1. What is IELTS?
IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. It is designed to assess the English language ability of those people who come from non-English speaking countries like Malaysia, China, India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Uzbekistan, etc., and want to study or work where English is the language of communication.
IELTS is recognized and accepted by over 10,000 organizations worldwide, including universities, employers, professional bodies, immigration authorities, and other government agencies.
The IELTS exam is divided into four sections:
- Listening: Lasts about 30 minutes. Test-takers listen to recordings and answer questions.
- Reading: Lasts 60 minutes with three passages from various sources.
- Writing: Lasts 60 minutes, with two tasks: describing visual info or writing an essay.
- Speaking: Takes 11-14 minutes with general questions, a cue card, and follow-up questions.
2. Types of IELTS Exams: Academic vs. General Training
There are two modules to chose from: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.
- IELTS General: This module is for those test seekers who are wishing to migrate to an English-speaking country (England, New Zealand, USA, Canada) and for those wishing to train or study at below degree level.
- IELTS Academic: This module is for those who are looking to study at undergraduate or postgraduate levels, and for those seeking professional registration.
3. Exam Format Overview
The IELTS exam is divided into four sections, each designed to assess one of the four essential English language skills:
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
These sections are mandatory unless you have been granted an exemption due to a physical disability. The Listening and Speaking tests are identical for both the General Training and Academic IELTS modules. However, the Writing and Reading tests differ slightly between the two formats.
4. Mode of Examination
The IELTS exam can be taken in two different formats: Pen-and-Paper Based and Computer-Based.
In the Pen-and-Paper Based test, you write your answers by hand, and the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections are completed on paper, while the Speaking test is conducted face-to-face with an examiner.
In the Computer-Based test, you enter your answers using a computer, and the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections are done online. However, like the Pen-and-Paper test, the Speaking test is still conducted in person with an examiner. Both formats are designed to assess the same skills, so you can choose the mode that suits you best.
| Aspect | Pen-and-Paper Based | Computer-Based |
|---|---|---|
| Test Format | Handwritten responses on paper for Listening, Reading, and Writing sections. | Typed responses on a computer for Listening, Reading, and Writing sections. |
| Speaking Test | Face-to-face with an examiner. | Face-to-face with an examiner (same as Pen-and-Paper). |
| Test Duration | Same as Computer-Based (approx. 2 hours and 45 minutes). | Same as Pen-and-Paper Based (approx. 2 hours and 45 minutes). |
| Results | Available in 13 days. | Available in 3-5 days. |
| Test Availability | Available on limited dates at specific test centers. | Available more frequently with more flexible test dates. |
| Preference | Ideal for those who prefer writing by hand and working with paper. | Ideal for those comfortable with computers and who prefer faster results. |
5. Examination Results
The IELTS Examination Results are provided based on the test format. For computer-based IELTS, results are available within 3-5 days, while paper-based results take about 10-13 days. The result is valid for 2 years.
IELTS results are given as band scores ranging from 0 to 9 for each section of the exam.
Once your results are available, you can download your Electronic Test Report Form (ETRF) and submit it to the institutions or organizations where required.
For more information on how to interpret your scores, calculate your band score, or check your raw marks, use our advanced IELTS Band Score Calculator.