- The total IELTS test duration is 2 hours 45 minutes: Listening 30 minutes, Reading 60 minutes, Writing 60 minutes, Speaking 11-14 minutes.
- Band 7.0+ is considered a good IELTS score for top universities worldwide, whilst Band 6.5 meets entry requirements for most undergraduate programmes.
- IELTS preparation typically requires 6-8 weeks for intermediate learners, studying 3-4 hours daily with consistent mock tests.
With over 4 million tests taken annually Physics WallahGradRight, IELTS remains the world’s most trusted English language proficiency test for study abroad and immigration. Recognised by more than 12,500 institutions worldwide, achieving your target band score opens doors to prestigious academic programmes and career opportunities across countries like the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.Â
In this blog, we will guide you through a structured 6-week IELTS study plan, section-by-section preparation strategies, and recent exam updates.
Week-Wise IELTS Study Plan
The chart illustrates each week’s objectives and their respective focus area.
| Weeks | Focus Area | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Familiarisation with exam format | Set target score, assess skills, take practice test, understand new updates (One Skill Retake, black pen rule). |
| Week 2 | Listening Section (Accent, pronunciation, fluency, tone) | Listen to English podcasts from various accents, take notes, practice AI-adaptive listening exercises. |
| Week 3 | Reading Section (Vocabulary, sentence formation, synonyms) | Read newspapers, magazines, emails daily. Note key points, practice skimming and summarization. |
| Week 4 | Writing Section (Structure, tone, coherence, formal communication) | Write daily essays, maintain journal. Focus on cohesion and vocabulary diversity. Practice with black pen (paper-based). |
| Week 5 | Speaking Section (Vocabulary, fluency, pronunciation) | Practice 5-10 minute monologues, record yourself, seek feedback, communicate in English daily. |
| Week 6 | Test and Practice | Section-wise revision, take full-length mocks under real exam conditions. |
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 AdmitX’s IELTS Bootcamp offers a focused and efficient path to your target score. This 14-hour program packs a powerful punch with:
- 67 concise video lessons: Expert trainers break down each module (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) into bite-sized, easy-to-digest chunks.
- 17 targeted assignments & 7 quizzes: Test your understanding and identify areas for improvement with a variety of exercises.
- 13 interactive activities: Engage with the material and reinforce key concepts through hands-on learning.
- 5 full-length mock tests: Simulate the real exam experience and receive detailed feedback to pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses.
- Community support: Connect with fellow IELTS aspirants, share your progress, and get your questions answered by experienced mentors.
Beyond the curriculum, you’ll gain:
- Proven test-taking strategies: Master time management, tackle challenging questions, and maximise your score.
- Personalised guidance: Receive expert feedback on your writing and speaking skills to boost your confidence.
- Clear explanations & text summaries: Easily review key concepts and consolidate your learning.
IELTS Study Plan: A Section-by-Section Guide
Listening:
Here are some IELTS Listening strategies:
- Practice active listening with diverse audio sources like lectures, talks, and announcements.
- Develop skills to understand various accents and speaking styles.
- Master the art of identifying key details and answering comprehension questions.
- The new Listening section includes AI-driven adaptive questions that adjust difficulty based on your responses, providing a more personalized assessment. Enhanced audio clarity has also been implemented for better listening experience.
Reading:
Here are some IELTS Reading strategies:
- Familiarise yourself with a variety of academic texts, reports, and instructions.
- Learn effective techniques to identify main ideas and supporting details quickly.
- Practice answering reading comprehension questions accurately.
- The new Reading section now includes real-world texts such as emails, memos, and formal reports alongside traditional academic passages. There’s increased emphasis on skimming and summarization abilities.
Writing:
Here are some IELTS Writing strategies:
- Practice writing tasks 1 and 2: descriptive/factual reports and essays.
- Organise your writing with a clear structure and appropriate language.
- Use accurate grammar and vocabulary to convey your ideas effectively.
- Focus on coherence, cohesion, and vocabulary diversity. Task 1 in Academic may include mixed charts instead of single data sets. Ensure proper sentence structure and use a range of grammatical forms.
Speaking:
Here are some IELTS Speaking strategies:
- Practice speaking fluently and coherently on a range of topics.
- Develop strategies to answer questions and participate in discussions.
- Use correct grammar and vocabulary to express yourself clearly.
- Candidates have the flexibility to choose between online or in-person Speaking tests (depending on test center availability). The Speaking test can be scheduled up to 7 days before or after the main exam date.
IELTS Test Prep Strategies
Below, we have highlighted some of the essential before registration and test-day tips for test pursuers:
Before Registration
- Research: Check the IELTS band score requirement for your desired program or immigration process.
- Set a Target: Determine your target IELTS score based on your research.
- Understand the Test: Familiarise yourself with the IELTS format, sections, and scoring criteria.
- Invest in Resources: Purchase an official IELTS preparation kit like IELTS Prepare.
- Create a Study Plan: Follow a structured study plan, focusing on each section.
- Practice Regularly: Take mock tests weekly to assess your progress.
- Seek Expert Feedback: After 6 weeks, take a full-length mock test and analyse your performance with expert guidance.
- Prepare for Application: Gather the necessary documents and start your application process.
On the Test Day
- Get sufficient rest before appearing for the test.
- Take light meals with fruits and protein sources to maintain energy and concentration.
- Carry a valid ID card to show at the center during check-in.
- Wake up early in the morning.
- Avoid excessive carbohydrates or fat-based meals because they can make you feel sleepy.
- Since the IELTS test takes 2 hours and 45 minutes without any break between Listening, Reading, and Writing sections (the Speaking test may be scheduled on the same day or up to 7 days before/after).
- Dress appropriately according to the instructions given.
- For paper-based tests taken from February 22, 2025 onwards, you must use only black ballpoint pens provided by the test center. Pencils are no longer permitted for any section (Listening, Reading, or Writing). Personal writing instruments are not allowed.
- Do not wear any religious handwear or attire.
- Do not carry personal belongings like mobile phones, watches, or food.
- Carry only a valid passport.
 Tips for Taking IELTS
- Go through each section carefully by reading the directions and instructions given.
- Read each question carefully before answering.
- Do not give extra time to any particular question.
- Maintain concentration while answering the questions.
- Avoid thinking about the previous answers.
One Skill Retake (OSR) – New Update
IELTS One Skill Retake allows test takers to retake just one section (Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking) if they need to improve their score in that specific area, without retaking the entire exam. Here’s what you need to know:
Eligibility & Requirements:
- Available only for IELTS on Computer tests (not paper-based)
- Must be booked within 60 days of your original test date
- You can only retake one skill once per original test
- Must be taken in the same country where you took your original test
- Available for both IELTS Academic and General Trainin
Key Takeaways
A band score of 6.5-7.5 is generally required for university admissions in English-speaking countries, making structured IELTS preparation essential for study abroad aspirants. Most candidates need 6-8 weeks of dedicated study, dedicating 3-4 hours daily, though this varies based on your current English proficiency and target score.
Recent IELTS updates bring important changes: One Skill Retake allows you to retake just one section within 60 days for computer-delivered tests, and paper-based tests now require black ballpoint pens. The exam costs ₹18,000 and takes 2 hours 45 minutes total.
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FAQs
What is a good IELTS Score?
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.
How is the IELTS scored?
The IELTS uses a band scoring system from 0 to 9, with each band representing a different level of English language competence.Â
How long is an IELTS score valid for university applications?
IELTS scores remain valid for 2 years from the test date across all exam types including Academic and General Training.
What happens if I miss one section of the IELTS exam on test day?
Missing any section results in no overall band score; you must complete all four sections to receive valid results and scores.
Do all four IELTS sections have equal weightage in the overall band score calculation?
Both British and American English spellings, vocabulary, and grammar are accepted; examiners assess communication effectiveness, not regional preference.
Can I use American spelling and vocabulary in IELTS or must I use British English?
Yes, Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking scores are averaged equally; the overall band is rounded to the nearest half or whole band.
How soon can I receive my IELTS results after completing the exam?
Results are typically available 3-5 days after computer-delivered tests and 13 days after paper-based tests through your online account and physical Test Report Form.
When can you again appear for the IELTS test if you have not scored a good band the first time?
If you did not achieve the desired band score on your first IELTS attempt, you can retake the test whenever you feel ready, including just one section if needed.
There’s no limit to how often you can retake the exam, but waiting at least 12 days between attempts is recommended.Â
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.
