How to Prepare for IELTS |Exam Pattern |Exam Fee
IELTS tests listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills of candidates. To achieve a high band score, it is essential to understand how to prepare for IELTS effectively. The preparation tips can be followed as experts suggest; students can also follow study guides of IELTS Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing to practice well and regularly. A candidate may prefer to study from home through internet resources, practice tests, and self-prepared materials or seek coaching classes to get the training in an organized manner. Understanding the nature of the test, time management, and answering sample questions could improve performance immensely. A systematic approach would eventually lead to excellent results in an IELTS exam.
Types of IELTS Exams: Academic vs. General Training
It is divided into two categories:
IELTS Type | Purpose |
---|---|
Academic IELTS | For students pursuing higher education or professional registration in English-speaking countries. |
General Training IELTS | For individuals planning to study below a degree level, work, or migrate to English-speaking countries like the UK. |
Both versions of the test assess four key language skills: Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing. The Speaking and Listening sections are identical in both versions, while the Reading and Writing sections vary based on the test type.
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IELTS Exam Pattern
Section | Duration | Details |
---|---|---|
Listening | 40 Minutes | 30 minutes to listen to recordings + 10 minutes to transfer answers. Includes four recordings (conversations, monologues, academic discussions) testing comprehension of main ideas, factual information, and speaker attitudes. |
Reading | 60 Minutes | 40 questions assessing comprehension of various materials from books, journals, newspapers, and magazines. |
Writing | 60 Minutes | Academic: Task 1: Summarizing graphs, tables, charts, or diagrams. Task 2: Writing a formal essay. General Training: Task 1: Writing a letter based on a given situation. Task 2: Writing an essay in a semi-formal or neutral style. |
Speaking | 15 Minutes | Conducted separately as a one-on-one conversation with the examiner. Tests fluency, pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. |
IELTS Exam Fee
The IELTS exam fee in India is INR 17,000 for both the Academic and General Training tests. Moreover, the cost remains the same whether you choose to take the IELTS on Paper or IELTS on Computer. Therefore, candidates can select their preferred mode of examination without worrying about any price difference. In addition, it is important to check for any updates on fees before registration. Ultimately, understanding the cost structure helps candidates plan their IELTS journey effectively.
IELTS test fees according to the types of IELTS exams
IELTS Test Type | IELTS Test Fee 2025 |
---|---|
IELTS on Computer for UKVI | INR 17,250 |
IELTS on Computer | INR 17,000 |
IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1) | INR 16,050 |
IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration | INR 17,250 |
IELTS on Paper | INR 17,000 |
One Skill Retake | INR 11,300 |
IELTS is Valid For How Many Years
IELTS scores are considered valid for a maximum of two years from the test date. Most universities, immigration authorities, and other employers accept scores within this period. After two years, the validity is expired and a candidate might be required to retake the test if he is to apply. The two-year duration ensures that the tested language proficiency remains current and current enough. It is the reason why institutions consider this duration to determine if a candidate can appropriately communicate in English. Whether it is higher education, work, or migration, the test taker should prepare the IELTS exam in a way that scores remain valid at the time of submission and other requirements.
How to Apply for IELTS Exam
You can register for the IELTS test in three ways:
1. Register Online
- Visit the official IDP IELTS India website.
- Click on “Register for IELTS.”
- Choose your test date and city (check seat availability).
- Fill out the online application form.
- Pay the test fee using a valid credit card (Visa/Mastercard).
- Once registered, you will see a confirmation on your screen. You can print it for reference.
- You will also receive a confirmation email or hard copy.
- Send a photocopy of your passport (first and last page) and any observation pages to the IDP Head Office. Without this, you cannot take the test.
- Carry your original passport on the test day.
2. Register in Person at an IDP Branch or Input Node
Visit any IDP office and choose one of these methods:
Method 1: Online Registration at the Office
- Use a computer at the office to register online.
- Pay the test fee.
- Get instant confirmation of your seat.
- Submit a photocopy of your passport (first and last page) and any observation pages.
- Sign and submit the Terms & Conditions document.
- Receive an acknowledgment letter confirming your test booking.
Method 2: Paper Registration at the Office
- Fill out the application form provided at the IDP office.
- Sign the Terms & Conditions document.
- Submit a photocopy of your passport (first and last page) and any observation pages.
- Pay the test fee using:
- A valid credit/debit/ATM card.
- A Demand Draft (payable to “IDP Education India Private Limited” in New Delhi).
- Cash deposit at ICICI Bank (using a deposit slip from the IDP website or office).
- If paying by Demand Draft, your seat will be confirmed only after payment is processed.
- Request staff to submit your application online and provide an acknowledgment slip.
3. Register by Courier
- Download the application form from www.ieltsidpindia.com or collect it from an IDP office.
- Fill out the form and sign the Terms & Conditions document.
- Attach a photocopy of your passport (first and last page) and any observation pages.
- Pay the test fee using:
- A Demand Draft (payable to “IDP Education India Private Limited” in New Delhi).
- ICICI Bank deposit slip (original customer copy).
- Send the completed application form with all required documents and the test fee to:IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd.
Global Gateway Towers, Tower-B, 5th Floor, Sikanderpur Ghosi,
Sector-26, M.G. Road, Gurugram -122002, Haryana, India
Tel: +91-124-4445999
Once your documents and payment are received, your application will be processed. Test seat allotment depends on availability.
FAQ
Q1. What is IELTS?
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a standardized test that assesses the English proficiency of non-native speakers, commonly required for study, work, or immigration to English-speaking countries.
Q2. What is the difference between Academic and General Training IELTS?
Academic IELTS is for higher education or professional registration, while General Training IELTS is for those aiming to study below a degree level, work, or immigrate.
Q3. How does HelpStudyAbroad.com help in IELTS preparation?
HelpStudyAbroad.com offers online IELTS coaching and one-on-one sessions with experienced trainers, and practice exams with 2 Mock test
Q4. How long does it take to complete the IELTS exam?
The IELTS test lasts approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. The Listening section takes 40 minutes, Reading 60 minutes, Writing 60 minutes, and the Speaking section is 15 minutes.
Q5. Can I retake the IELTS exam if I’m not satisfied with my score?
Yes, you can retake the IELTS exam as many times as necessary. There are no restrictions on the number of attempts.
Q6. What kind of materials does HelpStudyAbroad.com provide for IELTS preparation?
HelpStudyAbroad.com offers a variety of e-study materials, practice tests, and personalized coaching sessions tailored to individual learning needs.
Q7. Is coaching necessary to succeed in IELTS?
While coaching is not mandatory, professional guidance like the one offered by HelpStudyAbroad.com can enhance your preparation, improve your English skills, and increase your chances of achieving a higher score.
Q8. How Do I register for IELTS ?
You can register online or in person at IDP. The detailed information about registering for the IELTS can be found at www.ieltsidpindia.com.
Q9. How many times in a year do IELTS exams are held ?
IELTS™ is offered on specific days of the year. One can access the whole schedule which can vary depending on the city by following the given link www.ielts.org
Q10. How many times Can I take the IELTS ?
IELTS can be taken an unlimited number of times. However, it is highly advisable not to appear for IELTS too many times as it may affect the applicant’s candidature.
Q11. What is the Validity of the IELTS Exam ?
IELTS™ score is valid for 2 years from the date the test was taken.
Q12. How soon can I get the Score ?
The scores are available 13 days after the exam date.
Q13. How do I pass the Score to College/ University ?
You may request up to five Test Report Forms (TRF) to be sent to receiving institutions within one month of taking the test. TRFs sent by courier will be sent through DHL and students will be charged accordingly. IDP IELTS office can arrange electronic submission of TRFs at no extra cost. More than 5 TRFs are subject to an extra fee plus courier costs.
Q14. If I take the IELTS exam more than once, Which Score will be considered by the university ?
Almost all the universities take the best score.
Q15. Do I need to have an IELTS Score at the time of applying to the university ?
Yes, you do need to have the IELTS™ score with you at the time of applying.