IELTS Exam: Registration, Fees, Preparation & Materials
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is among the most widely recognized English proficiency tests globally. It is primarily taken by students planning to pursue higher education abroad and professionals seeking overseas work opportunities. IELTS scores are accepted by more than 12,500 universities, colleges, professional bodies, and immigration authorities in destinations such as the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and many more.
Unlike traditional exams, IELTS measures your ability to use English in real-life situations. It evaluates four skills — Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking — making it highly practical for candidates who wish to study, work, or settle overseas. The test is available in two formats:
- IELTS Academic: For admission into universities and professional courses.
- IELTS General Training: For work, training programs, and migration purposes.
Both formats are available in paper-based as well as computer-delivered modes.
IELTS Exam 2025 Availability
- Computer-delivered IELTS: Offered seven days a week throughout the year (except on public holidays and major festivals).
- Paper-based IELTS: Conducted up to four times a month (around 48 test dates per year).
IELTS 2025 Exam Fees in India
The test fee for both Academic and General Training versions has been revised to INR 18,000 (effective from March 1, 2025).
IELTS Scoring System
- The IELTS does not have a “pass” or “fail.”
- Results are reported as band scores ranging from 1 to 9, reflecting performance in each of the four sections.
- Your overall band score is the average of these four scores.
- Scores remain valid for two years (24 months).
IELTS Exam Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Exam Name | IELTS |
| Full Form | International English Language Testing System |
| Official Website | https://www.ieltsidpindia.com |
| Purpose | Study, Work, Permanent Residency / Migration |
| Accepted By | 12,500+ organizations worldwide |
| Year Introduced | 1980 |
| Test Types | IELTS Academic & IELTS General Training |
| Test Mode | Paper-based & Computer-delivered |
| Availability | Year-round |
| Conducted By | British Council, IDP IELTS, Cambridge University Press & Assessment |
| Results | Computer-based: 2–5 days; Paper-based: 13 days |
| Fees in India | INR 18,000 (as of March 2025) |
| Score Range | Band 1 to 9 |
| Score Validity | 2 years (24 months) |
| Contact (India) | IDP IELTS India, Global Gateway Towers, Tower B, 5th Floor, Sikanderpur Ghosi, Sector-26, M.G. Road, Gurugram, Haryana – 122002. Phone: 1800-102-4544 Email: ielts.india@idp.com |
IELTS Exam Pattern 2025
| Section | Duration | Details |
| Listening | 30 minutes | 4 sections, 40 questions |
| Reading | 60 minutes | 3 passages, 40 questions |
| Writing | 60 minutes | 2 tasks (Task 1: 150 words, Task 2: 250 words) |
| Speaking | 11–14 minutes | 3 parts – Introduction, Long Turn, and Discussion |
IELTS Eligibility for Indian Candidates
- Age Requirement: Minimum age is 16 years. No upper age limit.
- Educational Qualification: No minimum education requirement. Even school students can take IELTS if they plan to study abroad.
- Identification: A valid passport is mandatory both at registration and on the test day. Candidates without a passport will not be allowed to sit for the test.
IELTS Results & Score Reporting
- Computer-delivered IELTS: Results are available within 2–5 days.
- Paper-based IELTS: Results are released on the 13th day after the test date.
- Candidates receive an email once their scores are available and can log in to their official IELTS account to download the Test Report Form (TRF).
IELTS Score Requirements by Country (General Guide)
| Country | Minimum Overall Band | Institutions/Authorities | Purpose |
| United Kingdom | 6.0–7.0 | UKVI, most universities | Study, Work, Visas |
| United States | 6.5–7.0 | 3,400+ institutions | Study, Some visas |
| Canada | 6.0–6.5 | IRCC, universities | Study, Immigration, Work |
| Australia | 6.0–7.0 | Dept. of Home Affairs, universities | Study, Work, Immigration |
| New Zealand | 6.5–7.0 | Immigration NZ, universities | Study, Work, Immigration |
| Ireland | 6.0–6.5 | Universities | Study, Work |
| Germany | 6.0–6.5 | Many universities | Study |
| Netherlands | 6.0–7.0 | Universities | Study |
| Singapore | 6.0–7.0 | Universities & employers | Study, Work |
| Hong Kong | 6.0–6.5 | Universities | Study |