IELTS, the international English Language Testing system, provides an assessment of language ability of candidates who need to study or train in the medium of English.
IELTS is regarded as an entrance requirement by most universities in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. It is also gaining recognition among universities and other educational institutes in the United States of America.
In India test is held at many test centers inclusive of SURAT, which arrange test administrations according to local demand.
The University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), the British council and IDP Education Australia jointly manage the IELTS.
Candidates must select either the Academic or the general Training Modules depending on the stated requirement of their sponsor or receiving institution.
The Academic Reading and Writing Modules assess whether a candidate is ready to study or train in the medium of English at an undergraduate or postgraduate level.
General Training is suitable for candidates who are going to English speaking countries to complete their secondary education, to undertake work experience or for immigration purposes to Australia, New Zealand & Canada.
All candidates are tested in listening, reading, writing and speaking. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking Modules. There is a choice of Reading and Writing Modules.
The modules are always taken in the following order:
| LISTENING (34 sections, 40 items, 30 minutes) | |
ACADEMIC READING (3 sections, 40 items, 60 minutes) | GENERAL TRAINING READING (3 sections, 40 items, 60 minutes) |
ACADEMIC WRITING 2 tasks (150 & 250 words), 60 minutes | GENERAL TRAINING WRITING 2 tasks (150 & 250 words), 60 minutes |
| SPEAKING (10.15 minutes) | |
Band scores are recorded on a Test Report Form (TRF), showing overall ability as well as performance in listening, writing and speaking. There are 9 bands ranging from BAND 1 (Non-User) to BAND 9 (Expert User).
Results are available approximately 2 weeks after the test date. Results are not given over the telephone.
The test center will communicate the results of the test directly to the institution abroad that has asked you to take the test as mentioned by the candidate form. One copy of the test report form is forwarded to the candidate as well.
If the candidates require their results urgently they can ask for the “Express Marking Service”. A fee of Rs.1000 is charged for this special services and results are normally available at the British Council during 5 working days after the test date.
There is no specific rule with regard to the validity of an IELTS test. However, it is advisable to remember that it is recommended to institutions that a Test Report form that is more than 2 years old should only be accepted as evidence of present level of ability if accompanied by proof that a candidate has actively maintained or sought to improve their English language proficiency.
Web site: www.ielts.org
