| Updated On - Sep 18, 2025
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the most widely recognized 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, especially to English-speaking countries. Conducted by IDP, the IELTS exam evaluates 4 key language skills - Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. It is the most popular English Language Proficiency (ELP) test, recognized by over 12,000 organizations, 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 exam is available in both paper-based and computer-based modes. The exam dates 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, with a total of 48 test dates in a year, are available for the paper-based test. The IELTS exam can also be taken online at home, but only a few cities are eligible for that.
The IELTS exam fee in India in 2025 is ₹18,000. There are no passing marks; you will get a band score (1-9) on the 4 language skills. This score is the key requirement for admissions to top universities, working abroad, or moving for permanent residency. For admissions, the universities have their minimum score requirements that you have to meet to be eligible.
- IELTS Exam Highlights
- What is IELTS?
- IELTS Exam Pattern 2025
- IELTS Exam Syllabus 2025
- IELTS Eligibility for Indian Students
- IELTS Registration 2025
6.2 IELTS Offline Registration
- IELTS Exam Fees in India 2025
- IELTS Exam Dates in India 2025
- IELTS Test Centers in India 2025
- IELTS Results & Score
10.1 Section-wise IELTS Score Calculation
10.2 Overall IELTS Band Score Calculation
- IELTS Cut-Off
- IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE vs Duolingo
- FAQs
IELTS Exam Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | IELTS |
| Exam Full Form | International English Language Testing System |
| Official Website | ieltsidpindia.com |
| Year Started | 1980 |
| 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 11,500 organizations. English-speaking countries like the USA, the UK, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, and Canada |
| Test Types |
IELTS Academic - for students who want to study abroad. IELTS General Training - for people migrating for jobs, or settling abroad. |
| Test Mode |
Paper-based tests, conducted 4 times a month Computer-delivered IELTS, conducted throughout the year |
| Exam Fee | ₹18,000 |
| Exam Dates | Throughout the year, with many dates each month |
| Results | Released within 2 days (computer-based) and 7 days (paper-based) |
| Score Range | 1-9 |
| Score Validity | 2 years |
| Contact |
Head Office 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 IELTS?
IELTS, pronounced as "eye-elts", stands for International English Language Testing System. It is the most popular English language proficiency (ELP) test in the world, recognized by the universities, governments, and professional organizations of more than 140 countries. Anyone planning to study, work, or move to any of the English-speaking countries, like the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, and the English-speaking countries in Europe, can take the exam.
The IELTS exam is of 2 types: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. The IELTS Academic exam can be taken by students wanting to study abroad or for professional registration in countries that mainly use English for communication. The IELTS General Training is for aspirants who are looking to move/settle/migrate to the UK, USA, New Zealand, Australia, or Canada for secondary education, training programs, and work experience in an English-speaking environment. The test has been designed to evaluate a candidate's day-to-day non-academic English. The test pattern of both exams is the same.
The IELTS exam is available in both paper-based and computer-based formats, and in some cases, you can even attempt the exam online at home. The IELTS exam in India is conducted by IDP.
IELTS Exam Pattern 2025
The IELTS exam pattern is divided into 4 sections:
- IELTS Reading
- IELTS Writing
- IELTS Listening
- IELTS Speaking
The IELTS total score is the sum of the scores in the 4 skill areas. The total test duration is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Every section is designed to evaluate specific aspects of the candidate’s English language skills. The listening and speaking sections are the same for both IELTS General Training and IELTS Academic exams. There are some differences in the test pattern for the writing and reading sections. The table below explains the IELTS test pattern.
| Section | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Listening | 4 sections, 40 questions | 30 minutes |
| IELTS Reading | 3 passages, 40 questions | 60 minutes |
| IELTS Writing | 2 tasks (Task 1: 150 words, Task 2: 250 words) | 60 minutes |
| IELTS Speaking | 3 tasks: Introduction, Talk on a Topic, Discussion | 11-14 minutes |
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, and
- 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, recognizing 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 only difference it has from the IELTS Academic Reading section is that the passages are such that you are likely to encounter daily in an English-speaking environment.
Also Check: IELTS Reading Books
IELTS Writing Syllabus
The IELTS Writing section topics are kept general in nature, which makes them suitable for anyone entering undergraduate or postgraduate studies or seeking professional registration. This section consists of tasks like writing an essay, or summarizing 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 11-14 minutes. The speaking test 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 |
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 exam; there is no upper age limit. However, institutions may set their minimum IELTS score requirements, depending on the program and country.
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Age Requirements | No strict requirement; mostly taken at the age of 16 years or older |
| Educational Requirements |
No specific educational qualifications required. Universities you are applying to set their own requirements. |
| Identification Requirements | A valid passport is necessary for registration and on the exam day. |
IELTS Registration 2025
Completing the IELTS test booking 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 IDP IELTS Website
- Click ‘Register for IELTS’.
- Choose your test type (Academic, General Training, or UKVI).
- 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
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
- 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.
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
IELTS Exam Fees in India 2025
The IELTS exam fees in India vary depending on the type of test you are taking. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of fees for different purposes:
| IELTS Test Type | Fee in India in 2025 |
|---|---|
| IELTS on Computer for UKVI | ₹18,250 |
| IELTS on Computer | ₹18,000 |
| IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1) | ₹17,000 |
| IELTS on Paper | ₹18,000 |
| 1 Skill Retake | ₹12,000 |
Additionally, you need to pay fees for the various services provided by IDP related to the IELTS exam, like cancelling, rescheduling, and re-checking your answers. The various IELTS service fees are given in the table below.
| Service | Fees in India in 2025 |
|---|---|
| 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 |
IELTS Exam Dates in India 2025
The IELTS computer-based test dates are available throughout the year. However, only 4 exam dates per month are available for the paper-based tests. To choose your IELTS test date, you can visit the official IDP website and check city-wise availability. You are advised to book an IELTS test date that is most convenient to you, keeping in mind the university admission timeline. IELTS IDP dates will vary with each Indian city the applicant chooses to apply to. You are also advised to book a test at least 2-3 months before your university application deadline. Check the table below for the IELTS Exam dates 2025 in some of the major cities in India.
| City | September 2025 dates | October 2025 dates | November 2025 dates | December 2025 dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bengaluru | 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, 31 | 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30 | Dates not Published |
| Chennai | 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 | 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30, 31 | 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9,10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30 | Dates not Published |
| Gurugram | 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30 | 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 29, 30 | Dates not Published |
| Kolkata | 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 27, 28, 29 | 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 29, 30 | Dates not Published |
| Mumbai | 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 | 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 28, 30, 31 | 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30 | Dates not Published |
| Noida | 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 | 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, 31 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30 | Dates not Published |
IELTS Test Centers in India 2025
There are 78 IDP IELTS test centers in India. 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 |
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 |
Section-wise IELTS Score Calculation
Mentioned below are the details about how IELTS scores are calculated for each of its sections.
Listening & Reading:
- Each correct answer = 1 point.
- Total points are converted to band scores using a standardized conversion table.
Writing:
Assessed on:
- Task Achievement
- Coherence & Cohesion
- Lexical Resource
- Grammatical Range & Accuracy
Speaking:
Assessed on:
- Fluency & Coherence
- Lexical Resource
- Grammatical Range & Accuracy
- Pronunciation
Overall IELTS Band Score Calculation
The overall score is the average of the 4 section scores, rounded to the nearest whole or half band. The IELTS band scores are given below.
- If the average ends in 0.25, then round up to the next half band (such as 6.25 - 6.5)
- If the average ends in 0.75, then round up to the next whole band (such as 6.75 - 7.0)
IELTS Cut-Off for Top Universities
The IELTS score is based on each of the 4 skills on a scale of 1 – 9, and you will also be awarded an overall band score. The IELTS cut-off score varies for different universities. Your overall IELTS band score is important if you intend to apply for university, take up a job, or immigrate to an English-speaking country. The table below mentions some of the top universities abroad with their IELTS cut-off scores.
| University | IELTS Cut-Off |
|---|---|
| University of Oxford | 7.5 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 7.0 |
| Harvard University | 6.5 |
| Princeton University | 8.0 |
| University of Cambridge | 7.0 |
| Stanford University | 7.0 |
| California Institute of Technology | 7.5 |
| UC-Berkeley | 7.0 |
| Imperial College London | 7.0 |
| Yale University | 7.0 |
| National University of Singapore | 7.0 |
| University of Toronto | 7.0 |
| Johns Hopkins University | 7.0 |
| Cornell University, Ithaca | 7.0 |
| Technical University Munich | 6.5 |
| The University of Hong Kong | 6.5 |
IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE vs Duolingo
Choosing the right English proficiency test is crucial for your academic and professional aspirations. Refer to the table below to know which Study Abroad Exam for English proficiency is suitable for you.
| Details | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | PTE | Duolingo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conducted By | IDP IELTS | Education Testing Service (ETS) | Pearson | Duolingo |
| Format |
IELTS Computer-based IELTS Paper-based |
Online | Online | Online |
| Duration (minutes) | 161-164 | 170-180 | 154-191 | 60 |
| Fees (INR) | 18,000 | 16,900 | 17,000 |
6,000 (70 USD) |
| Results |
Within 2 days (IELTS Computer-based) 7 days (IELTS Paper-based) |
10 days | 5 days | 2 days |
| Score Range | 0-9 | 0-120 | 0-90 | 10-160 |
In 2025, 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, standardized measure of English skills for study, work, and migration.
FAQs
Ques. Who conducts the IELTS exam in India?
Ans. IELTS in India is conducted by IDP Education. They manage over 75 test centres across the country for both Academic and General Training exams.
Ques. What is the IELTS exam fee in 2025?
Ans. The fee for IELTS Academic and General Training in 2025 is ₹18,000. Other versions, like UKVI or Life Skills, have slightly different charges.
Ques. How often is IELTS held?
Ans. Computer-based IELTS is offered almost daily throughout the year. Paper-based IELTS, however, is limited to 48 fixed dates annually.
Ques. How long is the IELTS score valid?
Ans. Your IELTS score is valid for two years from the test date. After that, you’ll need to retake the exam if required.
Ques. Can IELTS be taken online?
Ans. Yes, IELTS Online is available in select cities in India. You can even take it from home under secure monitoring conditions.
Ques. What is the minimum age for IELTS?
Ans. Anyone aged 16 or above can take the IELTS exam. You’ll also need a valid passport for registration and on the test day.
Ques. When are IELTS results declared?
Ans. Computer-based IELTS results are declared within 2–4 days. For paper-based exams, the results usually take about 7 days.
Ques. Is there a pass mark in IELTS?
Ans. There’s no pass or fail in IELTS, only band scores from 1 to 9. Each university or immigration body sets its own cut-off requirement.
Ques. Is IELTS considered a valid and reliable English test by universities?
Ans. IELTS is trusted by universities worldwide for its robust assessment of distinct language skills, offering a dependable evaluation that institutions use to gauge students’ readiness for international higher education.
Ques. Can I cancel or change my IELTS test once registered?
Ans. Yes, you can cancel or transfer your test before taking it by contacting your test centre. Refunds and transfer conditions depend on timing and your location, so you are advised to check with your centre for details.
Ques. Can I have my IELTS paper rechecked?
Ans. Yes, you can request an Enquiry on Results, where senior examiners recheck your test. If your band score changes, the fee is refunded. Results can take up to 21 days.
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