IELTS Exam 2023: Exam Dates, Registration, Fees, Eligibility, Syllabus, Preparation Tips, Results & Score

Jointly owned by IDP IELTS and Cambridge University Press & Assessment, the IELTS 2023 exam in India is solely conducted by IDP IELTS. The IELTS full form is the International English Language Testing System. And is one of the most popular English proficiency exams for students looking to pursue higher education abroad. The IELTS exam is available in two formats, the IELTS Academic ad IELTS General Training. While the IELTS Academic is for candidates looking to pursue higher education abroad, the IELTS General Training is for candidates who are looking to migrate to English-speaking countries abroad. Read IELTS Academic vs IELTS General Training. In this article, we are going to be talking about the IELTS Academic in detail for candidates looking to register for the IELTS test.

The IELTS Academic is available to test takers in the computer-delivered format and the IELTS paper-delivered format. Test-takers who opt for the IELTS computer-based test take the Listening, Writing, and Reading sections of the exam on a computer. While test-takers who opt for the IELTS paper-based test are required to take the Reading, Writing, and Listening sections on paper with either HB pencils or a pen. The Speaking section for both formats of the test is conducted face-to-face with a professional IELTS examiner. Read the Difference Between IELTS on computer vs IELTS on paper. Candidates should note that IELTS Paper delivered tests are only conducted 48 times a year (roughly 4 times a month, mainly on Thursdays and Saturdays,) while the IELTS Computer based test is available on all days of the month and up to three times a day (slot booking.) Candidates looking for assistance with IELTS preparations can check out our IELTS Mock Test Papers available on our website.

Shiksha Study Abroad launched Free IELTS Online Classes

From June 2023 onwards, Shiksha Study Abroad has been conducting free IELTS online classes on all weekdays of the month. In these classes, we have been discussing all four topics that are covered in the four sections of the IELTS exam – Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking in detail. Candidates would also be given an opportunity to clear their doubts at the end of every class by directly interacting with our IELTS preparation expert, Disha Wahi (TESOL Certified Trainer). That is not all, Disha will also be providing you with online questionnaires at the end of every section and IELTS practice papers for candidates to self-assess their IELTS preparations. To register for your Free Online IELTS Classes, Click Here

IELTS Exam Fee 2023 increases to INR 16,250

Starting April 2023, the conducting body of the IELTS exam 2023 has increased the Pen and paper-based IELTS and Computer-delivered IELTS exam fee to INR 16,250. Candidates now looking to take the Computer-delivered IELTS exam or the Pen and paper-based IELTS exam will be required to pay an IELTS exam fee of INR 16,250 to register for the IELTS exam.

Similarly, IELTS exam fees for Computer-delivered IELTS for UKVI have been revised to INR 16,500. The IELTS exam fee for the IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1) has been revised to  INR 15,350 and the exam fee for the IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration has been updated to INR 16,500. 

IELTS Introduces 'One Skill Retake' from March 2023 in India

Earlier, if a test taker was unable to get the targeted score in any module of IELTS then he/she was required to appear for the entire exam again. However, with the introduction of 'One Skill Retake' candidates have the provision to appear only for the module in which they scored less. So, they need not retake all four modules of the IELTS exam. This update is available in India.

IDP to administer IELTS Exam in India

IELTS Tests in India are being administered by IDP after it acquired 100% stakes from the British Council. Distribution of IELTS through IDP in India is expected to simplify the process and offer a better testing experience to test-takers.

IELTS Test Fee Update

Candidates looking to appear for their IELTS exam would be required to pay a revised IELTS exam fee of INR 15,500. 

IELTS Covid - 19 Alert

Given the Covid-19 pandemic, IELTS Partners have launched the IELTS Indicator which is an IELTS online test that students can take from their homes. The IELTS Indicator is an online English language test for students who are affected by COVID-19 and are not able to go to the IELTS test centre. The IELTS Indicator will assess the student's English language skills in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. Students can take the test online from their homes.

Also Read: COVID-19 effect: Competitive study abroad exams students can give online

The IELTS 2023 exam is required for migration as well as academic purposes abroad in English-speaking countries like Australia, the UK, New Zealand, the USA, and Canada. The IELTS exam is one of the English Language Tests approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for visa applicants applying both outside and inside the UK. A lot of students get confused about the importance of IELTS scores. The simple answer to this is that foreign universities and visa-granting authorities need to be sure that you will not have communication issues while staying in the country. You need to show a good understanding and strong command of the English language and that is why your overall IELTS band scores are so important. Another familiar doubt students have is whether IELTS is a compulsory exam or not. No, IELTS isn’t mandatory in all university admissions. Many universities might not even require IELTS scores for admission purposes. But remember that if you don’t give IELTS, your chances of getting the student visa might suffer as the visa officers may not be convinced about your English proficiency without an IELTS score. So it is safer to appear for IELTS and aim to score at least 6 bands overall.

Candidates can register for the paper-delivered IELTS exam 2023 with IDP up to once a week or four times a month making a total of 48 fixed test dates in one calendar year. With the number of IELTS test takers growing to a record of 3.5 million in the year 2018, it has become a leader in the area of international higher education. The IELTS exam is accepted by 100% of universities in the UK and Australia. Also, it is accepted by more than 11,000 organizations in more than 140 countries. These include institutions in the US and thousands of institutions in English-speaking countries.

Advantages of IELTS exam:

• The IDP IELTS test facility is available in over 140 countries thus providing you with maximum accessibility to the IELTS exam
• The IELTS exam is accepted by over 11,000 organisations throughout the world
• The IELTS scoring mechanism ensures that all tests are scored fairly and accurately. Candidates should note that scores of the  IELTS on Computer are delivered in 3 - 5 days and it takes 13 calendar days for IELTS Paper based scores to be made available to test takers.
• IELTS Scores also add weight to your PR applications and prove to be helpful at every stage of your career

Also Read: New English Language Proficiency Exam - Duolingo that you can take online

Types of IELTS

There are two types of IELTS exams: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. While the IELTS Listening and IELTS Speaking sections are identical for both these tests, however, the subject matter for the IELTS Writing and IELTS Reading sections are different depending on which test one takes. The Reading, Writing, and Listening sections of the IELTS tests are completed on the same day of the test with no breaks between them. However, the Speaking section can be completed either a week before or after the other test date. This information can be taken from your test centre. Read: Which exam to give for which course to study abroad

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IELTS Academic Test

The IELTS Academic Test is taken by students who are looking to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate courses in universities and colleges in an English-speaking country. The test has been designed to assess how ready students are to begin studying or training in an environment where English is a primary language of communication. There are four sections to the IELTS Academic exam - Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. While the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections are held on the same day, one after another, without any breaks. The Speaking test may be scheduled on the same day or any day up to a week before or after the test date. To book the Speaking test, candidates are required to book a slot online on their preferred date and time. If the candidate fails to choose a slot within the stated time period, a time slot will be automatically allocated to them. The IELTS Academic is available on paper and computer-delivered modules and candidates can select any one based on their convenience. The IELTS Academic Fee is INR 16, 250 and the total duration of the IELTS Academic is 2 hours and 45 minutes. 

IELTS General Training

The IELTS General Training is for candidates who are applying for secondary education, professionals seeking work experience and people seeking immigration to countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK. The IELTS General test has been designed to assess English language proficiency in a very everyday, practical context. There are four sections to the IELTS General Training exam - Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. While the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections are held on the same day one after another without any breaks. The Speaking test may be scheduled on the same day or any day up to a week before or after the test date. To book the Speaking test, candidates are required to book a slot online on their preferred date and time. If the candidate fails to choose a slot within the stated time period, a time slot will be automatically allocated to them. The IELTS General Training is available on paper and computer-delivered modules and candidates can select any one based on their convenience. The IELTS General Training Fee is INR 16, 250 and the total duration of the IELTS General Training is 2 hours and 45 minutes. Know all about the IELTS Academic and General Traning differences in this webinar conducted by our in-house IELTS Expert. 

IELTS 2023 can be taken by anyone irrespective of age, gender, race, nationality, or religion, however, the IELTS exam 2023 is not recommended for those under 16 years of age.

• IELTS Eligibility: What is the IELTS Exam Age Limit?

IDP IELTS - the conducting body of the IELTS exam in India has not set any age limit for candidates looking to take the IELTS exam. However, the test is not recommended for candidates below 16 years. Although if they wish, they can also take the test.

• IELTS Eligibility: Qualification for IELTS exam

As such, there are no prescribed qualifications for IELTS exam 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.

IELTS Exam Registration: Candidates looking to take the IELTS exam are required to go ahead with their IDP IELTS registration on the official IDP IELTS India website. IELTS test takers can register for the IELTS exam online or visit their nearest IDP branch to book it offline. Continue reading to know, how to apply for IELTS exam 2023. 

How to Apply for IELTS Exam 2023 (step-by-step)

• Candidates are required to log into their IDP IELTS India website
• They would be then required to select: 'Register for IELTS' to create their IDP IELTS Login
• Candidates would be required to select their preferred test – computer-delivered IELTS/ paper-based IELTS exam
• Candidates would be then required to select their test type/module – Academic or General Training for IELTS (be extremely careful while choosing the module you wish to take)
• Candidates are required to pick their desired test location/city (from the available IELTS test centres in India)
• On completion of the above-mentioned steps, candidates would find a list of dates available for their preferences. Select your desired date and time slot
• Candidates would be required to fill up their details and complete their online application. Remember, you will also have to upload a clear, scanned colour copy of your passport to complete the process
• Candidates would be then required to select the list of colleges they would want to send their Test Report Form (TRF)
• Candidates would be then required to pay the IELTS exam fee of INR 16,250
• Review your details one last time before making payment.
• Once your test date is booked, candidates will receive an acknowledgement on their registered email/phone number. For the Speaking test, you can book a slot online on your preferred date and time (Only applicable for Paper-based IELTS). If you fail to choose a slot within the stated time period, a time slot will be automatically allocated to you.

NOTE: Make sure to keep your passport handy at the time of registration as you need your passport number at the time of registration. Apart from this, you also need to carry your passport on the test day. Those below 18 years of age need their parent or guardian to book the test for them. Once the IELTS exam registration is complete, your test centre will send a written confirmation to you informing you about the date and time of your IELTS test.

IDP IELTS Booking (IELTS slot booking)

How to Apply for IELTS Exam 2023: IELTS slot booking for students looking to take the IELTS exam typically involves the following steps:

1. Candidates are required to find an IELTS Test Center in their preferred location. Test takers can visit our IELTS test center page or the official website to know about the authorized centres responsible for conducting the IELTS exam in India.
2. Test takers would be then required to check the available test dates at the test centers. Test dates may vary depending on the location and demand. It is advisable to plan ahead and choose a date that allows sufficient time for preparation.
3. Candidates would be then required to fill out the online registration form on the official IELTS website, provide the required personal details, including identification information (e.g., passport or Aadhaar card), contact information, and select the test type (Academic or General Training).
4. Test takers would be then required to make the payment for the IELTS exam fee online of INR 16,250. The payment can be made through various online modes such as credit/debit cards, net banking, or other designated payment methods.
5. Once the registration is complete and the payment has successfully gone through, candidates would receive a confirmation email or receipt containing their test date, time, and venue. It is important to keep this information safe for future reference. Remember to book your IELTS slot well in advance to secure your preferred test date and location, as popular dates can fill up quickly.
6. Candidates are required to prepare for the IELTS exam using credible IELTS preparation materials, practice tests, and other resources. Familiarize yourself with the test format and content to improve your chances of success.

The IELTS exam fees in India is INR 16,250. Candidates looking to take the IELTS exam are required to pay an IELTS Registration Fee of INR 16,250 every time they book their IELTS exam. 

What is the IELTS Cancellation Fee?

• If you cancel your IELTS application more than five weeks before the test date, you will receive a refund minus a 25% administrative fee.
• If you cancel the IELTS exam less than five weeks ahead of the test date, you will receive no refund.
• In case you fail to appear for the test, then also you will not receive any refund. This is also considered a cancellation.

Those who can produce a medical certificate within 5 days of the test date can receive a refund after deducting the local administrative cost.

What is IELTS Reschedule Fee?

If you want to change your test date, then you can request a test day transfer at least five weeks before their already booked test date. Also, make sure the new test date must be within three months of the original test date. Candidates need to pay an administrative charge of INR 3,300 inclusive of all taxes for the transfer of the test date.

What is IELTS Revaluation Fee?

IELTS test takers who are not satisfied with their IELTS results can apply for an IELTS exam revaluation. Referred to as 'Enquiries on Results (EOR) - which means having your IELTS test re-marked. Candidates would be required to submit their EOR application online by visiting their candidate login section. No physical (offline) applications for EOR would be accepted. Test takers are required to raise this request within six weeks of their test date. Candidates can choose to have one or more parts of their test re-marked. The fee is the same regardless. Currently, the IELTS Exam Revaluation Fee is INR 12,200 (inclusive of all taxes). Note, candidates would be entitled to receive a full refund if their IELTS score is changed to a higher band score.

IELTS IDP India is the official conducting body of the IELTS. The IELTS test is available multiple times throughout the year. Candidates are advised to book an IELTS exam date 2023 that is most convenient to them, keeping in mind the university admission timeline. To avoid any last-minute error, students looking to appear for the IELTS are advised to choose an exam date 3-4 months before their application deadline. The IELTS centres are available across various major cities in India. Read: IELTS Exam Date 2023 in Punjab

IELTS Exam Dates 2023 - Paper Based Test

IELTS Exam Dates 2023 - Computer Based Test

IELTS centers are spread across all major cities in India. The IELTS exam can be taken by you in 82 IELTS centers across India. You should choose your location wisely considering that your travel on the day of the exam should not be exhausting. Choose an IELTS centre with minimal commuting time so that you can remain fresh for attempting the exam. With so many locations, it would be easy to find a test centre near your residential place. Remember, you need to book the IELTS exam centre in advance according to your suitable time. Check out the list of IELTS Centre near you.

It is important for candidates looking to score well in their IELTS Test to understand the IELTS Exam Pattern and IELTS Syllabus in detail. IELTS Syllabus includes four sections, Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Students get marked on these four sections and get the IELTS total score as well. Aspirants show know how to approach each section of the IELTS. The total score is the sum of the scores in the four skill areas. The total test duration is 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Here is the IELTS Exam pattern – At a Glance

The IELTS Exam consists of four sections:

• IELTS Listening section
• IELTS Reading section
• IELTS Writing section
• IELTS Speaking section

IELTS Syllabus: The IELTS Academic exam consists of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Here's a brief description of each section:

1. IELTS Syllabus  Listening Section (approximately 30 minutes): This section assesses your ability to understand spoken English through a range of recordings, including conversations, monologues, and lectures.
2. IELTS Syllabus Reading Section (60 minutes): The reading section evaluates your reading comprehension skills by presenting a variety of texts, such as articles, essays, and graphs. The texts are academic in nature and are taken from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers.
3. IELTS Exam Syllabus Writing Section (60 minutes): The writing section consists of two tasks. Task 1 requires you to summarize, describe, or explain visual information, such as graphs, charts, or diagrams. Task 2 is an essay where you respond to a given prompt and present arguments or express your opinion on a topic.
4. IELTS Exam Syllabus Speaking Section (11-14 minutes): The speaking section assesses your ability to communicate orally in English. It consists of a face-to-face interview with an examiner and includes a variety of questions and tasks related to personal experiences, opinions, and abstract topics.

The IELTS Academic exam is designed to evaluate your English language proficiency for academic purposes, such as studying in an English-speaking university or institution. It assesses your ability to comprehend academic texts, communicate effectively in academic contexts, and engage in academic discussions.

IELTS is designed to assess English language skills at all levels. Your total IELTS score will be a combination of the band scores from the four sections. You will receive IELTS scores based on each of the four skills on a band of 1 – 9, and you will also be awarded an overall band score. You can score whole (example 5.0, 6.0, 7.0) or half (example 5.5, 6.5, 7.5) bands in each part of the test. You need to have some idea about how the scoring pattern works to better understand how your IELTS score will be calculated.

How to get your IELTS Exam Result?

Once you are done with the IELTS, then comes your wait for the result. The good thing about these exams is that the results are usually declared within a fortnight. In this case, if you have given the computer-based exam, your results will be declared within 3-5 days or within a week.

• Offline Mode: For offline or paper-based tests, you will receive your results within 13 calendar days from the day of your exam.
• Online Mode: Candidates will receive the results of computer-delivered tests within 3-5 days. On the day of your result, you will receive an intimation from your Test Centre about the results. You can simply log in with your ID, password, passport number, and test date information to view your result. From the time of declaration of the result, your results will be available online for the next 28 days

IELTS Band Score

The table mentioned below shows how to read the IELTS score banding

IELTS Score validity period

From the time you obtain your IELTS result, your IELTS score is valid for two years.

You do not have long to wait for your results as IELTS test results are released within a week (online) or 13 calendar days (offline) after you sit for the test. You will receive an email when your scores are available. You can log into your IELTS account on the IELTS Results IDP website to see your scores.

IELTS Cut-Off

IELTS has been designed to assess the English language skills of students at all levels. Hence, students can never fail the test. The IELTS score is based on each of the four skills on a scale of 1 – 9, and students would also be awarded an overall band score. Candidates are reminded that the IELTS cut-off score varies for different colleges and programmes that students are interested in and not all universities and programmes require candidates to qualify for the IELTS exam. Your overall IELTS band score is important if you intend to apply for university, take up a job or immigrate to an English-speaking country.

Taking the IELTS exam opens doors of opportunities! More than 11,000 organizations across 140 countries accept IELTS. These include professional organizations, schools, colleges, and universities. This test will clearly monitor the use of the English language by the aspirant at work, and study, which reflects how the aspirant will manage communication abroad. It is the most popular English language test with more than 3 million IELTS exams being taken every year.

• MS Colleges Accepting IELTS scores
• MBA Colleges Accepting IELTS scores

Countries Accepting IELTS Score

IELTS exam score is accepted in more than 140 countries including the UK, Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and Canada. Whether it is for study, work or immigration, you can sit for IELTS and with a good score apply to your favourite country. It is advisable to check the university/country requirements for IELTS before sitting for the exam.

IELTS vs TOEFL

Often international students are confused between choosing IELTS or TOEFL, as universities abroad ask for either exam score. It is up to you as a test taker to decide which of the two exams to take, but remember that IELTS is preferred in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, while the TOEFL exam is popular among applicants to universities in US and Canada.

Read:

Learn more about studying in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada

Related articles about the IELTS Exam:

• Applicants to UK universities need to register separately for 'IELTS for UKVI' language test
• GRE vs IELTS: Know the Difference

IELTS Scholarships

One of the biggest drawbacks of studying abroad is having to pay tuition fees in foreign currency clubbed with high living expenses. Due to such reasons, a lot of times, many sections of students are unable to go abroad and end up settling down for other alternatives. However, with the availability of various IELTS Scholarships and education loans, students can finally make their dream come true. Scholarships are available on the official website of every college along with other fellowships and grants that are awarded to deserving students on a regular basis. Students can also opt for education loans from financial institutions for studying abroad.

There are two ways to prepare for IELTS: one is self-study and another is attending coaching classes. Which way you will choose depends on your language proficiency and comfort level. If you are already fluent in English, you need not attend coaching classes, you can prepare for the exam on your own. You just need to figure out when to start preparing for IELTS.

Also, if money is an important consideration, then self-study is a better option. However, remember that in order to study on your own, you need the latest preparation tips dedicated to each section of the IELTS exam. On the other hand, if you do not have enough time and you need professional supervision for the exam preparation then coaching classes are a good option. Since regularly attending classes will become part of your routine, your time will be better managed. 

IELTS Books

Given below are some of the top IELTS books for candidates looking to appear for the IELTS exam. 

• The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS by Cambridge University Press
• Cambridge IELTS Academic 14 + 15 + 16 + 17 by Cambridge University Press
• Road to IELTS (Free online resource) by British Council
• Official IELTS Practice Materials 2 with DVD by Cambridge ESOL
• IELTS Superpack by BARRON'S

Also read:

• Top 10 coaching centers for IELTS
• IELTS Exam: Tips to Achieve a High Score

While preparing for the exam, you would need to know how far you have reached. Knowing where you stand would help you move further with your preparation. Hence, it is suggested that you keep on taking up the IELTS mock test and IELTS practice test 2023 every now and then. It would also help in preparing you for facing and handling the question paper well, without panicking on the day of the exam. It is suggested that put the highlighted heading for exam day tips after this paragraph.

IELTS Mock Test Papers 2023 Set 1

IELTS Mock Test Papers 2023 Set 2

IELTS Mock Test Papers 2023 Set 3

IELTS Mock Test Papers 2023 Set 4

IELTS Mock Test Papers 2023 Set 5

IELTS Exam Day Tips

Each exam has its own preparation technique, which also changes the treatment of exam day. Planning your exam day and preparing for strategies to crack the question paper is equally essential as studying for the exam is. Therefore, it is as important to be exam-day-ready as it is to be prepared with its syllabus. Check out the IELTS exam day tips before you go to the examination hall.

Still, have doubts in mind? Read the IELTS FAQs to learn more about the IELTS exam 2023.