How to Prepare for IELTS at Home 2025

International English Language Testing System ( IELTS )

Raushan
Raushan Kumar
Assistant Manager Content
Updated on Oct 16, 2025 10:38 IST

Preparing for the IELTS exam at home is totally possible. Many Indian students study alone and get good IELTS band scores without joining any coaching centre. Candidates just have to make a simple study plan, use good IELTS study materials, and practice every day.

IELTS Tips

Preparing for the IELTS exam at home is good way for Indian students to improve English skills and get better scores. You can do it with right strategies and resources.

It is important for candidates to know the IELTS test format before starting the preparation. Then, try to improve English every day. One can use the official IELTS practice materials and practice like real test. Make a simple IELTS study timetable. Find your strong and weak points. If you can get feedback, it will add more value it can you to know where you can do better.

This guide show you easy steps to make IELTS study plan, use online tools and practice well. If you spend time every day on English and know the test format, your chance to score good will increase.

Table of contents
  • Understand the IELTS Test Format
  • How to Prepare for IELTS at Home
  • Free IELTS Classes by Shiksha Study Abroad

Understand the IELTS Test Format

The IELTS exam pattern can be checked below with their duration and description. 

Section

Duration

Description

IELTS Listening

30 mins

4 sections, 40 questions

IELTS Reading

60 mins

3 passages, 40 questions

IELTS Writing

60 mins

A total of 2 tasks (Task 1: 150 words, Task 2: 250 words)

IELTS Speaking

11–14 mins

3 parts: Introduction, Long Turn, Discussion

How to Prepare for IELTS at Home

You can prepare for IELTS at home without going to any coaching. First, know the IELTS exam pattern. Use IELTS preparation books and resources. The IELTS Preparation Guide also have IELTS sample papers and tips to help you practice at home.

Build Your Core English Skills

Strong English skills help you get good IELTS score. Don’t just do test papers, also work on general English ability.

IELTS Listening

Listening section is often easy. You hear 4 recordings and answer 40 questions in 30 minutes. You listen and write at same time, focus is very important.

  • Practice more with mock tests.
  • Listen every small detail. Losing focus can make you lose marks.
  • Recordings play only once. Stay focus.
  • Try different English accents.
  • Listen podcasts, BBC news, English shows for practice. Don’t watch for fun, focus on accents.

IELTS Reading

Reading section has 3 parts, 40 questions in 60 minutes. Time management is very important.

  • Time yourself when doing mock tests.
  • Section 3 is harder than 1 and 2. Manage time to finish all.
  • Look at questions first, note keywords while reading.
  • Build main idea in mind as you read.
  • Read more books, magazines like The Economist for practice.

IELTS Writing

Writing section has 2 tasks. Task 2 same for Academic and General. Task 1 is different:

  • Plan ideas first, structure essay well.
  • Make 3-5 small paragraphs. Ideas must connect.
  • Start with good intro, end strong conclusion.
  • Use examples, don’t repeat words, use synonyms.

IELTS Speaking

Speaking test happens few days before or after other parts. It takes 11-14 minutes with 3 parts: introduction, long talk, two-way talk with examiner.

  • Speak clear and confident.
  • Practice with friends, get feedback.
  • Use simple sentences, correct pronunciation.
  • Don’t memorize answers. Speak what fits situation.
  • IELTS Speaking checks general English, not big words.

You can really prepare for IELTS at home, save time and money. Smart work plus hard work makes good results. Good luck!

Related Reads:

When to start preparing for IELTS or TOEFL?

Exam day tips for IELTS: How to approach each section

Free IELTS Classes by Shiksha Study Abroad

Shiksha Study Abroad conducts free IELTS online classes on all weekends and weekdays of the month. In these classes, we would be 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 allowed to clear their doubts at the end of every class by directly interacting with our IELTS preparation experts. That is not all, IELTS trainers would 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

So, you can certainly prepare for IELTS at home and save on money and time. Hard work and smart work is the way to go. All the best.

Related Reads:

Q:   How can I prepare for IELTS at home?
A:

The preparation for IELTS can be done either through self-study or by attending professional classes. Here are some IELTS preparation tips that will help you achieve your desired results.

For free preparation, join our free Shiksha online classes with our IELTS preparation expert Disha Wahi (TESOL Certified Trainer). Don’t forget to check out the Calendar for Free IELTS Live Practice Tests & Solutions.

IELTS Reading: The IELTS Reading section can be the trickiest of all and requires lots of concentration as well as preparation. To achieve high IELTS band scores, you can check out our IELTS Reading Tips and Tricks.

IELTS Listening: The IELTS Listening section requires concentration and is a high scoring part of the exam. Scoring high in this section will elevate your total IELTS score so it must not be taken lightly. Check out our IELTS Listening tips for boosting your chances of desired band scores.

IELTS Speaking: The IELTS Speaking section has three parts and is one of the highest scoring modules of the exam. In order to achieve a high band score, you can check out our specially curated IELTS Speaking Tips.

IELTS Writing: The IELTS Writing section can be a little tricky but with the right strategy you can increase your chance of scoring well in this section. Go through our IELTS0 Writing tips and prepare for this section comprehensively.

Q:   Can I prepare for IELTS test within 2 weeks?
A:

Although two weeks are less, however, with a solid strategy can help you get a decent IELTS score. Candidates should understand the IELTS test format and prepare a comprehensive study plan for the next two weeks covering all the topics. After covering all the topics in each of the sections give full-length practice tests.

Q:   Is IELTS exam hard to crack?
A:

The difficulty of IELTS exam is not same for everyone. It depends on your English level and how much you prepare. Many students find IELTS Writing and IELTS Speaking little hard because you need good ideas and fluency.

But if you do practice and know the test format, the exam becomes easy. Focus more on your weak areas and you can get a good band score.

About the Author
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Written by
Raushan Kumar
Assistant Manager Content
Raushan Kumar is a skilled writer and a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. He oversees various aspects of studying abroad, including educational opportunities, entrance exams, colleges, latest new Read Full Bio
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Comments

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Pranali Nagle

4 years ago

Hi I am working IT professional with experience of 8 years. Now I would like to change my domain and pursue my masters in Data science / AI in Universities in Ireland / USA. Is it a good decision to go for MS after working for 8 years already ?

Reply to Pranali Nagle

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Rahul Singha

4 years ago

Hello Pranali. Just attaching a few links to our articles handling your query. Do take a look: MS in Data Science in the USA: All you need to know https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/ms-in-data-science-in-usa-all-you-need-to-know-articlepage-2879 Data Science vs Machine Learning https://studyabroad.s

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Aysha parida

4 years ago

I am gonna give my 10th board in 2022 and i want to study abroad after my 11th .how should i start from now on ?

Reply to Aysha parida

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Rahul Singha

4 years ago

Hello Shweta. Thank you for your inputs.

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Rahul Singha

4 years ago

Hello Aysha. Adding to what Shweta has to say. You are required to build your academic profile. This way you can also apply for the various scholarships/grants that are provided by universities to meritorious candidates. You will be required to select a course and opt for a preferred university. Yo

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