IELTS Result 2026: Band Score, Validity, University Requirements

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How Are IELTS Band Scores Calculated?

IELTS uses a 9-band scale to measure proficiency. Each section (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) receives a band score in the following way:

• Listening and Reading: These are objective and scored out of 40 raw marks. The band depends on correct answers:
  • Listening: e.g., 39-40 = Band 9; 23-25 = Band 6.
  • Reading (Academic): e.g., 39-40 = Band 9; 23-26 = Band 6.
  • Reading (General): Slightly different; e.g., 36-38 = Band 8; 30-31 = Band 7.

Note: Raw scores convert to bands based on test difficulty, so exact thresholds can vary slightly per test version.

• Writing: Subjective assessment is done by certified examiners. Task 1 and Task 2 are weighted (Task 2 is worth twice as much). Criteria include task achievement or response, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy.
• Speaking: Also evaluated subjectively. Criteria include fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation.

Note: Each criterion of the Speaking and Writing sections is scored and averaged into a band to give the band score for the respective section.

After each section is scored, the total score is calculated by averaging them, rounded up or down as follows:

• If the average ends in .25, round up to the next half band; .75 to the next whole band. Example: Listening 7.0, Reading 6.5, Writing 6.0, Speaking 7.0, gives an average of 6.625, which, after rounding, becomes 6.5. Similarly, if the average comes to 6.75, it becomes 7.0.

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What Does Each IELTS Band Score Mean?

These are the standard descriptions of IELTS band scores from the official IELTS partners (British Council, IDP, and Cambridge):

For studying abroad, universities often require an overall band of 6.0-7.5, with no section below 6.0. Check specific requirements (e.g., via UCAS for the UK or university websites).

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How Are IELTS Scores Released?

IELTS official score reports are called Test Report Forms (TRF). These reports have a different appearance for the regular IELTS and that for the UK (UKVI IELTS). Below are the details:

Results Timeline:

• Computer-delivered: 1-5 days
• Paper-based: 13 days
• UKVI IELTS: 7 days
• Speaking test might be on a different day (up to a week before or after written tests, depending on the test center), but it doesn't affect the result timing.

Note: results might be delayed citing public holidays or courier delays

How to access IELTS results?

• Log in to the candidate portal on the official website (British Council, IDP, or where you registered).
• You'll get a preview of scores online, but the official Test Report Form (TRF) is the formal document.
• TRF is issued electronically or in hard copy. You can request up to 5 free TRFs sent to institutions (additional cost of INR 300 per report in India).

What does a TRF include?

• Your photo, personal details, test date, module (Academic or General), individual band scores, overall band, and a validity period.
• Institutions verify authenticity via an online system.

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IELTS Score Validity 2026

IELTS scores are valid for 2 years from the test date. Some organizations may accept older scores, but most universities and immigration bodies (e.g., IRCC for Canada) strictly enforce the 2-year rule. If expired, you must retake the test.

Are IELTS scores checked again during visa processing?

Immigration authorities can verify IELTS results through official verification systems when required.

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IELTS Rescoring Policy 2026

If you are not satisfied with your IELTS scores, you can apply for a rescoring. For this, you need to submit the Enquiry on Results (EOR) form online from your IDP IELTS account within 6 weeks of receiving the results. Below are the official rechecking fees for the different types of IELTS exams:

You will receive a full refund of the rechecking fee if your result is changed to a higher band score. Read More at IELTS Exam Fees in India in 2026

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IELTS Score for Universities Abroad in 2026

IELTS scores have a wide acceptance worldwide (12,500+ organisations, as per IDP). The score requirements for 2026 admissions for some of the universities abroad are listed below:

Tips for Indian Students:

• Aim 0.5-1.0 band higher than the minimum (e.g., target 7.0 if minimum is 6.5) to strengthen your application, especially for scholarships, competitive programs, or visa processing.
• Sectional scores matter. Many universities require no band below 6.0 (or 6.5 for top ones), even if overall is met.
• Pathways and Conditional Offers: If your score is slightly low (e.g., 5.5-6.0), some universities offer pre-sessional English courses or foundation programs.
• Alternatives: If IELTS is tough, check if your target universities accept TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo (many do, especially in the US).
• Check Tools: Use official sites like ielts.org (who accepts IELTS search), university admission pages, or IDP/British Council portals for exact requirements.

The IELTS score plays a critical role in university admissions, visas, and immigration, with most institutions accepting scores between 6.0 and 7.5 and enforcing a 2-year validity rule. Since score requirements vary by country, university, and intake, candidates should review official guidelines carefully and plan their test attempt accordingly to meet the 2026 admission criteria.