques: How many times can you take IELTS?
Ques: How can I prepare for the IELTS exam?
Ques: Are there practice tests available online for IELTS?
Ques: What resources are helpful for IELTS preparation?
Ques: How can I register for the IELTS Exam?
Ques: What documents do I need for IELTS registration?
Ques: What can I bring with me at the IELTS test center?
Ques: What happens if I miss the test or unable to reach the test center?
Ques: What is the 'pass mark' for the IELTS test?
Ans: There is no pass or fail in IELTS Academic or General Training test. Scores are graded on the 0 - 9 band system. Each educational institution or organisation sets its own level of IELTS scores to meet its individual requirements. So when you are applying to any university, you must check IELTS requirements.
Ques: What is the difference between raw scores and band scores?
Ans: The difference between raw scores and band scores are that raw scores are the actual scores of correctly answered questions. The band scores are the conversipon from the raw scores. The Listening and Reading tests contain 40 questions and each correct question will be awarded 1 mark. They are scored out of 40 and then converted to a band score which ranges from band 1 to band 9.
Ques: When will I get my IELTS exam results?
Ques: How can I check my IELTS score or results?
Ques: When will I get my official results by mail?
Ques: What can I do if I am unhappy with the test results?
Ques: Can other English language test results count towards my IELTS score?
Ans: No, other English tests results does not count towards IELTS score. Since IELTS is an individual English-language proficiency test, no other test results will be able to count towards your IELTS score.
Ques: What is the purpose of IELTS?
Ans: IELTS helps to determine your English Proficiency skills for admission in top abroad universities. Make sure that the scores you submit to the university are not more than 2 years old.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.