IELTS
This test is for people who intend to study or work where English is the language of communication. It measures the ability to communicate in English across all four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking. IELTS is jointly managed by British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge English through more than 4000 locations in 140 countries.
Why IELTS
It opens doors for you to more than 3000 educational institutions, government agencies and professional organizations across 140 countries where IELTS scores are recognized as a trusted and valid indicator of ability to communicate in English. IELTS is an English Language Proficiency test that is required to be taken by non-native students for study in countries where the medium of instruction is English. Among the popular study destinations, IELTS is accepted by universities in UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and USA.
It has become a mandatory test for students of many nationalities to obtain student visas to Australia. You cannot be granted an Australian student visa without an IELTS score if you are from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and many other countries. All other study destinations either require you to take the TOEFL or IELTS. IELTS is however not accepted by most universities in the USA. TOEFL is required as a proof of English proficiency to study there.
Types of IELTS Tests
IELTS is offered as 2 types of tests. IELTS General Training is intended for those planning to undertake non-academic training or to gain work experience, or for immigration purposes. IELTS Academic is intended for those who want to enroll in universities and other institutions of higher education and for professionals such as medical doctors, engineers and nurses who want to study or practice in an English-speaking country. Mainly for those who is trying for non-immigrant student visa.
Test Fees
As of 2025, the IELTS exam fees in India are:
IELTS on Computer: INR 17,000
IELTS on Paper: INR 17,000
IELTS for UKVI: INR 17,250
IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1): INR 16,050
One Skill Retake: INR 11,300
The IELTS exam fee is the same for Academic and General Training.
Rescheduling and rechecking fees
The rescheduling fee for Pen and Paper IELTS (UKVI) is INR 4,300
The rescheduling fee for Pen and Paper IELTS is INR 4,250
The rescheduling fee for OSR (One Skill Retake) is INR 2,825
The rechecking fee for IELTS is the fee to review your IELTS results for potential improvement
IELTS Test Structure
IELTS tests the ability to listen, read, write and speak English. Band scores are used for each language sub-skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking). The Band Scale ranges from 1 (“Non-User”) to 9 (“Expert User”) the four Band Scores, one for each section are added together and averaged for an Overall Band Score. Each Band has a statement giving a summary of the English at that level. There are nine Band levels, from one (non-user) to nine (expert user). All candidates must complete four Modules – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking to obtain an IELTS Test Report Form. Total Test Time 2 hours 45 minutes.
The first three modules – Listening, Reading and Writing – must be completed in one day. The Speaking Module may be taken, at the discretion of the test center, in the period seven days before or after the other Modules. The tests are designed to cover the full range of ability from non-user to expert user.
Link to Register – https://ieltsidpindia.com/registration/registration
IELTS level for admission to the academic world
The minimum score accepted for a course ranges from 6 to 7, depending upon courses and institutes you are applying to. The most common requirement is a band score of 6 to 6.5.
Entry Criteria
Australia: diploma and bachelors – 6.0(5.5), Newzealand: 6.0(6.0), Singapore: 6.0(5.5)
No of backlogs
USA: upto 30 , UK- upto 20-25 depending on the university, Australia- upto 15 depending on the university, Canada: College upto 6 to 7 backlogs & universities up to 4, Singapore: upto 10 backlogs
How early can I apply
USA- prior to 6 months, UK- 3 to 4 months, Australia- 3 months, Canada- 6 months, NZ- 6 months, Singapore- 4 months
Lead time for offer letter/ I20
USA- 8 to 12 weeks, UK- 1 – 2 weeks, Canada- 8 to 12 weeks, Australia- 1- 2 weeks, NZ- 2-4 weeks, Singapore- 2- 3 weeks
