IELTS Exam 2023 - Test Dates, Fees, Result
Learn everything you need to know about studying
in UK and get end to end expert guidance from us.
What is IELTS Exam?
IELTS is an English language exam that must be taken by foreign applicants who want to study or work in a country where English is the primary language of communication. The UK, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada are the most common nations where IELTS is recognised for university applications. The exam primarily assesses the test taker’s ability to communicate in the four core English language abilities of hearing, reading, speaking, and writing. IDP Education Australia and Cambridge English Language Assessment jointly own and administer the IELTS test.
IELTS Exam Update 2023
Due to the COVID 19 epidemic, IELTS IDP has provided for academic test takers to take the IELTS online exam (IELTS Indicator) from home. In coronavirus-affected nations, where test sites are closed due to safety procedures, the IELTS indicator test is accessible. The IELTS indicator also assesses the candidate’s four language abilities. Candidates are perplexed as to which English language competence exam is superior: IELTS or TOEFL. To study in the United States, students must take the TOEFL, and in most European nations, IELTS is necessary
Why IELTS Exam is required?
- You will be given an objective evaluation of your English language skills. Maybe your friends have told you that you speak English well, or maybe you consistently perform well in school tests. But do you truly understand your skill level? When you take an IELTS exam, you will be judged against the most stringent worldwide IELTS criteria.
- You will receive a globally recognised certification. By taking an IELTS exam, you will obtain a test record that is recognised and approved by thousands of institutions worldwide, including businesses, colleges, professional organisations, and government agencies.
- You will enhance your command of the English language. Some students prefer some talents over others. When you take an IELTS exam, you are assessed in all four abilities, namely listening, reading, writing, and speaking, thus you must practise them all if you want to perform well.
- You will have a better understanding of the English that you require. If you take the IELTS Academic test, you will have a better understanding of the language essential for undergraduate or postgraduate studies in English.
- Because you’ll have a clear objective, you’ll be inspired to study harder. If you don’t have clear goals and objectives, it’s quite simple to put off studying for another day. Taking an IELTS exam motivates you to study hard and improve your English.
IELTS Exam Eligibility
As a result, there are no minimal IELTS Eligibility Criteria 2023 established by testing organisations such as IDP and British Council for the IELTS Exam 2023. IELTS is a language proficiency exam taken by students who wish to study in an English-speaking country and gain international experience. The majority of colleges, universities, and educational institutions in the major English-speaking countries use English as the only medium of instruction. As a result, candidates must have a basic understanding of the language in order to continue their education. The IELTS Exam Pattern evaluates students based on four criteria: listening, reading, writing, and speaking
Who is Eligible for IELTS Exam?
The IELTS exams do not have any percentage requirements. You are eligible to take the IELTS exams regardless of your overall grade point average in 12th grade or equivalent. It is the exam required to demonstrate your English proficiency in order to gain admission to a foreign university.
IELTS Eligibility Age
To take the IELTS exam, you must be at least 16 years old and have a valid passport. The candidate’s age is an important consideration in IELTS exam eligibility.
IELTS Preparation
The IELTS test has four sections: hearing, reading, writing, and speaking. Each exam portion includes question types that assess your English-language skills in a real-world job or living situation, as well as in an academic or professional setting. Before you take the exam, here are a few pointers that could help you ace it. Use your free time to read, watch, or listen to English information on a range of topics.
How to Prepare for IELTS Exam?
When it comes to taking the IELTS test, the effort you put in now will make a great impact. The materials in the Reading and Writing sections are taken from real-world circumstances, such as newspapers, articles, and job manuals. Podcasts are an excellent approach to improve your English skills. Alternatively, practise letter writing with friends or family. Effective preparation will help you succeed and ensure that you earn the highest possible score, the better your skills will become and the more likely you will be to obtain the required score.
IELTS Syllabus and Pattern 2023: Find Section Wise Syllabus
Types of IELTS
Listing below the popular courses to study in the UK:
The IELTS exam has two categories:
- IELTS Academic
- IELTS General
The candidate can choose between one of these tests depending on the requirement (to study overseas/migrate/work).
IELTS Academic
The IELTS Academic test is designed for students who intend to study at a university or in an English-speaking setting (higher education). IELTS Academic can also be used for professional registration. The test determines whether or not students are prepared to begin studying in English. It contains language that is commonly used in academic settings.
IELTS General
IELTS General Training The IELTS General Training test is appropriate for people applying to study at a lower level than a bachelor’s degree. An English-speaking school or college falls under this category. It can also be used for work experience or other types of training in the workplace. The test covers common English language skills that students need in social and professional settings.
IELTS Exam Pattern 2023
- There are 4 parts to the IELTS test, Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Each test part is made up of question types that assess your English-language skills in either an everyday work environment or life situation, academic or professional setting.
IELTS Exam Pattern (Section Wise)
IELTS Reading Pattern
Academic Reading :
The Reading section consists of 40 questions designed to assess a variety of reading abilities. Reading for gist, reading for main ideas, reading for detail, skimming, understanding logical argument, and recognising writers’ opinions, attitudes, and purpose are examples of these. The texts are taken from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers and have been written for a non-specialist audience. All of the topics are of general interest. They address issues that are interesting, recognisably relevant, and understandable to test takers entering undergraduate or postgraduate courses or seeking professional registration. Nonverbal materials such as diagrams, graphs, and illustrations may be included in texts. A simple glossary is provided if technical terms are used in the text.General Reading :
The Reading section consists of 40 questions designed to assess a variety of reading abilities. The first section is about obtaining and delivering general factual information, such as notices, advertisements, and timetables. The second section,’ includes job descriptions, contracts, and materials for staff development and training. The third section includes items such as newspapers, magazines, and fictional and nonfiction book excerpts.
IELTS Writing Pattern
IELTS General Writing Task 1
Test Format – General Training Writing (60 minutes)In Writing Task 1, test takers are given a circumstance and asked to write a personal response in the form of an informal, semi-formal, or formal letter of at least 150 words in the assigned answer booklet.
No. of questions: 1
IELTS General Writing Task 2
Writing Task 2 requires test takers to prepare a semi-formal/neutral discursive essay of at least 250 words in the accompanying answer book.This task assesses the ability to adhere to English discursive writing conventions (i.e., what order to place information in, what style to use, how to begin and end discursive writing, how to paragraph), to organise and link information coherently and cohesively, and to use language accurately and appropriately.
No. of questions: 1IELTS Speaking Pattern
The speaking section assesses your use of spoken English. Every test is recorded.
Task Types: There are three parts to the test and each part fulfils a specific function in terms of interaction pattern, task input and test takers output.Part 1 – Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner introduces himself/herself and verifies the identity of the test participants. They next pose generic questions about home, family, work, studies, and interests to the exam takers. Questions are taken from a script to maintain uniformity. Part 1 lasts around 4–5 minutes.
No. of questions: VariablePart 2 – Long Turn
The examiner hands each test taker a task card that asks them to talk about a certain topic, lists points to cover in their discussion, and advises them to describe one element of the issue. Test takers are given one minute to prepare their presentation and a pencil and paper to take notes.Using the task card points properly and taking notes throughout preparation time can assist test takers in thinking of relevant things to say, structuring their discourse, and remaining silent for 2 minutes. The examiner invites the test takers to speak for 1 to 2 minutes, then interrupts them and asks one or two questions on the same topic.Part 2 lasts around 3–4 minutes, including preparation time.
No. of questions: Variable
Timing: 11–14 minutes
IELTS Score
IELTS Score Validity
Candidates receive their test results within 5 to 7 days of finishing the exam. On the other hand, the offline technique can take up to 13 days.
Furthermore, IELTS results are valid for two years after the individual gets them.
IELTS FAQ's
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a standardised and widely recognised English language assessment that evaluates the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers who wish to study or migrate to an English-speaking country.
The IELTS Academic is an assessment to test if your English language skills meet international academic proficiency. In contrast, the IELTS General is an assessment to test if you possess adequate language skills for the workplace and social situations.
The English reading and writing sections for IELTS Academic is more advanced. Therefore, IELTS General is comparatively easier and more straightforward
If you are planning to pursue an undergraduate or postgraduate course in an English-speaking environment, or migrate for professional registration, then you must take up the IELTS Academic test.
If you are migrating to an English-speaking country or applying for secondary training programmes and work experience, you can opt for the IELTS General test.
The IELTS exam can be taken online (Computer Delivered Test) and offline (Paper-Based Test). Both the modes follow the same format. The listening and speaking sections are the same for both academic and general, while the writing and reading sections differ slightly. The total duration given to complete the test is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Obtaining PR in the UK can be challenging as Both the paper-based test and the computer-delivered test are of the same difficulty level.it involves meeting specific criteria related to work experience, income, and English language skills, among other factors.
The IELTS exam is conducted several times throughout the year. The candidate can choose a date that fits their schedule.
The registration fee to take up the IELTS examination is INR 16,250.
There are no restrictions on the dress code while taking the IELTS exam. The candidates can wear any attire they are comfortable in.
If a candidate wishes to change their test date, they can request to reschedule their exam date at least five weeks ahead of the previously booked test. The new date must be rescheduled within three months of the actual test date. For the process of rescheduling, the candidate will have to pay an administrative charge of INR 3,300 inclusive of all taxes.
If a candidate cancels their IELTS application five weeks ahead of the test date, the candidate will receive a refund exclusive of a 25% administrative fee. However, if a candidate cancels their IELTS application less than five weeks ahead of the test date, no refund will be provided.
If a candidate fails to appear for the test, it will be considered a cancellation, and no refund will be provided.
The listening, reading and writing sections should be completed together on the same day. The speaking session can be taken on the same day or 3 days before or after the actual test date.
With a strict schedule and consistent practice, preparing for the IELTS exam is possible.
Though it might be challenging to clear the IELTS exam on the first attempt, it is not impossible. With consistent practice and hard work and practice, the candidate is sure to succeed.
The candidate must take their identification document. Along with this, the candidate will be allowed to take a pen/pencil and an eraser.
The order of the sessions are as follows:
Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
Based on multiple surveys on the IELTS exam, the writing section is often considered the most difficult.
Based on multiple surveys on the IELTS exam, the writing section is often considered the most difficult.
During the speaking session, the interviewer will repeat the question only once.
The candidate can either use a pen or an HB pencil for the listening and reading section.
Yes, candidates are allowed to take notes during the listening session.
No, you cannot pause or stop the audio in between. The audio will be played only once.
No, you cannot pause or stop the audio in between. The audio will be played only once.
