Home » News » British Council to Conduct Computer Based IELTS Only

British Council has announced that all ILETS will be delivered on Computer only. If you plan to take the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam, now is the time to change your preparation strategies. All IELTS tests shall be delivered online from 9th March 2025 onwards.

Computer based IELTS offers a faster, more efficient, and streamlined experience for test takers. This change will apply to all test takers, IELTS Academics, and IELTS General Training. So, whether you are taking IELTS for study abroad or for working abroad, your IELTS will be held on a computer. Learn more about IELTS Pattern and preparation strategies here.

What’s Changing in IELTS?

The paper-based option will be phased out completely from March 2025. All IELTS tests, including Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, will be conducted on computer.

However, the test format, types of questions, and scoring system will remain exactly the same. The content and structure of the test aren’t changing—only the way it is delivered.

Benefits of the Computer-Based IELTS Test

Computer-based testing offers a range of benefits to test takers.

1. Faster Results

One of the biggest advantages of the computer-based IELTS is the quicker results. The results of the paper-based tests are announced within 13 days. The results of the computer-based tests will be available in 1 to 3 days, allowing you to move forward with your plans much faster.

2. Flexible Booking Options

Booking your IELTS test has become more convenient. With the computer-based format, you can book a test as close as 2-3 days before the registration deadline. This is particularly helpful for those who need to take the test on short notice.

3. More Test Dates

As the computer-based test is easier to schedule and requires fewer arrangements, the british council is likely to arrange more frequent test. So you will have more test dates to choose from. You’ll have the flexibility to choose a date that suits your schedule best, including weekdays and weekends.

4. One-Skill Retake Option

Another major benefit of the computer-based IELTS is the introduction of the One Skill Retake feature. British Council has announced the One Skill Retake feature in computer-based testing. This allows you to retake just one section of the test—Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking—if you want to improve your score in that specific area. This feature is exclusive to the computer-based test and can save time and money.

5. Improved Testing Environment

Computer-based test centers provide a quieter, more comfortable, and technologically advanced environment. Features like noise-canceling headphones for the Listening test and individual computer workstations make the experience more seamless and stress-free. Also, your focus is more concentrated on the computer screen rather than on paper while being in the examination hall. Hence your performance will be better in computer-based tests.

6. Enhanced Writing Features

For the Writing section, the computer format provides advantages such as:

  • Typing instead of handwriting is particularly helpful for those who prefer typing or have unclear handwriting. Most of the youth nowadays prefer to type.
  • Easy editing tools to cut, copy, and paste text, allowing you to revise your work more efficiently. This will result in fewer mistakes.

7. Streamlined Speaking Test

The Speaking section remains face-to-face with an examiner, ensuring the human interaction element is preserved. However, the scheduling of this section is often more flexible in the computer-based format.

How to Prepare for the Computer-Based IELTS

Preparing for the IELTS on a computer requires a few adjustments compared to the paper-based test. Most of you are already familiar with computer-based exams being conducted by many universities locally. Most of the entrance test exams are shifted online. However, here are some effective techniques to help you succeed in computer-based exams:

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Interface

Understand the IELTS user interface properly before the exams. Make sure you’re comfortable navigating the interface. Use official practice tests and tutorials provided by IELTS to get a feel for how the screen looks, how to move between questions, and how to use features like highlighting and note-taking.

2. Improve Your Typing Speed

Since the Writing section requires typing, practice typing essays and letters within the time limits. Aim to type accurately and quickly, so you don’t run out of time during the test.

3. Use Noise-Canceling Headphones

During the Listening test, the test takers will be provided noise-canceling headphones. This will increase your listening power, and you will be able to understand the recorded audio better. Practice listening to audio recordings with similar headphones to simulate the test environment.

4. Practice with a Timer

Time management is crucial in IELTS. Use a timer when practicing each section to ensure you can complete all the tasks within the given time limits especially the writing section.

5. Learn to Edit Quickly

Take advantage of the editing tools in the Writing section. Practice making quick revisions to your text using functions like cut, copy, and paste. You can memorize the keyboard shortcuts; these are normally the same in all standard interfaces.

6. Take Practice Tests

Regularly practice full-length computer-based tests to build your stamina and get used to the format. Focus on all four sections—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. As the test is being shifted completely to the computer, more online mock tests will be available. Hence you will find more opportunities to practice the test. Make full use of these opportunities.

7. Focus on One Skill at a Time

One Skill Retake feature is one of the biggest benefits of this format. Consider using the One Skill Retake feature, identify your weakest section, and concentrate on improving it. This will give you an excellent opportunity to improve your band.

Start preparing today, and take the first step toward your academic, professional, or immigration goals with confidence!

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