If you plan to study in a country where English is the first language of communication, you would have to appear for a language exam. In most countries, IELTS is accepted as proof of proficiency in the language. Therefore, many universities have mandated it for the students to submit the IELTS score while seeking admission. Talking about some of the countries where IELTS is mandatory, the list includes UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the USA. The exam tests you on four skills which are primarily writing, speaking, listening and reading. You need to clear the exam to get a visa as well as admission to a foreign university.

If you are planning to get admission to a foreign university and seeking more information about IELTS, you can indeed check out the details in this article.

What is IELTS Exam in India?

As mentioned earlier, IELTS tests you in the English Language. In addition, you are tested for your writing skills, speaking skills, reading skills and listening skills. All these are important for living in a country where the first language is English. In India, IELTS is conducted in collaboration with British Council, Cambridge English Language Assessment and IDP Education Australia. Every year over 3.5 million students appear in the IELTS exam. The exam is so popular that every university in UK & Australia accepts the IELTS scores.

Eligibility Criteria for IELTS Exam

We have shared some information about the eligibility criteria associated with the IELTS exam. You can check out the information below.

• Anyone who is over the age of 16 is eligible to take the IELTS exam. This is the general recommendation; however, if a candidate below the age of 16 wants to appear in the test, they can do so without any additional paperwork.
• You should also note that there is no upper limit associated with the candidate’s age, and there is no restriction on the number of attempts either.
• There is no restriction on the candidate’s age, race, gender, religion, or nationality.
• In terms of educational qualification, there is no such minimum educational qualification that you need to have to appear in the IELTS exams. However, as per a general observation, anyone willing to pursue higher education in a foreign university takes the IELTS exams. Therefore, it is always better to check more details with the associated institute you seek admission to.

IELTS Exam Syllabus & Pattern

In this section, we have listed the syllabus and pattern of the IELTS Exam. Check out the details below.

• During the online test, on the day of your slot, you will appear in the readings, listening and writing test will be completed without any breaks. You get to choose between the two available slots. The morning session slot is between 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and the afternoon session is scheduled between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
• If you choose to take the written test, you will have to appear in the speaking test on a different date. Usually, it will be scheduled seven days before or after the main exam. You will be notified of the slot by email before 48 hours of the scheduled date.
• The scoring of IELTS is between 1 and 9. with one being the lowest and nine being the highest.
• There are over 77 IELTS test centres in India, and you can choose one according to your preference. You get an option to appear on the paper-based test, and you also get an option to appear on a computer-based test.

Below are more details about the syllabus and exam pattern.

• Listening
  • The duration of this section is 30 minutes, and there are 40 questions in the section.
  • You are given a recorded conversation, and you need to answer the questions based on the recording.
• Reading
  • You get 60 minutes to complete this section, and you will have to answer 40 questions in those 60 minutes.
  • The section has three reading passages, and you need to answer questions based on those reading passages. You may also have to interpret the non-verbal form of communication like diagrams, illustrations and graphs.
• Writing
  • The writing section has just two questions, and you are allocated 60 minutes for the same.
  • In this section, you have to write two essays (150 words and 250 words). These essays are nothing but a summary of some of the data provided. The data may include graphs, tables, charts or flow charts.
• Speaking
  • This is the last section of the paper, and the duration of this section is just 11 to 14 minutes. There are three questions in the speaking section, and it is a face to face interview.
  • During the interview, the interviewer may ask you short questions or ask you about familiar topics. You are marked based on the conversation.

Attempt for IELTS Exam

There are no such restrictions on the number of attempts that you can appear in. You can appear in any number of attempts until you get a satisfactory result.

When is Result Available?

If you appear in the paper-based test, then the result is made available in 13 days of the exam. However, this is quicker when it comes to the computer test at the test centre. In such a case, the result is made available in just 3 to 5 days from the exam.

Fee for IELTS Exam?

The fee for the IELTS exam has been revised recently. At the moment, the updated fee amount is Rs 14,700. In the fee, you receive the test preparation material, practice tests and the exam fee. The fee also allows you to send copies of your test score to five institutes without any additional charges. You should note that if you cancel the exam five weeks before the date, then you will incur a 25% cancellation fee. If you cancel it later than that, then no fee will be refunded. If in case, you have to reschedule the test, then you can pay just Rs 3300 and reschedule the test within three months of the original date.

The Registration Process of IELTS Exam

The next important step is registration for IELTS Exam. In this section, we have covered the points to share information about the IELTS registration process. Check them out below.

• You can start by visiting the British council website. The link to the website is https://www.britishcouncil.in/.
• Once you are on the website, click on IELTS on the top right corner, and you will be redirected to the homepage for IELTS. The official link for the same is https://www.britishcouncil.in/exam/ielts.
• On the right column, you will see a notification to take a test. Click on that and choose your exam type. Generally, you would want to appear for IELTS on Paper and Computer.
• Remember to have your passport and Debit or Credit Card to book the test. Once you have it ready, click on the book your test corresponding to the testing list.
• Select the IELTS exam type on the next page again and enter your country. Now, select your city and select the mode of test.
• On the next page, you will see the available dates and time slots. Select the same and proceed to the next step by clicking on the book button.
• Enter all the details in the form on the next page, and if you are applying as a minor, you would also need your parents to provide consent.
• Once all the details have been entered, click on the save and continue button. Then, make the payment on the next page and print the registration form and the payment receipt.
• You should note that you will also be required to upload your photograph, signature and ID card on the portal so it would be easier to have them pre-scanned on your computer. The admit card can also be printed at the same time.

Santosh

Santosh Kumar is an editor at unfoldstuffs.com and a professional content writer. With years of experience he is passionate for creating engaging, informative and impactful topics.