| Updated On - Nov 21, 2025
IELTS Exam Highlights:
- Exam Types: IELTS Academic (study) and General Training (migration/work).
- Duration: Total exam duration is 2 hours 45 minutes.
- Test Modes: Available in both paper-based and computer-based formats.
- Exam Pattern: 4 sections – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking sections.
- Fee: ₹18,000 for most IELTS test types in India.
- Score Validity: IELTS scores are valid for 2 years.
- Results Time: 2 days (computer-based), 7 days (paper-based).
- Registration: Can be done online via IDP IELTS website or offline at IDP offices.
- Band Scores: Range from 1-9, with a separate score for each skill.
- Acceptance: IELTS is accepted by over 12,000 organizations globally.
- Preparation: Regular practice and understanding the test format are crucial.
IELTS, or International English Language Testing System, is the most widely recognised English language proficiency test in the world, taken by over 3.5 million candidates annually. The exam is taken by those who want to study, work, or move abroad, specifically to English-speaking countries. Conducted by IDP, the IELTS exam evaluates 4 key English language skills - Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. It is the most popular English Language Proficiency (ELP) test, recognised by over 12,000 organisations, employers, governments, and top universities worldwide in more than 140 countries. The IELTS exam is of 2 types: IELTS Academic to study abroad and IELTS General Training for work visas.
The IELTS Academic as well as the IELTS General Training tests are available in both paper-based and computer-based modes. The IELTS exam dates 2025 are available throughout the year for the computer-based test in various cities across India, like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Bengaluru. However, only 4 dates in a month are available for the IELTS paper-based test, with a total of 48 test dates in a year. The IELTS exam can also be taken online at home, but only a few cities are eligible for that.
The IELTS exam fees in India in 2025 are ₹18,000 for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training tests. There are no passing marks in the IELTS exam 2025. You will get a band score (1-9) on the 4 English language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. This score is the key requirement for admissions to top universities, working abroad, or moving for permanent residency. For admissions, the universities have their own minimum score requirements that you have to meet in order to be eligible.
- IELTS Exam Highlights
- What is the IELTS Exam?
- Types of IELTS Exam
- IELTS Test Formats
- IELTS Exam Pattern
- IELTS Exam Syllabus 2025
- IELTS Eligibility for Indian Students
- IELTS Registration 2025
8.2 IELTS Offline Registration
- IELTS Exam Fees in India 2025
- IELTS Exam Dates in India 2025
- IELTS Test Centers in India 2025
- IELTS Results & Score
12.1 IELTS Score: Typical Requirements for Indian Students
- IELTS Cut-Off
- IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE vs Duolingo: Which is Best for Indian Students?
- Why IELTS for Study Abroad?
- IELTS Preparation Tips
- FAQs
IELTS Exam Highlights
The table below gives everything you need to know about the IELTS exam.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | IELTS |
| Full Form | International English Language Testing System |
| Official Website | ieltsidpindia.com |
| Year Started | 1980, 45 years ago |
| Owned and Conducted by | IDP, British Council, and Cambridge University Press & Assessment |
| Purpose of the Exam | Study, work, or migrate abroad |
| Accepted by |
More than 12,500+ organisations. English-speaking countries like the USA, the UK, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, and Canada for study and visa purposes. |
| Test Types |
IELTS Academic - for students who want to study abroad IELTS General Training - for people migrating for jobs, or moving abroad |
| Test Pattern | 4 sections:
|
| Test Mode |
Paper-based tests, conducted 4 times a month Computer-delivered IELTS, conducted throughout the year |
| Exam Fee | ₹18,000 in India |
| Exam Dates | Throughout the year, with many dates each month |
| Results | Released within 2 days (computer-based) and 7 days (paper-based) |
| Score | Band of 1-9 |
| Score Validity | 2 years |
| Contact |
Head Office Address: Global Gateway Towers, Tower B, 5th Floor, Sikanderpur Ghosi, Sector-26, M.G. Road, Gurugram -122002 Haryana, India Phone: 1800-102-4544 (Mon to Sat - 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM) Email: ielts.india@idp.com |
What is the IELTS Exam?
IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. It is the world's most popular English language proficiency test for higher education, work, and migration. It is jointly owned and managed by the British Council, IDP IELTS, and Cambridge Assessment English.
For Indian students planning to study abroad (undergraduate or postgraduate), IELTS proves your English skills in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Over 12,000 organisations in 140+ countries accept it, including universities in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and more.
Ques. How does IELTS help in immigration or job applications?
Ans. IELTS is a required test for most immigration and job visa applications, particularly for countries like Canada, Australia, the UK, and New Zealand. A valid IELTS score can improve your chances of getting a work visa or permanent residency.
Ques. Is IELTS required for all English-speaking countries?
Ans. No, while IELTS is accepted by most English-speaking countries like the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, some countries or specific institutions may accept other tests like TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo.
Types of IELTS Exam
The IELTS exam is available in 2 main versions that serve different purposes for Indian candidates: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. The differences between the two are explained below.
| Aspect | IELTS Academic | IELTS General Training |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | For university admissions (UG & PG) or professional registration (e.g., doctors, nurses) | For migration, work, or vocational or training programs below the degree level |
| Who needs it? | Most Indian students studying abroad | Rarely for study; more for immigration/PR |
| Listening & Speaking | Same as General Training | Same as Academic |
| Reading & Writing | Academic-style texts (e.g., journals, graphs) | Everyday texts (e.g., ads, notices, letters) |
| Recommendation for Indian Students | Choose Academic – this is what 99% of study abroad applicants need. | Only if a specific program asks for it. |
There is also IELTS for UKVI (slightly higher fee, same test) if applying for UK visas, and IELTS One Skill Retake (retake only one section if needed, available in India).
Ques. Can I switch from IELTS Academic to General Training?
Ans. No, once you register for a particular test type (Academic or General Training), you cannot switch. If needed, you'll have to cancel and re-register for the other type.
Ques. Can I take IELTS One Skill Retake multiple times?
Ans. Yes, you can retake individual sections of the IELTS exam (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) separately if you need to improve your score in one section. This is only available for the computer-based test.
IELTS Test Formats
- Paper-based: Write answers on paper. Speaking face-to-face.
- Computer-based: Type answers on a computer (faster results). Speaking still face-to-face. Available 7 days a week in many centers.
- Both formats have the same difficulty, questions, and scoring.
Note: For paper-based tests, you must use a black ballpoint pen (no more pencils).
IELTS Exam Pattern
The IELTS exam pattern is divided into 4 sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. While the test format remains the same for both Academic and General Training, the Reading and Writing tasks vary slightly depending on the test type. The duration of both exams is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
The table below provides a clear breakdown of the duration, number of questions or tasks, and what you can expect in each section.
| Section | Duration | Questions / Tasks | Details (Same for Academic & General unless noted) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 30 minutes (+10 min transfer time in paper-based) | 40 questions (4 recordings) |
Conversations, monologues with various accents. Question types: MCQ, matching, fill-in-the-blanks. |
| Reading | 60 minutes | 40 questions (3 passages) |
Academic: From books/journals (more complex). General: Everyday sources (easier texts). |
| Writing | 60 minutes | 2 tasks |
Task 1 (150 words, 20 min): Academic - Describe graph/chart; General - Letter Task 2 (250 words, 40 min): Essay (same for both). |
| Speaking | 11-14 minutes | 3 parts |
Part 1: Intro/questions on familiar topics. Part 2: 2-minute talk on a cue card. Part 3: Discussion with examiner. |
Ques. Are the IELTS Speaking questions the same for both Academic and General Training?
Ans. Yes, the Speaking test is the same for both Academic and General Training versions. It includes a face-to-face interview and focuses on assessing your fluency, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
Ques. Is the Listening section of IELTS easier in the computer-based test?
Ans. No, the Listening section remains the same for both paper-based and computer-based tests in terms of content and difficulty. The only difference is the format in which the answers are entered.
IELTS Exam Syllabus 2025
The IELTS exam syllabus consists of 4 sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The candidates will be assessed on each of these 4 key skills of the English language. Here’s a brief description of each of the sections.
IELTS Listening Syllabus
The IELTS Listening section tests your ability to:
- Understand main ideas and detailed factual information.
- Understand the opinions and attitudes of speakers.
- Understand the purpose of what is said.
- Follow the development of ideas.
You will listen to 4 recorded texts, monologues, and conversations by a variety of native speakers, and write their answers to a series of 40 questions.
Also Check: IELTS Listening Topics
IELTS Reading Syllabus
The IELTS Reading section consists of a variety of question types, including reading for summary, reading for main ideas, reading for detail, skimming, understanding logical argument, recognising writers’ opinions, attitudes, and purpose.
- The IELTS Academic Reading includes 3 passages which are descriptive, factual, analytical, and discuss. The text prompts will be taken from various sources, like books, journals, magazines, and newspapers.
- The IELTS General Training Reading section includes 3 passages as well. The sources of the passages include notices, advertisements, job descriptions, training manuals, etc.
Also Check: IELTS Reading Books
IELTS Writing Syllabus
The IELTS Writing section consists of tasks like writing an essay, summarising, or describing a given graph, table, chart, or diagram in at least 150 words (Task 1) or 250 words (Task 2).
Also Check: IELTS Writing Topics
IELTS Speaking Syllabus
The IELTS Speaking test is a face-to-face interview, which will take about 11 to 14 minutes. This section is designed to assess your use of spoken English. Every test is recorded. This section is divided into 3 tasks, including introducing yourself, speaking at length about a topic, and a discussion on the topic of Task 2.
The table below gives an overview of the IELTS syllabus.
| Section | IELTS Syllabus |
|---|---|
| IELTS Listening |
4 sections, 40 questions Section 1: A casual social conversation between 2 people Section 2: A monologue set in an everyday social context Section 3: A conversation between up to four people set in an educational or training context Section 4: A monologue on an academic subject |
| IELTS Reading |
3 passages, 40 questions Passages are descriptive, factual, discussions, or analytical |
| IELTS Writing |
2 tasks Task 1: Summarise, describe, or explain a given graph, chart, table, or diagram in at least 150 words Task 2: An essay of at least 250 words on a given topic (argument, point of view, or situation) |
| IELTS Speaking |
3 tasks Task 1: Introduce yourself Task 2: Speak at length on a given topic Task 3: Discuss the previous topic |
Ques. What type of content is featured in the IELTS Speaking section?
Ans. The IELTS Speaking section assesses your ability to speak about everyday topics (e.g., hobbies, family) in Part 1, describe a topic in detail in Part 2, and discuss more abstract issues in Part 3.
Ques. Are the Reading and Writing sections easier in the General Training version?
Ans. Yes, the General Training Reading and Writing sections are less academic and more focused on practical, everyday contexts such as advertisements, notices, and informal letters, compared to the more complex academic materials in the Academic version.
IELTS Eligibility for Indian Students
There is no particular eligibility criterion mentioned by IDP to take the IELTS exam. It can be taken by anyone irrespective of age, academic, or professional qualifications. Anyone above the age of 16 can take the IELTS exam; there is no upper age limit. If you have a passport and want to prove your English for study abroad, you are 100% eligible.
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Age | Minimum recommended: 16 years (most Indian students take it after Class 12). No upper age limit. |
| Education | No minimum qualification needed (even if you’re in Class 10 or 11, you can take it). |
| Nationality | Anyone with a valid Indian passport (mandatory ID on test day). |
| Number of Attempts | Unlimited – you can retake as many times as you want (no waiting period). |
| Who should NOT take IELTS? | Children below 16 (rarely useful), or if your university accepts another test (but IELTS is safest). |
Note: Institutions set their own minimum IELTS score requirements, depending on the program and country.
Ques. Can I take the IELTS if I don’t have a passport?
Ans. No, a valid passport is mandatory to register for IELTS. It’s used as an identity verification tool on test day.
Ques. Is there any age restriction for IELTS in India?
Ans. There is no upper age limit for the IELTS exam. While 16 years is the minimum recommended age, candidates of all ages are welcome as long as they meet the requirements.
IELTS Registration 2025
Completing the IELTS registration process is quick and can be done both online and offline. Indian candidates can register online through the official IDP website or offline by visiting the nearest IDP branch. The sections below mention the online and offline IELTS registration steps.
IELTS Online Registration
- Visit the official IDP IELTS Website.
- Click ‘Register for IELTS’.
- Choose your test type (Academic or General Training).
- Select your location, test center, date, and time slot.
- Fill out the application form with your details.
- Pay the fee via credit/debit card or net banking.
- You’ll receive a confirmation email or SMS once your booking is complete.
IELTS Offline Registration
IELTS test booking can also be done offline by filling out the application form and sending to an IDP branch office or the head office. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Collect or download the application form from an IDP branch or the head office.
- Fill it out and sign the Terms & Conditions.
- Attach:
- A valid passport photocopy (mandatory)
- A Demand Draft for the fee (payable to IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi)
- Submit the form and documents at any IDP branch or the head office. The head office address is given below:
IDP IELTS Head Office Address:
IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd.
Global Gateway Towers, Tower B, 5th Floor
Sikanderpur Ghosi, Sector-26, M.G. Road
Gurugram - 122002, Haryana, India
Contact: +91-124-4445999
Ques. What documents do I need to submit for IELTS registration?
Ans. You need a valid passport for registration. Additionally, you may need to submit a recent photograph and payment details (for offline registration).
Ques. Can I register for IELTS without choosing a test date?
Ans. No, you must choose a specific test date and center when you register for IELTS. You can’t complete the registration without this information.
IELTS Exam Fees in India 2025
The IELTS exam fees in India vary depending on the type of test and additional services. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of fees for different purposes:
| IELTS Test Type | IELTS Test Fee 2025 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic / General Training (Paper or Computer) | ₹18,000 | Standard for 99% of study-abroad students |
| IELTS for UKVI (Academic/General) | ₹18,250 | Only if your UK university/visa specifically asks for “UKVI” |
| IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1) | ₹17,000 | Only for certain UK spouse/family visas |
| One Skill Retake | ₹12,000 | Available in India (computer only) – Can save full exam costs |
Additionally, you need to pay fees for the various services provided by IDP related to the IELTS exam. These services include cancelling, rescheduling, and re-checking your answers. The various IELTS service fees are given in the table below.
| Service | Fees (₹) |
|---|---|
| Additional Score Report | ₹250 per report |
| Cancellation (paper and computer) | ₹4,500 |
| Cancellation (Life skills) | ₹4,250 |
| Cancellation (IELTS for UKVI) | ₹4,550 |
| Rescheduling (paper, computer, UKVI paper, UKVI computer) | ₹4,550 |
| Life Skills (A1 and B1) | ₹4,250 |
| One Skill Retake (OSR) | ₹3,000 |
| Rechecking (paper and computer) | ₹13,500 |
| Rechecking (UKVI paper and computer) | ₹13,700 |
Ques. Do I get a refund if I cancel my IELTS test?
Ans. You can get a partial refund if you cancel your IELTS test, but it depends on how early you cancel and the test center’s policy. Cancellation fees apply (₹4,500 for paper-based tests).
Ques. Can I pay the IELTS exam fee in instalments?
Ans. No, IELTS fees must be paid in full at the time of registration. Payment can be made via debit/credit card or net banking for online registration.
IELTS Exam Dates in India 2025
The IELTS online or computer-based tests are available throughout the year. However, for paper-based tests, only 4 exam dates per month are available. To choose your IELTS test date, you can visit the official IELTS booking portal and check city-wise availability. IELTS IDP dates will vary with each Indian city the applicant chooses to apply to.
Check the table below for the upcoming IELTS exam dates in some of the major cities in India.
| City | November 2025 dates | December 2025 dates | January 2026 dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bengaluru | 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30 | 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 29, 30, 31 |
| Chennai | 24, 27, 28, 29, 30 | 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, 31 |
| Gurugram | 24, 25, 27, 29, 30 | 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30 | 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31 |
| Kolkata | 24, 25, 27, 29, 30 | 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30 | 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31 |
| Mumbai | 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 | All days except the 25th | All days except the 1st and 26th |
| Noida | 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30 | 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 29, 30, 31 |
Tips to choose a test date:
- November & December 2025 still have slots, but January-March 2026 (for Sept 2026 intake) are filling very fast.
- Book at least 2-3 months early for your preferred city and date.
Also Read
Ques. Can I choose the exact time for my IELTS exam?
Ans. Yes, you can select your preferred time slot when registering for the computer-based IELTS test. For paper-based tests, you will be assigned a time slot by the test center.
IELTS Test Centers in India 2025
In India, IELTS IDP test centers operate in 75 major cities. To reserve your preferred test center, you must choose the test type, location, and exam date. The sections below mention some of the city-wise IELTS Test Centers in India in 2025.
| State | City | Test Center |
|---|---|---|
| Karnataka | Mangalore | IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd. |
| Karnataka | Bangalore | IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd., Kasturba Road |
| Telangana | Hyderabad | IDP IELTS, Kukatpally, Begumpet, Jubilee Hills |
| Delhi | Delhi | IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd., Nehru Place |
| Punjab | Amritsar | IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd., Amritsar |
| Uttar Pradesh | Bathinda | IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd., Bathinda |
| Haryana | Jalandhar | IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd., Jalandhar |
| Chandigarh | Ludhiana | IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd., Ludhiana |
| Andhra Pradesh | Patiala | IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd., Patiala |
| Maharashtra | Mumbai | IDP IELTS, Andheri East |
| Gujarat | Ahmedabad | IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd., Ahmedabad |
| Kerala | Trivandrum | IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd., Trivandrum |
| Rajasthan | Jaipur | IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd., Jaipur |
| Madhya Pradesh | Bhopal | IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd., Bhopal |
| West Bengal | Kolkata | IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd., Kolkata |
Ques. How do I check the availability of test dates in my city?
Ans. You can check availability by visiting the official IELTS registration website or contacting your nearest IELTS test center.
IELTS Results & Score
IELTS results are released within 2-4 days for the computer-based test and within 7 days for the paper-based test. The IELTS score is based on each of the 4 skills on a scale of 1-9 (with increments of 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75). The students would also be awarded an overall band score.
| IELTS Band Score | Skill Level |
|---|---|
| 9.0 | Expert |
| 8.0 | Very Good |
| 7.0 | Good |
| 6.0 | Competent |
| 5.0 | Modest |
| 4.0 | Limited |
| 3.0 | Extremely Limited |
| 2.0 | Intermittent |
| 1.0 | Non-user |
IELTS Score: Typical Requirements for Indian Students
- Undergraduate: Overall 6.0-7.0 (no band below 5.5-6.0)
- Postgraduate or Master's: Overall 6.5-7.5 (no band below 6.0-6.5)
- Top universities (e.g., Oxford, Harvard, Ivy League, top Canadian/Australian): 7.0+ overall, often 7.0+ in each section.
- Some foundation/pathway programs accept 5.5-6.0.
Note: Always check the exact university website – requirements vary by course/country.
Must Read: IELTS-Accepted Universities Abroad
Ques. How do I get my IELTS results?
Ans. IELTS results are provided online, and you can check your score by logging into your IDP account. You’ll also receive a printed copy by mail for paper-based tests.
Ques. Can I request my IELTS score to be sent to multiple universities?
Ans. Yes, your IELTS score can be sent to up to 5 institutions free of charge. Additional reports will incur a fee of ₹250 per institution.
IELTS Cut-Off
The IELTS cut-off score varies for different universities. The table below mentions some of the top universities abroad with their IELTS cut-off scores.
| University | IELTS Cut-Off | QS World University 2026 Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 7.0 | #1 |
| Imperial College London | 7.0 | #2 |
| Stanford University | 7.0 | #3 |
| University of Oxford | 7.5 | #4 |
| Harvard University | 6.5 | #5 |
| University of Cambridge | 7.0 | #6 |
| ETH Zurich | 7.0 | #7 |
| National University of Singapore | 7.0 | #8 |
| California Institute of Technology | 7.5 | #10 |
| The University of Hong Kong | 6.5 | #11 |
| Princeton University | 8.0 | #25 |
| UC-Berkeley | 7.0 | #17 |
| Yale University | 7.0 | #21 |
| University of Toronto | 7.0 | #29 |
| Johns Hopkins University | 7.0 | #24 |
| Cornell University | 7.0 | #16 |
| Technical University Munich | 6.5 | #22 |
Also Read
Ques. Does each university have the same IELTS score requirement?
Ans. No, IELTS score requirements vary by university, program, and country. Always check with the specific institution to find out their required IELTS band scores.
Ques. Can I still apply to universities if I don’t meet their minimum IELTS requirement?
Ans. Some universities may offer conditional admission or allow you to take English language courses if you don’t meet the minimum IELTS score.
IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE vs Duolingo: Which is Best for Indian Students?
Choosing the right English proficiency test is crucial for your academic and professional aspirations. Refer to the table below to know which English proficiency test is suitable for you.
| Aspect | IELTS Academic | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic | Duolingo English Test (DET) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Safest choice if unsure of universities/countries (UK, Australia, Canada, Europe) | USA-focused applications (Ivy League, top research universities) | Fast results + fully computer-based (good if you type fast & prefer AI scoring). | Budget option or backup (home test, cheap, quick) |
| Global Acceptance | 12,000+ organisations (highest) | 13,000+ (strong in USA) | 3,500+ (growing fast, 100% in Australia, New Zealand, UK, Canada for study) | 5,500+ (95%+ top US universities, many in Canada, UK, and Australia, but NOT universal) |
| Acceptance by top universities | Almost everywhere (Oxford, Harvard, Toronto, Melbourne) | Preferred by many US universities (MIT, Stanford, Yale) | Harvard, Yale, NYU, UBC, most UK and Australian universities | Yale, Columbia, Imperial, many US, Canadian universities – but some top UK, Australian, and European universities do not accept it |
| Visa / Immigration | Accepted everywhere (UKVI, Australia, Canada, New Zealand) | Accepted (but less common for visas) | Accepted for Australian, New Zealand, UK, and Canadian study visas | Often NOT for visas (UK and Australia may not accept) |
| Test Format | Paper or Computer + Face-to-face Speaking | Fully computer (Home Edition available) | Fully computer (AI scoring) | Fully online at home (adaptive, 1 hour) |
| Duration | 2 hours 45 minutes | ~2 hours | 2 hours | 1 hour |
| Speaking | Human examiner (feels natural) | Recorded on mic (integrated tasks) | Recorded on mic (AI scores) | Recorded on mic + video interview |
| Results time | Computer: 2 daysPaper: 7 days | 4-8 days | Usually 24-48 hours | 48 hours |
| Fee in India (2025) | ₹18,000 | ₹18,000 | ₹18,000 | ₹6,200 ($70) |
| Score Scale | 0-9 bands | 0-120 | 10-90 | 10-160 |
| Good Score Example | Overall 6.5-7.5 (no band less than 6.0) | 90-110 | 65-80 | 110-125 |
| Validity | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| Difficulty (Indian view) | Medium (handwriting in paper version) | Harder for some (academic focus, American accent) | Easier for computer-savvy (many Indians score high) | Easiest & shortest (but some unis view it as "less rigorous") |
| Availability | Almost every city, daily slots | Frequent, Home Edition | Frequent slots | Anytime from home (need quiet room + ID) |
Ques. Can I take both IELTS and PTE for the same application?
Ans. Yes, you can take both IELTS and PTE and submit whichever score is higher. However, most universities accept either one, so make sure to check the specific requirements.
Ques. Is the Duolingo English Test easier than IELTS?
Ans. Duolingo is a shorter, online-only test that some universities accept as an alternative to IELTS. It is often considered easier for students who are more comfortable with online tests, but it may not be accepted by all institutions.
Why IELTS for Study Abroad?
IELTS stands out as one of the most widely recognised and trusted tests, accepted by universities and institutions across the world. Below are the reasons why you should choose IELTS to study abroad:
- Accepted everywhere (unlike TOEFL or PTE, which some places don't take).
- Valid for 2 years.
- Results typically in 2 days (computer) or 7 days (paper).
- You can send scores to 5 universities for free (extra ₹250 each).
| Compare IELTS Exam Fee with Other ELP Test Fees | ||
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL Exam Fee | PTE Exam Fee | DET Exam Fee |
IELTS Preparation Tips
Here are some tips that might help you prepare for IELTS and get a good score.
- Know the Test Format: Familiarise yourself with the Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking sections. Understand the timing and question types to avoid surprises.
- Practice Daily English: Make English a daily habit by listening to English media, reading newspapers, and writing short essays or journal entries.
- Work on Listening Skills: Listen to a variety of English accents (British, American, Australian) through podcasts, TED Talks, and news to get comfortable with different pronunciations.
- Speed Up Reading: Practice skimming and scanning to improve your reading speed. Read academic articles and news for better comprehension.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Focus on learning academic and general vocabulary. Note down new words and practice using them in context.
- Practice Writing:
- Task 1: Focus on describing graphs or writing letters clearly and concisely.
- Task 2: Write essays on common topics. Organise your ideas well and practice checking grammar.
- Simulate Speaking Tests: Practice speaking with friends or record yourself. Focus on fluency, natural answers, and expanding your responses.
- Take Mock Tests: Regularly take practice tests to improve time management and identify weak areas.
- Focus on Grammar: Practice using varied sentence structures and tenses, especially in Writing and Speaking.
- Stay Confident on Test Day: Be familiar with the test format, stay calm, and manage your time wisely during the exam.
IELTS continues to lead as the most trusted English proficiency test, with over 3.5 million tests taken annually and acceptance by 12,000+ institutions in 140 countries. Priced at ₹18,000 in India, it offers both paper and computer-based formats, with results in as little as 2-7 days. With a band score range of 1-9, IELTS provides a clear, standardised measure of English skills for study, work, and migration.
Key Summary
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a globally recognised test for English proficiency.
- It is accepted by over 12,000 organisations in more than 140 countries.
- Two main types of IELTS exams: Academic (for study) and General Training (for migration or work).
- The test evaluates 4 key skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
- IELTS test is available in both paper-based and computer-based formats.
- IELTS exam dates are available throughout the year, but paper-based tests have limited dates (4 per month).
- The IELTS exam fee in India for 2025 is ₹18,000.
- Results for the computer-based test are available in 2 days, while paper-based results take 7 days
- IELTS band scores range from 1-9, with scores valid for 2 years.
- IELTS registration can be done online or offline through IDP Education India.
- Various services are available, such as score re-checking, test cancellation, and rescheduling.
FAQs
Ques. How do I know which IELTS test format (Academic or General Training) to choose?
Ans. The IELTS Academic is for those applying for higher education or professional registration, while the General Training is for those migrating or applying for vocational training. Choose the test based on your purpose, study or immigration.
Ques. Can I take the IELTS exam multiple times?
Ans. Yes, you can retake the IELTS exam as many times as you need to achieve your desired score. There is no waiting period between attempts, so you can register for the next available test date.
Ques. Can I use my IELTS score for visa applications?
Ans. Yes, IELTS is widely accepted for visa applications, particularly for study visas in countries like the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. However, always confirm specific visa requirements, as some countries may have unique criteria.
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