IELTS exam is an English language test that is required of international students and professionals who seek to study or work in a country where English is the predominant communication language aka their native language. The United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, the United States, and Canada are the most common countries where IELTS is authorised for university admissions. The exam primarily assesses test takers’ ability to communicate in four core English language skills: listening, reading, speaking, and writing. IDP Education Australia and Cambridge English Language Assessment together own and administer the IELTS exam.
The IELTS exam can be attempted on a computer or via pen-paper. Those who take the IELTS online test do so on a computer for the listening, writing, and reading portions. The Speaking test, on the other hand, is done in front of a trained examiner. With the computer-based test, there are more IELTS exam dates available and results are obtainable in 3-5 days. Those who choose to take IELTS on paper will complete the reading, writing, and listening parts on paper using HB pencils or a pen. The Speaking test, on the other hand, is done in front of a trained IELTS examiner.
Recent Updates In IELTS
- IDP has offered to acquire all of the IELTS centres in India. Therefore, now IDP must administer all IELTS examinations and issue all TRFs. The content, format, scoring, or security of the test have not changed.
- The IELTS test fee has been revised to INR 14,700 for registrations that have begun from 11th July 2023.
- With the spread of COVID-19, a new way to attempt the IELTS test has been introduced by the authority called as IELTS Indicator where students can take their tests from their homes and get IELTS exam results within 7 days.
IELTS 2023 Highlights
- IELTS Exam Fee increases to INR 16,250
From April 2023, the conducting body of IELTS exam has raised the fee for both Pen and paper-based IELTS and Computer-delivered IELTS exams to INR 16,250. Additionally, the IELTS exam fee for the Computer-delivered IELTS for UKVI has been increased to INR 16,500, while the fee for IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1) has been revised to INR 15,350.
- IDP will administer IELTS Exam in India
IDP has taken over the administration of IELTS tests in India after acquiring 100% stakes from British Council. This move is expected to streamline the testing process and provide a better experience to test-takers.
- IELTS Test Fee Update
As of now, candidates who wish to take the IELTS exam need to pay a revised fee of INR 15,500. It is crucial to note that IELTS assesses the test takers on four English language skills- Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking- necessary for their study or work placements abroad.
- IELTS to introduce ‘One Skill Retake’ from March 2023 in India.
To provide more flexibility to test-takers, IELTS has introduced a ‘One Skill Retake’ provision, effective from March 2023 in India. This provision allows test takers to retake only the module in which they scored less, instead of retaking the entire exam.