IELTS 2024 Exam

The premier English language proficiency test, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The TOEFL exam is administered using the computer-based TOEFL iBT format. The alternative paper-delivered method can only be used in locations lacking an internet connection. The TOEFL iBT test syllabus, which gauges each of the four communication skills - reading, listening, speaking, and writing—is preferred by educational institutions. The TOEFL exam is approved for employment and immigration purposes as well as for entrance to more than 11,000 colleges and institutions in 150 different countries. The computer-based test is administered more than 60 times annually and can be taken at designated testing centers. 

The IELTS Academic Paper-delivered test is available up to 4 times a month making a total of 48 fixed test dates in one calendar year. The IELTS paper-delivered test is scheduled on Thursdays and Saturdays.

As prescribed by IDP, all candidates aged 16 and above are eligible to appear for the IELTS exam irrespective of any gender, nationality, or background. 

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.
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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.

In this section, we are going to be looking at the IELTS exam syllabus in detail. As informed earlier, the IELTS syllabus contains a total of four sections, i.e. Reading, Speaking, Writing and Listening. While the IELTS syllabuses for the Speaking and Listening sections are the same, the IELTS exam syllabuses for the Reading and Writing sections are different for the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training formats of the exam. The IELTS exam syllabus is divided into 4 sections:

• Writing syllabus
• Reading syllabus
• Listening syllabus
• Speaking syllabus

Writing: Candidates take an academic writing module. Responses to the academic writing module are short essays or general reports, addressed to an educated non-specialist audience. There are two compulsory tasks. Task 1 requires 150 words, and candidates are asked to look at a diagram, table, or data and to present the information in their own words. Task 2 requires at least 250 words, and all candidates are presented with a point of view, argument, or problem and asked to provide general factual information, present a solution, justify an opinion, evaluate ideas and evidence, etc.

Total no. of questions: 2
Total time: 60 minutes 

• It includes two tasks wherein the topics are of general interest and relatable for candidates applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate program.
• For your first task, you will be handed a paper that would contain either a diagram, table, or graph. You will be required to recapitulate and define the given data in your own words. You may be asked to explain a certain data entry, process the given information, or a flowchart to logically arrive at a conclusion.
• In the next task, you need to write an essay as a response to your deduction from the given data and support your argument with relevant examples, through the given data. Please note that the writing style should be strictly formal.

• It also includes two tasks, yet, it is much easier than that of the academic format.
• You will be asked to write a letter as per the given situation. The letter can be formal, semi-formal, or personal depending upon the situation presented. You will be asked to explain, request something, or support your argument to a certain authority.
• Based on the above viewpoint, you will be asked to draft an essay on the same. The arguments and opinions mentioned here should be supported by relevant instances and the writing style can be a bit personal.

Reading: The reading module consists of three texts of general interest dealing with issues that are appropriate for candidates entering postgraduate or undergraduate courses. Both reading modules consist of three passages or sections with forty questions. Question types include multiple-choice, sentence, or summary completion, identifying data for short-answer questions, matching lists or phrases, and identifying writers’ views/attitudes.

Total no. of questions: About 40
Total time: 30 minutes

This includes three long paragraphs which can be either descriptive, factual or analytical. These paragraphs are basically excerpts taken from newspapers, research works, journals, books, or even magazines. Targeting a non-specialist audience, the texts are ideal for testing higher education aspirants or for professionals seeking work abroad.

Similar to the academic format, here the excerpts can be passages from advertisements, company guidelines, brochures, and so on. This is relatively easier than the academic format as the selected text is generally something that one encounters on a day-to-day basis.

 

Listening: The Listening module is divided into four sections. The first two conversations are concerned with social needs, while the last two are concerned with situations more closely related to education. They will all be around three minutes long. The conversations could be both monologues and dialogues. These conversations can be heard once only. A variety of question types are asked, like multiple-choice, short-answer questions, note completion, sentence completion, labeling a diagram, etc. 
Total no. of questions: 40+
Total time: 30 minutes

• Recording 1: The first recording would have a conversation between two people set in an everyday social context.
• Recording 2 – The second recording would happen to be a monologue set in an everyday social context.

• Recording 3 – The following recording would be a conversation between four people set in an educational or training context.
• Recording 4 – And the final recording would be a monologue on an academic subject

Speaking: The Speaking part is like a structured interview with an emphasis on general speaking skills. It assesses whether candidates have the required knowledge and skills to communicate effectively with native speakers of English.
Total no. of questions: 3 parts – Personal Interview, Little Speech, and a Discussion
Total time: 11 to 14 minutes

For the first five minutes, you will be asked some mundane questions about yourself such as family, home, studies, hobbies and interests, and so on.

Next, the examiner will hand you a flashcard that would contain a certain topic. You will be given a minute or two to familiarize yourself with the topic as you would need to speak on that topic for about two minutes. Post your speech, the examiner might ask a few questions based on your understanding of the topic.

Deeper questions and abstract discussions would take place based on the given topic and your speech. You will get the opportunity to explore your given topic and delve into deeper issues. You can expect this part to last for five-six minutes.

The IELTS registration can be completed in 5 simple steps as mentioned below.

1. Visit the official website of IELTS registration portal. Read all the information given on the page.

2. Select your country and find the test centre location.

3. Once the centre location is accessed, click on the registration links as shown below.

4. Create your account and select the option ‘Register for Test.’

5. Select your preferred choice of test from the given options, which are - computer-delivered IELTS and paper-based (IELTS, IELTS for UKVI or Life Skills).

6. Select your IELTS test types.

7. Candidates must check the availability of tests at a given test centre and schedule his/her test considering the availability in mind. Along with test slot, candidates must also select the test slot from the available options

8. Fill the IELTS application form 2023 and complete the registration form.

9. Upload a clear and scanned colour copy of the passport and submit the details.

10. Fee payment can be done in online mode, using the payment gateway facilities.

Once the IELTS test date is booked, the candidate will receive an acknowledgement on the registered contact information. Candidates must note that for the speaking test. They can book a slot online on their preferred date and time. In case the candidate has not selected any slot, the conducting body will allot the slot time automatically, since there will be no slots booked by the candidates.

Alternatively, the candidates can register for IELTS in offline mode, using the postal services. Candidates can visit or contact the nearest IDP IELTS branch or Referral Partner to complete the registration process. Candidates will need to follow the steps mentioned below to register for IELTS in offline mode:

1. Click on the download application form link given in this page.

2. Read all the details and instructions related to the registration.

3. Select the test date and slot and enter all the relevant fields.

4. Complete the fee payment either by using the demand draft option or by cash.

5. Providing the communication details correctly, the authorities will send the IELTS study material and TRF at the given address.
    

1. Registration of IELTS 2023 should be done after keeping in mind the admission deadline of the university or college the candidate wishes to apply for.

2. Before registration, the candidate must ensure that he/she has a valid passport and other related documents. The passport must be colour scanned and must be uploaded during the IELTS registration process.

3. After completing the registration, keep a print out or copy of the application form of IELTS safe. It will be used during the admission process.

4. The IELTS application form fee may vary from country to country.

5. Ensure that the information provided on the IELTS application form 2023 is the same as what is mentioned on your passport/national identity card. The information will include the following: