IELTS is designed to measure English language skills at all levels. There is no pass or fail in IELTS. Results are based on individual performance and are reported as band score on a scale from 1-9.

Who owns the test ?

The IELTS test is jointly owned by The British Council, Planet Edu (IDP) and University of Cambridge - ESOL Examinations. 

What is the Test Format ?

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, where a candidate can either opt for Academic or General Training Module. 

The first three Modules- Listening, Reading and Writing- must be completed in one day. The Speaking Module may be taken, at the discretion of the test centre, either seven days before or after the other three modules.

Which Module should I sit for, Academic or General Training ? 

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. Admission to undergraduate and postgraduate courses is based on the result of these Modules. The General Training Reading and Writing Modules are not designed to test the full range of formal language skills required for academic purposed, but emphasize basic survival skills in a broad social and educational context. General Training is suitable for candidates ho are going to English speaking countries to complete their secondary education, to undertake work experience or training programmes not at degree level, or for immigration purpose to Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

It is the responsibility of the candidate to inform the test centre whether they wish to take the Academic or General Training Modules. Centres are not responsible for providing this information. The general Training module is not offered at all test administrations. it must be noted that it may not be possible to change module later or on the day of the test.

Is there any age limit for IELTS ? 

IELTS is nor recommended for candidates under the age of 16

Can IELTS be taken as an alternate to TOEFL ?

YES, over 544 US institutions recognize IELTS and accept either IELTS or TOEFL for admission to award courses. For an updated list please log on to www.IELTS.org

Can I retest only for the module where I did not score well instead of repeating the whole test ?

IELTS provides a profile of a candidate's English proficiency at a given time. It provides not only an indication of ability in a particular module but also an indication of overall ability. This would not be possible if modules were not taken at the same time. Stakeholders require an indication of proficiency at a given time. Stakeholders have expressed a preference for full re-testing to gain an accurate assessment of a candidate's language proficiency. Therefore a candidate will have to re-take the full test and cannot re-take a specific module. 

For how long is a test result valid ?

There are a number of variables affecting the length of time over which an IELTS score remains valid. As a general rule it is recommended that a Test Report Form (TRF), that is more than two years old should only be accepted as evidence of present level of ability if accompanied by proof that a candidate has actively maintained or tried to improve their English language proficiency.

How soon can I repeat the test ?

From 1 May 2006 the policy on candidates re-taking IELTS has been amended. The restriction on re-taking IELTS within 90 days has been removed and candidates are able to repeat the test whenever they wish. Candidates will still be asked to indicate on their application form whether they have taken the test before. This information will appear on the Test Report Form and will only be used for monitoring purposes.

Is there a computer based version of the IELTS test ?

Yes, a computerized version of IELTS called (CB IELTS) is now available (currently in Delhi only). 

What is the test fee and how do I pay ?

The fee is subject to change.

Can I pay for the test fee by cheque or cash ?

No. Payment of Test Fee by cheque or cash will NOT be acceptable. You should never pay cash to anybody towards payment of IELTS test fee. If you do so, you will do it at your own risk and cost.

Can I withdraw my application for the test ?

You can withdraw your application to appear for the IELTS test. An applications for withdrawal / cancellation must reach the centre in writing along with the original receipt of payment of test fee.  

The withdrawal administrative charge will be Rs. 1,800/- (Rupees One Thousand Eight Hundred only), which will be deducted from the test fee paid by the applicant if the application for such withdrawal is received 5 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE TEST DATE, and the balance Rs. 5,400/-(Rupees Five Thousand Four Hundred only) will be refunded to the applicant. 

The fee is subject to change. 

Requests received, LESS THAN 5 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE TEST DATE will NOT BE ENTERTAINED and NO REFUND would be possible. The decision of the test centre, would be final and binding on the applicant. 

All refunds will be processed and sent within 30 days of the examination date originally booked for. 

Can I change test dates or request to postpone sitting the test ?

A request for shifting of test date (i.e. postponement or preponement) to another date must reach the centre in writing and AT LEAST 5 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE TEST DATE, ORIGINALLY BOOKED. An administrative charge, of Rs. 1,800/- (Rupees One Thousand Eight Hundred Only), would be payable by the applicant, which must be paid along with the application for shifting of date. The fee must be paid by Demand Draft drawn in favour of "IELTS India Project", payable at New Delhi. 

The allotment of the next date of test would be at the sole discretion of the test centre. 

However, NO REQUESTS WOULD BE ENTERTAINED after the cut-off period i.e. LESS THAN 5 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE TEST DATE. The decision of the centre, would be final and binding on the applicant.

What happens if I am unable to appear for the test ? 

In the event a registered candidate fails to appear for the IELTS test, the candidate will be treated as a 'No Show' candidate. Please note, no refunds will be possible for no shows.

What can I do if I am un-happy with my results ?

You may apply for an enquiry on results (EoR) procedure within six weeks of test date, using a prescribed form. Click here to download the EoR application form. Please note there is fee of Rs. 5,550/- (Rupees Five Thousand Five Hundred and Fifty only), which must be paid prior to the processing of the appeal, i.e. along with the application. The fee must be paid by Demand Draft drawn in favour of "IELTS India Project", Payable at "New Delhi".

Are answer sheets shown to the candidates when they opt for EoR / Re-mark ? 

No. IELTS materials are confidential and past papers are not released to candidates. The IELTS partners reserve the right to re-use materials as appropriate after due course of time. IELTS is not a diagnostic test and little would be gained by analyzing errors. Moreover all IELTS tests are discrete and items are not repeated. Weaknesses in particular areas of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking should be addressed through preparatory courses. 

What if I lose my Test Report Form / Result ?

At any time within two years of your test administration, you can apply to the centre where you took the test for further copies of the Test Report Form (TRF). As desired by the test centre, you may also be required to file a copy of lost complaint with the Police or any other supporting document (as advised by the test centre), before your request can be processed. There will be a small administrative charge for this service.