What is the IELTS?

The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS, as it is popularly called, is an English Language proficiency test that is required to be taken by non-native students so as to study in countries where the medium of instruction is English. IELTS is accepted by Universities in UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. It has become a mandatory test for study in Australia. One cannot be granted an Australian Student Visa without an IELTS Score. All other study destinations require one to appear for either the TOEFL or the IELTS. IELTS is however not accepted by Universities in USA, the TOEFL is required for studying there.

FAQs on IELTS

What are the total marks (bands)?
There are nine band levels, from one (non-user) to nine (expert user).

How many Sections are there on the Test? 
The test has two Modules - 1.General Training 2. Academic Training. Candidates are tested in four sections - listening, reading, writing and speaking.
All candidates take the same listening and speaking sections ; reading and writing sections are different for both Modules. 
Listening 4 sections 40 items 30 minutes
General training reading / academic reading 3 sections, 40 items 60 minutes
General training writing/academic reading 2 tasks (150 and 250 words) 60 minutes
Speaking 11 to 14 minutes
Total test time 2 hours 45 minutes

What is the scoring system?
Students receive different band scores for all the four Sections. These scores are added and averaged for an overall band score. Each band has a statement giving a summary of the English at that level.

What do the scores mean?
Minimum scores accepted for a course ranges from 5.0 to 7.5, depending upon courses and the Universities that students are applying to. The most common requirement is a band score of 6 to 6.5.
There is no passing or failing Score.
A band of 9 means that the user is an expert, has fully operational command of the language, is accurate and fluent with complete understanding.
A band of 1 indicates that the user is a non user, has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.

How often can one take the exam?
One has to retake the test if one does not achieve the desired score but not before three months of the first test date.

How long are the scores valid?
Test reports are valid for two years.

What are the fees of the exam?
The IELTS Fees are 6500 INR

How does one apply for the test?
One has to contact the test centre to find out the date of the next test and collect a copy of the IELTS handbook and an application form. After filling out the application form and sending it back to the test centre with the test fee, one can expect the test centre to send one the date and time of one's test. 

When is the exam held?
Most Centers conduct the IELTS test sessions between thrice and four times in a month. Special testing sessions can also be arranged for particular sponsors or institutions.

How does one send one's score to the college?
IELTS Test results are available to one and one's Institution within two weeks of taking the test. One can also ask for more copies of one's results from the Test Center. 

When can one expect the results to be received?
Results are returned to the candidates within two weeks in the form of a test report form

Where can one take the test?
IELTS Administrator, IDP Education Australia, Suites 20/21/22, S1 ground floor, International Trade Tower, Nehru Place
New Delhi 110 019; tel: +91 11 628 4404; fax: +91 11 648 1262; email: info@ieltsindia.com; www: http://www.ieltsindia.com

What happens if a candidate is delayed by circumstances beyond their control for example, a transportation strike?
The test centre offers the candidate an alternative test date as soon as possible.

What happens if a candidate wants to postpone or cancel their entry?
The test centre may retain part of the fee for local administrative costs. This may vary from centre to centre.

What can a candidate do if they are not satisfied with their results?
Candidates may apply for an enquiry on results procedure within four weeks of receipt of results. The candidate's test material is re-marked. There is a £40 (or local currency equivalent) additional fee for this which is refunded if the band score increases.

Is there an age limit for IELTS?
IELTS is not recommended for candidates under the age of 16.

What if a candidate becomes ill during the test?
If a candidate is genuinely ill during the test, it should be brought to the attention of the test supervisor. It is not possible to give special consideration to candidates who do not report their illness on the day of the test.