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Preparing for Studying Abroad: A Guide to IELTS
One of the crucial first steps in applying to study abroad is preparing for required examinations, including general entrance tests like GRE, SAT, LSAT, GMAT, or MCAT, and language proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.
In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the IELTS exam:
What is the IELTS Exam?
The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) evaluates English language proficiency for non-native speakers. It is essential for studying, working, or migrating to English-speaking countries.
Recognized By: Universities, employers, and immigration authorities in countries like the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
Test Sections:
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| IELTS Listening | 4 recordings with related questions. |
| IELTS Reading | 2 types: |
| – Academic Reading: For higher education/professional registration. | |
| – General Reading: For secondary education, work experience, migration. | |
| IELTS Writing | 2 types: |
| – Academic Writing: Describing charts/graphs and writing essays. | |
| – General Writing: Letter writing and essay writing. | |
| IELTS Speaking | Face-to-face interview including Q&A, long turn, and discussion. |
Scoring: Each section is scored from 0 to 9, with an overall band score reflecting English proficiency.
Why is the IELTS Exam Important?
| Purpose | Description |
|---|---|
| Higher Education | Engages effectively with academic programs in English-speaking countries. |
| Professional Registration | Required for professions needing English proficiency. |
| Immigration | Governments use scores to assess integration into English-speaking communities. |
| Employment | Employers verify communication skills in the workplace. |
| Global Opportunities | High scores open doors for education, career advancement, and migration. |
Types of IELTS Exams
| Test Type | Purpose | Content Focus |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Higher education or professional registration in English-speaking countries. | Academic language and tasks. |
| IELTS General Training | Migration, work experience, or high school in English-speaking countries. | Everyday language skills. |
| IELTS UKVI | UK visa and immigration purposes. | Same skills as regular IELTS, with additional rules and security. |
Modes of IELTS Exams
| Mode | Description |
|---|---|
| Paper-based IELTS | Traditional format with written answers; speaking test face-to-face. |
| Computer-based IELTS | Listening, reading, and writing sections on computer; speaking test face-to-face. |
IELTS Academic vs. General
| Feature | IELTS Academic | IELTS General Training |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Higher education or professional registration. | Migration, work, training, and visa applications. |
| Content Focus | Complex academic language. | Basic survival skills in social and workplace settings. |
| Reading Section | Long texts from academic sources. | Daily life materials like notices and advertisements. |
| Writing Section | Formal tasks including essays and descriptions. | General essays and letter writing tasks. |
| Difficulty Level | More challenging due to academic language. | Less challenging, focuses on everyday English use. |
IELTS Exam Eligibility
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | Generally recommended for those 16 and older. |
| Identification | Valid passport required. |
| Test Type | Depends on goals: Academic for higher education, General for migration/work. |
IELTS Exam Fees for Indian Students
| Test Type | Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Computer-delivered IELTS for UKVI | INR 17,250 |
| Computer-delivered IELTS Academic | INR 17,000 |
| IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1) | INR 16,050 |
| Pen and Paper-based IELTS | INR 17,000 |
IELTS Exam Duration
| Section | Duration |
|---|---|
| Listening | 30 minutes |
| Reading | 60 minutes |
| Writing | 60 minutes |
| Speaking | 12-15 minutes (scheduled separately) |
Total Exam Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes (excluding speaking test).
How to Book a Slot for the IELTS Exam?
| Booking Method | Steps |
|---|---|
| Online | Visit IELTS website, select test type, date, location, fill form, upload ID, pay, confirm. |
| Offline | Obtain form, fill out, choose date/location, provide ID, pay, submit, await confirmation. |
How to Check IELTS Results?
| Method | Steps |
|---|---|
| Online | Log in on IELTS website, enter details, view/download results after 13 days (paper) or 3-5 days (computer). |
| Test Centre/Post | Physical TRF mailed 13 days post-test; may pick up in person or sent to institutions. |
Where are IELTS Exam Centres Available in India?
| City | City | City | City |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ahmedabad | Amritsar | Bangalore | Bhopal |
| Bhubaneswar | Chandigarh | Chennai | Coimbatore |
| Delhi | Hyderabad | Jaipur | Jalandhar |
| Kolkata | Lucknow | Ludhiana | Mumbai |
| Nagpur | Patna | Pune | Rajkot |
| Surat | Thiruvananthapuram | Vadodara | Visakhapatnam |
Ready to Study Abroad?
Start preparing for your IELTS exams today. If you have questions or need assistance with test preparation, My Dream Admit is here to help. Contact us to make your study abroad journey seamless!
