IELTS Exam 2023: Exam Dates, Registration, Fees, Eligibility, Syllabus, Preparation Tips, Results & Score

IELTS is an English language exam that is required to be taken by international candidates considering studying or working in a country where English is the main language of communication. The IELTS full form is the International English Language Testing System. The most popular countries where IELTS is accepted for university admissions are the UK, Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and Canada. The IELTS exam mainly measures the ability of test-takers to communicate in the four basic English language skills – listening, reading, speaking, and writing. The IELTS exam is jointly owned and conducted by IDP Education Australia, and Cambridge English Language Assessment. In this article, we will inform you everything from IELTS eligibility criteria to IELTS registration, IELTS exam dates 2023, and IELTS exam sample paper. We will also inform you about preparation for different IELTS sections whether IELTS Listening, IELTS Reading, IELTS Writing, and IELTS Speaking section.

The IELTS exam is available to candidates in a computer-based format and a paper-based format. Test-takers who opt for the IELTS computer-based test take the Listening, Writing, and Reading sections on a computer. Whereas, the Speaking test is conducted face-to-face with a trained examiner. With the Computer-based IELTS, one gets more test dates to choose from and gets results in 3-5 days. Test-takers who opt for the IELTS paper-based test will take the Reading, Writing, and Listening sections on paper with either HB pencils or a pen. Whereas, the Speaking test is conducted face-to-face with a professional IELTS examiner.

Latest Updates on IELTS Exam 2023

IELTS to introduce 'One Skill Retake' from March 2023 in India.

Earlier, if a test taker was unable to get the targeted score in any module of IELTS then he/she was required to appear for the entire exam again. However, according to a recent update, IELTS will introduce a 'One Skill Retake' provision where test takers will be allowed to appear only for the module in which they scored less. So, they need not retake all four modules of the IELTS exam. This update will be effective from March 2023 in India.

IDP to administer IELTS Exam in India

IELTS Tests in India will be administered by IDP after it acquired 100% stakes from British Council recently. It is expected that the distribution of IELTS through IDP in India would simplify the process and improve customers' experience. The entire process of acquiring these stakes and final settlements would most probably wrap up by August 2021. IELTS IDP will offer a better testing experience to test-takers.

IELTS Test Fee Update

Candidates looking to appear for their IELTS exam would be required to pay a revised IELTS exam fee of INR 15,500. 

IELTS Covid - 19 Alert

Given the Covid-19 pandemic, IELTS Partners have launched the IELTS Indicator which is an IELTS online test that students can take from their homes. The IELTS Indicator is an online English language test for students who are affected by COVID-19 and are not able to go to the IELTS test centre. IELTS Indicator will assess the student's English language skills in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. Students can take the test online from their homes.

Also Read: COVID-19 effect: Competitive study abroad exams students can give online

Why IELTS Exam is required?

The IELTS exam is required for migration as well as academic purposes abroad in English-speaking countries like Australia, the UK, New Zealand, the USA, and Canada. The IELTS exam is the only English Language Test approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for visa applicants applying both outside and inside the UK. A lot of students get confused about why are the IELTS scores required. The simple answer to this is that foreign universities and visa-granting authorities need to be sure that you will not have communication issues while staying in the country. You need to show a good understanding and strong command of the English language and that is why your overall IELTS band scores are so important. Another familiar doubt students have is whether IELTS is a compulsory exam or not. No, IELTS isn’t mandatory in all university admissions. Many universities might not even require IELTS scores for admission purposes. But remember that if you don’t give IELTS, your chances of getting the student visa might suffer as the visa officers may not be convinced about your English proficiency without an IELTS score. So it is safer to appear for IELTS and aim to score at least 6 bands overall.

Candidates can register for the IELTS exam 2023 with the IDP up to once a week or four times a month making a total of 48 fixed test dates in one calendar year. With the number of IELTS tests growing to a record of 3.5 million in the year 2018, it has become a leader in the area of international higher education. The IELTS exam is accepted by 100% of universities in the UK and Australia. Also, it is accepted by more than 11,000 organizations in more than 140 countries. These include institutions in the US and thousands of institutions in English-speaking countries.

Also Read: New English Language Proficiency Exam - Duolingo that you can take online

Types of IELTS

There are two types of IELTS exams: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. Listening and speaking sections are the same for both these tests, however, the subject matter for the writing and reading sections are different depending on which test one takes. The Reading, Writing, and Listening sections of the IELTS tests are completed on the same day of the test with no breaks between them. However, the Speaking section can be completed either a week before or after the other test date. This information test can be taken from your test centre. Read: Which exam to give for which course to study abroad

IELTS Academic Test

IELTS Academic is taken by those who apply for higher education or professional registration abroad.

IELTS General Test

IELTS General Test is taken by those who wish to migrate to major English-speaking countries like Canada, Australia, and the UK. This test is also taken by those who want to enrol in training programs or secondary education or want to gain work experience in a country where English is the main language used for communication.

IELTS 2023 Highlights

IELTS vs TOEFL

Often international students are confused between choosing IELTS or TOEFL, as universities abroad ask for either exam score. It is up to you as a test taker to decide which of the two exams to take, but remember that IELTS is preferred in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, while the TOEFL exam is popular among applicants to universities in US and Canada.

Read: Learn more about studying in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada

IELTS Eligibility 2023

IELTS can be taken by anyone irrespective of age, gender, race, nationality, or religion, however, the IELTS exam 2023 is not recommended for those under 16 years of age.

What is the age limit to appear for the IELTS exam?

As such, there is no age limit set by the IELTS administrators (IDP or British Council), however, it is not recommended for candidates below 16 years. Although if they wish, they can also take the test.

What is the educational eligibility to give the IELTS exam?

As such, there are no IELTS eligibility criteria set by the IDP, the conducting body of IELTS. Anyone who wishes to pursue higher studies abroad or wants to work abroad can attempt the IELTS IDP exam (both Academic and General Training). However, candidates should always check the eligibility criteria set by the educational institution or organization to which they are applying.

IELTS Registration 2023

Make sure to keep your passport handy at the time of registration as you need your passport number at the time of registration. Apart from this, you also need to carry your passport on the test day. IELTS Registration can be done in easy steps:

• First, you need to visit the official IELTS IDP.
• Create an account with the IELTS IDP registration page.
• Find your nearest test centre.
• Register for the IELTS test and pay the IELTS exam fee of INR 15,500 online.

Those below 18 years of age need their parent or guardian to book the test for them. Once the IELTS exam registration is complete, your test centre will send a written confirmation to you informing you about the date and time of your IELTS test.

Related articles about IELTS Exam:

• Applicants to UK universities need to register separately for 'IELTS for UKVI' language test

IELTS Exam Fees

The IELTS registration fee is Rs. 15,500 in India.

What is the IELTS Cancellation Fee?

• If you cancel your IELTS application more than five weeks before the test date, you will receive a refund minus a 25% administrative fee.
• If you cancel the IELTS exam less than five weeks ahead of the test date, you will receive no refund.
• In case you fail to appear for the test, then also you will not receive any refund. This is also considered a cancellation.

Those who can produce a medical certificate within 5 days of the test date can receive a refund after deducting the local administrative cost.

What is IELTS Reschedule Fee?

If you want to change your test date, then you can request a test day transfer at least five weeks before your already booked test date after deducting your cancellation/postponement fee. Also, make sure the new test date must be within three months of the original test date. Candidates need to pay an administrative charge of INR 3,300 inclusive of all taxes for the transfer of the test date.

IELTS Scholarships

One of the biggest drawbacks of studying abroad is having to pay tuition fees in foreign currency clubbed with high living expenses. Due to such reasons, a lot of times, many sections of students are unable to go abroad and end up settling down for other alternatives. However, with the availability of various IELTS Scholarships and education loans, students can finally make their dream come true. Scholarships are available on the official website of every college along with other fellowships and grants that are awarded to deserving students on a regular basis. Students can also opt for education loans from financial institutions for studying abroad.

IELTS Exam Dates 2023

IELTS IDP India is the official conducting body of the IELTS. The IELTS test is available multiple times throughout the year. Candidates are advised to book an IELTS exam date 2023 that is most convenient to them, keeping in mind the university admission timeline. To avoid any last-minute error, students looking to appear for the IELTS are advised to choose an exam date 3-4 months before their application deadline. The IELTS centres are available across various major cities in India.

IELTS Test Centers in India

IELTS has exam centres all over India. The test can be taken by you in 78 locations across India. You should choose your location wisely considering that your travel on the day of the exam should not be exhausting. Choose an IELTS centre with minimal commuting time so that you can remain fresh for attempting the exam. With so many locations, it would be easy to find a test centre near your residential place. Remember, you need to book the IELTS center in advance according to your suitable time. Check out the list of IELTS Centre near me.

IELTS Exam Pattern and Syllabus

It is important for candidates looking to score well in their IELTS Test to understand the IELTS Pattern and IELTS Syllabus in detail. IELTS Syllabus includes four sections, Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Students get marked on these four sections and get the IELTS total score as well. Aspirants show know how to approach each section of the IELTS. The total score is the sum of the scores in the four skill areas. The total test duration is 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Here is the IELTS Exam pattern – At a Glance

The IELTS Exam consists of four sections:

• IELTS Listening section
• IELTS Reading section
• IELTS Writing section
• IELTS Speaking section

How is IELTS Scored?

IELTS is designed to assess English language skills at all levels. Your total IELTS score will be a combination of the band scores from the four sections. You will receive IELTS scores based on each of the four skills on a band of 1 – 9, and you will also be awarded an overall band score. You can score whole (example 5.0, 6.0, 7.0) or half (example 5.5, 6.5, 7.5) bands in each part of the test. You need to have some idea about how the scoring pattern works to better understand how your IELTS score will be calculated.

How to get your IELTS Exam Result?

Once you are done with the IELTS, then comes your wait for the result. The good thing about these exams is that the results are usually declared within a fortnight. In this case, if you have given the computer-based exam, your results will be declared within 3-5 days or within a week.

• Offline Mode: For offline or paper-based tests, you will receive your results within 13 calendar days from the day of your exam.
• Online Mode: Candidates will receive the results of computer-delivered tests within 3-5 days. On the day of your result, you will receive an intimation from your Test Centre about the results. You can simply log in with your ID, password, passport number, and test date information to view your result. From the time of declaration of result, your results will be available online for the next 28 days

Source: The Urban Fight | Youtube

IELTS Band Score

The table mentioned below shows how to read the IELTS score banding

IELTS Score validity period

From the time you obtain your IELTS result, your IELTS score is valid for two years.

IELTS Result

You do not have long to wait for your results as IELTS test results are released within a week (online) or 13 calendar days (offline) after you sit for the test. You will receive an email when your scores are available. You can log into your IELTS account on the IELTS Results IDP website to see your scores.

IELTS Cut-Off

IELTS has been designed to assess the English language skills of students at all levels. Hence, students can never fail the test. The IELTS score is based on each of the four skills on a scale of 1 – 9, and students would also be awarded an overall band score. Candidates are reminded that the IELTS cut-off score varies for different colleges and programmes that students are interested in and not all universities and programmes require candidates to qualify for the IELTS exam. Your overall IELTS band score is important if you intend to apply for university, take up a job or immigrate to an English-speaking country.

Colleges Accepting IELTS

Taking the IELTS exam opens doors of opportunities! More than 11,000 organizations across 140 countries accept IELTS. These include professional organizations, schools, colleges, and universities. This test will clearly monitor the use of the English language by the aspirant at work, and study, which reflects how the aspirant will manage communication abroad. It is the most popular English language test with more than 3 million IELTS exams being taken every year.

• MS Colleges Accepting IELTS scores
• MBA Colleges Accepting IELTS scores

Countries Accepting IELTS Score

IELTS exam score is accepted in more than 140 countries including the UK, Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and Canada. Whether it is for study, work or immigration, you can sit for IELTS and with a good score apply to your favourite country. It is advisable to check the university/country requirements for IELTS before sitting for the exam.

IELTS Preparation

There are two ways to prepare for IELTS: one is self-study and another is attending coaching classes. Which way you will choose depends on your language proficiency and comfort level. If you are already fluent in English, you need not attend coaching classes, you can prepare for the exam on your own. You just need to figure out when to start preparing for IELTS.

Also, if money is an important consideration, then self-study is a better option. However, remember that in order to study on your own, you need the latest preparation tips dedicated to each section of the IELTS exam. On the other hand, if you do not have enough time and you need professional supervision for the exam preparation then coaching classes are a good option. Since regularly attending classes will become part of your routine, your time will be better managed. Read: IELTS Reading Tips & Practice Tests

IELTS Books

Given below are some of the top IELTS books for candidates looking to appear for the IELTS exam. 

• The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS by Cambridge University Press
• Cambridge IELTS Academic 14 + 15 + 16 + 17 by Cambridge University Press
• Road to IELTS (Free online resource) by British Council
• Official IELTS Practice Materials 2 with DVD by Cambridge ESOL
• IELTS Superpack by BARRON'S

Also read:

• Top 10 coaching centers for IELTS
• IELTS Exam: Tips to Achieve a High Score

IELTS Exam day tips

Each exam has its own preparation technique, which also changes the treatment of exam day. Planning your exam day and preparing for strategies to crack the question paper is equally essential as studying for the exam is. Therefore, it is as important to be exam-day-ready as it is to be prepared with its syllabus. Check out the IELTS exam day tips before you go to the examination hall.

IELTS Sample Papers

While preparing for the exam, you would need to know how far you have reached. Knowing where you stand would help you move further with your preparation. Hence, it is suggested that you keep on taking up the IELTS mock test and IELTS practice test 2023 every now and then. It would also help in preparing you for facing and handling the question paper well, without panicking on the day of the exam. It is suggested that put the highlighted heading for exam day tips after this paragraph.

Still, have doubts in mind? Read the IELTS FAQs to learn more about the IELTS exam 2023.