Overview

IELTS - International English Language Testing System

The International English Language Testing System, abbreviated as IELTS, is a globally recognized standardized English proficiency test for non-native English speakers. It is designed to test the candidates’ capability and command of the English language. IELTS is owned and operated by the British Council, Cambridge University Press & Assessment, and IDP IELTS.

Fluency in English is the primary requirement to apply to universities and organizations in countries where English is the native language, such as the USA, Australia, Canada, the UK, and New Zealand.
There are two types of IELTS tests: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. Both tests evaluate candidates’ listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills.
IELTS score is used mainly for work, study, and migration purposes. The score is issued based on the IELTS band scale, with the maximum score being 9.
One must be at least 16 years and have a valid passport to apply for the IELTS exam. The IELTS Academic exam is conducted 48 times yearly, and the IELTS general training exam is held only 24 times yearly.
Candidates can apply for IELTS through online and offline modes.

Eligibility

Aspirants above the age of 16 with a valid passport can apply for the IELTS exam.
There are no academic requirements needed to endeavour for the IELTS test.
Different universities have different IELTS scores for a candidate to be eligible to apply for their respective university.
Candidates with disabilities or special needs should inform the authorities at least three months in advance so that their needs are arranged by the time of examination.

Syllabus

Similar to the exam pattern, the syllabus for the Listening and Speaking sections for IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training are the same but different for the Reading and Writing sections.
The listening section has 4 recordings of native speakers in different contexts, as follows:

Module 1 - a discussion between two people set in a daily social context.
Module 2 - a monologue set in a daily social context.
Module 3 - a discussion between up to four people set in an educational or training context.
Module 4 - a monologue on one academic subject.

The speaking section is divided into 3 parts:

Module 1 - Introduction and Interview
Module 2 - Long turn
Module 3 - Discussion

Academic writing and General training writing focus on different aspects. There are 2 tasks assigned:

Module 1

For academic writing, visual information like graphs and tables will be given.
For general training writing, a letter requesting information or explaining a situation should be written.

Module 2

For academic writing, a point of view or argument, or problem will be given.
For general training writing, a point of view or argument, or problem will be given, and the essay can be personal in style.

Academic reading and General training reading are based on different types of topics.

The academic test covers three paragraphs ranging from descriptive and factual to discursive and analytical.
The general training test involves texts from books, magazines, newspapers, notices, advertisements, company handbooks, and guidelines.

Exam Pattern

There are two types of IELTS conducted. “IELTS Academic Test” is given by candidates who wish to pursue higher studies in English-speaking countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. “IELTS General Training Test” can be taken by people hoping to work or migrate to an English-speaking country.
The Listening, Reading, and Writing sections will be completed on the same day. But, the Speaking test may be taken a week before or after the test date. If candidates opt for the IELTS Online test, their speaking test will typically be scheduled before the test date.
The IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training exam pattern has identical Listening and Speaking sections but different Reading and Writing sections.
Approximately 30 minutes are allotted for the listening section consisting of 40 questions with four recordings. The recordings will be played only once.
The speaking test is an oral interview that takes 10-15 minutes and generally has 3 three parts.
Both academic writing and general training writing comprise 2 tasks with 60 minutes to complete. Candidates need to write 150 words and 250 words for task 1 and task 2, respectively.
The academic reading and general training reading section is assigned 60 minutes and has 40 questions.
There is no pass or fail criteria in IELTS and no negative marking for wrong answers.

Preparation & Practice Tests

Make sure you practice for the correct version of the IELTS exam and familiarize yourself with the test format.
There are plenty of sources available to start preparing for the exam. Take sample questions and practice tests to know where you stand. Spend more time on sections that you need more confidence in.
Complete the test in a single sitting to understand how long each section takes and for better time management.
Institutes, online portals, and the IELTS have many resources to offer to help aspirants.
IELTS progress check is an online service by the IELTS, where the test-taker will receive feedback on their performance. Within 5 days, the candidates will receive a feedback report with sections and areas to improve, including overall band score and band scores for individual sections.

Registration & Exam

Before registering for the IELTS test, find the nearest test centre. One can also take the test from the comfort of their home.
IELTS Academic test takers can take it on paper, on a computer, or online at home. IELTS General Training test takers can only take it on paper and a computer at the test centre.
Candidates can register for the IELTS test through the official website, fill out the application form, and submit it at the chosen test centre. The application form is available on the official site; candidates can download and print the application form.
The registration fee for the Pen and Paper-based IELTS and the Computer-delivered IELTS exams is INR 16,250. Similarly, the fees for the Computer-delivered IELTS for UKVI and the IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration is INR 16,500, while the IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1) exam costs INR 15,350.
The Listening, Reading, and Writing sections will be completed on the same day. But, the Speaking test may be taken a week before or after the test date. If candidates opt for the IELTS Online test, their speaking test will typically be scheduled before the test date.
One must be at least 16 years and have a valid passport to apply for the IELTS exam. Candidates under 18 years require parental permission.
The IELTS Academic exam is conducted 48 times yearly and the IELTS general training exam is held only 24 times yearly. The test dates and slot booking can be done directly through the official IELTS website

Results & Scoring

Paper-based IELTS test takers will receive results 13 days after the main test.
Computer-based IELTS test takers receive their results 3-5 days after the test; for IELTS online, results will be available 3-6 days after the test.
One can request for review of their score through a service called an Enquiry on Results (EOR). The reviewed result is available 2-21 days after the request.
IELTS score is valid for up to 2 years, but organizations can set a validity period that works for them.
There is no pass or fail criteria in the IELTS exam. The IELTS result is described on a 9-band scale. The average IELTS is between 6.5 - 8.
An overall band score of 7 and above and a band score of 6.5 and above for individual sections will be favourable.
IELTS Scoring System:

Band score - 9: Expert user - accurate and fluent and has a fully operational command of language.
Band score - 8: Very good user - has operational command, makes fewer inaccuracies, and can handle complex discussions.
Band score - 7: Good user - has operational command, makes occasional inaccuracies, and generally can handle complex language in different settings.
Band score - 6: Competent user - has effective command, some inappropriate usage and misunderstandings happen and can handle fairly complex language in familiar settings.
Band score - 5: Modest user - has partial command, makes many mistakes, and can handle basic conservations in familiar situations.
Band score - 4: Limited user - can handle basic conservations in familiar situations but has trouble understanding and cannot use complex language.
Band score - 3: Extremely Limited user - has very basic capability in very familiar situations and frequent breakdowns during conservations.
Band score - 2: Intermittent user - finds it challenging to understand spoken and written English.
Band score - 1: Non-user - cannot use and understand English except for a few individual words.
Band score - 0: Did not attempt the test or answer the questions.