IELTS is an English language test that is required by international candidates considering studying or working in a country where English is the main language of communication. The most popular countries where IELTS is accepted for university admission are the UK, Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and Canada. The test primarily measures test takers' ability to communicate in four basic English language skills - listening, reading, speaking and writing.
The IELTS exam is jointly conducted and administered by IDP Education Australia and Cambridge English Language Assessment.
There is a computer-based IELTS and a paper-based IELTS. Test takers who opt for the IELTS computer-based test take the Reading, Writing, and Listening sections on a computer. Whereas, Speaking Test is conducted face to face with a trained examiner. With computer-based IELTS, one gets more test dates to choose from and results in 3-5 days. Candidates who choose to take IELTS on paper will take the Reading, Writing and Listening sections on paper with an HB pencil or pen. Whereas, Speaking Test is conducted face to face with a professional IELTS examiner.
IELTS 2022 exam is required for academic purposes as well as migration to English speaking countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom - the UK, New Zealand, USA and Canada. This is the only English language test approved by the United Kingdom - the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) for visa applicants applying both outside and inside the United Kingdom - the UK. Many students get confused as to why an IELTS score is required. The simple answer is that foreign universities and visa granting authorities need to ensure that you will not have communication issues while in the country.
You need to show a good understanding and strong command of the English language and that is why your overall IELTS band scores have so important. Another common doubt students have is whether IELTS is a compulsory test or not. No, IELTS is not mandatory in all university admissions. Many universities around there world may not even require IELTS scores for admissions purposes. But remember that if you do not grant IELTS, your chances of getting a student visa may be affected as visa officials cannot be sure of your English proficiency without an IELTS score. So it is safe to appear for IELTS and aim to score at least 6 bands overall.
You can take the IELTS exam once a week (four times a month) with IDP. The British Council and IDP global schedules for test dates are 48 days per year. With the number of IELTS tests rising to a record 3.5 million in 2018, it has become a leader in international higher education. The IELTS is accepted at 100% of universities in the UK and Australia. Additionally, it is accepted by over 11,000 organizations in over 140 countries. These include institutions in the United States and thousands of institutions in English-speaking countries.
Exam Name | IELTS |
IELTS full form | International English Language Testing System |
Official Website | https://www.ielts.org/ |
Most popular for | Study, work, and migration to English speaking countries like Australia, New Zealand, and the UK |
Also accepted by | Canada and USA |
Conducted by | IDP Education Ltd. |
Mode of Exam | Computer and Paper – delivered test |
IELTS Fee | Rs. 14,700 for registrations from 11th-July-2021 |
Score Range | On a scale of 1 (the lowest) to 9 (the highest) |
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