IELTS Full form – What is IELTS?

What is the Full Form of IELTS?

The full form of IELTS is International English Language Testing System.

Established in 1989, IELTS is one of the most widely accepted English proficiency tests for study, work, or migration. It evaluates a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in an English-speaking environment.

What is IELTS?

The IELTS exam assesses all four language skills:

• Listening
• Reading
• Writing
• Speaking

The test is scored on a 9-band scale, where 1 is the lowest and 9 is the highest.

Types of IELTS

There are two types of IELTS exams, depending on the purpose of taking the test.

1. IELTS Academic

This version is for individuals who want to:

• Pursue higher education in an English-speaking country.
• Register as professionals (doctors, engineers, nurses, etc.) to work abroad.

2. IELTS General Training

This version is for individuals who are:

• Applying for immigration.
• Seeking work experience in a foreign country.

Eligibility Criteria for IELTS

Age Requirement

• For Canada: The age limit is 14-64 years.
• For other countries: The minimum age is 16 years, with no upper limit.

Other Requirements

• A valid passport is required for registration and exam entry.
• You must choose between IELTS Academic or IELTS General based on your purpose.

IELTS Test Pattern

The IELTS exam consists of four sections:

• Listening: 30 minutes, 4 parts, 40 questions.
• Reading: 30 minutes, 3 sections, 40 questions.
• Writing: 60 minutes, 2 tasks.
• Speaking: 12-14 minutes, face-to-face interview.

Total Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.

IELTS Registration

You can take the IELTS test in two formats:

• Computer-delivered IELTS : Online test.
• Paper-based IELTS: Traditional pen-and-paper test.

How to Register for IELTS

• Visit the official British Council or IDP website.
• Create an account.
• Register and pay online.
• Choose the nearest test center.
• Carry your passport on the exam day.

IELTS Preparation

Benefits of Taking an IELTS Preparation Course

• Boosts confidence, leading to a better score.
• Familiarizes you with different question types.
• Enhances time management skills.
• Improves speaking skills for real-life situations.
• Strengthens vocabulary and grammar.

IELTS Fees

IELTS exam fees vary by country. Below are some examples:

• India: ₹17,000 (from January 22, 2024).
• Canada: $309 (Kitchener, Ontario) / $319 (other locations).
• Australia: $410 (2024 fees).

IELTS Scoring Pattern

Each section of the IELTS exam is graded separately, and the final band score is an average of all four sections.

How Scoring Works

• Speaking & Writing: Assessed based on sentence structure, vocabulary, and coherence.
• Reading & Listening: 40 questions, each carrying one mark, converted to band scores.
• Final Band Score: Average of all four sections.

IELTS Certificate

After completing the test, you receive an IELTS Test Report Form (TRF), which includes your scores.

When Will You Get Your IELTS Certificate?

• Computer-based IELTS: Within 5-7 days.
• Paper-based IELTS: After 13 days.

Full Form of TRF: Test Report Form.