IELTS tests the complete range of English language skills, which will commonly be encountered by students when studying or training in the medium of English. There is an option of either Academic or General Training Reading and Writing Modules. Academic is suitable for candidates planning to undertake higher education study. General Training is suitable for candidates planning to undertake non-academic training or work experience, or for immigration purposes.

IELTS is jointly managed by University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL), British Council and IDP Education Australia.

What are the tests like?

Candidates are tested in Listening (30 mins), Reading (60 mins), Writing (60 mins) and Speaking (30 mins).

IELTS -The Results

Results are returned to the candidates within two weeks in the form of a Test Report Form.

Candidates receive scores on a band scale from 1 to 9
Candidates receive a score for each module of the test as well as an overall score.
Overall Band Scores and Listening and Reading Band Scores are reported in half bands; Writing and Speaking Band Scores are reported in whole Bands.
There is no pass or fail mark.
Results are recommended as valid for two years

Interpretation of Results

Each Band corresponds to a descriptive statement giving a summary of the English of a candidate classified at that level.

The nine bands and their descriptive statements are as follows:

9 Expert User
8 Very Good User
7 Good User
6 Competent User
5 Modest User
4 Limited User
3 Extremely Limited User
2 Intermittent User
1 Non User
0 Did not attempt the test

What is the required score by British Institutions?

The minimum scores required for acceptance on to a course of study range from 5.0 to 7.0. The most common requirement is 6 to 6.5.

Where can I take the test?

The test can be taken in over 251 centres in more than 106 countries, including thirty centres in the UK. The majority of these centres are overseas British Council offices. Students can contact their local British Council to find out where the nearest test centre is. Visit http://www.ielts.org/centres.html to find the exhaustive list of test centres.

How can I prepare for the test?

You can ask our staff at CampusUK, chennai on "how to prepare for IELTS". They would help you to prepare efficiently and effectively. Click here to download a sample IELTS test.

How much does it cost?

The cost for taking the test is GBP 78 around Rs.5000, varies from year to year.

For more information on IELTS speak to our counsellors at our Chennai office or visit www.ielts.org