About the IELTS

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a globally recognised standardised test designed to assess the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. Jointly managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English, it is widely accepted by educational institutions, employers, immigration authorities, and professional bodies around the world. There are two versions of the test — Academic and General Training — which share the same Listening and Speaking sections, but differ in Reading and Writing.

Why Take the IELTS?
🎓

Academic Purposes

Many universities and colleges require IELTS scores for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

💼

Professional Certification

Professions such as medicine, law, and engineering require proof of English proficiency through IELTS scores.

🌍

Immigration

Countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand use IELTS scores as part of their immigration and visa processes.

🏢

Employment

Employers in English-speaking countries often use IELTS scores to assess the language skills of prospective employees.

Test Types

🎓 IELTS Academic

Designed for those applying for higher education or professional registration in an English-speaking environment. Tests the ability to use complex, academic language.

✈️ IELTS General Training

Suitable for those migrating to an English-speaking country for work experience, training programmes, or secondary education. Uses more practical, everyday language.

Module 1 — Listening
1

Listening

🕐 30 minutes + 10 minutes to transfer answers

Four recordings are played once each. You answer a series of questions after each recording.

Recording 1 A conversation between two people in an everyday social context.
Recording 2 A monologue in an everyday social context, e.g. a speech about local facilities.
Recording 3 A conversation among up to four people in an educational or training context, e.g. a tutor and student discussing an assignment.
Recording 4 A monologue on an academic subject, e.g. a university lecture.

Question Types

  • Multiple-choice, matching, plan/map/diagram labelling
  • Form, note, table, and flow-chart completion
  • Short-answer questions
Module 2 — Reading
2

Reading

🕐 60 minutes

Three long texts taken from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers, designed for a non-specialist audience on academic or general interest topics.

Academic Reading

  • Three long passages with varied question types
  • True/False/Not Given; Yes/No/Not Given; matching headings and features
  • Sentence/summary/note/table/flow-chart completion; short-answer questions

General Training Reading

  • Section 1: Two or three short factual texts (adverts, notices)
  • Section 2: Two short work-related texts
  • Section 3: One longer text on a topic of general interest
Module 3 — Writing
3

Writing

🕐 60 minutes — two tasks

Two tasks assess different writing skills. Recommended time split: 20 minutes on Task 1, 40 minutes on Task 2.

Academic Writing

Task 1 — 20 min · 150 words min Describe, summarise, or explain a graph, table, chart, or diagram in your own words.
Task 2 — 40 min · 250 words min Write an essay responding to a point of view, argument, or problem. Present and support your position.

General Training Writing

Task 1 — 20 min · 150 words min Write a letter — personal, semi-formal, or formal — requesting information or explaining a situation.
Task 2 — 40 min · 250 words min Write an essay responding to a point of view or problem, in a slightly more personal style than Academic Task 2.
⚠️ Word count note: Writing under the minimum word count in either task will reduce your score. Writing slightly over is fine, but avoid going too far — you risk losing clarity and running out of time.
Module 4 — Speaking
4

Speaking

🕐 11–14 minutes — face-to-face with a certified examiner
Part 1 · 4–5 min — Introduction The examiner asks general questions on familiar topics: home, family, work, studies, and interests.
Part 2 · 3–4 min — Long Turn You receive a cue card with a topic and speak for 1–2 minutes. You have 1 minute to prepare and may make notes.
Part 3 · 4–5 min — Discussion A two-way discussion with the examiner on more abstract ideas related to the Part 2 topic. You can express opinions and discuss complex issues.
Scoring & Registration

📊 Scoring System

IELTS scores are reported on a 9-band scale. Each module is scored individually and averaged to give the overall band score.

1Non-user
2Intermittent
3Extremely limited
4Limited
5Modest
6Competent
7Good
8Very good
9Expert

📅 Registration & Test Dates

You can register for the IELTS test online or at a local test centre. Test dates are available throughout the year, and it is recommended to book well in advance to secure your preferred date and location.