What is the full form of the IELTS exam?

IELTS stands for the International English Language Testing System. The IELTS exam is a globally recognised test that is designed to assess the English language proficiency of non-native speakers who are planning to study or work in English-speaking countries. The IELTS exam is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English, and is accepted by more than 11,000 universities worldwide.

What is the IELTS exam fee for Indian students?

The IELTS exam fee in India is INR 18,000, regardless of whether you choose IELTS on computer or IELTS on paper. The exam fee for the IELTS Academic Test and the IELTS General Training Test is also fixed at INR 18,000. Standardised pricing further helps ensure that the exam cost does not vary from state to state.

What is the highest IELTS score?

The IELTS score ranges from 0 to 9 bands with 9 being the highest. An IELTS score of 9 bands indicates the highest level of English language proficiency and complete command over the language with accurate, appropriate, and fluent use. Your IELTS results will provide you with the band score for each part of the exam and an overall score, which is calculated as the average of the band scores for the four skills, rounded up to the closest half or whole band.

How long is the IELTS score valid?

The IELTS score validity lasts for two years from the date of the test, which means that the IELTS score validity expires after two years from the date of receiving the exam score. So, candidates who want to use their IELTS score for university admissions, employment purposes, or immigration must retake the exam if their scores are older than two years.

How to prepare for IELTS at home?

For proper IELTS preparation at home, start by familiarising yourself with the exam format. It is also important that you assess your own skills to identify strengths and areas for improvement, which will help you set realistic goals and create a study plan that allocates time for studying, practising, and mock tests. Focus on practising for all four skills covered in the IELTS exam – Reading, writing, listening, and speaking – and practice regularly.

Is a passport required for IELTS?

Yes. A valid passport is required for taking the IELTS exam. The passport is required at the time of registration and on the test day. The IELTS registration process requires you to provide your passport details and upload copies of the first and last pages of your passport. The passport also serves as your primary identification document and must be shown to gain entry into the test centre.

How can I register for the IELTS exam?

IELTS exam registration can be done online through the official IDP IELTS India website or offline by visiting an IDP IELTS branch office. For online IELTS exam registration, select “Register for IELTS” or “Book Now”, select the right test format and module, choose the preferred test city and preferred dates, fill out the application form, and pay the registration fee. You will receive a seat confirmation acknowledgement letter. For registering offline, you can visit a nearby IDP IELTS India branch with the relevant documents, like a copy of your passport and observation papers (if applicable).

What is the IELTS exam syllabus?

Keyword: IELTS exam syllabus The IELTS exam syllabus has four sections that assess your overall proficiency in the English language: Listening: 40 questions, 4 sections. Complete within 30 minutes. Speaking: Face-to-face interview, 3 parts. Lasts for 11-14 minutes. Writing: 2 tasks, which are different in IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. Complete within 60 minutes. Reading: 3 or more passages for IELTS Academic, shorter excerpts and texts for the IELTS General Training, and 40 questions. Must be completed within 60 minutes.

What is the required IELTS score for PR (Permanent Residency)?

The minimum score in IELTS for PR varies with different countries. Minimum score requirements can be for specific sections or the overall band score. UK: Minimum score of 4 bands in speaking and listening and a passing grade in IELTS Life Skills at B1 test. Australia: Minimum score of 6 bands in each IELTS section, especially for skilled migration. Canada: Minimum score of 6 bands for Express Entry and skilled worker programmes. New Zealand: Minimum band score requirement varies with different work categories. Example: A minimum score of 6.5 bands is required for skilled migrant category resident visas.

What are the IELTS exam centres in India?

IELTS exam centres in India are designated locations where individuals can take the IELTS exam. There are multiple IELTS exam centres in India, spread across more than 75 cities that provide a controlled environment where candidates can take the IELTS exam. Some of these centres also offer the computer-delivered IELTS exam, which allows candidates to take the test on a computer instead of paper.

How can I check my IELTS exam result?

To check your IELTS exam result, you can visit the official IDP IELTS India website. Log in using your IELTS test reference number and date of birth to access the online results portal, where you can check your scores and download your Test Report Form (TRF). Your IELTS exam result will be available in 1-5 days after the exam if you took the computer-delivered test, and within 13 days after the exam if you took the paper-based test.

What is a good IELTS score?

What is considered to be a good IELTS score will depend on your specific goals, like university admissions or immigration. Generally, a score of 7 or above is considered to be a good IELTS score for university admissions, especially if you are applying for a competitive programme. The university that you have applied to is also an important factor to consider, as some universities may accept a score of 6.5, while some may require a score of 7.5 or higher.

How many attempts for IELTS?

There is no limit on IELTS exam retakes. However, you will need to pay the full registration fee for every attempt. You can opt for the IELTS One Skill Retake, to improve scores of a single skill. However, to be eligible for the IELTS One Skill Retake, you must have completed a full, computer-delivered IELTS exam. You will only be allowed to sit for the One Skill Retake within 60 days of taking the full test.

Is IELTS online or offline?

The IELTS exam can be taken both online (computer-delivered) and offline (paper-based). The offline IELTS test can only be taken at an official IELTS exam centre. This test format requires candidates to complete their reading, writing, and listening sections on paper, while a certified examiner conducts the speaking test face-to-face. On the other hand, the online IELTS test can be taken from anywhere, including at an official IELTS exam centre or your home. The reading, writing, and listening sections are completed on a computer, while the speaking test is conducted by a certified examiner online via video call.

What are the best online coaching sites in India for the IELTS?

You can find many sites for online IELTS coaching in India that offer excellent IELTS preparation and can help you prepare for the exam. AECC Global is one of the fastest-growing consultancies for overseas education and has been working consistently towards making overseas education more accessible. With experienced trainers, personalised guidance, and extensive practice materials, AECC Global makes it easier than ever to achieve your dream of studying abroad.

How do I improve my reading skills for IELTS?

One of the four skills assessed through the test, reading is required for the reading section as well as for other parts, like writing. To improve reading skills, practice regularly, read different types of texts, time your reading, and do not just read, engage with the text. Also, focus on improving your reading speed while maintaining comprehension. Practice skimming and scanning and use word chunking to minimise rereading. Develop strategic reading techniques, like reading questions first, so you can focus on the right information when you read the passage.

How many hours of IELTS training are provided by AECC?

At AECC we deliver over 30 hours of IELTS training. AECC provides learning content that includes group coaching sessions and over 3500 practice questions. For example, our IELTS Mastery programme offers full-time morning sessions over 12 weeks and full-time afternoon sessions over 4 weeks. The total number of training hours will vary depending on the programme and schedule you choose.

Which one is easier: the IELTS General or the IELTS Academic?

The difficulty levels of IELTS General Training and IELTS Academic are very similar, but IELTS General Training is often considered to be the easier one. The questions in IELTS General Training focus on everyday language skills for social settings, the workplace, or for immigration purposes. On the other hand, IELTS Academic assesses language proficiency for university admissions or professional opportunities and features complex academic texts and formal writing tasks, like reports and essays.

How is AECC for IELTS coaching?

At AECC, IELTS coaching programmes are tailored to meet the individual needs of students. We provide experienced trainers, comprehensive study materials, and regular practice tests to monitor your progress. We focus on all four IELTS skills, listening, reading, writing, and speaking, helping IELTS candidates develop their skills systematically. Our interactive classes and personal tutoring make learning engaging and effective. We also offer flexible schedules, making it more convenient for working professionals or students with packed schedules.

IELTS Exam 2025: Full Guide

One of the first and most important steps when applying to study abroad in top study destinations is to prepare for the required examinations. This includes a general entrance test, such as the GRE, SAT, LSAT, GMAT, or MCAT (which depends on your choice, of course), and a language proficiency test, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.

In this blog, we're going to uncover everything there is to know about the IELTS exam, updated with the latest protocols and fee structures.

The IELTS Exam: What Is It About?

The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a type of standardised test that assesses the English language proficiency of a non-native English speaker who seeks to study, work or migrate to a country where English is the main language of communication.

The IELTS exam is recognised as a valid measure of English proficiency by universities, employers and immigration authorities in various English-speaking countries such as the UK, the USA, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. In India, the test is now solely administered by IDP Education.

The IELTS exam has 4 parts that measure 4 skills:

Skills tested	Description
IELTS Listening	Contains 4 recordings and a series of questions based on them.
IELTS Reading	Academic: For higher education/professional registration. General: For secondary education, work experience, or migration.
IELTS Writing	Academic: Describe a chart/graph and write an essay. General: Write a letter and an essay (general topics).
IELTS Speaking	Face-to-face interview with an examiner (Short Q&A, long turn, discussion).

The IELTS test score for each of these parts ranges from 0 to 9, with each of these band scores corresponding to a specified level of competence in the English language. Each of the four skills is scored and then averaged for an overall band score.

Why is the IELTS exam required?

Apart from ensuring an individual has the necessary proficiency to integrate into an English-speaking environment, the IELTS exams serve other purposes:

Education: To access higher education in universities in the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
Professional Registration: For medical and other professional bodies requiring specific English levels.
Immigration: Governments use IELTS scores to assess your ability to integrate into the community and workplace.
Employment: Employers use it to confirm communication efficiency.

Types of IELTS Exams

There are 3 main types (or versions) of IELTS exams:

IELTS Academic Test: Designed for those seeking to pursue higher education or professional registration. It evaluates readiness for an academic environment.
IELTS General Training: Aimed at those moving for jobs, training, or secondary education. It focuses on basic survival skills in social and workplace settings.
IELTS UKVI: A specific version for those seeking to study in UK. It covers the same content as regular IELTS but is taken at secure centres approved by the UK Home Office for visa purposes.

Modes of IELTS Exams

There are 2 modes in which the IELTS exam can be taken:

IELTS Paper-based: The traditional method where answers for Listening, Reading, and Writing are written on paper. The Speaking test is face-to-face.
IELTS Computer-based: Listening, Reading, and Writing are taken on a computer. Results are delivered faster (typically 3–5 days).

A New Feature for Test Takers – IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR)

This is a crucial feature recently introduced for test-takers.

If you do not perform to your potential in one specific area (e.g., you scored well in Reading, Writing, and Speaking but slipped in Listening), you no longer need to retake the full exam.

Eligibility: Available only if you took the IELTS Exam on a Computer.
Timeframe: You must book the retake within 60 days of your original test date.
Benefit: You can improve a single band score without the stress and cost of the full 3-hour exam.

IELTS Academic vs. General

Here is a comparison table that highlights the differences between the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training tests, given to help you take the right test to fulfil your requirements when you decide to take your IELTS Exam.

Feature	IELTS Academic	IELTS General Training
Purpose	Higher education or professional registration.	Migration, work experience, or secondary education.
Content Focus	Complex academic language.	Basic survival skills in social/workplace contexts.
Reading Section	Long texts from books, journals, and newspapers.	Extracts from notices, advertisements, and company handbooks.
Writing Section	Essay on argument/problem + Graph description.	Essay + Letter writing (Formal/Informal).
Difficulty Level	More challenging vocabulary.	Focused on everyday English.

IELTS Exam Eligibility

There are no strict eligibility requirements regarding age, gender, or nationality to take your IELTS Exam. However, it is generally recommended for candidates 16 years and older. The mandatory requirement is a valid passport for identification on the test day.

IELTS Exam Fees for Indian Students

The IELTS exam fees can vary slightly depending on the test centre you go to and the periodic revision by the official IELTS Exam conducting body.

NOTE - The fees listed below reflect the latest pricing structure at the time of writing.

Test Type	Approximate Cost (INR)
Computer-delivered IELTS Academic/General	INR 18,000
Pen-and-Paper-based IELTS	INR 18,000
IELTS for UKVI (Academic & General)	INR 18,250
IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1)	INR 17,000
IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR)	~INR 12,000

IELTS Exam Duration

Here’s a rundown of how long each part of the IELTS exam takes:

Listening - 30 minutes
Reading - 60 minutes
Writing - 60 minutes
Speaking (scheduled separately) - Depends (but on average, 12-15 minutes)

Total duration of the exam: Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.

How to Book a Slot for the IELTS Exam?

Booking for the IELTS exam involves a straightforward process that can be completed either online or offline.

Here’s how you can do it:

IELTS Online Registration

Visit the official IELTS website
Select the test type (Computer/Paper)
Choose a test date and location
Fill out the application form
Upload an identification document (Passport copy)
Pay the test fee
Confirm your registration

IELTS Offline Registration

Download/obtain the application form
Complete the application form
Choose your test date and location
Provide identification document
Pay the test fee
Submit your application
Await confirmation on the date and venue

How to Check IELTS Results?

Your IELTS result, also known as your Test Report Form (TRF), can be checked in a straightforward manner in 2 ways:

Online

Visit the official IELTS website
Log in and enter personal details, identification document number and candidate number
View your results online (after 13 days if it’s a paper-based test, and 3-5 days if it’s a computer-based test) and download your scores

Test centre/Postal mail

Your physical TRF will be mailed to you 13 days after the test
Some test centres may allow you to pick it up in person with proper identification
If you have requested your results to be sent directly to institutions (e.g., universities, immigration offices), they will also receive your TRF around the same time

While we are on the topic of IELTS results, make note of the following, too:

Your IELTS score is typically valid for two years.
You can request the test centre to send additional copies of your TRF to institutions within these two years, possibly for a fee.
Physical TRFs have security features to prevent fraud, so handling and sharing them carefully is important.

Where are IELTS Exam Centres Available in India?

IELTS exam centres are available across major cities and towns in India.

Here's a list of some key locations where IELTS exam centres can be found:

Ahmedabad
Amritsar
Bangalore
Bathinda
Bhopal
Bhubaneswar
Chandigarh
Chennai
Cochin (Kochi)
Coimbatore
Dehradun
Delhi
Goa
Gurgaon (Gurugram)
Hoshiarpur
Hyderabad
Indore
Jaipur
Jalandhar
Karnal
Kolkata
Kozhikode (Calicut)
Lucknow
Ludhiana
Mangalore
Moga
Mumbai
Nagpur
Navi Mumbai
Noida
Patiala
Patna
Pune
Rajkot
Surat
Thane
Thiruchirapalli (Trichy)
Thiruvananthapuram
Vadodara
Vijayawada
Visakhapatnam

Are you ready to pursue your higher education abroad? If you are, now is the right time to start preparing for your IELTS exams.

Don’t worry, all of the extensive information you just read shouldn’t scare you – on the contrary, it’s going to make the next steps you’ll be taking much easier. Have more questions or need help with test preparation? Contacting AECC is just a call away; reach out to us today!

IELTS Exam Overview: The Complete Guide