The IELTS exam is conducted by IDP in India for study, work, and immigration purposes across various countries. Its test scores are accepted in various international academic institutions and organisations.
It is accepted across 140 countries for its accurate results as it is designed to truly reflect the language skills of test takers. As the scores of IELTS Academic are accepted by more than 11,000 educational institutes in the world, it is suitable for getting admissions or scholarships offered by universities and organisations abroad.
IELTS was first initiated in 1989 by British Council, IDP Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English. It is now administered solely by IDP in India at around 1,600 designated test centres. Along with the IELTS full form, there is much to learn about the exam. Keep reading to understand its details.
What is the Full Form of IELTS?
The full form of IELTS is International English Language Testing System. It is an English language proficiency test intended to measure the English skills of non-native test takers applying to study or work abroad. It focuses on the core skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening.
All these skills are separately and collectively scored on a scale of 0 to 9 to evaluate students’ command of the language. While the 9 band stands for excellence performance, 0 means the test has not been attempted. The band score acquired in the exam determines one’s knowledge and grasp of the language.
The trustworthiness and accuracy of the IELTS assessment exam make it among the most reliable and recognisable tests in countries like the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, etc.
Types of IELTS Exam
This exam is classified into two types, IELTS Academic and IELTS General, both of which have unique purposes and patterns. The differences have been underlined below:
- IELTS Academic: The IELTS Academic is devised for study abroad aspirants who want to get into foreign colleges and universities. Its exam pattern covers academic and educational topics from journals, books, and magazines.
- IELTS General: The IELTS General is suitable for those who want to live, work, or move abroad. It is also taken by students aspiring to study in high schools or by employees willing to work with employers abroad. The exam pattern includes topics of general interest.
IELTS Eligibility Criteria
The conducting body of the IELTS has not set any strict eligibility criteria for the exam. It can be taken by test takers across different countries, races, religions, genders and ethnicities. The eligibility does not depend on the type of test that the applicant is taking and are the same for all. Find the same below:
- There is no upper age limit for taking the IELTS exam but candidates below 16 years of age are advised against taking the test.
- One should have valid ID proof for appearing in the examination.
- The test taker also should be mindful of the type of IELTS test to take.
- One should have sound knowledge of English to appear for the test.
IELTS Registration Process
IELTS registration can be done both in online and offline modes. Both the processes are elaborated below:
Online Registration
The steps involved in IELTS online registration process are:
- Step 1: Visit the official website of IELTS India.
- Step 2: Open your account.
- Step 3: Select the test date, centre and type.
- Step 4: Add personal details.
- Step 5: Upload documents as required.
- Step 6: Select the organisations to send the test scores.
- Step 7: Pay the IELTS exam fee of INR 15,500.
Offline Registration
One can register for the IELTS in offline mode by following the steps given below:
- Step 1: Download the application form.
- Step 2: Fill it up by selecting the date and test centre.
- Step 3: Pay via demand draft in favour of “IDP EDUCATION INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED, Payable in New Delhi” or by cash.
- Step 4: Send the application by courier.
IELTS is conducted throughout the year and test-takers may register for the exam up to 3 months in advance. Please note that the last day for IELTS registration is a week before the chosen exam date.
IELTS Exam Format
The IELTS exam format is mostly similar for both Academic and General tests. While the listening and speaking sections have the same course content there are slight differences in the reading and writing sections. The exam pattern is given below:
| IELTS Section | Number of Questions | Time (in minutes) |
| Reading | 40 | 60 |
| Writing | 2 | 60 |
| Speaking | 3 | 12-15 |
| Listening | 40 | 30 |
IELTS Syllabus
The IELTS syllabus is divided into four parts: reading, listening, writing and speaking, the details of which are given below:
| Section | Syllabus |
| Reading | 3 passages from books, journals, newspapers and magazines |
| Listening | Audio 1: Dialogue between 2 people in an everyday context. |
| Audio 2: Monologue set in a social context. | |
| Audio 3: Conversation between 3 and 4 people on academic and training context. | |
| Audio 4: Monologue set in academic context | |
| Writing | Task 1: Description of factual information. |
| Task 2: Essay | |
| Speaking | Task 1: Personal Introduction. |
| Task 2: Speaking on cue cards. | |
| Task 3: Conversation with IELTS teacher |
Taking the IELTS exam opens numerous doors to a resourceful future in an English-speaking country. Its wide acceptance across major countries make the test highly sought after by test takers. Moreover, having a demonstrated proof of proficiency in the language helps one fittingly function in both academic and social contexts abroad.
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