| Updated On - Feb 4, 2026
The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic exam is a standardized test designed to assess the English language proficiency of non-native speakers who wish to study abroad, specifically in English-speaking countries. It is also used for professional registration in fields like medicine or nursing, like the UK's General Medical Council for doctors or the Nursing and Midwifery Council for nurses. For the UK, the UKVI IELTS Academic would be the most advisable test to take.
The IELTS Academic test assesses a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in English in an academic setting, focusing on skills needed for university lectures, reading academic texts, writing essays, and discussing ideas. It measures skills in the 4 important areas of language: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The total score ranges between 0 and 9, and achieving a minimum score of 6.5 is key to admission in top universities abroad.
Conducted by IDP, the IELTS Academic test is available in both computer-based and paper-based formats. Exam dates are available throughout the year for the computer-based test, while only 3-4 dates a month are available for the paper-based test. The IELTS Academic has around 78 test centers across numerous cities in India, and the exam fee in 2026 is INR 18,000.
IELTS Academic Practice Papers 2026
Check out some free IELTS sample papers for the Academic test 2026 by Collegedunia:
How to Book an IELTS Academic Test?
Academic IELTS booking process is the same as the regular IELTS. You just need to choose the test type as IELTS on Paper or IELTS on Computer. The online and offline registration processes are explained in detail below:
IELTS Online Test Booking 2026
- Visit the official IDP IELTS website.
- Click ‘Book Now’.
- Choose the test type (IELTS on Computer or IELTS on Paper).
- Select location, test center, date, and time slot.
- Fill out your details.
- Pay the fee via credit card, debit card, or net banking.
- You’ll receive an email or SMS confirming your booking.
Check:
IELTS Offline Test Booking 2026
- Download this application form and fill it out - IELTS Application Form
- Attach:
- 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.
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 Academic Test Format 2026
The IELTS Academic test format is divided into 4 sections: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The total duration of the test is 2 hours and 45 minutes. The details are given in the table below.
| Section | Number of Questions | Duration | Prompt Type | Question Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 4 recordings, 40 questions | 30 minutes |
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| Reading | 3 passages, 40 questions | 60 minutes | Passages from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers. |
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| Writing | 2 tasks (Task 1: 150 words, Task 2: 250 words) | 60 minutes |
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| Speaking | 3 tasks: Introduction, Talk on a Topic, Discussion | 11-14 minutes | Face-to-face conversation with examiners. |
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Note:
- Listening, Reading, and Writing (in this order) sections are conducted on the same day, while the Speaking section may be conducted on the same day, 7 days after, or 7 days before the scheduled test date, depending on your test center.
- In the Listening section, the recording will be played only ONCE. Make sure to listen to it carefully.
What are some of the challenges Indian students face in the IELTS?
Indian students on Reddit have raised concerns about the potential bias of IELTS examiners towards “Indian English.” While others have also stated that they are more comfortable speaking to a human examiner than with an AI. IELTS examiners also stress that intonation matters more than accent in Speaking.
IELTS Academic Score Calculator 2026
The IELTS Academic total score is reported on a scale of 0-9 bands, described from “minimal English user” to “expert user”. It is calculated as the average of the 4 sectional scores (0-9 each). There is no set formula to determine the IELTS score, but a set of parameters is used to give you a score that best reflects your skills. The parameters include vocabulary usage, coherence, task achievement, etc. The score report is released in 1-5 days for the computer-based test and around 13 days for the paper-based test. Below is a sample score report:
How long is an IELTS Academic score valid?
IELTS Academic scores are valid for 2 years from the test date. Make sure your score is valid when applying to universities.
| Check the articles below to understand how IELTS scores compare to international language standards: | |
|---|---|
| IELTS Score and Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) | IELTS Academic Score and CEFR Levels |
IELTS Academic Score for Universities Abroad in 2026
As per IDP, more than 12,000 universities worldwide accept the IELTS Academic scores for admission to their programs. Top universities like Harvard, Yale, Oxford, and Cambridge also accept the test as proof of Englishlanguage proficiency.
The table below mentions the IELTS score requirements of some of them.
| Country | University | QS World University Ranking 2026 | IELTS Academic Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | MIT | #=1 | 7.0 |
| USA | Harvard University | #=5 | 6.5 |
| USA | Princeton University | #=25 | 8.0 |
| USA | Stanford University | #=3 | 7.0 |
| UK | University of Oxford | #=4 | 7.5 |
| UK | University of Cambridge | #=6 | 7.0 |
| UK | Imperial College London | #=2 | 7.0 |
| Canada | University of Toronto | #=29 | 7.0 |
| Germany | Technical University Munich | #=22 | 6.5 |
| Singapore | National University of Singapore | #=8 | 7.0 |
| Hong Kong | The University of Hong Kong | #=11 | 6.5 |
From the above table, it is evident that you have to score at least 6.5 to get admission to top universities. To prepare accordingly, check the preparation tips in the following section.
IELTS Academic Preparation 2026
Achieving a good IELTS Academic score requires dedicated practice. You can start your preparation for the IELTS Academic online or join coaching classes for structured learning. It is advisable to start preparation at least 2 or 3 months before the test. Here are some best preparation tips and strategies to achieve a good score in the exam.
- Understand the test format: Master the exam structure and question types of each section.
- Improve your vocabulary: Read academic content, journals, magazines, newspapers, and listen to podcasts.
- Plan your study: Prioritize your weaknesses and schedule your study plan to focus on these weak areas.
- Practice timed tests: Take full-length mock tests that simulate real exam experience.
- Manage your time: Develop effective time allocation strategies for every section and practice tests.
- Consider coaching: Don't hesitate to get expert guidance if needed.
- Seek feedback: Learn from others' insights who have achieved a good score or have excellent English language proficiency.
| Read the following articles for IELTS Academic prep resources: | |
|---|---|
| IELTS Coaching in India | IELTS Preparation |
| IELTS Books | IELTS Preparation Apps |
Most Indian students prefer taking the IELTS Academic as a language proficiency test for universities abroad. Achieving a higher IELTS academic score requires effective practice with sample papers and books. The IELTS Academic booking process is simply done online, or you can visit any nearby IDP branches.
FAQs
Ques. Can I take the IELTS Academic test more than once?
Ans. Yes, there’s no limit to how many times you can take the IELTS Academic test. You can retake it whenever you're ready and feel prepared to improve your score.
Ques. Is there a break during the IELTS Academic test?
Ans. There is no official break between the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections. You can take short pauses only between sections if permitted by your center, but it’s generally continuous.
Ques. Is the UKVI IELTS Academic pattern the same as the regular IELTS?
Ans. Yes, UKVI only differs from the regular one in terms of how the test is conducted. UKVI is specifically designed for immigration to the UK and serves as an SELT. Secure English Language Test ensures stricter identity checks at test centers.
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