ABOUT English Proficiency

About IELTS Exam

IELTS-Academic or the International English Language Testing System is the most popular test that judges one's English proficiency. IELTS is categorised into two types, namely, general and academic. IELTS decides proficiency in a more practical and include everyday context. Individuals take up this test for immigration purposes mainly.

The individuals who aspire to study or work abroad take the IELTS-Academic test. Countries like the UK, Australia, USA, New Zealand, Canada, etc. accept the test. The conducting body for IELTS is IDP Education Australia, Cambridge English and the British Council. More than 10,000 organisations recognise and accept the test.

Exam Pattern

Exam Dates

The candidates can take up IELTS-Academic via any of the two mediums, that is, on a computer or paper. If the candidate is taking the IELTS-Academic test on a computer, they can choose their test date that is available on all seven days a week and three times a day. If the candidate decides on paper, they can choose from among four dates available per month or 48 dates that are available during the year.

Due to the current COVID-19 situation, the conducting body of IELTS has introduced IELTS Indicator, which is an online test. The test consists of the same four sections and provides an indicative score for each section. The candidate receives the result within seven days. This test is only available for a restricted time due to the suspension of IELTS-Academic testing in counties due to COVID-19 crisis.

The students can take up the test any day as it is available once every week. However, as mentioned on the official website, this is not a replacement for the original test. The universities or organisations may require one to write the original test in-person.

Exam Scores

IELTS-Academic does not give a percentile. But since TOEFL does the IELTS-Academic, one can compare the band scores to the TOEFL scores to see the approximate percentile.

Score Validity

The candidate’s IELTS-Academic test score is valid for two years since the time they receive the scores.

Exam Eligibility

An individual can write the IELTS-Academic test keeping aside the gender, age, race, religion or nationality. The conducting body of the IELTS-Academic tests has not set any educational criteria for an individual to be eligible.

The vital requirement is that the individual should have a valid passport. There is no age limit, and the conducting body has set no deadline. Either an individual who wants to pursue higher education abroad or wants to explore work opportunities elsewhere can take the IELTS-Academic test. Even though they do not specify, it is better for the candidates above 16 years.

Exam Fee

Cancellation Fee

The individual gets a refund (after deducting 25% administrative fee) if he/she cancels the IELTS-Academic application five weeks before the test date. If the individual cancels application in less than five weeks before the test date, they get no refund.

Similarly, if the candidate does not show up for the test, there is no refunding of the fees. If the candidate provides a medical certificate within five days of the test date, then they get a refund that is, after deducting the administrative cost.

Rescheduling Fees

If the candidate wishes to change the test date, the candidate can request a transfer five weeks before the booked test date after deducting the cancellation/ postponement fees. However, the new test date needs to be within three months of the initially scheduled date.

The candidate needs to pay an administrative fee of INR 3,300 (inclusive of taxes) for transfer of the IELTS-Academic test date.

How to Apply?

Step 1: The individual may apply online or offline. The first step is to log in to the official IELTS India website.

Step 2: The candidate must choose “Register for Test” on the website.

Step 3: The third step is to choose whether you want to write computer-based or paper-based.

IELTS-Academic.

Step 4: The fourth step is important as one has to choose the type and module. The candidate must be careful while doing so and must check the requirement as per their universities/ organisations.

Step 5: The candidate must then select the test location/city.

Step 6: Once all the above steps are completed, the list of dates available will be shown, and the candidate must select the date and time slot.

Step 7: The candidate must then fill in all the required details on the online application form. The candidate will require to upload a clear scanned colour copy of their passport.

Step 8: Once this is done, the candidate will be directed to pay the fees.

Step 9: After the payment and test are booked, the candidate will receive an email/phone number regarding the date for the speaking test. They must select the date.

Benefits of Taking the Exam

IELTS-Academic is very beneficial for those who aspire to study or work abroad. The candidate taking the test can get into the best universities. The candidate can find a job that suits them and their qualifications with the help of IELTS-Academic as it is a very recognised test. MNC’s require professionals who can speak good English and this test helps the companies recognise the skill well.

Career Scope

The career opportunity of a candidate improves due to the test. The companies value excellent English skills and someone aspiring to work abroad can take this to their advantage. IELTS-Academic is a proficiency test and does not fetch one a proper job solely based on the analysis. If one has a good band score in the test, it only improves their chances of getting a job abroad.

Top Organisations after Exam in India