Understanding the IELTS Exam: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding the IELTS Exam: A Comprehensive Guide
What is IELTS?
IELTS FULL FORM – International English Language Testing System.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a standardized and widely recognized English language assessment test for international education and global migration. It evaluates the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers, who wish to study in or migrate to countries, where English is the language of communication.
Established in 1989, IELTS is the world’s most popular English language test. This language assessment test is developed by some of the world’s leading language experts. It is designed to evaluate your English skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking and your effectiveness in using the language to study, work and live in an English-speaking country.
What is the importance of IELTS Exam?
IELTS is one of the most trusted English language tests across the globe with more than 10,000 organizations recognizing it internationally. The IELTS certification is recognized by the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, Europe and 140 more countries across the globe. The certification is accepted by academic institutions, companies, professional bodies and government organizations. The test is considered the standard for English language testing and their certification is recognized for both academic and immigration purposes. This test assesses the English language skills of a candidate by testing their reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Tests are available throughout the year in more than 1600 centers in over 140 countries.
Types of IELTS exam
There are three types of IELTS Exam:
- IELTS Academic Test
- IELTS General Test
- IELTS for UKVI
IELTS Academic Test
The IELTS Academic Test is an assessment to test if your English language skills meet international academic proficiency. This test is best suited for international students who wish to pursue their undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in an English-speaking environment and for those planning to move for professional registration.
IELTS General Test
The IELTS General Test is an assessment to test whether you possess adequate language skills for the workplace and social situations. People migrating to Australia, Canada and the UK, those applying for secondary training programs and work experience in any English-speaking environment can opt for IELTS General test format.
IELTS for UKVI
IELTS for UKVI is the same as IELTS. The IELTS for UKVI is a government-approved Secure English Language Test (SLET). Students who need to prove their English language abilities for the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) application purposes can opt for IELTS UKVI test format.
IELTS test types / IELTS test format
The IELTS exam can be taken online (Computer-delivered IELTS) and offline (IELTS paper-based test). The exam format for both modes is the same. The listening and speaking sections are the same for both academic and general, while the writing and reading sections differ slightly.
How to register for the IELTS examination?
You can register for the IELTS examination either online or offline.
Steps to register for your IELTS examination online:
- Step 1: Visit the official British Council IELTS registration page
- Step 2: Register an account with the British council’s IELTS registration page
- Step 3: Choose your nearest test centre.
- Step 4: Register for your test and make the payment to Nabil bank.
Steps to register for the IELTS examination in-person:
- Step 1: Application form for the registration is given by Deurali Education & Visa Services.
- Step 2: Fill in all the necessary details carefully
- Step 3: Submit your application in-person at the Deurali Education & Visa Services office-Test Prep Department.
- Step 4: Pay the IELTS Exam Fee through mobile banking/e-sewa/Khalti or hand cash.
During your registration, ensure that you have your passport handy as you need a passport number at the time of registration. You must also make sure to take your passport with you on the day of your examination.
IELTS Exam Cancellation Fees:
- If a candidate cancels their IELTS application more than 14 days before the test date, the candidate will receive a 75% refund of the total IELTS exam fee.
- If a candidate cancels their IELTS application within 14 days, the candidate will receive a 50% refund of the total IELTS exam fee.
- If a candidate cancels their IELTS application within 2 days before the actual test date, the candidate will receive a 25% refund of the total IELTS exam fee.
- If the candidate cancels the test on the day of the test or after the test, no refund will be provided.
IELTS Reschedule Fees
If a candidate wishes to change their test date, they can request to reschedule their exam date at least five weeks ahead of the previously booked test. The rescheduled date must be within three months of the original test date. For the process of rescheduling, the candidate will have to pay an administrative charge inclusive of all taxes.
TOEFL VS. IELTS
Here are a few differences between IELTS and TOEFL you must know before you take the examination:
- IELTS VS. TOEFL – Which is easier?
Most candidates have often felt that the preparation for TOEFL was harder than the IELTS exam preparation.
- TOEFL VS. IELTS – Which is widely accepted?
The IELTS certification is widely recognized in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, while TOEFL is popular in the US and Canada.
TOEFL vs IELTS - Score Comparison
TOEFL Score | IELTS Band |
0-31 | 0-4 |
32-34 | 4.5 |
35-45 | 5 |
46-59 | 5.5 |
60-78 | 6 |
79-93 | 6.5 |
94-101 | 7 |
102-109 | 7.5 |
110-11 | 8 |
115-117 | 8.5 |
118-120 | 9 |