IELTS: The 15 Most Commonly Asked Questions

IELTS is a hot topic in today’s globalised world. People are moving and migrating every single day. This movement is motivated by multiple reasons. Whatever the reason may be, most of the destination countries require the applicant to sit through the IELTS exams in order to have a proof of level of proficiency in the English language. Despite its popularity, people still have a lot of doubts and questions regarding the IELTS. Here is a complete guide to each and every aspect of the IELTS. 

What is IELTS?

IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. It is an exam that assesses the proficiency of applicants in the English language. It is highly important for those who want to study, work or migrate to a country where English is the main language of communication. IELTS doesn’t only measure your English language proficiency, but is also an important criteria for admission to different institutions and organisations. There is a very high possibility that you will be required to sit for the IELTS exam.

Quick Fact : Do you know that approximately 3 million people sit for the IELTS exam every year?  IELTS is one of the most applied exams in the world. 

Why is the IELTS exam important?

IELTS is important because it acts as a proof of your competency in English. The IELTS test is recognised and accepted by thousands of institutions around the world, including companies, universities, professional bodies, and government agencies. On a side note, IELTS also helps you improve your English language skills holistically. 

Let’s take an example, say you wish to study at a university in the United Kingdom where English is the primary language. You may be a bright student but before accepting your application the university would want to know if you can blend in their English-speaking environment. They need to be sure that you will not have communication issues while staying in the country. This is exactly where IELTS test scores come into play as it helps show your ability to communicate in English for different purposes. 

Is IELTS compulsory? 

No, IELTS is not compulsory everywhere. There are many countries, institutions and organisations that will provide your membership (visa, admission and work permit) without sitting for the IELTS exam. However, the IELTS tests act has a supplementary help at the visa counters. It helps convince the visa officers that you are more than capable of speaking in English and communicating efficiently. 

Which IELTS is right for you? 

You’re required to take the IELTS exam if you are planning to move to a foreign country, especially in an English speaking country for permanent immigration, work or study. Depending on the reason for aim, you will either have the IELTS Academics, or the IELTS General. Here let’s try to understand which exam to take - IELTS General or IELTS Academic. People appear for the IELTS General examination for the purpose of migration to another country. It is a part of their application as it tests your fluency in English for everyday use and communication purposes. On the other hand, you can take IELTS Academic if you have plans to study a graduate or higher degree program. It is also necessary for those who wish to work abroad, as many of the organisations where you intend to work have set requirements that include a valid and decent IELTS Academics test score. The purpose of the IELTS Academic exam is to check your ability to present complex ideas clearly. Before you make your decision, it is ideal that you check the requirements of the college/university/organisation where you are planning to pursue your next course of action.

Which countries accept IELTS? 

The IELTS test scores are accepted by almost all Australian, British, Canadian, European, Irish and New Zealandic academic institutions, and work organisations. Over 3000 academic institutions and many professional organisations in the United States also accept the IELTS test score. For the purpose of immigration, the IELTS test scores are accepted by government authorities of Canada, UK, Australia and New Zealand. 

How much is the fee? 

The examination fee differs throughout the world. In India, as of July 2022 the fee stands at INR 14,700. While in the USA, the fee ranges from $244 to $255 USD. In order to sit for the IELTS in China, you will need to pay an RMB 2,170 fee while registering. 

What if I fail in the IELTS? 

IELTS is not a result based test, rather it is a score based test. This means that one cannot fail in the IELTS as they are given scores based on their answers. The scores range from 1 to 9, where 1 is the lowest score and 9 is the highest suggesting that you are an avid and expert user of the English language.  However, in a more practical sense, you can say whether or not they have passed in the IELTS exam depending on their requirement. For example, if you wish to migrate to Canada, and the minimum score required is 7. Say you get a 7.5, it simply means that you have passed and are eligible to apply. 

What is the eligibility for the examination?

The only eligibility for the IELTS exam in India and across the globe is that a candidate needs to be at least 16 years old and should have a valid passport. If you meet the eligibility you can take this examination, irrespective of gender, nationality, or background. Exceptions are only made when a school needs the IELTS scores for admission purposes. There is no upper age limit fixed by the conducting bodies.

How many attempts are allowed for the IELTS? 

There is no limit set by the conducting bodies of IELTS for taking the IELTS exam. You can take the IELTS test as many times as you want until you get your dream/target score. However, you are required to pay the IELTS test fee for every attempt.

Whether to take the IELTS on a computer or on paper?

The IELTS exam can be taken on a computer or on paper. It is totally up to the discretion of the examinee. If your typing speed is good, you can opt for the computer based test. If not, you should highly consider the paper-based test. When you take the exam on paper, you have to answer  the Listening, Reading and Writing on a paper using either pen or HB-pencils. The Speaking test is carried out face-to-face with an IELTS examiner. 

On the other hand, when you take the exam on a computer, you have to answer the Listening, Reading and Writing on the screen itself. However, the Speaking test remains the same. You must take it face-to-face with an IELTS examiner. 

Who conducts the IELTS? 

IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English. Many people are confused about the difference between IELTS IDP or IELTS British Council. However, in India the IDP acquired full control of the exam throughout the country. 

How to register for IELTS? 

Registration for your IELTS test is quick and easy

• Step 1: Visit the official IELTS India website. (Click here to apply) 
• Step 2: Go to the 'Register for Test' option.
• Step 3: Select your preferred test, Test type, and available Test Date in the city.
• Step 4: Give your personal details.
• Step 5: Give your registration details.
• Step 6: Upload copies of your Passport.
• Step 7 (Optional): Select the list of colleges where you want to send your Score Report. 
• Step 8: Review your details one last time before making payment.
• Step 9: Pay the test fee.
• Step 10: Once the payment has been made. Candidates can take a printout of the acknowledgment receipt.

Note: Once your application has been processed, the location of your test centre with the data and time will be sent to you. The Speaking test, however, can be completed up to a week before or after the other tests. 

What is the exam format and syllabus?

The test last for a total duration of 2 hours and 45 minutes and consists of 4 sections, namely - 

Reading

This section comprises 40 sections divided into 3 sections. It lasts for 60 minutes. 

Know more: How to prepare for IELTS Reading Test

Writing

This section is rather time consuming even though it only has 2 tasks with a total time duration of 60 minutes. 

Know more: 

• How to prepare for IELTS Writing Task 1 
• How to prepare for IELTS Writing Task 2 

Speaking

This section consists of 3 parts of 11-14 minutes each. 

Know more: How to prepare for IELTS Speaking Task

Listening 

This section is segregated into 4 sections that lasts for 30 minutes. 

Know more: How to prepare for IELTS Listening Task

When and how are the IELTS exam results obtained? 

The release of IELTS exam results depend on the choice you made in regards to the mode of the exam. If you sat for the paper-based IELTS exam then the results will be available

online 13 days after you complete the test. On the other hand, if you take the computer based exam then the results will be available online between 5-7 days after your test.

Your score card (paper) will be available 13 days after the exam. You can either collect it from your local test centre or have it mailed to you by post. 

How to prepare for the IELTS exam? 

There are two ways of preparing for the IELTS exam. One being self-study which means that you would collect all the material and study on your own. On the other hand, you can take professional help from IELTS experts with years of experience.

If you want to make your dreams come true, join Yuno Learning’s Live Online IELTS Classes. We are pioneers in the field of IELTS preparation and take an extra mile for you, with you. Enrol now!