What Do You Need for IELTS?
IELTS at a Glance
The International English Language Testing System measures English for study, work and migration in English-speaking countries.
Tests run throughout the year in major Indian cities. Always confirm details on ielts.org.
Which IELTS Do You Need?
IELTS Academic
For undergraduate and postgraduate study, and some professional registration.
IELTS General Training
For work, training and migration, for example to Canada, Australia, New Zealand or the UK.
IELTS for UKVI
Academic or General Training taken at a UKVI-approved centre, for some UK visas.
IELTS Life Skills
Speaking and Listening only (A1 or B1), for some UK family and settlement visas.
Listening and Speaking are the same in both versions; Reading and Writing differ.
IELTS Test Format
Listening, Reading and Writing are taken in one sitting. Speaking may be on the same day or up to a week before or after.
| Skill | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 40 (4 parts) | 30 min |
| Reading | 40 (3 sections) | 60 min |
| Writing | 2 tasks | 60 min |
| Speaking | 3 parts | 11–14 min |
| Total | about 2 h 45 min |
On paper, you get 10 extra minutes to transfer Listening answers; on computer, 2 minutes to check them.
IELTS Band Scores
Band scale
0 to 9, in whole and half bands, for each skill.
Overall band
The average of the four skills, rounded to the nearest half band.
Writing & Speaking
Marked by trained examiners on clear criteria such as coherence, vocabulary, grammar and fluency.
Listening & Reading
40 questions each; your raw score is converted to a band.
Band 7
A “good user” — often required for competitive courses and professional registration.
Band 6
A “competent user” — the minimum for many undergraduate courses.
IELTS on Computer or Paper?
The content, difficulty and scoring are the same. Speaking is always face to face.
On computer
More test dates and faster results — usually within a few days.
On paper
Write with a pencil and pen; results usually in about two weeks.
Typing or writing?
Choose computer if you type faster than you write by hand.
IELTS Fees in India
From 1 April 2026, as reported. The fee is the same in every city.
| Test | Fee (₹) |
|---|---|
| IELTS on computer or paper | 19,000 |
| IELTS for UKVI | 19,250 |
| IELTS Life Skills (A1/B1) | 18,000 |
| One Skill Retake | 12,650 |
Transfer, cancellation and re-marking fees also apply. Check the current fee with IDP or the British Council before booking.
What Each Skill Tests
Tap a skill to see its parts and question types.
ListeningSame for Academic and General Training
- Part 1 — everyday conversation between two people
- Part 2 — a monologue on an everyday topic
- Part 3 — an academic discussion between up to four people
- Part 4 — an academic lecture
- Question types: multiple choice, form and note completion, matching, map and diagram labelling
ReadingDifferent texts for Academic and General Training
- Academic: three long texts from books, journals and newspapers
- General Training: notices, adverts, workplace texts and one longer text
- Question types: True/False/Not Given, matching headings, sentence and summary completion, multiple choice
WritingTask 1 differs by version
- Academic Task 1: describe a graph, table, chart, map or process (150+ words)
- General Training Task 1: write a letter (150+ words)
- Task 2 (both): an essay giving an opinion or discussing a problem (250+ words)
- Task 2 carries more weight than Task 1
SpeakingFace to face with an examiner
- Part 1 — introduction and questions about familiar topics
- Part 2 — speak for 1–2 minutes on a topic card after 1 minute’s preparation
- Part 3 — a discussion of more abstract ideas linked to Part 2
Free IELTS Study Material
Guides and model answers for every skill.
These resources are being added skill by skill. Pages marked “Coming soon” are not published yet.
Listening
Question types and note-taking tips.
Coming soon →Reading
Strategies for True/False/Not Given and headings.
Coming soon →Writing Task 1
Describing graphs, processes and letters.
Coming soon →Writing Task 2
Essay structures with band 7+ samples.
Coming soon →Speaking
Topic cards and sample answers.
Coming soon →IELTS Practice
Timed practice tests for each skill.
Under development. The practice sets below are planned and will open here when ready.
Listening Test
Reading Test
Writing Tasks
Speaking Topics
How to Prepare for IELTS
4–8 weeks of regular practice works for most students.
Know your target
Check the overall and per-skill bands your university or visa needs.
Take a practice test
Find your starting band in each skill.
Listen daily
Podcasts, news and lectures in different English accents.
Write and get feedback
Write one Task 1 and one Task 2 each week and have them checked.
Speak every day
Practise cue cards aloud and record yourself for 2 minutes.
Practise under time
Sit full timed tests in the mode you will take — computer or paper.
Book Your IELTS Test
Tests are held throughout the year. Book with IDP or the British Council, choosing computer or paper and your city. Always check dates and fees on the official website.
IELTS FAQs
Who runs IELTS?
IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP IELTS and Cambridge University Press & Assessment. In India, tests are booked through IDP or the British Council. Official information is on ielts.org.
Academic or General Training?
Choose Academic for university study. Choose General Training for work, training or migration — for example to Canada, Australia or the UK. Check what your university or visa requires.
What band score do I need?
It depends on the university, course or visa. Many universities ask for an overall band between 6.0 and 7.0, often with a minimum in each skill.
How long is my score valid?
Most universities and organisations accept IELTS results for two years from the test date.
What is One Skill Retake?
If one skill pulls your overall band down, you can retake just that skill (where offered) within a set time after your test, instead of the full test.
Is there negative marking?
No. Wrong answers do not lose marks, so answer every question.