IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS, as it is popularly called, is an English Language proficiency test that is required to be taken by non-native students so as to study in countries where the medium of instruction is English. IELTS is accepted by Universities in UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. It has become a mandatory test for study in Australia. One cannot be granted an Australian Student Visa without an IELTS Score. All other study destinations require one to appear for either the TOEFL or the IELTS.
The IELTS tests all four language skills that are important for effective communication: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The structure of the IELTS is as follows:
Reading (60 minutes) (Scoring scale: 0-9 bands)
Reading has 3 passages and 40 items (questions). Each item is worth one mark.
Writing (60 minutes) (Scoring scale: 0-9 bands)
It consists of 2 tasks (Writing Task 1 and Writing Task 2) and candidates must answer BOTH tasks.
Listening (40 minutes) (Scoring scale: 0-9 bands)
IELTS Listening has four sections, each with 10 items (or questions). Each item is worth one mark.
Speaking (11-14 minutes) (Scoring scale: 0-9 bands)
IELTS Speaking is a one-to-one interaction between the candidate and an examiner
IELTS is conducted in India by IDP and British Council. For detailed information about TOEFL, please refer the official website of TOEFL – www.ielts.org
FAQs on IELTS
Q1. What is the cost/registration fee for IELTS?
Ans. The registration fee for taking IELTS is Rs. 7200 (Rs. 7400, if you pay by credit card).
Q2. How do I register for IELTS?
Ans. You can register online or in person at IDP or British Council. The detailed information about registering for the IELTS can be found at www.idp.org and www.britishcouncil.org
Q3. How many times in a year is IELTS exam held?
Ans. IELTS is offered on specific days of the year. One can access the whole schedule which can vary depending on the country by following the given link www.ielts.org
Q4. How many times can I take IELTS?
Ans. IELTS can be taken unlimited number of times.(It is highly advisable not to appear for IELTS too many times as it may affect the applicant’s candidature).
Q5. What is the validity of the IELTS exam?
Ans. Your IELTS score will be valid for 2 years after from the date the test was taken
Q6. What is the scoring pattern?
Ans. Scoring is between 0 (Minimum) and 9 (Maximum) with 0.5 band increment. Four scores are reported on the IELTS:
- Reading score reported on a 0-9 band scale, with 0.5 band increment
- Listening score reported on a 0-9 band scale, with 0.5 band increment
- Writing score reported on a 0-9 band scale, with 0.5 band increment
- Speaking score reported on a 0-9 band scale, with 0.5 band increment
Q7. How soon do I get my score?
Ans. The scores are available 13 days after the exam date.
Q8. How do I pass on my score to the colleges where I want to apply to?
Ans. You may request for additional Test Report Form (TRF) to be dispatched directly by the test centre to the recognising institution / body. There is NO CHARGE for the additional TRF, but the candidate will have to pay a dispatch charge of Rs. 1,000/- if the candidate wishes to order dispatch by Courier or Rs. 250/- if the dispatch is by Registered Post
Q9. If I take IELTS more than once, which score will be considered by the universities?
Ans. Almost all the universities take the best score.
Q10. Do I need to have the IELTS score at the time of applying to universities?
Ans. No, you do not need to have the IELTS score with you at the time of applying.
Q11. Do US schools accept IELTS score?
Ans. US schools have started accepting IELTS score. More than 550 US schools accept IELTS score. The complete list of US schools accepting IELTS is available at http://www.ielts.org/usa/USA_Recognition_List.pdf
