The IELTS exam, also known as the International English Language Testing System, is one of the most important requirements for getting admission into top universities around the world. The IELTS exam assesses four sections of English proficiency- listening, reading, speaking and writing skills. For processing the application forms to English-speaking countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and so forth, scores on IELTS are required. Two versions of the IELTS exam are available: IELTS Academic for study abroad and IELTS General Training for work and migration.
IELTS exam dates are available throughout the year and one can attempt the IELTS computer version test on all seven days of the month, which excludes national holidays and other festivals. IELTS Paper-based test dates are available for booking up to 4 times in a particular month. A good score in the IELTS exam can help to get admission to top universities in the world.
IELTS 2024- An Overview
| Attribute | Details |
| Exam Name | IELTS |
| Full Form | International English Language Testing System |
| Official Website | ielts.org |
| Most Popular For | Studying, working, and migrating to English-speaking countries like Australia, New Zealand, and the UK |
| Also Accepted By | Universities in Canada and the USA |
| Conducted By | IDP Education Ltd. |
| Mode of Exam | Online and Offline |
| IELTS Exam Fees | INR 17,000 |
| Score Range | Band 1 to Band 9 |
| Contact Information | Head Office: Global Gateway Towers, Tower-B, 5th Floor, Sikanderpur Ghosi, Sector-26, M.G. Road, Gurugram – 122002 Haryana, India Phone: 1800-102-4544 (Mon to Sat – 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM) Email: ielts.india@idp.com |
Key Highlights of IELTS Exam
Some of the most important features of the IELTS exam are:
- IELTS exam scores are widely accepted in the English-speaking countries of UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and other 140+ countries.
- IELTS exam is recognized by over 11,000 organizations across the globe.
- IELTS exam is available in two types of formats: Academic (which is for higher education) and General Training (includes for work and migration).
- Results of the IELTS Exam are valid for 2 years.
What is IELTS?
IELTS, also known as International English Language Testing System, is one of the most popular English proficiency exams for candidates who want to pursue higher education abroad. It is a standardized test designed to assess the English proficiency of non-native English speakers. The test is owned by IDP IELTS and Cambridge University Press & Assessment together and is recognized by most universities, employers and immigration authorities around the globe.
IELTS Full Form 2024
IELTS exam full form stands for International English Language Testing System and is a standardized test which is designed for assessing English proficiency for the non-native English speakers. Some important key points about IELTS are:
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Form | International English Language Testing System |
| Pronunciation | Commonly pronounced as “eye-elts” |
| Purpose | Evaluate English language skills for academic and immigration purposes |
| Skills Assessed | Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking |
| Test Versions | – IELTS Academic: For higher education and professional registration – IELTS General Training: For work experience or migration |
| Scoring | Uses a band system from 1 (non-user) to 9 (expert user) |
| Global Recognition | Accepted by over 11,000 organizations in more than 140 countries |
| Administration | Jointly managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English |
Why should you take IELTS Exam?
IELTS 2024 exam is a requirement for migration for both academic purposes and migration purposes to English speaking countries which include Australia, UK, New Zealand, Canada and USA. Let us try to understand why one should take the IELTS exam:
- IELTS exam is required for international migration as well as higher studies to English speaking countries.
- English language proficiency is tested for:
- Universities for higher education and academics.
- For immigration visa applications.
- It helps in the demonstration of communication ability in English speaking environment.
- Helps the candidates to succeed both academically as well as professionally.
- It is especially approved for UK visa applications.
- Also helps the various institutions to know:
- Understand lectures as well as coursework
- Help to participate in discussions
- Write academic papers.
- Communication freely in daily life.
Countries Accepting IELTS
More than 140+ countries accept IELTS for different purposes, which includes:
- Most of the English-speaking nations accept IELTS.
- Many of the European countries accept.
- Numerous Asian countries.
- Many African and South American countries accept.
Many universities, educational institutions as well as immigration authorities in countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand etc., recognize IELTS score.
| Country | Minimum Score (General) | Notable Institutions/Organizations | Purpose |
| United Kingdom | 6.0-7.0 | UKVI, Most universities | Study, visas, work |
| United States | 6.5-7.0 | Over 3,400 institutions | Study, some visas |
| Canada | 6.0-6.5 | IRCC, Most universities | Study, work, immigration |
| Australia | 6.0-7.0 | Department of Home Affairs, Universities | Study, work, immigration |
| New Zealand | 6.5-7.0 | Immigration New Zealand, Universities | Study, work, immigration |
| Ireland | 6.0-6.5 | Most universities | Study, work |
| Germany | 6.0-6.5 | Many universities | Study |
| Netherlands | 6.0-7.0 | Most universities | Study |
| Singapore | 6.0-7.0 | Many universities and employers | Study, work |
| Hong Kong | 6.0-6.5 | Most universities | Study |
IELTS Eligibility 2024
For the IELTS exam, there are no particular IELTS eligibility criteria for the candidates. IELTS 2024 can be taken up by anyone irrespective of age, gender, race or religion. The primary criteria for taking the IELTS exam is that the candidate should be at least 16 years old at the time of the exam and exam and there is no upper age limit. Important considerations which should be kept in mind are:
- Validity: A valid passport is required for identification in the exam.
- Requirements of the University: Universities can have their minimum score requirements for admission, so checking their guidelines before application is vital. These scores are mostly higher than the basic level of eligibility criteria (Around 6.0 to 7.0 bands).
IELTS Registration 2024
For IELTS registration to IELTS exam 2024, the candidates can proceed with the process online through the official IDP IELTS India website or by visiting the nearest IELTS test center for the offline process of registration. Candidates need to provide their passport details, so getting the passport ready is important.
Candidates who are under the age of 18 would require a parent or guardian for assisting with the process of registration and after the completion of registration, candidates would receive a written form of confirmation containing information about the date and time of IELTS exam.
Steps for IELTS Test Registration
IELTS Test booking can be done by following the steps mentioned below:
- Choose the test type: Choose the test type whether Academic or General Training.
- Select Test format: Choose the format whether computer delivered or paper-based format.
- Find nearest test center: Locate the IELTS test center nearest to you.
- Pick the test date: Select the date of the test which best suits you.
- Create an account: In the official IELTS website register.
- Fill out the form: Provide the necessary personal details as well as test preference.
- Upload Identification: Copy of your valid passport needs to be submitted or any National ID.
- Pay the test fee: Complete the payment by using the available resources.
- Receiving the confirmation: Get the test confirmations and instructions through email or phone SMS.
- Prepare well for the test: Use the official IELTS materials for practice and preparation.
How to Apply for IELTS Exam 2024?
We can apply for IELTS Exam 2024 in the following manner:
| Step | Description | Key Actions |
| 1. Choose Your Test Type | Decide between Academic or General Training based on your goals. | – Academic: For higher education – General Training: For work/immigration |
| 2. Select Test Date & Location | Visit the official IDP IELTS Booking website to choose your test date and location. | – Go to IDP IELTS Booking – Choose a test center – Select paper-based or computer-delivered format |
| 3. Complete Registration Process | Follow the website prompts to register for the test. | – Fill out the registration form – Prepare a valid debit/credit card for payment |
| 4. Payment | Pay the application fee through the online system. | – Ensure payment method is ready – Complete the payment to finalize your registration |
| 5. Confirmation | After registration and payment, receive confirmation via email or phone. | – Check your email or phone for confirmation details – Keep the information safe for reference |
Tips for IELTS Slot Booking
Some important tips related to the IELTS Slot booking are as follows:
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Plan Ahead of Time
The dates for IELTS exam fill up quickly, so it is advice to book the slots in advance, if there is certain target test date in mind.
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Practice tests
One should familiarize oneself with the test format by taking practice tests available either online or offline or through the official site.
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Test day Preparation
One should ensure that everything is ready and packed in advance for the test and reached on time.
IELTS Exam Fees 2024
The IELTS exam fee in India is 17,000 INR, which is the same for IELTS Academic test as well as IELTS General Training test. Both IELTS paper or computer, the fees will remain same at 17,000 INR.IELTS exam fee for 2024 can be checked below:
| IELTS Test Type | Fee (INR) | Exam Description |
| IELTS Academic Test | 17,000 | Ideal for students seeking admission to undergraduate or postgraduate programs at universities where English is the primary language of instruction. This test assesses academic English skills necessary for success in higher education. |
| IELTS General Training Test | 17,000 | Designed for candidates aiming for work experience, immigration applications, or secondary education programs that require English proficiency. This test evaluates everyday English skills in a practical context. |
| IELTS on Computer | 17,000 | Features Listening, Reading, and Writing sections delivered on a computer, while the Speaking test remains face-to-face. This format offers flexibility and quicker results, appealing to tech-savvy test-takers. |
| IELTS on Computer for UKVI | 17,250 | Tailored for those applying for a visa to the United Kingdom. This test format is similar to the standard computer-delivered IELTS, ensuring candidates are prepared for UK immigration requirements. |
| IELTS Life Skills (A1 & B1) | 16,050 | Assesses English language proficiency specifically for immigration purposes at A1 or B1 levels on the CEFR scale. This test is crucial for individuals needing to demonstrate basic English skills for visa applications. |
IELTS Exam Fee by City
IELTS exam fees by city –wise bifurcation is not available within the country. This applies for most countries. For example, in case of IELTS in India:
| City | IELTS Exam Fee (INR) | Description |
| Kolkata | 17,000 | Standard fee for both Academic and General Training tests. |
| Chennai | 17,000 | Uniform fee for all IELTS test types, including Academic and General Training. |
| Mumbai | 17,000 | Consistent fee structure for IELTS tests across different formats. |
IELTS Exam Dates 2024
IELTS IDP India is the official body which is conducting the IELTS. IELTS test is available many times over the year and the candidates are advised to book an IELTS test date in 2024 which is most convenient to them also keeping in mind the university admission timeline. Dates for IELTS IDP dates will keep varying based on Indian city applicants and choosing where to apply to.
How to pick IELTS Exam Dates?
For the selection of best possible IELTS exam date, the following points should be considered:
- Deadlines of the university application based on which they should prepare and choose the IELTS exam date.
- The availability of IELTS test centers near the candidate and booking the right slot based on city of testing would help to further the preparation.
- Preferred exam format: The preference of the IELTS exam format of whether IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training, based on which they can select the ideal IELTS exam date.
- Understanding the amount of preparation needed for the IELTS exam and then selection of the date for the IELTS exam is important.
- Checking the IELTS portal regularly for the dates as well as availability of the slots, so that we can register in advance.
IELTS Centers in India
IELTS centers in India are spread across many major cities. The IELTS exam can be taken in any of the 82 centers which are spread across India. Choosing the location wisely is very important with minimal commuting time. With so many centers available across India, it will be easier to choose a center near your residential place. The IELTS center should be booked in advance to avoid any hassle at the end.
IELTS 2024 Exam Pattern
To score well in the IELTS exam, it is very important to understand the IELTS Exam Pattern and IELTS Syllabus in detail. The IELTS Academic exam has been designed for the evaluation of English language efficiency for academic purposes and to assess the capabilities to comprehend academic texts, communicate efficiently as well as engagement in discussions related to academics.
IELTS Test Format
There are two formats of IELTS exam: Academic and General Training. Both these formats help in assessing the listening, reading, writing and speaking skills:
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IELTS Academic
This format helps students who are aiming to study abroad for higher education.
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IELTS General Training
This format is mostly for those people who are seeking for work visas, immigration purposes or other registration in a English speaking environment.
IELTS Exam Pattern- Major Highlights
There are 4 sections in the IELTS exam:
| Section | Duration | Format | Tasks | Skills Assessed | Key Features |
| Listening | 30 minutes | 4 recordings (monologues and dialogues) | 40 questions (multiple choice, matching, etc.) | Listening for specific information, details | – Recorded in various accents (British, Australian, etc.) – Each recording played once only – Test-takers write answers while listening |
| Reading | 60 minutes | 3 passages (varying lengths) | 40 questions (multiple choice, true/false/not given, etc.) | Reading comprehension, skimming, scanning | – Academic and General Training versions differ – Texts taken from books, magazines, or newspapers – No extra time to transfer answers |
| Writing | 60 minutes | 2 tasks | Task 1: describe visual information (150 words) Task 2: essay (250 words) |
Writing coherence, cohesion, task response | – Academic: visual data (graphs, charts) – General: letter writing – Assessment based on task achievement, lexical resource, grammatical range |
| Speaking | 11-14 minutes | 3 parts | Part 1: Introduction and interview (4-5 minutes) Part 2: Long turn (2 minutes) Part 3: Discussion (4-5 minutes) |
Speaking fluency, coherence, pronunciation | – Face-to-face interview with an examiner – Part 2 involves speaking about a topic using a cue card – Assessed on fluency, lexical resource, grammatical range |
IELTS Test Format
There are 4 essential sections in the IELTS exam. Let us discuss them below:
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Listening (Approximately 30 minutes)
- This section primarily evaluates the ability in comprehending spoken English in various English accents as well as contexts which includes lectures, conversations as well as monologues.
- The questions range from multiple-choice questions to short answers as well as complete tasks based on recording.
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Reading (approx. 60 mins)
- Reading section comprehends skills for presenting a range of academic as well as general texts.
- Challenges are in identification the main ideas, supporting details as well as specific information within the passages.
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Writing (Approx 60 mins)
- It helps in assess the written English skills of the task achievement, grammar, vocabulary.
- There are two writing tasks: descriptive response and persuasive approach.
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Speaking (Approx 11-14 mins)
- It helps in evaluating the spoken English fluency as well as communication in one-to-one interview setting.
- Introductory conversation, questions, and discussion on specific topics are a few important aspects of speaking.
IELTS Test Format- An Overview
| Module | Time | Description | Task Types |
| Listening | 30 minutes | Evaluates comprehension of spoken English in various accents and contexts. | Multiple choice, short answer, and completion tasks |
| Reading | 60 minutes | Tests comprehension skills using academic and general texts. | Identifying main ideas, details, specific information |
| Writing | 60 minutes | Assesses written English skills in task achievement, grammar, vocabulary, and coherence. | Descriptive response, analytical/persuasive response |
| Speaking | 11-14 minutes | Evaluates spoken English fluency and communication in a one-on-one interview. | Introductory conversation, familiar topics, detailed discussion |
If you need any further adjustments or additional information, just l
IELTS Syllabus 2024
IELTS Syllabus includes four sections- Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing. The questions in the IELTS test will be based on IELTS exam syllabus 2024. The IELTS total score is the sum of the scores in all four skills and the duration of the IELTS test is 2 hours 45 minutes. Here is a brief overview of the 4 sections:
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IELTS Listening Section
IELTS Listening is for 30 minutes and assesses the ability for understanding the spoken English through series of recordings, which includes lectures, monologues and so forth.
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IELTS Reading Section
IELTS Reading is for 60 minutes, and it evaluates reading comprehension skills by presentation of a variety of texts which includes articles, essays and graphs. Texts would include articles, essays aand graphs
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IELTS Writing Section
IELTS Writing is 60 minutes and consists of two tasks: Task 1 comprises summarizing, describing, or explaining the visual information which includes graphs, charts and diagrams. Task 2 includes how one responds to a given prompt and presents the arguments or tries to express their thoughts or opinions on a given topic.
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IELTS Speaking Section
The IELTS Speaking section is for 11-14 minutes and it assesses the ability to communicate orally in English and includes a face-to-face interview with the examiner and the inclusion of a variety of questions and tasks which are related to personal experience, opinions and so forth.
IELTS Syllabus 2024: Highlights
| Section | Description | Time |
| Listening | Understand spoken English through recordings | 30 minutes |
| Reading | Read and comprehend academic texts | 60 minutes |
| Writing | Summarize information & write an essay | 60 minutes |
| Speaking | Communicate orally in English (interview format) | 11-14 minutes |
IELTS Preparation Tips 2024
There are two methods for preparing for IELTS: one is self-study and the other is attending coaching classes. Language proficiency and comfort level helps in choosing the method. If the fluency in English is already high, coaching classes are not required and self-study is possible. Money is also an important consideration, for which people prefer self-study as a better option.
For preparation on one’s own, one needs to refer to the best IELTS preparation material which is available online as well as on our website. Coaching classes are a good option if you don’t have enough time and need professional supervision. Regularly attending classes becomes part of your habit, and then you can better manage time for the IELTS test.
How to prepare for IELTS Exam?
Following are important points while looking at preparation for IELTS exam:
| Preparation Strategy | Description |
| Identify Your Target Score | Research the minimum IELTS score required by your chosen university or immigration program. |
| Official Resources | Explore official websites for comprehensive information on the exam format, sample tests, and registration procedures. |
| Practice Makes Perfect | Utilize official IELTS practice tests, online resources, and preparation books tailored to each module. |
| Embrace New Vocabulary | Expand your English vocabulary by reading extensively, using flashcards, and incorporating new words into daily communication. |
| Master Time Management | Practice completing tasks within the allotted time during each module to ensure efficient time management. |
| Seek Expert Guidance | Consider enrolling in an IELTS preparation course or seeking assistance from an English language tutor for personalized guidance. |
IELTS Books 2024
Some of the most important books while looking at IELTS Books for 2024 are as follows:
| Book Title | Description | Key Features |
| The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS | Comprehensive guide focusing on all four sections of the IELTS exam. | Guided instructions, test-taking strategies, 10 practice tests for Academic and General Training. |
| Cambridge IELTS Series 10–12 | Authored by IELTS test writers, providing hands-on test-taking experience. | Complete test materials, Q&A section, sample writing responses. |
| English Collocations in Use | Enhances writing and speaking skills by focusing on collocations and pronunciation. | 60 lessons, 1500 collocations, practice exercises. |
| English Vocabulary in Use | Best for improving vocabulary for the IELTS exam, beneficial for both non-native and native speakers. | 100 units, over 3000 new words, practice exercises. |
| New Insight into IELTS | Builds skills and strategies for both Academic and General Training formats. | Thorough test description, skill-building exercises. |
| Official IELTS Practice Materials Vol. 1 & 2 | Compiled by experienced examiners, includes sample questions and responses. | Assessment familiarization, examiner comments on sample responses. |
| Improve Your IELTS Skills Series | Three-part series focusing on Reading, Writing, and Listening & Speaking skills. | Targeted practice exercises for each skill area. |
IELTS Mock Test
One of the most important steps for the preparation of the IELTS exam is to know where our preparation is going and how we can improve our preparation. Hence, it is widely suggested that the IELTS mock test and IELTS practice test 2024 are used for preparation. This will help with preparation and also handling the questions better.
IELTS Result 2024
IELTS scorecards are released within a week or 13 calendar days (offline) after we sit for the test. The IELTS score is received by email when the scores are available. By login into the IELTS account on the official page we can see the scores and work accordingly to apply for universities or prepare better for the next attempt of the IELTS test.
IELTS Cut off
IELTS has been designed in a manner for assessing the English language proficiency and skills of students at different levels. Hence, failing the test is less of a probability for the students. IELTS scores are based on each of the four skills on a scale of 1-9 and the students would be awarded for the overall band score.IELTS cut-off score varies for different colleges as well as programs in which the students are interested. The overall IELTS band score is very important if we intend to apply for universities to take up a job or immigrate to English countries around the globe.
IELTS and the CEFR
For helping the test users in understanding the relationship between IELTS band scores and the six CEFR levels, the Cambridge English would be conducted in multiple studies for mapping the IELTS 9 band scale to the CEFR, for drawing an interrelationship between IELTS and the CEFR:
| IELTS Score | CEFR Level | Description |
| 9 | C2 | Proficient User |
| 8 | C1 | Advanced User |
| 7.5 | C1 | Advanced User |
| 7 | C1 | Advanced User |
| 6.5 | B2 | Independent User |
| 6 | B2 | Independent User |
| 5.5 | B1 | Intermediate User |
| 5 | B1 | Intermediate User |
| 4.5 | B1 | Intermediate User |
| 4 | A2 | Basic User |
IELTS Score Requirements: Countries with highest average scores (Academic)
| Country | Highest Average IELTS Score (Academic) |
| Germany | 7.4 |
| Greece | 7.0 |
| Canada | 6.9 |
| Spain | 6.9 |
| Malaysia | 6.9 |
