Home » Tests » IELTS Exam: A Complete Guide

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the most recognized English proficiency tests worldwide. It is widely accepted for study, work, and immigration purposes in countries such as the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Study abroad aspirants are required to appear in the IELTS to prove their efficiency in the English language. If you are planning to move abroad for study or work purposes, the first thing to do is to prepare well for the IELTS exam.

If you have a better band score, your chances of getting admission to a top-ranked university automatically increase manifold. Hence, of all the preparation, you must spend the most time on IELTS. Plan properly and set a target for band scores.

If you’re planning to take the IELTS exam, this comprehensive guide will provide all the necessary details, including test formats, scoring, preparation tips, and registration procedures.

What is the IELTS Exam?

IELTS is an internationally recognized standard. The test is recognized by international universities and employers all over the world. The IELTS test evaluates a candidate’s English language proficiency across four essential skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The test is jointly conducted by the British Council and Cambridge Assessment English.

The IELTS exam is available in two main formats:

  1. IELTS Academic: As the name suggests, IELTS Academics is used by universities and colleges to judge students’ English language proficiency. It is suitable for students applying to universities and higher education institutions where English is the primary medium of instruction.
  2. IELTS General Training – Designed for individuals migrating to English-speaking countries for work or seeking secondary education. If you are planning to move abroad on a work visa, then you can appear in IELTS General Training.

The IELTS exam is available in two main formats:

  1. IELTS Academic: As the name suggests, IELTS Academic is used by universities and colleges to judge students’ English language proficiency. It is suitable for students applying to universities and higher education institutions where English is the primary medium of instruction.
  2. IELTS General Training: Designed for individuals migrating to English-speaking countries for work or seeking secondary education. If you are planning to move abroad on a work visa, then you can appear in IELTS General Training.

IELTS Test Format

The IELTS exam consists of four sections:

1. Listening (30 Minutes)

  • Format: Four recorded audio sections, including conversations and monologues. You are required to listen to the audio and answer the questions accordingly. It tests your listening ability. Until you have good practice, you cannot score well in this section, as the recordings are by native speakers. So you should develop a habit of listening to native English speakers, whether through YouTube lectures, movies, dramas, or anything else.
  • Number of Questions: Test takers are required to answer 40 questions in this section.
  • Skills Tested: Understanding spoken English in various contexts. Develop a good understanding of different accents. The British accent is by far the most difficult one.

2. Reading (60 Minutes)

  • IELTS Academic: Three long passages from books, journals, and newspapers. This is a comparatively easy section, as you can understand and take time to read the written passages. But unless you have a good vocabulary and have practiced a good use of idioms and jargon, you will still face difficulty in this section. So, read English newspapers of your own country as well as the newspapers of English-speaking countries.
  • IELTS General Training: A mix of short and long texts from advertisements, workplace documents, and newspapers.
  • Number of Questions: 40
  • Skills Tested: Comprehension, skimming, scanning, and identifying key ideas.

3. Writing (60 Minutes)

  • IELTS Academic:
  • Task 1: Describe a graph, chart, diagram, or process.
  • Task 2: Write an essay on a given topic.
  • IELTS General Training:
  • Task 1: Write a letter (formal, semi-formal, or informal).
  • Task 2: Write an essay responding to a viewpoint or problem.

4. Speaking (11-14 Minutes)

  • Format: One-on-one interview with an examiner, divided into three parts:
  • Part 1: Introduction and general questions.
  • Part 2: A cue card topic for a two-minute speech.
  • Part 3: Discussion on the topic with the examiner.

IELTS Scoring System

The IELTS test is scored on a band scale from 0 to 9, with half-band increments (e.g., 6.5, 7.0). As scores are incremented in half-bands, small mistakes can result in moving from higher to lower bands. So keep practicing. Each section receives a separate band score, and the final overall score is an average of all four sections.

IELTS Band Score Descriptions:

  • Band 9 – Expert user
  • Band 8 – Very good user
  • Band 7 – Good user
  • Band 6 – Competent user
  • Band 5 – Modest user
  • Band 4 – Limited user
  • Band 3 – Extremely limited user
  • Band 2 – Intermittent user
  • Band 1 – Non-user
  • Band 0 – Did not attempt the test

Most universities and organizations require a minimum score between 6.0 and 7.5, depending on their specific requirements. If you have 7.0, you are mostly in a safe range. For competitive scholarships, scores over 7.5 are required.

IELTS Registration and Test Dates

How to Register for the IELTS Exam

  1. Choose a Test Type – Decide between IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.
  2. Find a Test Center – IELTS tests are conducted at official centers worldwide. You can check available locations on the British Council.
  3. Select a Test Date – IELTS is held multiple times each month. Choose a date that allows sufficient time for preparation.
  4. Complete the Registration – Fill out the application form and upload the required identification documents.
  5. Pay the Exam Fee – Fees vary by country. On average, the IELTS exam costs between $180 to $250 USD.

Upcoming IELTS Test Dates in 2025

IELTS exams are conducted multiple times each month, with both computer-based and paper-based options. Candidates should book their test dates well in advance as slots may fill up quickly. Before booking a test, plan your dates properly. Do not book a date closer to your board or university exams or any other important event. Take your time and plan before booking a date. Also, appear in a mock test to judge your proficiency. If you score well over your target in the mock exams, only then book your test date.

IELTS Test Preparation Tips

Understand the Test Format

Familiarize yourself with the question types, section timings, and marking criteria. Take sample tests available on the official IELTS website.

Improve Your English Skills

  • Listening: Watch English movies, TED Talks, and news broadcasts. Hollywood movies and Netflix series can help in this regard. As movies or series provide the full context of the situation and conversations, practice the dialogues of the actors and try to repeat them in their accents. While helpful, movies and Netflix series can be time-consuming and addictive, so watch these carefully without developing a dependency. A more time-efficient strategy is to watch YouTube channels related to your interests or your area of study and career. Ensure you watch videos created by individuals from English-speaking countries who have good educational backgrounds and proper accents.
  • Reading: Read academic articles, newspapers, and journals. Dawn is an excellent newspaper for those preparing for English language tests in Pakistan, as the editorial board of Dawn is highly attentive to language quality. Additionally, subscribe to newspapers and media outlets from the USA, UK, Australia, etc. This will not only help improve your English language skills but also keep you informed about global affairs.
  • Writing: Practice essays and letters with proper structure. As the saying goes, “Practice makes perfect.” Look for relevant topics and practice writing about them. Revise your work by reading it aloud. You can write on a computer or paper. Grammarly is a helpful tool in this regard, as it highlights mistakes and keeps a record of your common errors, showing how you can improve your writing over time.
  • Speaking: Engage in conversations with native speakers or join speaking groups. Try to connect with friends on social media networks from English-speaking countries. Join groups based in these countries and try to communicate with their members. This will not only enhance your language skills but also help you understand their culture, which will be highly beneficial when you move to these countries for your studies.

Take Practice Tests

Use official IELTS practice materials from Cambridge, the British Council, and IDP. Timed practice tests help simulate real exam conditions.

Time Management Strategies

  • Listening: Read questions before listening to the audio.
  • Reading: Skim the text first, then read in detail.
  • Writing: Spend 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2.
  • Speaking: Stay confident and speak fluently without long pauses.

Common IELTS Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Skipping Instructions – Read and follow the test guidelines carefully.
  2. Running Out of Time – Manage time wisely, especially in writing and reading sections.
  3. Using Memorized Answers – Examiners can detect scripted responses in the speaking test.
  4. Spelling and Grammar Mistakes – Proofread answers before submitting.
  5. Not Practicing Enough – Regular practice ensures better fluency and confidence.

Why Take the IELTS Exam?

  • For Study: Required for university admissions in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
  • For Work: Recognized by professional organizations for employment opportunities abroad.
  • For Immigration: Necessary for visa applications in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

The IELTS exam is a crucial step for individuals looking to study, work, or immigrate to an English-speaking country. Understanding the test format, preparing with the right materials, and practicing consistently can help you achieve a high band score. Whether you are taking IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training, thorough preparation will enhance your confidence and performance.

IELTS FAQ

What does IELTS test for?

IELTS tests your English skills in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. It checks how well you can understand and use English in real-life situations, such as studying abroad or working in an English-speaking country.

What is the IELTS test fee in Pakistan?

The IELTS test fee in Pakistan varies, but it is usually between PKR 55,000 to PKR 65,000. The exact fee depends on whether you take the IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training, or UKVI IELTS.

Is IELTS very difficult?

IELTS is not very difficult if you prepare well. It tests your English language skills, so if you practice reading, writing, listening, and speaking regularly, you can score well.

Is 7.5 good in IELTS?

Yes! A 7.5 band score is considered very good. Most universities and immigration programs accept scores between 6.5 and 8.0.

What is the IELTS pass score?

There is no “pass” or “fail” in IELTS. Each institution or immigration authority has its own minimum score requirement. A band score of 6.0 or higher is usually accepted for study and work visas.

What is the IELTS exam fee?

The IELTS exam fee varies by country. In Pakistan, the IELTS test fee is around PKR 55,000 to PKR 65,000.

How to prepare for IELTS?

To prepare for IELTS:
Practice daily (Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking).
Take mock tests to understand the format.
Use IELTS books and online resources like the British Council or Cambridge IELTS.
Improve vocabulary and grammar for better writing and speaking scores.

How many attempts for IELTS?

There is no limit on IELTS attempts. You can take the test as many times as you want, but you must pay the fee each time.

Can I take IELTS for free?

No, IELTS is a paid test. However, some scholarships or institutions may cover the cost for eligible students.

Is 7 easy to get in IELTS?

Getting Band 7 requires good English skills. If you practice regularly and understand the test format, you can achieve it.

What is a good IELTS score?

A good IELTS score depends on your purpose:
6.5 – 7.0 is good for universities.
7.0 – 8.0 is excellent for work and PR.

What does IELTS stand for?

IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System.

Is 7 a pass in IELTS?

There is no pass or fail in IELTS, but Band 7 is considered a good score.

How long is IELTS valid?

IELTS scores are valid for 2 years from the test date.

What is a poor score for IELTS?

A score below 5.0 is considered low and may not be accepted by universities or immigration offices.

Which country accepts 4.5 bands?

A 4.5 band score is very low, but some institutions in Malaysia, UAE, and certain vocational courses in the UK may accept it.

How much does IELTS cost in Pakistan?

IELTS fees in Pakistan range from PKR 55,000 to PKR 65,000, depending on the test type and location.

Can I do IELTS for free?

No, IELTS is a paid test, but you can find free preparation materials online. Some scholarships may cover the cost.

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