IELTS Exam 2025: Registration, Exam Dates, Fees, Preparation & Practice Materials

The IELTS exam comprises four sections: Listening to check how well you understand spoken English, Reading to check how well you can read and understand texts, Writing to test your writing skills, and Speaking to check how well you can talk in English.

The main purpose of the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam is to evaluate the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers who want to study, work, or migrate to english speaking countries. Countries like UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand requires IELTS as an english proficiency test.

 

There is no eligibility criteria to take IELTS. But, IELTS is not recommended for candidates under the age of 16.

IELTS IDP has not set any 12th score requirements for taking the IELTS. You can take the IELTS irrespective of the marks you scored in the 12th standard. So, one can attempt the IELTS exam without worrying about their class 12th score.

One can check details on IELTS exam fees below: 

The full form of IELTS is International English Language Testing System. It is a test to check how good your English skills in academic and general training contexts. This is mandatory requirement in foreign country if you want to study, work or live in a country where English is used.

 

The total test time for IELTS exam is 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Here is the detailed mode of conduction for the IELTS examination . The examination is conducted both online and offline for the ease of students. They can choose whether they want to complete it online or offline. There is no difference in the questions, it is just the mode through which they prefer to answer. 

For the computer based mode candidates are required to go to the examination centre, sit behind the computer screen and answer the questions. For the speaking section a trained IELTS examination trainer will ask them the questions. Results for the computer based test are available from 3 to 5 days after the examination. 

For the pen and paper based examination, candidates will give the traditional method of question paper and answer booklet . The result for this mode of examination will take around 13 days. 

 

IELTS exam structure is simple, there are four sections and applicants have to answer questions chronologically for the IELTS sections in the following order:

• Listening
• Reading
• Writing
• Speaking

While, the first three sections have to be taken one after the other, Speaking section can be taken on that very day or it can be after 2-3 days of the exam. Unless the Speaking section is completed, the IELTS exam shall not be deemed as completed. 

There are two tasks on IELTS Writing section, syllabus of which is as follows:

Task 1 (Report Writing): IELTS Wrtiting Syllabus

This is report writing tested on Task 1. Applicants have to describe in 150 words for a given graph, diagram, table, cycles (or maps) or data sets. 

Task 2 (Essay): IELTS Writing Syllabus

Here, applicants have to write a 250 words long essay on a given point of view, argument or, problem.

Applicants should practice writing section by analysing and describing different types of data sets, diagrams (maps) or table types for task 1. While, the second task's syllabus requires applicants to prepare on the lines of elaborating on a given point view (right or wrong with strong statements), problem (how to solve them) and arguments (which require a specific and strong response).

In the IELTS Speaking test there is a face-to-face interview between the test taker and the examiner. The Speaking test includes 3 parts which are mentioned above. Here, candidates are assessed on the following parameters:

• Grammar
• Pronunciation
• Lexical resource
• Fluency

The Speaking test is recorded and marked based on the applicant's performance. Applicants should be careful how they attempt this section. Confidence, diction, pronunciation and the use of correct words is important to ace this section. 

The subject of IELTS Reading section on the Academic IELTS is based on common topics of interest. These topics are mostly academically sourced topics that make up the three passages on this section. The topics on which the IELTS Readin section are tested can be from different subjects of:

• Science & Engineering
• Social Science
• Technology
• Business
• Humanities
• Environment
• Education
• Psychology
• Economics
• Agriculture

The list is endless and the topics can vary at large for IELTS Academic - Reading section. Thus, applicants can prepare for the IELTS Reading section and can find material at: IELTS Reading: Practice Test with Answers

A valid passport is mandatory for both IELTS registration and on the test day. Other documents, like an Aadhar card, driver's license, or PAN card, are not accepted.

There is no upper age limit for taking the IELTS test. Many working professionals and even senior citizens take the IELTS exam for immigration or employment purposes.  So, there is no maximum age limit to take the IELTS test. You can easily take the test by paying the exam fee.  

The minimum age for taking the IELTS exam is 16 years. Anyone over the age of 16 can take the IELTS Test irrespective of nationality or background. IDP - the conducting body of the IELTS exam has not officially declared a minimum age limit to take the IELTS exam, but it is preferred that the aspirant should have crossed 16 years of age. IELTS - an English language proficiency exam is a requirement for candidates looking to pursue higher education abroad. And since, IELTS scores are valid for a period of 2 years, candidates who take the IELTS exam in Class 10 would have to appear again after completing their Class 12 if they plan on studying abroad. 

Booking an IELTS test just 2 days before the test date is generally not possible. Most test centers require you to book at least 15 days in advance to ensure availability and processing time.

No. A valid passport is mandatory for IELTS registration and on the test day. So, one cannot register for IELTS without a passport. 

Candiadates have to only submit a valid passport and your national ID card during the time of IELTS registration. In the case of absence of any of a national ID proof, one have to submit the documents required while applying for the passport.

Yes, the IELTS exam fees in refundable but only if you cancel more than 5 weeks before your test date. Cancellation of IELTS exam dates after this period will not be refunded unless due to serious reasons with supporting documents.

 

Reducing the IELTS fees is not possible as IDP does not offer any concession or discounts in IELTS fees.

Yes, the IELTS test fees in 2025 has been increased. There is a surge of INR 1,000 in the total fees of IELTS exam. Now, candidates have to pay the IELTS registration fees 2025, INR 18,000. 

The IELTS exam is offered multiple times a month. The IELTS test dates vary by test center. The IELTS exam dates for computer are available on almsot every date on the basis of availabilty. While, the IELTS Paper-delivered test are available up to 4 times a month.

IELTS test dates are conducted throughout the year in India. The IELTS computer-based test is conducted on all days of the month excluding national holidays and major festivals. The IELTS paper-based test is conducted 4 times a month or 48 times a year on Thursdays and Saturdays. Candidates can check out the available IELTS test dates on our website or IDP IELTS India.

The IELTS computer-delivered test is conducted on all days of the week including weekends. However, national holidays and major festivals are days when no IELTS test is held. When we talk about the IELTS paper-delivered test. The IELTS on paper is held four times a month and 48 times a year. They are mainly held on Saturdays and Thursdays. 

Applicants can request for a change in IELTS exam centre or even IELTS exam dates atleast 5 weeks before the exam. Applicants can log on to the portal where they registered for the exam and look for the option to change or transfer IELTS exam dates or centre. This is only applicable 5 weeks before the chosen exam date and applicants do so only if they need it urgently. Once they are able to select the new preferred IELTS test centre, an additional fee will be charged to make the new changes. 

Please note: It is not always possible to get the preferred IELTS exam centre when changing from the original option. Thus, applicants should be very careful while submitting their applications and preferred choices. 

Booking an IELTS exam centre is not very difficult. Applicants can either register for the chosen IELTS exam centre online or go to the nearest IDP kiosk and choose for one. 75+ IELTS exam centres are available across various Indian cities. Thus, applicants will be able to book their IELTS test centres easily based on the available exam centres in India. When applicants will be registering on IDP's website for IELTS exam, they can directly choose their exam centre and register for the exam. On the other hand, when registering offline, people at IDP can help applicants choose their exam centres.

Choosing an ideal IELTS test centre includes four broad questions:

1. Is the IELTS exam centre nearby?
2. Can you reach your IELTS test centre in minimum possible time?
3. Will you be comfortable giving your IELTS exam in the chosen exam centre?
4. If the exam centre is available for your preferred IELTS exam type?

Based on these four questions, applicants can choose their IELTS test centres. Also, applicants should register well in advance so that, their preferred IELTS test centre is available for testing.

The four types of IELTS exams are: IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training, IELTS for UKVI and IELTS for UKVI Life Skills. One should confirm the university or institutions about the types of IELTS exam they accepts. On the basis of IELTS types requirements, candidates should register for IELTS exam. 

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 the result, your results will be available online for the next 28 days

No, the IELTS score is valid for 2 years only. There is no update yet that it is valid for 3 years. After 2 years, if you need score again, you have to give the test again.

Although two weeks are less, however, with a solid strategy can help you get a decent IELTS score. Candidates should understand the IELTS test format and prepare a comprehensive study plan for the next two weeks covering all the topics. After covering all the topics in each of the sections give full-length practice tests.

You can prepare for the IELTS exam at home by first learning the exam pattern. Practice listening with English news or podcasts, improve reading by doing newspapers and articles, write essays and graph reports for writing, and practice speaking English daily for the speaking test. Using free online IELTS practice tests will also help.

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 is accepted by immigration authorities in the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand for migration and work visa applications.

You should try to register for IELTS at least 1 or 2 months early. Test dates get booked fast, especially during busy times. The advance booking of IELTS exam also gives you more time to prepare for IELTS properly.

 

IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. It is an exam that shows how good your English is, for university admission, job, or immigration abroad.