IELTS stands for International English language testing system. IELTS measures a persons ability to communicate in English across all four language skills - listening, reading, writing and speaking.
IELTS has been there since 1989 to provide a secure, global, authentic test which measures true to life ability to communicate in English. The IELTS test is jointly conducted by The British Council, IDP:IELTS Australia and University of Cambridge - ESOL Examinations.

Why IELTS?

IELTS is the way to prove your English language skills and open doors to international opportunities. Whether you want to migrate or to study or practice your profession in an English-speaking country, IELTS is a must. It opens doors for you to the 3800 educational institutions, government agencies and professional organisations across 120 countries which recognise IELTS scores as a trusted and valid indicator of ability to communicate in English. Among the popular study destinations IELTS is accepted by universities in UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. You cannot be granted an Australian student visa without an IELTS score, TOEFL is not accepted.

Where can I appear for IELTS in India?

You have to be 16 years and above to sit for IELTS. One can appear for IELTS once a month in the following cities:

Ahmedabad--Amritsar--Bangalore—Chandigarh
Chennai—Delhi—Gurgaon—Hyderabad
Kochi—Ludhiana—Mumbai—Pune—Vadodara

From 1 May 2006 the policy on candidates re-taking IELTS has been amended. The restriction on re-taking IELTS within 90 days has been removed and candidates are able to repeat the test whenever they wish.

What is the Test Format ?

All candidates are tested in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking Modules. There is a choice of Reading and Writing Modules, where a candidate can either opt for Academic or General Training Module. The total test time is 2hrs 45minutes.

Listening Module:4 sections,40 items in 30 minutes
Academic and General training Reading Module: 3 sections, 40items in 60 minutes.
Academic and General training writing Module:2 tasks (150 and 250 words) in 6o minutes.
Speaking :11-14 minutes.

The first three Modules- Listening, Reading and Writing- must be completed in one day. The Speaking Module may be taken, at the discretion of the test centre, either seven days before or after the other three modules.

What’s the difference between Academic and General Training Module?

The Academic Reading and Writing Modules assess whether a candidate is ready to study or train in the medium of English at an undergraduate or postgraduate level. Admission to undergraduate and post graduate courses is based on the result of these Modules.

The General Training Reading and Writing Modules are not designed to test the full range of formal language skills required for academic purpose, but emphasize basic survival skills in a broad social and educational context. General Training is suitable for candidates who are going to English speaking countries to complete their secondary education, to undertake work experience or training programmes not at degree level, or for immigration purpose to Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

It is the responsibility of the candidate to inform the test centre whether they wish to take the Academic or General Training Modules. Centres are not responsible for providing this information. The General Training module is not offered at all test administrations. It must be noted that it may not be possible to change module later or on the day of the test.

What is the scoring system of IELTS?

From 1 July 2007, IELTS Band Scores will be more informative. Scores for each part of the test will still be reported on the scale from 1 to 9, but now the Writing and Speaking tests will be reported in whole or half bands in the same way as the Reading and Listening tests.

Candidates registering for IELTS continue to have the option to specify up to 5 organisations to which their IELTS test scores should be sent. This information is recorded by the centre in their local administration systems and subsequently uploaded to the central IELTS processing systems and websites.

For how long is a test result valid?

As a general rule it is recommended that a Test Report Form (TRF), that is more than two years old should only be accepted as evidence of present level of ability if accompanied by proof that a candidate has actively maintained or tried to improve their English language proficiency.

How do I register for IELTS?

On-line on through the website and pay the test fee by credit card (Master / VISA), and get instant confirmation of your reservation. This is the most convenient way to book your IELTS test.
In person at any of the IDP:IELTS Australia Test Centre Planet EDU offices or at any Input Node. Fill the form on-line or use the paper form, pay the fee by Credit Card / Debit card or Demand draft and get instant confirmation / tentative seat booking. This is also a convenient way and ensures seat for you instantly.
By completing the IELTS application form and sending it by Courier, addressed to 'IDP:IELTS Australia Test Centre Planet EDU, 101, Greenwood Plaza, Greenwood City, Sector 45, Gurgaon - 122001, Haryana'. The application will be processed upon receipt and seat will be allocated subject to availability.

What is the IELTS Test fee In India ?

Rs. 7,200/- (Rupees Seven Thousand Two Hundred only), payable by Demand Draft, drawn in favour of ' IELTS India Project ', Payable at New Delhi
Rs. 7,400/- (Rupees Seven Thousand Four Hundred only), payable by Credit card / Debit card

The withdrawal administrative charge will be Rs. 1,800/- (Rupees One Thousand Eight Hundred only), which will be deducted from the test fee paid by the applicant if the application for such withdrawal is received 5 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE TEST DATE, and the balance Rs. 5,400/-(Rupees Five Thousand Four Hundred only) will be refunded to the applicant.
The fee is subject to change.

What is CB IELTS?

CB IELTS is s computer-based version of IELTS. It is the same test as the present Pen and Paper test, just delivered differently. It consists of Listening, Reading and Writing tests. The Listening and Reading test MUST be taken on the Computer. The Writing test can be taken EITHER on Computer OR on paper. The Speaking tests will be conducted face-to-face, as is presently done. The CB IELTS is available currently at the New Delhi centre of IDP:IELTS Australia Test Centre Planet EDU in India and is Only for Academic Module.

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