Exam Date: August 21, 2025
Assessing English proficiency through Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking—now more flexible with computer and paper formats.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the world’s most trusted English proficiency tests. It is designed to assess the language abilities of non-native speakers seeking to study, work, or migrate to countries where English is the primary language. IELTS is jointly managed by British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English, and evaluates four essential language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
IELTS Test Formats in 2025
IELTS can be taken in two modes:
1.Computer-Delivered IELTS
Available 7 days a week
Up to 3 test slots per day (Morning, Afternoon, Evening)
Results in 3 to 5 days
2.Paper-Based IELTS
Conducted up to 4 times a month
Around 48 fixed dates annually
Results in 13 days
Accepted by over 11,000 organizations globally, including universities, immigration departments, and licensing bodies, IELTS is a vital gateway to opportunities in English-speaking countries.
Where IELTS is Accepted
IELTS is widely accepted in:
United Kingdom
Australia
New Zealand
Canada
United States
Ireland
Germany
France
United States and many more.
IELTS is offered in major global cities as well as regional centres through British Council and IDP test partners.
Syllabus & Exam Pattern
Module (1): Listening
Duration: 40 min
Format Details: 4 sections, one-time playback, various accents
Module (2): Reading
Duration: 60 min
Format Details: Academic or GT passages, 40 questions
Module (3): Writing
Duration: 60 min
Format Details: Task 1 + Task 2: Essays, graphs, or letters
Module (4): Speaking
Duration: 11–15 min
Format Details: 3-part live interview with examiner
Total Test Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes
Registration Procedure (All Countries)
Choose your country & test centre on ielts.org
Select test type (Academic or GT) and format (Paper-based or Computer-delivered)
Pick a date & slot (Speaking may be scheduled separately)
Upload ID & fill online application
Pay fees (USD 230–350 depending on country) via card, PayPal, or local gateway
Get confirmation email, plus free prep materials
Special accommodations: Apply at least 6 weeks prior with relevant documentation
How to Prepare for IELTS
Use Official Materials:
British Council & IDP portals provide free:
Practice tests
Sample questions
Video tutorials
“IELTS Ready” and “Prepare Hub” platforms
Practice With Strategy:
Focus on timing, especially for Reading and Writing
Strengthen typing skills if taking computer-delivered IELTS
Get used to accents by listening to podcasts or news from UK, AUS, NZ, Canada
Prep Courses:
Many test centers include a free or discounted IELTS prep course (worth $70–100)
Explore platforms like E2Language, IELTS Liz, or IELTS Buddy for structured learning
Upcoming IELTS Test Dates – 2025 (Global Format)
IELTS tests are available multiple times each month, offering flexibility to candidates. Both Academic and General Training modules are available.
Typical global test dates (2025):
January – December: 2–4 sessions every month
Check real-time local test dates: ielts.org
Eligibility Criteria:
Minimum Age: 16 years (18+ preferred for some institutions)
Valid ID: Passport or national ID required during registration and on test day
Yes, the IELTS One Skill Retake option is now available in many countries (for the computer-delivered version only).
If you’re not satisfied with your score in Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking, you can retake only that one section instead of the entire exam.
The higher of the two scores (original vs retake) will be considered in your Test Report Form (TRF).
Eligibility:
One Skill Retake must be taken within 60 days of your original test.
Available in select test centers across countries like the UK, Australia, Canada, India, Singapore, UAE, South Africa, etc.
Not yet available for the paper-based IELTS or IELTS for UKVI.
There’s no limit to how many times you can take IELTS—retake as often as you wish.
IELTS is conducted throughout the year, with over 48 test dates annually for paper-based tests and more frequent slots for computer-based tests.
Booking flexibility:
You can often find test dates within 3–5 days in major cities across countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, India, China, and Germany.
Cost Consideration:
Each attempt requires a full registration and fee payment, usually ranging from USD 215 to 310, depending on the country.
Many test takers improve scores by focusing on weaker skills before retesting. Prep courses and mock tests help increase your success rate on retakes.
Results depend on the mode of test delivery:
Test Mode
Computer - Based
Paper - Based
Result Delivery Time
3–5 calendar days
13 calendar days
Delivery Format
Online score + paper TRF
You’ll receive:
An email when your results are ready.
An official Test Report Form (TRF) sent to your postal address.
You can also send your results electronically to up to 5 institutions free of charge.
Results are trusted by 11,000+ institutions in 140+ countries.
Your IELTS score remains valid for two (2) years from the test date.
After two years, most institutions—including universities, immigration departments, and employers—will not accept the score, even if it's still accessible in your account.
Planning Tip: Take the test only when you are ready to apply, or ensure your application process is completed within two years.
Countries like Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland all follow the 2-year validity rule.
Yes. IELTS offers a range of support services for candidates with documented medical or learning conditions.
Types of accommodations include:
Extra time (e.g., for dyslexia, anxiety, or vision issues)
Modified test papers (e.g., large print, Braille)
Separate rooms for candidates with special needs
Assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers, scribe support)
What You Need to Do:
Inform your test center at least 6 weeks before your test date.
Submit a medical certificate or supporting documentation (in English or with certified translation).
Approval and arrangements will be made based on your individual needs.
Global Summary:
Monthly IELTS exams offered across 140+ countries
Open to candidates aged 16+, with valid ID
Modules: Academic (study, registration) or GT (migration, work)
Fees vary by country (USD $230–350)
Results: 3–13 days; score valid for 2 years
Prep support: free official resources + premium courses