Updated: Sep 23, 2023
International English Language Testing System or better known as IELTS is an English proficiency test for people looking to move abroad for study or work purposes.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS exam) is designed to evaluate the language ability of candidates who want to study or work where English is used as the language of communication. IELTS is recognized by universities in many countries like Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA. IELTS is also accepted by professional bodies, immigration authorities and other government agencies.
There is no official prerequisite for candidates appearing for IELTS exam, as it is intended for non-native English speakers. However, it is beneficial if the candidate has passed 10+2 senior secondary examination from a recognized Board of education so that the candidate is familiar with the English language for the purpose of giving an IELTS exam.
An IELTS test is a test lasting 2 hours and 45 minutes and tests your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills with each section lasting from 15 minutes to an hour
IELTS tests are conducted at recognized Test Centers throughout the world in over 120 countries. The candidate can arrange the exam dates along with the closest test center online according to his or her requirements. The IELTS test is conducted on frequent dates usually on Thursdays or Saturdays.
IELTS test has four parts
Following below are the four sections:
The IELTS exam reading section consists of three passages, all lasting twenty minutes each and in increasing levels of difficulty.
An IELTS listening section generally lasts about 30 minutes consisting of four parts- each consisting of a different type of conversation and you are later given exercises to check your understanding of the content of the conversation.
The IELTS Speaking section generally lasts 10-15 minutes wherein an examiner talks to you face to face. The live test is also recorded.
The writing section usually lasts an hour where you are required to read and comprehend the information provided to you and answer all the questions that follow. These are all descriptive in nature.
IELTS exam is wholly based on the 4 basic skills of the English language (L, S, R, W) as possessed by the candidate, hence there is no specific prescribed syllabus for the test. However, the candidate appearing for the exam needs to do some exercises in the form of attempting practice papers of IELTS. The material for exam preparation is available online as well at various IELTS coaching institutes.
IELTS results are made available online 13 days after you give your test. IELTS results are valid for two years from the date of you taking the IELTS exam. To pass an IELTS exam, you require a minimum of 6 bands in an IELTS exam. However, an educational institution may ask for a higher score depending upon their eligibility criteria.
IELTS is the primary step required when going for higher education abroad. Since IELTS is widely accepted by many universities all around the world, it is one of the most popular tools for entry into a reputed university in countries like Canada, Australia, U.K., U.S.A., Australia, etc. However, it is important the candidate is able to get a good score band (usually more than 7) in the test.
