IELTS Test Eligibility
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is an exam that is designed to assess the language ability of candidates who aspire to study or work in a country where English is the language of communication and instruction.
The IELTS exam is administered by The British Council, International Development Program (IDP) & Cambridge English for Speakers of Other languages (ESOL). As such they have not set strict eligibility criteria, thus making it a popular exam that students can opt for. About 1.3 to 1.4 million people take the IELTS test every year in India. As per IDP Education, there has been a yearly growth of 10-15% in the number of IELTS test takers as compared to the pre-pandemic levels.
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Achieving a high IELTS score is crucial for securing admission to your dream university. A strong IELTS performance demonstrates your proficiency in English, which is essential for academic success in an English-speaking environment. It opens doors to a wide range of prestigious institutions around the world.
About IELTS Exam 2024
The IELTS Exam covers four basic language skills – listening, reading, writing, and speaking. It is a compulsory exam for admissions into universities and training programs in the USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada with a result validity period of two years from the date of the announcement of results.
The IELTS exam is an internationally accepted exam and is administered at centers throughout the world. It is not just accepted by international universities for student admissions but also by professional bodies, government agencies, and immigration authorities of countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
For taking the IELTS Exam, the preferred minimum age should be at least 16 years & you must have a valid passport. You can take the IELTS exam regardless of your cumulative percentage in 12th grade or equivalent. It is a necessary test to show that you are proficient in English in order to get admitted to a foreign university. Further, as IELTS is conducted 48 times a year (4 times a month), candidates can sit for the exam as many times as they want and can use the latest result to extend the validity period.
Now Indian students taking the IELTS exam have an option of retaking 1 section if they do not achieve their desired score on the first attempt rather than taking the entire test again.
Types of IELTS Exam
IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training Test are two formats of the IELTS Exam. Those who want to pursue higher education in a foreign country take the IELTS Academic, whereas those who want to go to major English-speaking countries for secondary education or job experience take the IELTS General Training Test.
The version of the exam you need differs based on your purpose of travel/goal:
| Purpose of Travel/Goal | The Version of IELTS applicable |
| To enroll into an academic program in a country, where most communication, if not all, is in English | IELTS Academic |
| For work/work-related training or migration to an English speaking country | IELTS General Training |
Prior to registering for the IELTS test, you must check the version required from the organization or institution you apply to and accordingly plan the test.
IELTS Test Pattern
The IELTS syllabus includes 4 sections; Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. The IELTS test duration is 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Reading: The reading section comprises 40 questions and the total time allotted for this section is 60 minutes.
Listening: The Listening section comprises different types of 40 questions and the time allotted for this section is 40 minutes.
Speaking: In the speaking section, the candidates’ ability to communicate effectively in the country where they have applied to is monitored through this section. The candidates have to go through a face-to-face interview and the overall length of this section varies from 11-14 minutes.
Writing: The writing section includes two types of questions where the candidates have to write a short essay in about 150 words. In addition, candidates are given a diagram, data, or a table which they are required to explain in their own words and the time allotted for this section is 60 minutes.
Now that you are familiar with the IELTS test format, it is time to prepare for IELTS. For IELTS preparation, one can go for self-study or can also choose to enroll in IELTS preparation classes!
Why is the IELTS Test Important for Indian Students?
- Global University Admission Requirement
- Visa Application Language Proof
- English Language Proficiency Certification
- Job Opportunities Abroad Enhanced
- Higher Education Scholarship Eligibility
- Competitive Edge in Career
IELTS Eligibility for Canada
You need to have at least an English proficiency of CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) 7 which matches the IELTS 6 score to apply for a Canadian visa to study abroad. Below is the list of the top universities in Canada that accepts the IELTS score:
| University | IELTS for Undergraduate | IELTS for Postgraduate |
| University of Toronto | 6.5 | 7 |
| University of British Columbia | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| McGill University | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| McMaster University | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| University of Alberta | 6.5 | 6.5 |
IELTS Eligibility for the USA
You need to have at least an English proficiency of at least an IELTS 5.5 score to study in the USA. However, the eligibility is different for different exams and different universities. Below are some of the top universities in the USA that accept the IELTS score:
| University | IELTS for Undergraduate | IELTS for Postgraduate |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| California Institute of Technology | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| Harvard University | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| Princeton University | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| Yale University | 7.0 | 7.0 |
IELTS Eligibility for the UK
You need to have at least an English proficiency required by the university to which you have applied to and your course to study in the UK. Below are some of the top universities in the UK that accept the IELTS score:
| University | IELTS for Undergraduate | IELTS for Postgraduate |
| University of Oxford | 7 | 7.5 |
| University of Cambridge | 7 | 7 |
| Imperial College London | 7 | 7 |
| University College London | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| University of Edinburgh | 6.5 | 6.5 |
IELTS Eligibility for Australia
You need to have at least 5.5 in each of the four bands if you are planning to study in Australia. Below are some of the top universities in Australia which accept the IELTS score:
| University | IELTS for Undergraduate | IELTS for Postgraduate |
| Australian National University | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| University of Melbourne | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| The University of Sydney | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| University of New South Wales | 6 | 6 |
| Monash University | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| University of Western Australia | 6.5 | 6.5 |
IELTS Eligibility for New Zealand
You need to have a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 to get admission into a university in New Zealand. Below is the list of top universities in New Zealand that accept the IELTS score:
| Universities | IELTS for Undergraduate | IELTS for Postgraduate |
| Massey University | 6 | 6.5 |
| University of Auckland | 6 | 6.5 |
| University of Otago | 6 | 6.5 |
| Victoria University of Wellington | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| University of Waikato | 6.5 | 6.5 |
How to Register for the IELTS Exam?
STEP 1: Go to IELTS India’s official website (www.ieltsidpindia.com). Select the IELTS test that you need to take. For example, Computer-delivered IELTS or Pen and paper-based IELTS, etc. Fill out the other two fields by choosing the IELTS test type that is, IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training. Choose your preferred test city and click on ‘Book Now’.
STEP 2: In this step, you are required to pick a date on which you can take your IELTS exam from the available dates for booking. The dates available will appear in green color and your selected date will appear in black. Review your chosen date and click on ‘Book Now’
STEP 3: Read the IELTS terms and conditions and click on ‘Accept’ to continue.
STEP 4: Next up, fill out all your personal details and then submit. Further fill out more registration details such as your address, your reason for taking the IELTS, occupation, nationality, first language, etc.
STEP 5: Upload the first and last page of your passport copy in JPG, JPEG, PNG, and PDF with a maximum file size of up to 1 MB.
STEP 6: You now will have the option to add up to 5 recognized organizations that will receive your score either electronically or by post. Also, note that these universities can access your results before you receive them by mail. The next step is to review your application and check for mistakes and inconsistencies.
STEP 7: Go ahead and pay the IELTS registration fee for booking your test successfully and voila you just registered for your IELTS exam.
IELTS Special Requirements
Candidates with any special requirements can also take IELTS examinations. Students who meet the particular requirements can take the test, which provides equal possibilities to everyone who wishes to study and work abroad. People who fall within this category include
- People who have difficulty learning
- People who are deaf or hard of hearing
- People who are visually impaired
- Individuals suffering from specific medical issues
Those who meet any of the mentioned criteria are eligible for special accommodations at the exam centers if they notify the authorities at least three months before the test. The authorities must also provide their approval.
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FAQ
Ah, the million-dollar question! You can either become a self-study ninja, armed with books and websites, or join the squad at a coaching institute and unleash your inner IELTS superhero. Whether you’re a solo studier or a groupie, we’ve got you covered!
Coaching classes are like a buffet of knowledge. You get expert tips, and a chance to bond with fellow test-takers over shared stress, samosa’s and tea. Plus, you get to meet people who understand why you’re stressed about those confusing idioms!
The standard answer is “around 1-2 months.” But if you’re a genius or have a time-turner, you might need less than a month. If you’re like the rest of us, start early, pace yourself, and maybe stock up on snacks and chocolate for those late-night study sessions.
You can take it as often as you like! But remember, each test attempt costs money. So, unless you’re planning to collect IELTS scores like Pokémon cards, aim to prepare well and take it when you’re ready.
IELTS Test Overview
IELTS tests, services, and research
IELTS Test Eligibility
Specific IELTS test eligibility criteria
IELTS Test Syllabus
The IELTS exam syllabus 2024
IELTS Prep Options
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