IELTS Exam in 2024: Dates, Registration, Fees, Eligibility, Syllabus, Pattern, Preparation & More

IELTS has emerged as the world’s most popular English language proficiency test. It is trusted by organizations in more than 140 countries for study, work, and migration purposes. Many universities globally rely on the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) to assess applicants’ language skills.

In this guide, we discuss the various aspects of the IELTS Academic examination.

What is the IELTS Exam?

The IELTS is a globally reputed test of English language proficiency. The test is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP, and the Cambridge Assessment, and has been conducted since 1989.

The IELTS exam evaluates four fundamental language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The test is available in both paper-based and computer-delivered formats. Results are on a 9-band scale, providing a precise evaluation of an individual’s English proficiency.

Last year (2023), the test was taken by four million people in over a hundred nations, which shows its enormous global reach. 

IELTS Full Form

The full form of IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. 

There are two versions of the test: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. 

IELTS Academic is for those seeking entry to universities and other higher education institutions. IELTS General Training is for work, training programs, and migration purposes.

In this guide, we focus on the IELTS Academic exam.  

What is the IELTS Test on Paper?

The IELTS Test on Paper is a format of the International English Language Testing System where you complete the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections using pen and paper at an official test center. 

The Speaking test is conducted face-to-face with a certified IELTS examiner.

It takes about two weeks to get the results of paper-based IELTS. 

There is also a computer-based IELTS exam. The test takers have to complete the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections on a computer. The Speaking test remains the same as the paper-based format and is conducted face-to-face. 

The results of the computer-based test are usually available in 3-5 days.

Both paper-based and computer-based tests have to be taken at an official IELTS test center. There is no difference in testing standards and exam structure between the two. 

IELTS Exam Eligibility 2024

The IELTS website does not mention any eligibility criteria. There is no specific age restriction, meaning both minors and adults can take the test. However, it’s generally not advised for individuals under 16 to take the IELTS.

There is no minimum educational qualification required. Anyone can take the test. However, since the IELTS exam has quite a high standard, those with education less than the higher/senior secondary level might find it quite difficult.

Also, if you are taking the computer-based test, you need a basic understanding of computer skills so that you can navigate easily through the various sections. 

IELTS Exam Fee 2024

The IELTS exam fee in India is ₹17,000. The fee is the same for both computer-based and paper-based tests.  

You can retake a single skill after 60 days at a cost of ₹11,300.

Scoring Method and Validity 

The IELTS scoring method provides a clear and accurate assessment of a test-taker’s English language proficiency. Scores are reported on a nine-band scale, ranging from 1 (non-user) to 9 (expert user). 

Each section of the test—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking—receives an individual band score. The overall IELTS band score is calculated by taking the average of the four section scores (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking).

For example, if the four section scores are 6.5, 7.0, 6.0, and 6.5, the overall band score would be 6.5 (the average of 6.5, 7.0, 6.0, and 6.5).

Here’s a breakdown of the scoring method for each section:

Listening and Reading

The Listening and Reading sections each consist of 40 questions. Each correct answer is awarded one mark, with the total number of correct answers translating to a band score on the nine-band scale. For example, a score of 23 is Band 6, and 35 is Band 8. 

Writing 

The Writing section is evaluated based on these four criteria: 

• How well the test-taker addresses the task requirements and presents their response
• The clarity and organization of ideas, including the use of paragraphs and linking words
• The range and accuracy of vocabulary
• The variety and correctness of grammar

Each of these criteria is scored from 0 to 9, and the scores are averaged to determine the band score for the Writing section.

Speaking

The Speaking section is evaluated based on these four criteria: 

• The ability to speak smoothly and logically
• The range and accuracy of vocabulary used
• The variety and correctness of grammatical structures used
• The clarity and comprehensibility of the test-takers pronunciation

Like the Writing section, each criterion is scored from 0 to 9. The scores are averaged to determine the band score for the Speaking section.

The following table illustrates how each band score reflects a student’s English language proficiency, along with a corresponding description:

Syllabus and exam pattern

If you’re gearing up for the IELTS exam, understanding the syllabus and exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation. Here’s an overview of what you can expect for the IELTS Academic exam in 2024:

IELTS Listening Section

• Duration: 30 minutes (plus 10 minutes transfer time)
• Questions: 40 questions, various types
• Format: Four recorded texts (two monologues and two conversations) in different accents (British, Australian, New Zealand, North American)
  • Part 1: A conversation between two people in an everyday social context
  • Part 2: A monologue set in an everyday social context
  • Part 3: A conversation among up to four people in an educational or training context
  • Part 4: A monologue on an academic subject

Tips for IELTS Listening

1. Check your headphones before the test starts
2. Utilize the preparation time to read through the questions
3. Focus on key answers rather than understanding everything
4. Take notes while listening
5. Adhere to the word limit for each question
6. Proofread for spelling and grammar errors
7. Consider using all capital letters for your answers

IELTS Reading Section

• Duration: 60 minutes
• Questions: 40 questions, various types
• Format: Identification of opinions, attitudes, and purposes of writers; testing different reading techniques (e.g., skimming)

Academic Reading:

• Three long passages with tasks
• Topics of general interest to undergraduate or postgraduate students
• Texts may include diagrams, graphs, or illustrations

General Training Reading:

• Five or six texts of varying lengths
  • Section 1: Two or three short texts on everyday topics
  • Section 2: Two short, work-related factual texts
  • Section 3: One longer text on a topic of general interest

Tips for IELTS Reading

1. Pay close attention to figures, graphs, or images
2. Move on if you don’t understand a question and return to it later
3. Manage your time; there is no extra time for transferring answers
4. Focus on finding answers in the passage
5. Be concise and grammatically correct
6. Consider using all capital letters for your answers

IELTS Writing Section

• Duration: 60 minutes
• Tasks: Two writing tasks

Academic Writing:

• Task 1: Describe visual information (graph, table, chart, diagram) in at least 150 words within 20 minutes
• Task 2: Write an essay on a given topic in at least 250 words within 40 minutes

General Training Writing:

• Task 1: Write a letter requesting information or explaining a situation in at least 150 words within 20 minutes
• Task 2: Write an essay on a given topic in at least 250 words within 40 minutes

Tips for IELTS Writing

1. Analyze the tasks quickly and plan your answers
2. Allocate time wisely: 20 minutes for Task 1, 40 minutes for Task 2
3. Exceed the word count: 150+ for Task 1, 250+ for Task 2
4. Avoid repetition of ideas and phrases
5. Ensure Task 2 includes a conclusion
6. Write clear and relevant answers; avoid lengthy paragraphs
7. Use active voice and avoid passive voice
8. Proofread thoroughly before submission

IELTS Speaking Section

• Duration: 11-14 minutes
• Format: Face-to-face interview, recorded for assessment
  • Part 1: (4-5 minutes) General questions about yourself and familiar topics 
  • Part 2: (3-4 minutes) Speak on a topic given on a task card, with 1 minute to prepare and up to 2 minutes to speak 
  • Part 3: (4-5 minutes) Discussion of more abstract ideas and issues related to the Part 2 topic

Tips for IELTS Speaking

1. Speak clearly and fluently
2. Listen carefully to questions and answer directly
3. Expand on your answers, keeping them relevant
4. Ask the examiner to repeat questions if necessary
5. Maintain confidence while speaking
6. Avoid long pauses
7. Focus on vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure

General Preparation Tips

• Practice Regularly: Familiarize yourself with the test format and time constraints
• Improve Vocabulary: A broad vocabulary will help across all sections
• Enhance Listening Skills: Listen to various English accents through media
• Refine Writing Techniques: Practice writing essays and letters within word limits
• Develop Speaking Skills: Practice speaking English regularly to build confidence

How to apply for IELTS Exams?

Are you ready to apply for the IELTS exam? Here are a few simple steps:

1. Visit the official IELTS website and click “Register for IELTS” 
2. Select your preferred test format: Pen and Paper-based IELTS or IELTS on the computer (there are a few other versions such as Life Skills, IELTS for UKVI, etc which you must ignore) 
3. Choose IELTS Academic (the other available one is General Training)
4. Select the city where you’d like to take it 
5. Click “Book Now” to proceed
6. Check the available dates and times online and pick the one that suits you
7. Fill out the online form; you need a valid passport number to apply for IELTS. 
8. Upload a copy of your passport when prompted 
9. Pay the fees via internet banking, debit or credit card, or UPI 

IELTS Exam Preparation 2024

Effective preparation is essential for IELTS success. We have shared a few effective study techniques that will help enhance your skills and boost your confidence.

1. Establish a Daily Routine

Consistency is key in preparing for the IELTS exam. Set aside a specific time each day for studying. Even 30 minutes might be enough. Daily study habits are more effective than longer, infrequent sessions. 

2. Focus on Weaknesses

Identify your strengths and weaknesses early on. Concentrate on improving weaker areas to make the most of your study time. For example, if your reading skills are strong but your writing needs work, allocate more time to writing exercises to balance your abilities.

3. Highlight Key Points

Highlighting important information helps with memorization. Skim the text to understand the general idea, then read it carefully to find key points. Highlight these points for quick reference and use them to create summaries.

4. Summarize Information

Summarizing helps consolidate your learning. Read the text multiple times, break it into sections, and identify the main ideas. Use this information to write a concise summary, making revision easier and more efficient.

5. Create Flashcards

Flashcards are excellent for memorizing vocabulary and concepts. Customize them to suit your learning style, use different colors for various topics, and number them for easy organization. 

6. Focus on the Four Core Skills

Developing your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills is essential.

• Reading: Spend 30 minutes daily reading English materials e.g. newspaper, and journals 
• Writing: Write essays on personal experiences or interests, and use new vocabulary
• Listening: Listen to English songs, TV shows, and news broadcasts to familiarize yourself with different accents
• Speaking: Practice speaking English regularly by joining conversation clubs, or asking friends or family to converse with you in English

7. Understand the IELTS Test Format

Understanding the test structure is crucial. Familiarize yourself with the types of questions and tasks in each section. Knowing what to expect will help you develop a winning strategy. 

8. Practice with Mock Tests

Simulate test conditions by taking mock tests. The British Council provides free practice tests for all four skills. Time yourself and compare your answers with model responses to understand scoring criteria.

Here are some free resources for IELTS:

Practice Tests from the British Council 

Official IELTS Practice Resources and Knowledge Bank 

Sample test from IELTS 

When preparing for the IELTS exam, you also have to identify the universities you’re interested in. This will help you understand the target IELTS score you need to achieve. However, the IELTS score is just one of several factors to consider when shortlisting universities. There is budget, ranking, availability of scholarships, job opportunities, and so much more. 

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Now let’s answer some frequently asked questions about IELTS. 

FAQs

1. How long are IELTS results valid for?

IELTS scores are typically valid for 2 years from the date of the test. After that, you have to retake the test. 

However, there might be specific limits set by a university or a department. Such as, for immigration to Canada, the test results cannot be more than a year old. However, for Australia, your IELTS score is valid for three years. 

2. How can I add my IELTS exam results to my LinkedIn profile?

Certainly, you can add your IELTS results to your LinkedIn profile. Here are the steps: 

1. Log in to your LinkedIn account.
2. Go to the “Add profile section” option.
3. Select “Certifications” from the dropdown menu.
4. In the “Certification name” field, enter the type of IELTS test you took – either “IELTS Academic” or “IELTS General Training”.
5. In the “Certification Authority” field, search for and select “IELTS Official”.
6. Enter your overall IELTS band score in the appropriate field.
7. Add the month and year you took the IELTS exam.
8. Click “Save” to add the IELTS exam certification to your LinkedIn profile.

3. What are the most common mistakes Indian candidates make when preparing for the IELTS test?

Each student is unique and there is no way to generalize. However, there are a few aspects that students from India must focus on:

• Reviewing spelling is crucial for the Writing and Reading sections. Such as, inadvertent not inadvertant, immediately not immediatly.
• Understanding the difference between homophones or similar-sounding words. Such as “You need to lose fat and get in shape” not “You have to loose fat and get in shape.”
• Building a strong vocabulary is essential. This happens naturally when you read articles from the web and newspapers. Some of the best websites are Reader’s Digest, BBC Learning English, and Times of India editorials.

4. Can I retake only one section of the IELTS?

IELTS One Skill Retake allows you to improve your test score without having to retake the entire exam. You can choose to retake just a single section – Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking. 

This feature is available for computer-based IELTS only and the fee is ₹11,300 

5. Can I request a revaluation of my results?

You can request an Enquiry on Results (EOR) and pay a fee of ₹12,000. If your result changes to a higher band, the EOR fee will be refunded.