When someone prepares to study a programme outside India, foreign universities admit students based on IELTS scores. So, what is IELTS? Know all about it in this article.
IELTS refers to The International English Language Testing System, an English language exam taken by candidates planning to study or work in a country where English is the primary language of communication.
It evaluates a test taker’s English language proficiency in four skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. It is either given on a paper or a computer device and is recognised for migration in New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom.
IDP Education Australia, British Council, and Cambridge English Language Assessment associate to conduct the exam. It is recognised in over 3,400 institutions in the US and thousands of institutions in English speaking countries.
The revised fee of the exam stands at INR 14,000 for registrations from April 1, 2020. In addition, especially during the coronavirus pandemic, the associates have launched IELTS Indicator, an online English language test for students who are hit by the COVID-19 and cannot participate at the IELTS test centre. IELTS Indicator will evaluate the student’s skills, and they can take exams at their homes only.
When it comes to eligibility, anyone irrespective of age, gender, race, nationality or religion can take the exam. However, it is essential to note that the IELTS test is not recommended for those students under 16 years of age.
The IELTS registration process has the following steps:
- One is required to go to the official British Council registration page.
- Then create an account with the British Council.
- Search for your nearest test centre.
- Register for the IELTS test and pay the fee online.
- Those students who are below 18 years of age require their parents or guardian to apply for the test for them.
- Post completion of the registration, the test centre will send a written confirmation to the candidate stating the date and time of the IELTS test.
Moreover, one has to carry the passport on the test day. The students can take the exam once a week (four times a month). The British Council and IDP global direct the test dates for 48 days yearly.
Following are the parts of IELTS tests:
- IELTS Listening test (30 minutes): One has to listen to four recordings and then respond to the questions mentioned on the screen. The recordings are of native English speakers, and the time period of the test is 30 minutes.
- IELTS Reading test (60 minutes): It requires the candidate to answer 40 questions and is structured in a way to test the person on an array of reading skills. One has to read for gist, key ideas, details, logical arguments, skimming and ascertaining the writers’ approaches, perspectives and intentions.
- IELTS Writing test (60 minutes): The IELTS writing test includes two activities and contains the topics of general interest as per the module one has adopted.
- IELTS Speaking Test (11-14 minutes): The IELTS Speaking test evaluates the candidate’s spoken English skills. The test is recorded and held in three parts.
IELTS helpline contacts
If someone needs to contact for any assistance, then one can reach out to the British Council at 0120-4569000 / 0120-6684353, Mon-Sat 09.00 to 18.00. Email address is [email protected]. IDP Head Office contact numbers are +91-124-4445999/ 1800-102-4544. Their email is [email protected].
