The International English Language Testing System  (IELTS) is a standardised and widely recognised English language assessment that evaluates the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers who wish to study or migrate to an English-speaking country.

The IELTS Academic is an assessment to test if your English language skills meet international academic proficiency. In contrast, the IELTS General is an assessment to test if you possess adequate language skills for the workplace and social situations.

The English reading and writing sections for IELTS Academic is more advanced. Therefore, IELTS General is comparatively easier and more straightforward.

If you are planning to pursue an undergraduate or postgraduate course in an English-speaking environment, or migrate for professional registration, then you must take up the IELTS Academic test.

If you are migrating to an English-speaking country or applying for secondary training programmes and work experience, you can opt for the IELTS General test.

The IELTS exam can be taken online (Computer Delivered Test) and offline (Paper-Based Test). Both the modes follow the same format. The listening and speaking sections are the same for both academic and general, while the writing and reading sections differ slightly. The total duration given to complete the test is 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Both the paper-based test and the computer-delivered test are of the same difficulty level.

The IELTS exam is conducted several times throughout the year. The candidate can choose a date that fits their schedule.

The registration fee to take up the IELTS examination is INR 14,000.

There are no restrictions on the dress code while taking the IELTS exam. The candidates can wear any attire they are comfortable in.

If a candidate wishes to change their test date, they can request to reschedule their exam date at least five weeks ahead of the previously booked test. The new date must be rescheduled within three months of the actual test date. For the process of rescheduling, the candidate will have to pay an administrative charge of INR 3,300 inclusive of all taxes.

If a candidate cancels their IELTS application five weeks ahead of the test date, the candidate will receive a refund exclusive of a 25% administrative fee. However, if a candidate cancels their IELTS application less than five weeks ahead of the test date, no refund will be provided.

If a candidate fails to appear for the test, it will be considered a cancellation, and no refund will be provided.

The listening, reading and writing sections should be completed together on the same day. The speaking session can be taken on the same day or 3 days before or after the actual test date.

With a strict schedule and consistent practice, preparing for the IELTS exam is possible.

Though it might be challenging to clear the IELTS exam on the first attempt, it is not impossible. With consistent practice and hard work and practice, the candidate is sure to succeed.

The candidate must take their identification document. Along with this, the candidate will be allowed to take a pen/pencil and an eraser. 

The order of the sessions are as follows:

Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

Based on multiple surveys on the IELTS exam, the writing section is often considered the most difficult.

Based on multiple surveys on the IELTS exam, the writing section is often considered the most difficult.

During the speaking session, the interviewer will repeat the question only once.

The candidate can either use a pen or an HB pencil for the listening and reading section.

Yes, candidates are allowed to take notes during the listening session.

No, you cannot pause or stop the audio in between. The audio will be played only once.

The speaking section assesses the candidate’s spoken skills. The examiner will engage in a conversation with the candidate and discuss multiple topics to test their use of spoken English.