How To Prepare For IELTS in 2025 (Complete Strategy)

image1

Table of contents

Author

Picture of Shireen Parhee

Shireen Parhee

Lead, Content Marketing

Like what you read?

Like what you read? Share with your community

Summary

  • It is available in both paper-based and computer-delivered formats and provides results on a 9-band scale.
  • This is a question that concerns many IELTS aspirants and that is what we will answer in this guide.
  • All you need is a focused strategy and a few weeks of dedicated preparation.

How to prepare for IELTS? This is a question that concerns many IELTS aspirants and that is what we will answer in this guide. It is not tough to crack the IELTS and score well. All you need is a focused strategy and a few weeks of dedicated preparation. 

In this article, we dive into the key aspects of IELTS exam preparation. We provide valuable tips to help you prepare effectively and get the score you need with ease.

image6

What is the IELTS Exam? 

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a very popular English language proficiency test. Last year the test was taken by 4 million people worldwide. It is commonly used for higher education, employment, and migration purposes. 

The exam certification is accepted by over 11,500 organizations in more than 140 countries. These include universities and colleges in Australia, the UK, Canada, and New Zealand. Several academic institutions in the USA and Europe also accept IELTS results as proof of proficiency in English. 

The exam is managed by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge Assessment. IELTS evaluates four key language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. 

It is available in both paper-based and computer-delivered formats and provides results on a 9-band scale. 

There are two main types of IELTS tests: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.

  1. IELTS Academic

The IELTS Academic test is for those who want to pursue higher education abroad. It assesses your ability to study in English.

The test is required for university or college admissions to undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

  1. IELTS General Training

The IELTS General Training test is perfect for those who are going to English-speaking countries for work experience, or training programs.

It is also needed for migration to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK. The test focuses on using the English language in social and workplace contexts.

IELTS exam preparation strategy 2025

IELTS exam preparation can seem like an uphill task. But with the right approach, dedication, and planning, it is possible to achieve your desired score. All that it takes is a few weeks of effort and learning.   

It’s time to explore strategies for success. Even for those with exceptional English skills, incorporating our tips and strategies can maximize your performance. 

Here are the best IELTS exam preparation strategies for 2025.

  1. Understand the test format

Before you get down to preparation you have to understand the format of the IELTS exam.

The IELTS test is divided into four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

Below is a table summarizing the four sections of the IELTS Academic test. Knowing these thoroughly will boost your confidence and efficiency while preparing:

Section Description Duration
Listening Four recordings of native English speakers followed by questions 30 minutes
Reading Three long reading passages with tasks. Texts are taken from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers 60 minutes
Writing Task 1 requires describing visual information (graph, table, chart, or diagram)
Task 2 involves writing an essay responding to a point of view, argument, or problem
60 minutes
Speaking Face-to-face interviews, including short questions, speaking at length about a familiar topic, and a structured discussion 11-14 minutes

Familiarizing yourself with the format will allow you to manage your time effectively while preparing.

  1. Set a study schedule

Now that you know the structure of the test, you need to create a study schedule. This is vital for effective IELTS exam preparation.

Begin by gauging how much time you have before your test date. Divide this time into study periods. Allocate specific times for each section of the test. You need to ensure that all sections are covered adequately.

For example, you might want to dedicate Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to Listening and Reading. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, you could focus on Writing and Speaking.

The weekends are ideal for taking full practice tests. Sticking to a consistent routine for several weeks will bring steady progress.

  1. Practice mock tests regularly

Regular practice tests are the key to success in the IELTS exam preparation. Use mock tests to familiarize yourself and to identify your weak areas.

These tests help simulate the actual exam environment. Through repeated practice, you get used to the time frame for each section. Aim to complete at least one full practice test each week. Additionally, practice specific skills daily, such as listening to English audio for the Listening section or writing essays for the Writing section.

  1. Expand your vocabulary

A good vocabulary is worth its weight in gold for the IELTS test. A wide-ranging vocabulary will allow you to score well in the Reading and Writing sections. Make a habit of learning new words and their meaning every day. Then practice using them in sentences.

Use vocabulary lists, flashcards, or apps to aid your learning. Focus on words that are commonly used in academic and formal contexts, since these are likely to be a part of the test. Additionally, pay attention to synonyms, antonyms, and homonyms.

  1. Develop listening skills

Improving your listening skills is essential for the IELTS Listening section.

Listen to a variety of English audio materials, such as podcasts and news broadcasts. BBC News is ideal for familiarizing yourself with a neutral Western accent.

Pay attention to different manners of speaking, as the test includes recordings from native speakers. Practice identifying and extracting key information from speech, such as numbers, and names, and note them down. Also, try to summarize the main ideas of what you hear to improve your comprehension.

  1. Read widely

Reading a wide variety of English texts will improve your performance in the Reading section. Include different types of materials in your reading practice. Read newspaper articles, magazine/novels, and academic journals voraciously. 

Focus on understanding the main ideas, supporting arguments, and the author’s perspective. Practice summarizing and paraphrasing what you read to improve your comprehension and retention.

  1. Work on writing

The Writing section of the IELTS test requires you to complete two tasks. The first is describing visual information and the other one is to write an essay.

Practice writing these types of tasks regularly and focus on structure and grammatical accuracy.

  • For Task 1, learn how to effectively describe graphs, charts, and processes, with suitable vocabulary and phrases.
  • For Task 2, practice writing essays on various topics. You must present clear arguments and support them with relevant hypotheses. Pay attention to a cohesive flow of ideas and offer supporting evidence.
  1. Enhance speaking skills

To excel in the Speaking section, you need to develop your ability to speak fluently on a variety of topics.

Practice conversing with fluent English speakers as often as possible. Seek feedback from them about what you can improve.

Work on your pronunciation and pace to ensure clear communication. Practice answering common IELTS Speaking questions in front of a mirror. Additionally, record yourself speaking and listen to the recordings to identify what to improve.

Advantages of taking an IELTS exam

Taking the IELTS exam offers numerous benefits. It is a high value internationally recognized certification for anyone aiming to study and work abroad. We list some of the major benefits of IELTS exam certification:

  1. Internationally recognized est

IELTS is not just another English proficiency test. It’s a globally recognized benchmark of English language proficiency.

With acceptance from over 11,000 organizations across 140 countries, success in IELTS brings diverse opportunities. Universities, employers, and governments trust IELTS scores to accurately reflect English proficiency.

This makes it the most popular English language test for those seeking to study, work, or migrate.

  1. Holistically improves English language skills

IELTS targets all four essential skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The comprehensive assessment requires you to enhance each skill.

  1. Enhances employment prospects

In a competitive job market, a strong command of English is a valuable asset. IELTS certification demonstrates your proficiency to employers abroad.

Many companies go beyond conversational fluency and require a certain IELTS score as a prerequisite. Thus, a good IELTS score can significantly improve your resume.

  1. Ideal for students who wish to study abroad

For students who want to study abroad, IELTS unlocks doors to academic institutions worldwide.

Thousands of universities in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand recognize IELTS scores as proof of English language proficiency. It is a crucial element of the admission process.

Specifically, the Academic version of IELTS equips you with the language skills necessary for undergraduate or postgraduate programs.

  1. Flexible test format

IELTS understands that each individual has unique goals. That’s why it offers two modules: Academic and General Training.

You can choose the module that aligns with your objectives. Additionally, the test is available in both paper-based and computer-delivered formats.

With 78 test centers across India accessing an IELTS exam center is easy, no matter where you are.

How to study for the IELTS exam?

In this section, we share some tips about how to study for the IELTS exam. 

By following these tips, you can lay the groundwork for a successful outcome. Remember, consistent effort, a lot of practice, and a positive mindset are the building blocks of a high score.

  1. Start early

Don’t procrastinate on your IELTS exam preparation. Begin well in advance, ideally 4-8 weeks before the test date. This allows ample time to familiarize yourself with the format and to identify your strengths and weaknesses.

Early preparation reduces stress and allows for steady progress without the need for last-minute cramming.

  1. Stay consistent

Consistent effort is key to success. Instead of irregular and intense study sessions, aim for regular, shorter periods of study. Create a schedule that fits your lifestyle and adhere to it every single day.

Regular practice is the best way to prepare for the IELTS exam and builds a solid foundation for test day.

  1. Stay relaxed and confident

Manage stress through relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation. Ensure you get adequate rest and sleep, especially in the days leading up to the test.

Remember, confidence stems from thorough preparation. Trust in your abilities and maintain composure on test day.

  1. Use a variety of resources

Don’t limit yourself to a single source of information. Utilize a diverse range of resources, including official IELTS preparation books, online courses, practice tests, and mobile apps.

Dive into varied English materials such as newspapers, magazines, podcasts, and academic journals to broaden your understanding.

  1. Join a preparation course

Some may benefit by joining a preparation course. If you have appeared in PTE or TOEFL before, it is perhaps not necessary.

But if you have no idea of what to expect, a short course might do you good. The huge benefit of a course is that it gives you structured guidance and expert feedback.

Experienced instructors can quickly determine the areas where you lack preparation. This saves you time and helps you improve quickly.

A preparation course can be particularly beneficial if you prefer guided learning.

  1. Take care of your health

Prioritize your physical and mental well-being. Pay attention to the intake of a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get sufficient sleep.

Avoid overexertion and take regular breaks during study sessions. You could use the Pomodoro technique or some variation to optimize your cognitive function.

Maintain a positive mindset by believing in yourself and your capabilities. Manage stress through yoga and breathing techniques. Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends and family who encourage your endeavor.

Note: When you begin preparing for the IELTS exam, you have to identify your preferred universities to know what score you have to aim for.

However, selecting the right program involves more than just considering IELTS scores. There are multiple factors in play like tuition fees, living expenses, university rankings, scholarship and financial aid, and job placement prospects which also play a significant role.

SelectRight can assist in this process. By leveraging AI technology, it matches your profile with the most suitable universities and programs from a database of over 40,000 options across 4,000 institutions. It even eliminates courses that banks are unlikely to fund.

Moreover, you would probably need an education loan to study abroad. FundRight streamlines the entire process of applying for educational loans.

No more running around from branch to branch and submitting documents many times. Just create a profile and place your details before 15+ lenders from India and abroad. Our experts will help you to find the loan with the most favorable terms and conditions. Our platform has helped students save lakhs of fees and interest and made international education more affordable.

FAQs

  1. What makes the IELTS different from other English proficiency tests?

The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is different from other English proficiency tests.

In IELTS the Speaking test involves a face-to-face interview with an examiner. This is unlike many other tests that use computer-based speaking assessments.

Further IELTS uses a band score system from 1 to 9 for each section. This provides a detailed appraisal of a candidate’s skills in each section. The Listening section includes a range of English accents, reflecting its international use.

  1. How can I improve my pronunciation for the test?

Improving pronunciation for the IELTS test needs regular practice. Listen to native speakers through podcasts, and news programs, and try to imitate their speech patterns.

Online dictionaries like Cambridge or Oxford to know more about word pronunciations. You can also use language learning apps such as ELSA Speak or Rosetta Stone which offer help with pronunciation.

  1. Where can I find practice materials for the IELTS exam?

There is a large variety of practice materials for the IELTS exam from several sources. Most of these are available for free.

The British Council offers free online IELTS practice tests for both the Academic and General Training versions. You can access these materials here

The official IELTS website provides sample test questions and practice materials to help you prepare. You can explore these resources here

IDP IELTS offers free practice tests and sample questions for all four sections of the IELTS exam. You can find these materials here

  1. How long is the IELTS test?

The total duration is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. This is split as below:

  • Listening: 30 minutes
  • Reading: 60 minutes
  • Writing: 60 minutes
  • Speaking: 11-14 minutes

The Listening, Reading, and Writing components are always completed in one sitting immediately after each other. The Speaking test can happen either on the same day or within 7 days of the main test date.

  1. How often can I take the IELTS test?

There are no restrictions on how often you can take the IELTS test. You can retake it as many times as you wish. However, you must pay the test fee each time you register

Like what you read? Share with your community

About the author

Picture of Shireen Parhee

Shireen Parhee

Lead, Content Marketing

A creative producer turned content marketeer, Shireen has a flair for weaving words into compelling stories and bringing them to life through captivating videos. A vivacious leader, she naturally inspires her team, driving them to surpass expectations with her positive energy and insightful feedback. Boasting over a decade of experience across different forms of media, she is on a mission to create memorable content that will leave a lasting impact for years to come.

Trending Topics

University Icon

Apply for 15+ banks in 15 minutes

Get the best unsecured education loan offers for your Master's abroad

Check Loan Eligibilty

Related Blogs

Tuheena Raj - Reportees

kshama

Kshama

Brands and Communications

Tarang Mohin - Reportees

sarthak prakash

Sarthak Prakash

Brands and Communications

Vivek Kumar Srivastava - Reportees

dadi pratushan

Dadi Pratushan

Associate, B2B Partnerships

hemanth k b

Hemanth K B

Sr. Associate, B2B Partnerships

sairam gottipalli

Sairam Gottipalli

Sr. Associate, B2B Partnerships

shobhit jindal

Shobhit Jindal

Sr. Associate, B2B Partnerships

Nandan Singh Danu- Reportees

arka ghosh

Arka Ghosh

Assistant Manager, Admin and Operations

Abhishek Raj - Reportees

yadvendra chauhan

Yadvendra Chauhan

Data Research Associate

harshit kumar

Harshit Kumar

Data Research Associate

suravi parik

Suravi Parik

Data Research Associate

Abhishek Anshu - Reportees

harsh ahuja

Harsh Ahuja

Software Engineer_FE

namrata nadgauda

Namrata Nadgauda

SDET

Ayushkumar

Ayush Kumar

OJT_Tech

SarthakArora

Sarthak Arora

SDE-2 Fullstack

prakhar shukla2

Prakhar Shukla

SDE-2 Fullstack

Dheeraj scaled

Dheeraj Shukla

QA Engineer

Krishnakant Nokwal- Reportees

Harshita scaled

Harshita Jajani

Product Design

Vardan Mishra - Reportees

Daksh

Daksh Bana

Product Associate

Vishnu - Reportees

ajay sunil kharade

Ajay Sunil Kharade

QA Specialist

chetty vivek

Chetty Vivek

SDE-1 Fullstack

debmalya bhattacharya

Debmalya Bhattacharya

Software Engineer_FE

lavanya gunnam

Lavanya Gunnam

SDE-1 Backend

Asakti Dev - Reportees

himanshu ramola

Himanshu Ramola

Student Success Manager-FR

aashima

Aashima

Associate, Student Loan Advisor

shubham khandelwal

Shubham Khandelwal

Associate, Student Loan Advisor

naushad ahmad

Naushad Ahmad

Manager, Student Success-FR

ayushi ranjan

Ayushi Ranjan

Senior Associate, Student Advisor

naveen kumar

Naveen Kumar

Senior Associate, Student Loan Advisor

poojitha

Poojitha

Senior Associate, Student Advisor

rahul yadav

Rahul Yadav

Associate, Student Loan Advisor

sanjeev kumar singh

Sanjeev Kumar Singh

Manager, Student Success-FR

kottana kusuma

Kottana Kusuma

Associate, Student Loan Advisor

kumari garima 1

Kumari Garima

Assistant Manager, Student Loan Advisor

mohit shrimali

Mohit Shrimali

Associate, Student Loan Advisor

peddinti keerthana

Peddinti Keerthana

Senior Associate, Student Loan Advisor

shivam agarwal

Shivam Agarwal

Manager, Student Success-FR

piyush saxena

Piyush Saxena

Associate, Student Loan Advisor

samiksha rai

Samiksha Rai

Associate, Student Loan Advisor

vandana uniyal

Vandana Uniyal

Associate, Student Loan Advisor

Bikramjit Chakraborty - Reportees

pasala subhashini

Pasala Subhashini

Associate, Student Loan Advisor

priyanka pedduappari

Priyanka Peddauppari

Associate, Student Loan Advisor

satti vivek reddy

Satti Vivek Reddy

Associate, Student Loan Advisor

subha biswas

Subha Biswas

Manager,Student Success-FR

anitra roy

Anitra Roy

Associate, Student Loan Advisor

reshab barman

Reshab Barman

Associate, Student Loan Advisor

vysyaraju sashank kumar raju

Vysyaraju Sashank Kumar Raju

Assistant Manager, Student Loan Advisory

abhijit saikia

Abhijit Saikia

Manager, Student Success-FR

maniteja mudanga

Maniteja Munaga

Associate, Student Loan Advisor

podila bhavani

Podila Bhavani

Associate, Student Loan Advisor

thumma mahitha

Thumma Mahitha

Associate, Student Loan Advisor

Jayesh Rao - Reportees

varun sharma

Varun Sharma

Manager, Student Success - FR

ayushi singh

Ayushi Singh

Associate, Student Loan Advisory

himanshu verma

Himanshu Verma

Student Success Manager-FR

ankit thakur

Ankit Thakur

Associate, Student Loan Advisory

archana jain

Archana Jain

Assistant Manager, Student Loan Advisory

Pranav Prabhu - Reportees

angad singh chaudhry

Angad Singh Chaudhry

Manager, Student Success-FR

bhukya renuka bai

Bhukya Renuka Bai

Senior Associate, Student Loan Advisory

archith siddoju

Archith Siddoju

Regional Business Head

kondengala yogesh

Kondengala Yogesh

Manager, Student Success-FR

a rana sai reddy

A Rana Sai Reddy

Associate, Student Loan Advisory

prabhanjan shivva

Prabhanjan Shivva

Senior Associate, Student Loan Advisory

thutta hem durgish

Thutta Hem Durgish

Senior Associate, Student Loan Advisory

mohammad khaja muzammil

Mohammad Khaja Muzammil

Manager, Student Success - FR

nikhil kumar

Nikhil Kumar

Associate, Student Loan Advisory

nishitha dorepally

Nishitha Dorepally

Senior Associate, Student Loan Advisory

ravina ketini

Ravina Ketini

Senior Associate, Student Loan Advisory

Tanya Popli - Reportees

ganapavarapu kumar

Ganapavarapu Kumar

Manager, Student Success - FR

naviya r

Naviya R

Associate, Student Loan Advisory

shashank penugonda

Shashank Penugonda

Senior Associate, Student Advisory

shilpa kumari rawal

Shilpa Kumari Rawal

Senior Associate, Student Loan Advisory

syed waseem sajjad

Syed Waseem Sajjad

Associate, Student Loan Advisory

rajat kapoor2

Rajat Kapoor

Manager, Student Success - FR

aditi mohapatra

Aditi Mohapatra

Associate, Student Loan Advisory

geetika sharma

Geetika Sharma

Associate, Student Loan Advisory

Mayank Kumar Bothra - Reportees

esha sharma

Esha Sharma

Lending Partnerships

Provider

Title and Desc

HDFC

ICICI

Team - General Management

ananya kommera

Ananya Kommera

Manager,Brand Communication Design

tuheena raj

Tuheena Raj

Senior Manager,Brands and Communications

tarang mohin

Tarang Mohin

Senior Manager, Brands and Social Media

priyanka aggarwal

Priyanka Aggarwal

Senior Account Manager, University Partnerships

sanchit panwar

Sanchit Panwar

Account Manager, University Partnerships

nakul dixit

Nakul Dixit

Account Manager, University Partnerships

parth kaura

Parth Kaura

AVP, Corporate Strategy and Planning

surbala k

SurBala K

Manager, International Partnerships

alana sobleman

Alana Sobelman

Brands and Communications

Team - Finance and Accounts

pushkar kumar

Pushkar Kumar

Senior Associate, Finance and Accounts

tripti rani

Tripti Rani

Accounts Executive

Ajay Goswami

Ajay Goswami

Manager-Finance and Accounts

Manish Kumar

Manish Kumar

Assistant Manager-Finance and Accounts

Team - Growth

hasil

Hasil

Lead, Domestic Partnerships

anandhu mohan

Anandhu Mohan

Manager, Domestic Partnerships

arindam banerjee

Arindam Banerjee

Assistant Manager, Digital Marketing

vivek kumar srivastava

Vivek Kumar Srivastav

Lead, Domestic Partnerships

akansha dagar

Akansha Dagar

Senior Designer, UI/UX

akash borah

Akash Borah

Associate, Performance Marketing

ajeet kumar

Ajeet Kumar

Associate, Digital Marketing

nirmit ahuja

Nirmit Ahuja

Community Associate

ChaturvediAbhishek

Abhishek Chaturvedi

Manager-Domestic Partnerships

Team - Talent Management

dikshita das

Dikshita Das

Assistant Manager, Talent Management

nandan singh danu

Nandan Singh Danu

Deputy Manager Admin

rajeev kumar singh

Rajeev Kumar Singh

Manager, Admin and Operations

kavya devanaka

Kavya Devanaka

Talent Management Trainee

Patrali Pic

Patrali Mukherjee

Assistant Manager, Talent Management

Team - Talent Management

abhishek raj

Abhishek Raj

Senior Business Analyst

abhishek wunnava

Abhishek Wunnava

Product Manager

Anshu

Abhishek Anshu

Tech Lead

nischal polishetty

Nischal Polishetty

Production Support Engineer

prankul

Prankul

Product Design

kk

Krishnakant Nokwal

Product Design

umesh podapati

Umesh Podapati

Salesforce Developer

vardan mishra

Vardan Mishra

Mishra Product Manager

vishnu 1

Vishnu

Tech Lead

shubham jangid

Shubham Jangid

Consultant SDE-2 FE

prakash maurya

Prakash Maurya

Consultant SDE-2 BE

Ashutosh scaled

Ashutosh Kumar

Consultant SDE-2 BE

Garima

Garima Mangla

Consultant SDE-2 BE

Team - Talent Management

adit sean obrian

Sean O'Brian

International Growth & Strategy

sayaka ono idris

Sayaka Ono Idris

Associate, International Growth and Development

Team - Talent Management

gautam sahni

Gautam Sahni

Motion Graphic Designer

caliph adam faredie

Caliph Adam Faredie

Senior Manager Communications

raghav bansal

Raghav Bansal

Graphic Designer

nidhi mehra

Nidhi Mehra

Graphic Designer

paras thappa

Paras Thappa

Senior Designer UI/UX

rajat malik

Rajat Malik

Associate Producer

atul s lal

Atul S Lal

Motion Graphic Designer

harshita chaudhary

Harshita Chaudhary

Digital Ad Copywirter

PiyushAgrawal

Piyush Agrawal

Digital Ad Copywirter

Team - Talent Management

asakti dev

Asakti Dev

Assistant Vice President Growth

bikramjit chakraborty

Bikramjit Chakraborty

Manager, Student Success-FR

jayesh rao

Jayesh Rao

Manager, Learning & Development - FR

pranav prabhu

Pranav Prabhu

Manager, Student Success-FR

tanya popli

Tanya Popli

Manager, Student Success-FR

Team - Talent Management

kale veera vanitha

Kale Veera Vanitha

Manager, Student Success - SR

arvind singh rajpurohit

Arvind Singh Rajpurohit

Program Manager, Student Success - SR

manish madanwad

Manish Madanwad

Program Manager, Student Success - SR

akula akshay

Akula Akshay

Senior Growth Associate - SR

bhargavi mopidevi

Bhargavi Mopidevi

Growth Associate - SR

bhagyalaxmi sahoo

Bhagyalaxmi Sahoo

Senior Growth Associate - SR

asv siddhartha

A.S.V. Siddhartha

Manager, Student Success - SR

saikiran g 1

Saikiran G.

Senior Growth Associate - SR

lavanya swaero

Lavanya Swaero

Growth Associate - SR

Team - Talent Management

Rectangle 24199

Monoj D S

Deputy Manager,Student Engagement FR

yash

Yash Kumar Goyal

Manager, Lending Partnerships

mayank

Mayank Kumar Bothra

Assistant Manager,Lending Partnerships

shoaurya gupta

Shaurya Gupta

VAS Partnership

manish

Manish Jain

Manager,VAS Partnership