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About IELTS Exam
In order to assess an individual’s English proficiency for employment, immigration, or education purposes, the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a mandatory requirement. The IELTS offers two types of exams: IELTS Academic and IELTS General. Before registering for the IELTS, candidates need to choose a suitable exam center and date. The pen-and-paper IELTS exam fee is approximately INR 16,250, and the test duration is two hours and forty-five minutes. Candidates are allowed to take the test up to four times per month.
Highlights of IELTS Exam
IELTS Exam Structure
Reasons Why You Should Take the Exam
The IELTS scores are widely accepted by more than 11,000 employers, educational institutions, and government immigration organizations across the globe. English-speaking countries like the UK, Canada, the USA, and New Zealand highly value practical communication skills. By taking the IELTS exam, individuals can gain access to international employment opportunities, admission to foreign higher education programs, and eligibility for immigration and permanent residency.
Which IELTS Exam Should You Consider Taking?
The IELTS offers two distinct formats: Academic and General Training, each serving different purposes. Both exams include the Listening and Speaking components, but they have different reading and writing sections. The IELTS Academic test is designed for individuals seeking higher education or professional certification in an English-speaking country, and it is generally accepted by most academic institutions. On the other hand, the IELTS General Training test is typically taken by candidates who wish to immigrate to or work in English-speaking nations like Australia, Canada, and the UK. This test focuses on the skills needed to thrive in a workplace environment.
Eligibility
Registration
Candidates have the option to register for the IELTS exam either online or offline through the local IDP office. In India, there are 80 IELTS test centers spread across the country, allowing candidates to choose a convenient location. There are no specific eligibility requirements for taking the IELTS exam, and it is open to individuals of all genders, religions, and nationalities, with the exception of those under the age of sixteen. Here is a description of the registration process for both online and offline modes:
Registration (Online)
IELTS registration has been made quick and simple. Candidates need to visit the official IELTS registration page and follow these three steps:
- Create a profile.
- Select a suitable time slot based on availability at the nearest exam locations.
- Complete the registration with online payment.
Registration (Offline)
Candidates must download the registration form from the official website. They need to fill out the form with the required IELTS prerequisites and manually choose the exam date. The payment can be made either by demand draft or in cash. The candidate should provide the correct address on the registration form for the Blue Dart courier to collect the form.
IELTS Exam Fees: How To Pay
Candidates have two options for paying the exam fees: online through net banking or offline at an ICICI bank. Prior to making the payment, candidates should check for cancellation and rescheduling fees. The exam fee can be paid using a Visa or Master-card credit or debit card, through net banking, or via a Demand Draft.
IELTS Exam Dates
International students are offered four exam dates per month. There are a total of 48 IELTS test dates available each year, and registration is subject to availability. Candidates have 48 days to take the Academic part of the exam and 24 dates for the General Training section. It is advisable to schedule the IELTS test at least three to four months before the application deadline. Candidates can book their preferred dates through the British Council, IDP, or the official IELTS website.
Tips For IELTS Preparation
Many applicants face difficulties in finding suitable study guides and practice tests for IELTS preparation. Fortunately, a wide range of tools and practice materials are available online. Candidates can also enroll in IELTS coaching centres, offered both in classroom and online formats. There are exam preparation apps that can be installed for quick access to study materials. Organizations like IELTS IDP and IELTS LIZ provide IELTS practice assessments or mock tests at an affordable price. Here are 10 tips for prepare:
- Read books, periodicals, newspapers, and manuals in English to develop a strong command of the language.
- Pay attention to pronunciation to ensure clear understanding of words.
- Balance your listening and scanning skills with effective questioning.
- Improve your writing speed by adhering to a strict time schedule.
- Enhance your vocabulary by learning new words.
- Ensure correct usage of grammar.
- Take your time and focus on the given questions.
- Try to remain relaxed and composed during the exam.
- Develop a regular writing practice routine.
- Practice speaking in front of a mirror to improve fluency.
In addition to these study tips, candidates should take IELTS mock tests and sample papers as assessment exams. Every year, thousands of international students take the IELTS exam to further their education or pursue job opportunities. Therefore, acquiring a strong command of the English language is the first step towards success.
Score
IELTS exam results are designed to be easily understandable for all candidates. The scores are valid for two years. According to IDP IELTS, candidates tend to achieve higher scores in the Listening section and lower scores in the Writing section, irrespective of gender. Listening is usually easier for Indian test-takers due to exposure to English through electronic media from an early age. Writing, on the other hand, receives lower scores due to language usage and grammatical issues. It is crucial for candidates to start practicing writing early on to address these errors. The Writing section also has a narrower range of scores compared to other sections. The IELTS scores are given on a scale of 1 to 9.
Scholarships
Indian students now have the opportunity to apply for the British Council’s IELTS scholarship, which provides financial support for studying abroad. The scholarship covers the entire cost of the IELTS exam, including rates from AEO or any other IELTS test-taking organization. To be eligible for the scholarship, candidates must have an offer letter from a UK university and achieve a minimum band score of 6.5 on each section. Students can also explore various IELTS scholarships and fellowships available for Indian students on the official university websites. The British Council offers scholarships ranging from 3000 GBP to 10,000 GBP for candidates who achieve a minimum band score of 6.5.
Conclusion
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) was established to assist individuals in working, studying, or relocating to English-speaking countries. Success in the exam requires adequate preparation, effective time management, and regular practice through mock tests and sample papers. The experts at ESPI Consultants can provide valuable guidance on IELTS and help you prepare for the exam to achieve better scores. For further information about IELTS and its preparation, Visit espiconsultants.com
