First things first! Since you have decided to pursue your higher education in a foreign university or to work in a foreign country, clearing the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a pre-requisite. In simple terms, IELTS is a Language Proficiency test that needs to be taken by those of you for whom English is the medium of communication and instruction.

IELTS is a compulsory exam for admission into universities & training programs in the UK , Australia , New Zealand and Canada . Did you know that it has become a must for those of you who wish to get a student visa to Australia ? IELTS is not accepted by many US universities in which case you need Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) for study there.

Jointly managed by the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations , British Council and IDP: IELTS, Australia ; the IELTS conforms to the highest international standards of language assessment. The tests are administered at centers throughout the world. Internationally, universities, professional bodies, government agencies and immigration authorities of countries like Australia , Canada , New Zealand , the United Kingdom and Australia recognize it.


Why should one take the IELTS, and what sections?

Every one can take the General Training modules of Listening and Speaking section while the choice of Reading and Writing modules of IELTS is determined by candidate's purpose of taking the test. The Academic reading and writing sections are suitable for those seeking admission to undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Typically, reading and writing modules are suitable for those who are going to English-speaking countries to complete their secondary education or for work experience or training programs, not at the degree level. The General training modules are also used for immigration purposes.


How long is the Test?

The IELTS lasts for all of 2 hours and 45 minutes (145 Minutes). Of this, the Academic Reading and Writing sections take one hour each (60 minutes each) while you are given 30 minutes for the Listening Section and you are given 11-14 minutes to attempt the Speaking Section.


What does the IELTS Test?

The IELTS tests the basic aspects of English and these comprise Listening, Reading , Writing and Speaking.


When is it held in India?

The IELTS test is conducted jointly by the British Council and IDP, Australia. In India, most centers normally have a testing session, say once a month.


Where in India can you appear for the Test?

There as many as 19 centers that conduct the IELTS Test. These include the four metros of Delhi , Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata. Fifteen other cities include Amritsar , Chandigarh, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Jaipur, Lucknow, Bhopal, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Pune, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram.


How long does it take to get the Test result?

The test results are normally made available within two weeks of taking the test. One can also ask for extra copies of the test results.


What is minimum acceptable score?

IELTS assesses a candidate on a band scale of one to nine. Band one indicates that you have virtually no knowledge of English. Band nine indicates that your English is as good as that of an English speaker. Universities in Australia and England typically require a band score of 6 and more. The minimum score accepted for a course ranges from 5.0 to 7.5, depending upon the courses and the institutes you are applying to. The most common acceptable requirement is a band score of 6 to 6.5.


How long are the Test Reports valid?

The Test Reports are valid for a period of two years.


Can you retake the Test?

You can retake the test if you do not achieve the desired score but not before three months of the first test date. Since IELTS is used by a range of organizations across the world and many of them require candidates to show adequate overall performance, as well as show individual skill. It is possible for candidates to attain their required overall band score but fail to achieve a specific score in a particular skill area. As a result, you may need to re-take the test but have to wait 90 days and this can result in hardship to you. Keeping this in mind, a decision has been taken to lift re-take restrictions.

Candidates will, however, be asked to indicate on their application form whether they have taken the test before. This piece of information will appear on the Test Report Form but will only be used for monitoring.