Ultimate Guide to IELTS for Indian Students
The IELTS Exam is conducted by over 12,000 academic institutions and professional pursuits worldwide. A good IELTS score can land you at a top university or firm, provided the preparation has been conducted strategically and sincerely. Like other English language proficiency tests, IELTS also evaluates skills such as listening, reading, writing and speaking, which are enough to assess one’s knowledge of English.
This blog has discussed the IELTS exam, including its pattern, syllabus, registration process, preparation strategy, mock tests, and more.
- Introduction of the IELTS Exam
- Why Appear for the IELTS Exam?
- Types of IELTS Exam
- IELTS Band Score
- Ways to Appear in the IELTS Exam
- IELTS Exam Pattern
- IELTS Academic Exam Pattern: Breakdown of Sections
- IELTS Syllabus: Which Topics to Cover?
- Registration for the IELTS Exam
- IELTS Exam Registration: Required Documents & Fees
- IELTS Exam Preparation Strategy and Tips
- Best Sources of IELTS Mock Test
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Introduction of the IELTS Exam
IELTS, or International English Language Testing System, is the world-renowned English language proficiency test specifically designed to test English language skills. It helps to achieve the dream of studying, working, and living abroad, where English is used as a primary language or its proficiency is required. It is jointly administered by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge English. IELTS was formulated and established in 1989. The IELTS exam is conducted worldwide for academic institutions and professional organisations in countries like the USA, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, Canada and more.
Why Appear for the IELTS Exam?
Since English has become the most integrated part of our lives, be it academic or professional, an individual must have a basic understanding and knowledge of this language to have better opportunities in life.
Below, we have discussed the importance of IELTS and elaborated on its benefits and significance.
Globally Recognised Test
- IELTS Exam scores are accepted by over 11,000 academic and professional organisations worldwide due to their credibility and authenticity.
- Immigration authorities also trust it in countries like the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.
Employment Opportunities
A person proficient in the English language can find hundreds of top employment opportunities in various sectors, such as Engineering, Science and Technology, Management, Digital Marketing, etc.
- Improves Communication Skills
Unlike other proficiency tests, the IELTS exam involves a live interaction between the test taker and an examiner to mimic real-world interactions, which better improves their communication skills.
Types of IELTS Exam
Following is an overview of different types of IELTS exams, including content, duration, format and validity.
| Type of IELTS | Content | Exam Duration | Format | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Academic English based on college/university coursework | 2 Hours 45 Minutes | Listening Writing Reading Speaking | 2 Years |
| IELTS General Training Test | Academic English based on university coursework and English used in everyday life | 2 Hours 45 Minutes | Listening Writing Reading Speaking | 2 Years |
| IELTS Life Skills | The English language is used in everyday life, such as at the workplace and in society | Varies from 16-20 minutes, depending on the level | Discussion on tasks related to: Personal details Friends Family Buying goods Work Health Leisure etc. | 2 Years |
The International English Language Testing System or IELTS is of two types:
- IELTS Academic
- IELTS General Training Test
- IELTS Life Skills
IELTS Academic
The IELTS Academic test evaluates the English language skills of those who want to enrol in undergraduate or postgraduate courses at universities outside India. The main focus of this test is to assess the students’ vocabulary. It checks whether a student is ready to begin studying in English.
It includes all four academic English skills, i.e. Listening, Writing, Speaking and Reading.
IELTS General Training Test
The IELTS General Training Test is designed for students who wish to study below the degree level in an English-speaking country or migrate there for work-related purposes. It evaluates the English language skills commonly used in everyday life, such as social and workplace interactions.
It includes all four academic English skills, e.g.,
- Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Reading
IELTS Life Skills for UKVI
IELTS Life Skills is a UK government-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) that evaluates only English speaking and listening skills. This is applicable when a migrant is applying for the following type of UK Visa:
- Family Visa
- Extension to spouse, family, partner visa
- To become a British Citizen
Applicants are required to appear in the in-person discussion on the following topics relevant to daily life:
- Personal details/experiences
- Family and friends
- Work
- Health
- Leisure
- Education/training
- Transport
- Housing
- Weather
Also read – Best Alternatives IELTS Exam
IELTS Band Score
- After the IELTS exam, test taker receive a test report which mentions their overall test score as well as scores for the Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking sections of the test. The band score is calculated by taking the average or mean of the four-section band scores rounded to the nearest half band.
- The band score corresponds to the level of proficiency in the English language. It ranges from 0-9.
- The section-wise band score is calculated by converting the number of correct answers to a band score of 0-9.
| Band Score | Level of Proficiency |
|---|---|
| 0 | No answer given |
| 1 | No ability to use the language |
| 2 | Difficulty in understanding written and spoken English |
| 3 | Frequent breakdown in communication |
| 4 | Basic competence is limited |
| 5 | Partial command of the English language |
| 6 | Effective command of the English language |
| 7 | Good command of the English language |
| 8 | Fully operational command of the English language |
| 9 | Expertise in the English language |
Ways to Appear in the IELTS Exam
There are two main ways by which applicants can participate in the IELTS Exam. They are:
- At Test Centre
- IELTS Online
IELTS at Test Centre
Applicants can take the IELTS exam in pen-and-paper or computer mode. The pattern and syllabus of the IELTS exam are the same.
IELTS on Paper
Applicants must sit at an allotted desk with pen and paper to solve the IELTS question paper’s reading, writing, and listening sections. Only the speaking section of the test is conducted by an IELTS examiner. The results are available after 13 days of the test.
IELTS on Computer
Applicants are allotted a desk and computer screen to solve the IELTS Exam’s reading, writing, and listening sections. They need to enter the answers on the computer. An IELTS examiner conducts the speaking section of the test, and results are available 3-5 days after the IELTS exam.
IELTS Online
- IELTS online allows students to take the exam at home or in a suitable private location with a stable internet connection.
- It has the same format, questions, and marking criteria as completing the exam at a test centre.
- The speaking section of the test is conducted via a video call with an IELTS examiner.
- Test results are available 6-8 days after the test completion.
Critical Requirements for the IELTS Online Exam
- Access to a private, well-lit room
- A stable internet connection (speed upto 2 Mbps/second)
- A laptop or computer system (test cannot be taken on the mobile phone and tablet)
- The Inspera exam portal app needs to be downloaded on the system before test day
Eligibility of IELTS Exam
- No specific eligibility criteria are set to appear in the IELTS exam.
- Candidates from all age groups and educational backgrounds can undergo the IELTS Exam.
- There is no limit on the number of test attempts.
IELTS Exam Pattern
Before commencing the preparation for the IELTS Academic, we should be aware of its pattern and curriculum to score a good band in the exam. Let’s delve into the IELTS pattern and format in much detail.
The IELTS exam pattern is divided into four sections:
- Listening section – 40 questions in 30 minutes
- Academic Reading section – 40 questions in 60 minutes
- Academic Writing section – 2 tasks in 60 minutes
- Speaking section – 3 topics in 11-14 minutes
| Sections | Questions/Task | Time Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 40 questions | 30 minutes | Hearing recorded conversations and answering the questions based on it |
| Academic Reading | 40 questions | 60 minutes | Reading the descriptive passages and answering the questions |
| Academic Writing | 2 tasks | 40 minutes | Written discussion on a given point of view, topic or argument |
| Speaking | 3 topic | 11-14 minutes | Stating opinions or answers orally based on topics related to a topic like a study, home, family, etc. |
IELTS Academic Exam Pattern: Breakdown of Sections
Let us now understand each section to commence better IELTS test preparation.
Listening Section
- The section consists of four parts, with 10 questions in each part.
- Part one and part two are based on everyday and social situations.
- Part three and part four are based on educational and training situations.
- Students hear the recordings in different accents, such as British, Australian, New Zealand, and North American.
- They will be given an additional 10 minutes to write their answer (only for pen and paper format).
- Incorrect spelling and grammar will lead to negative marking.
Content: 4 recorded conversations
Number of questions: 40 questions in four parts (10 questions in each part)
Time Duration: 30 minutes (10 minutes extra for answer writing)
Marking: Each correct response will grant 1 mark.
Type of questions
The listening section of the IELTS exam consists of questions of the following types:
- MCQs
- Match the Following
- Diagram labelling/plan/map based
- Form/note/table/flow chart/summary completion
- Sentence completion
- Short answer questions
Reading Section
- A narrative/descriptive or discursive/argumentative text is provided.
- These texts are from books, journals, magazines, newspapers and online resources.
- Unlike the listening section, no extra time is provided.
- Incorrect spelling and grammar will lead to negative markings.
Content: 3 texts; the total text length is 2150-2750 words.
Number of questions: 40 questions in three parts
Time Duration: 60 minutes
Marking: Each correct response will grant 1 mark
Type of questions
The reading section of the IELTS Exam consists of questions of the following types:
- MCQs
- True and False
- Identifying the writer’s claim/view
- Matching Information
- Short answer questions
- Diagram labelling
- Summary/note/flowchart
- Sentence Completion
- Matching sentence ending
Writing Section
- In this section, applicants are asked to perform two tasks.
- First task: Describe the visual information in about 150 words. (diagram, graph, table, chart, etc. is provided)
- Second task: Write a discussion on some point of view, topic, or argument in about 250 words.
Content: Tasks to communicate the idea/opinion or logic in written form.
Number of questions: 2 tasks
Time Duration: 60 minutes
Type of questions
The writing section of the IELTS Academic Exam consists of questions based on the following topics:
- Task 1: Discussion on Chart, diagram, picture, object’s photo, etc
- Task 2: Discussion on relevant issues related to general awareness.
Speaking Section
- Face-to-face interview between the test taker and the examiner.
- It consists of three parts, each following a specific pattern and tasks.
Content: Discussion between the test taker and the examiner
Number of tasks: 3 tasks
Time Duration: 11-14 minutes
Type of questions
The speaking section of the IELTS exam consists of questions based on the following topics:
- Task 1 – Introduction & Interview
Time Duration: 4-5 minutes
- Task 2 – Long Turn
Time Duration: 3-4 minutes
- Task 3 – Discussion
Time Duration: 4-5 minutes
IELTS Syllabus: Which Topics to Cover?
Like other English proficiency tests, the IELTS has no dedicated syllabus. However, aspiring test takers and applicants should remain aware of their surroundings and read English newspapers and magazines daily. They are also encouraged to build the habit of listening to podcasts and writing journals regularly. This improves their competency and strengthens their confidence in appearing in the test.
They may need to focus on the following topics while preparing for IELTS Exam:
- Agriculture Sciences
- General Knowledge & Current Affairs
- Science & Technology
- Social Sciences
- Humanities
Registration for the IELTS Exam
One can apply to appear in the IELTS Exam in three ways. They are:
- Online Registration
- Offline Registration
- Registration by Courier
1. Online Registration
- Log on to the official IELTS website here.
- Select the option ‘Register for IELTS’.
- Select the test day and test city.
- Complete the application form by filling in personal details and other mandatory information.
- Pay the IELTS fees using a credit card.
2. Offline Registration
- Walk into your nearest IDP Branch/head office.
- Fill out the application form available at the office.
- Sign the terms and conditions provided.
- Attach a copy of your passport.
- Pay the IELTS fee either by credit/debit card/ATM card.
- Payment can also be made by demand draft (drawn in favour of ‘IDP Education India Private Limited, payable at New Delhi’).
3. Registration by Courier
- Download the application form from the official IELTS website.
- Fill out the application form.
- Sign the terms and conditions provided.
- Attach a copy of your passport.
- Append the demand draft for the test fee (drawn in favour of ‘IDP Education India Private Limited, payable at New Delhi’).
- Send the duly filled application with all necessary documents to the following address:
IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd.
Global Gateway Towers, Tower-B, 5th Floor, Sikanderpur Ghosi, Sector-26, M.G. Road, Gurugram -122002, Haryana, India
IELTS Exam Registration: Required Documents & Fees
- For Indian students, only a passport with a name, photo, and signature is acceptable as proof of identity to register and appear for the test.
- Passport size colour photograph
- The registration of the IELTS exam (academic & general training test) costs around INR 17,000 or USD 203 per applicant.
IELTS Exam Preparation Strategy and Tips
In the following sections, we have provided the 6-week study plan to help students better prepare for the IELTS exam. We have also included the essential things to be followed before and after registration along with test day and after test day tips.
Applicants must first be aware of the IELTS exam pattern and format before commencing preparation for the test.
Study Plan
The chart illustrates each week’s objectives and their respective focus area.
| Weeks | Focus Area | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Familiarisation with the IELTS exam format | Write down the target score Determine which skills you need to improve Take the initial practice test Start creating and following the schedule |
| Week 2 | Listening Section (Accent, pronunciation, fluency, judging the speaker’s tone) | Listen to English podcasts from different accents every day Make notes on the relevant point Draw your own opinion, idea and conclusion |
| Week 3 | Reading Section (Vocabulary, sentence formation, pronunciation, synonyms) | Read full-fledged English newspapers and magazines daily Make notes on relevant topics Draw opinions and possible arguments |
| Week 4 | Writing Section (Comprehension of sentence structure, tone, imagination, answer making, formal communication) | Write an extended essay every day on some common topic. Filter out the essential points Draw your conclusions and ideas on it Write a journal every day to get better fluency |
| Week 5 | Speaking Section (Vocabulary, fluency, pronunciation, tone) | Try to talk about the topic which seems interesting to you for 5 minute Gradually increase the speaking time duration to 9-10 minutes Record each speaking session and get it evaluated by the tutor Communicate with family, friends and known ones in the English language |
| Week 6 | Test and Practice | Revise the content section-wise Give mock tests and full-length practice tests |
IELTS Exam Tips
Below, we have mentioned some essential before-registration, after registration and test-day tips for students:
Before Registration
- Check whether the college/university you want to pursue higher studies accepts IELTS scores.
- Learn more about the nature of the test by reviewing the IELTS pattern, format, previous year’s question papers, etc.
- Go through the study planner and follow the strategies given.
- Every weekend, give mock tests and analyse your performance for a particular section of the IELTS.
- Before starting each week, decide to follow the strategies strictly.
- Give the room to flexibility to improvise the strategy according to need.
- Gather and collect the required documents before commencing the registration process.
After Registration
For testing at the IELTS centre:
- Log into the IELTS account to confirm the location and time of the test.
- Pre-determine your route to save time.
- Ensure to reach the centre before the commencement of the test.
- Carry a valid ID card to show at the centre during security check.
For testing at home:
- Review the working condition of the equipment on which the test will be given.
- Do not allow others to stay with you during the test.
- Remove the unnecessary items from the testing room that may distract you during the test.
- Have sufficient sleep the night before the test.
Test-Taking Tips
- Read and know the directions carefully.
- Make responses carefully after reading the question.
- Only spend a little time on one question; proceed to the next one.
- Refrain from thinking about previous answers.
After Test
- The IELTS exam result will be available 13 days after completion (if taken in pen-and-paper mode).
- If taken on a computer, IELTS results will be available within 3-5 days of the test.
- If the test is given online (IELTS Online), then the results will be available 6-8 days after the test.
- Results are reported as band scores within the range of band 0 to band 9, with each band corresponding to a level of English-language proficiency.
- The result will show the overall band and the section-wise band.
- Test results can be received via SMS or through the IELTS portal.
Best Sources of IELTS Mock Test
Below is a list of some of the best sources offering IELTS mock tests, previous year’s IELTS question papers, and preparation guides:
- IDP IELTS Practice Test
- British Council’s IELTS Practice Tests
- The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS
- IELTS 18 Academic by Cambridge
- IELTS Online Test Prep by Magoosh
- IDP IELTS Mobile application
Conclusion
IELTS, or International English Language Testing System, is one of the world’s most popular and reputed English proficiency tests. It is conducted to evaluate the English language skills of those who want to pursue higher studies or work abroad, basically in English-speaking countries. IELTS scores are usually expressed in band scores from band 0 to band 9, which shows the level of proficiency. IELTS is accepted worldwide by almost 12,000 academic and professional bodies in countries like the UK, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Canada, etc. The IELTS exam is essential for getting admission to higher-degree universities. It also helps secure jobs and migration opportunities.
FAQs
What is a good IELTS Score?
IELTS scores are expressed in band scores ranging from band 0 to band 9. An IELTS score of 6.5-7.0 is considered a good score. It signifies the candidate’s level of competency in the English language.
Are there any eligibility criteria for the IELTS Exam?
No, anyone aged 16 or above can appear for the exam, irrespective of gender, nationality and educational background.
How many attempts are allowed for the IELTS Exam?
There are no restrictions on the number of attempts, as students can appear for the IELTS exams as often as they want.
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