What is IELTS exam? The IELTS exam is an international standardised English proficiency test for students and working professionals who are seeking higher studies or migration to an English-speaking country. The IELTS test assesses a candidate's ability to understand and use the English language for communication in 4 major sections: listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills.
IELTS exam is a crucial admission requirement for students planning to be admitted to top universities worldwide. The IELTS full form is the International English Language Testing System. IDP is the administrative body that conducts IELTS in India. IDP IELTS is designed to assess a candidate's proficiency in the English language and is taken by more than 4 million test-takers every year in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and more. IELTS 2026 is accepted by more than 12,000 institutions, organisations, and immigration authorities in 140 countries globally. The IELTS Exam 2026 has two modules, IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.
The IELTS exam evaluates a candidate's ability to communicate in English and assesses their skills like Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing and the IELTS exam dates are available throughout the year. The IELTS paper-based exam is only 4 times a month whereas the IELTS exam dates for computer tests are available throughout the month except for national holidays and major festivals. Test takers are assigned IELTS band scores for each of these skills, and the scores are used to determine eligibility for educational programmes, job positions, or immigration visas in English-speaking countries. A good IELTS score helps the candidate's application for universities abroad with low acceptance rates and high reputation. Hence, students need to be well-versed with IELTS syllabus and pattern to ace their respective tests. One of the IELTS preparation tips to study is practising a lot of mock tests consistently and getting it checked by someone.
In countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, the IELTS exam is required to secure admission to their universities. The IELTS exam has long been regarded as the gold standard for assessing the English language proficiency of international students. For decades, this examination has enabled millions of individuals to achieve their dreams of studying or working abroad by demonstrating their command of the English language.
The IDP IELTS exam is conducted in two modes: a computer-based and a paper-based test. Those who wish to take the computer-based IELTS exam will attempt the listening, reading, and writing sections on a computer and take the speaking test face-to-face with an examiner. The IELTS registration can be done online from its official website, ielts.idp.com, throughout the year. One can complete the online IELTS online test registration by paying the exam fee and selecting the nearest test centre and a suitable exam date. The IELTS exam fee for both Computer-based and Paper-based tests is INR 18,000.
IELTS exam offers two different types of exams: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. Although the IELTS Listening and Speaking sections remain consistent across both tests, test seekers should note that the IELTS Writing and IELTS Reading sections differ in content based on the specific exam.
Importantly, all three core sections (Reading, Writing, and Listening) are conducted consecutively on the same test day. However, the IELTS Speaking section offers flexibility, allowing candidates to complete it a week before or after the main test date.
The choice of whether IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training is 'good' for you and depends on your individual goals and needs. There are two primary types of IELTS exam available, and both tests, IELTS Academic vs IELTS General serve different purposes:
IELTS Academic: IELTS Academic test is taken by Non-native English speakers who wish to pursue their higher education in an English-speaking university. However, IELTS Academic is also used for professional registration purposes as well.
IELTS General Training:
The IELTS GT measures your English language proficiency in practical, everyday situations.
It covers both workplace and social contexts, assessing your ability to communicate effectively in real-life situations.
This test is suitable if your goal is to work or live in an English-speaking country and you want to demonstrate your English language skills for immigration purposes.
Candidates can now make notes and highlight text
Test takers can save time by copying and pasting directly from their text and notes
Candidates can easily browse forward and backward through the questions during the exam
Use the automatic word counter for the Writing test to keep track of the word count
SDS Canada Cut off-score: The IELTS academic test takers with a 6.0 overall band score can now apply for an SDS (Student Direct Stream) Canada permit starting from August 10, 2023. Previously, the cut-off would be 6.0 scores for every individual skill in the exam, but now it has been made simple to just 6.0 overall band score of the exam.
IELTS One Skill Retake update: A new facility for IELTS exam One Skill Retake has been recently launched in India, Australia, Cambodia, Philippines, etc. Through IELTS one-skill retake, students can re-attempt any one section of the test (Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking) and improve their scores.
IELTS exam is conducted throughout the year. IDP IELTS exam dates 2026 is available 7 days a week and up to 3 slots in a day. The advantage of opting for the IDP IELTS exam in a computer-based format is that candidates have more IELTS exam dates to choose from and access to IELTS results in 3 to 5 days. Whereas the IELTS paper-based test (PBT) is available 48 times a year, 4 times each month, typically scheduled on Thursdays and Saturdays.
IELTS exam dates for the year 2026 are available now. IELTS computer-based test dates are available on all days of the month, and candidates can book the exam from three slots available every day. However, for IELTS paper-based test, there are 48 days fixed in a year. The following dates are released for IELTS paper-based test for the upcoming months in 2026. We have also included the IELTS exam dates in India 2026 for prospects.
IELTS Test Date | Test Type | IELTS Fees (INR) |
February 7, 2026 | Academic | 18,000 |
February 14, 2026 | Academic and General Training | 18,000 |
February 21, 2026 | Academic | 18,000 |
February 28, 2026 | Academic and General Training | 18,000 |
IELTS Test Date | Test Type | IELTS Fees (INR) |
March 7, 2026 | Academic and General Training | 18,000 |
March 14, 2026 | Academic | 18,000 |
March 21, 2026 | Academic and General Training | 18,000 |
IELTS Exam Dates 2026 | IELTS Test Type | IELTS Exam Fees (INR) |
April 4, 2026 | Academic | 18,000 |
April 11, 2026 | Academic and General Training | 18,000 |
April 25, 2026 | Academic and General Training | 18,000 |
IELTS Exam Dates 2026 | IELTS Test Type | IELTS Exam Fees (INR) |
May 2, 2026 | Academic | 18,000 |
May 7, 2026 | Academic and General Training | 18,000 |
May 16, 2026 | Academic | 18,000 |
May 23, 2026 | Academic and General Training | 18,000 |
IELTS Exam Dates 2026 | IELTS Test Type | IELTS Exam Fees (INR) |
June 6, 2026 | Academic and General Training | 18,000 |
June 13, 2026 | Academic | 18,000 |
June 20, 2026 | Academic and General Training | 18,000 |
June 27, 2026 | Academic | 18,000 |
The IELTS exam score is used by individuals who want to study or work abroad but their first language is not English. IELTS 2026 is a popular exam among students looking for admission to countries like the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and others.
There are more than four million students and job aspirants who appear in the IELTS exam every year. The test is divided into four sections – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
| Full Exam Name | International English Language Testing System |
| Short Exam Name | IELTS |
| Conducting Body | IDP |
| Exam Level | International Level Exam |
| Languages | English |
| Mode Of Application | offline +1 more |
| Mode Of Exam | online +1 more |
| Participating Colleges | 628 |
| Exam Duration | 2 Hours 45 Minutes |
Candidates preparing to appear in the IELTS exam must check the complete IELTS eligibility criteria. The IELTS exam conducting body has set no particular IELTS eligibility criteria to appear in the examination. However, students and job seekers can check eligibility for their organisation or university, wherever they are applying. Below are the eligibility criteria to apply for IELTS exam.
The eligibility criteria for IELTS exam to appear for the test are mentioned below.
To appear for the IELTS exam 2026, candidates must complete the IELTS registration and schedule a test. However, it is advised that students select a nearby IELTS India test centre during registration.
Below are the step-by-step guidelines for filling out the IELTS exam application form.
Step 1: Create an IELTS Account
To begin, you will need to create an account on the official IELTS registration website. You are required to submit your personal information, including your full name, contact details, and date of birth.
Step 2: Choose a Test Type
During registration, you will select the type of IELTS exam you wish to take. The two main options are the Academic or General Training test. Be sure to pick the one that suits your requirements.
Step 3: Select an IELTS Test Centre
You need to choose a convenient IELTS center. IDP has numerous IELTS test centers in various cities, so select one that is easily accessible for you.
Step 4: Schedule IELTS Exam Dates
After selecting a test center, you can check available IELTS exam dates 2026 and choose the one that fits your schedule. Make sure to book well in advance, as popular test dates fill up quickly.
Step 5: Submit Details
During the IELTS registration process, one needs to upload a clear, valid copy of your identification document, which typically includes your passport or national ID. Ensure that the document is current and will remain so on the test day.
Step 6: Payment of IELTS Exam Fees
Payment for the IELTS exam can be made online through the registration portal. Make sure to keep your payment receipt for future reference.
Step 7: Confirmation and Information
After successful registration and payment, you will receive a confirmation email with test details, including the date, time, and location. Be sure to review this information carefully.
Fees for the IELTS exam vary for different exam types. Candidates have to select their exam type and pay the IELTS test fees while booking the IELTS slot.
IELTS Exam Fee
IELTS Exam Type | IELTS Test Fees 2026 in India |
Computer-delivered IELTS for UKVI | Rs. 18,250 |
Computer-delivered IELTS | Rs. 18,000 |
IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1) | Rs. 17,000 |
IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration | Rs. 18,250 |
Pen and paper-based IELTS | Rs. 18,000 |
IELTS exam offers multiple test dates throughout the year, providing flexibility for test takers. In total, there are 48 fixed IELTS exam dates in a calendar year, with tests available up to four times each month. However, it's important to note that the availability of IELTS exam dates in India can vary between the Academic and General Training modules.
For the Academic module, all 48 IELTS exam dates are accessible. This means that individuals seeking to take the IELTS Academic test have several options throughout the year.
On the other hand, for the general IELTS exam dates, there are 24 available test dates. This means that while there is still a significant number of opportunities, it's important for those specifically requiring the General Training version to be mindful of the specific IELTS exam dates 2026 on which it is offered.
The IDP IELTS slot booking can be done through the official website of the IDP IELTS exam. For Indian students, IELTS registration can be done at the IDP IELTS India website. The IELTS exam registration for the computer-based test is available three times a day and seven days a week.
Students can appear in the IELTS exam at any of the nearest IELTS test centres by filling out the IELTS exam application form. Students can check the available IDP IELTS exam date on the IELTS exam official website.
There are several ways to book IELTS exam slot:
Register online and pay the IELTS exam fee.
Register in person at any IELTS branch or input node.
Complete IELTS registration by courier and pay the IELTS exam fee by demand draft or ICICI/HDFC deposit slip.
Aspirants who are appearing for IELTS exam can download this eBook which have complete study material for academic writing task 1 (Data Interpretation) and academic writing task 2 (Essays) sections.
Download EBook| State | City |
| Gujarat | Ahmedabad Anand Baroda Mehsana Rajkot Surat Vadodara Navsari Gandhinagar |
| Punjab | Amritsar Jalandhar Ludhiana Moga Patiala Sri Muktsar Sahib Sangrur Raikot Barnala Bathinda Faridkot Firozpur Gurdaspur Hoshiarpur Jagraon Kapurthala |
| Kerala | Angamaly Calicut Kochi Kottayam Thrissur Chengannur Kannur |
| Karnataka | Bangalore Mangalore |
| Madhya Pradesh | Bhopal |
| Odisha | Bhubaneswar |
| Chandigarh | Chandigarh |
| Tamil Nadu | Chennai Coimbatore Madurai Tiruchirappalli |
| Delhi | New Delhi |
| Haryana | Gurgaon Kurukshetra Ambala |
| Uttar Pradesh | Noida Lucknow |
| Goa | Goa |
| Assam | Guwahati |
| Rajasthan | Jaipur Sri Ganganagar |
| Telangana | Hyderabad |
| West Bengal | Kolkata Siliguri |
| Maharashtra | Mumbai Navi Mumbai Pune Thane |
| Bihar | Patna |
| Chhattisgarh | Raipur |
| Jharkhand | Ranchi |
| Andhra Pradesh | Vijayawada Visakhapatnam Tirupati |
| Uttarakhand | Rudrapur Dehradun |
| Jammu and Kashmir | Jammu |
The IELTS exam pattern comprises 4 sections or parameters in which a candidate's proficiency in English is evaluated:
Reading
Writing
Listening
Speaking
The IELTS exam has two formats: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. The Reading and Writing sections differ between the two formats, while the Listening and Speaking sections are the same.
The reading, writing, and listening sections are conducted on the same day and the IELTS speaking test is conducted in a separate slot which is in a 7-day window after or before the reading-writing-listening slot.
IELTS 2026 Exam Pattern
IELTS Sections | No. of Questions/Duration | Content |
Reading | 40 Questions (60 minutes) |
|
Writing | 2 Questions (60 minutes) | Two writing tasks |
Listening | 40 Questions (30 minutes plus 10 minutes transfer time for the paper-based test) |
|
Speaking | 3-part conversation (11-14 minutes) | Three parts conversation |
The speaking module comprises 3 parts one-on-one conversations with an IELTS exam representative and this IELTS component is scored based on the candidate's oral performance in a life-like environment. Candidates are given the option to take the speaking test on any other day.
As aforementioned, the IELTS exam consists of four sections that test your proficiency in English: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The total IELTS duration is 2 hours and 45 minutes. Check details of each IELTS exam section:
IELTS Scoring: IELTS scores range from 0 to 9, with each section (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) assigned a band score. Your overall IELTS score is the average of these four scores, rounded to the nearest half or whole band.
Practice and passing IELTS exam sample papers are essential components of exam preparation. The Careers360 IELTS sample paper makes it simple for candidates to get free IELTS exam sample papers 2026 for the Academic and General Training exams. IELTS reading practice test PDF, and IELTS writing task 2 sample answers are available on the official website.
All the IELTS exam practice tests contain the following four modules for preparation:
IELTS Reading
IELTS Writing
IELTS Listening
IELTS Speaking
Also read:
Preparing for the IELTS exam is a crucial step to achieving your desired score. The IELTS test comprises four main components: Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. To score well in the IELTS exam 2026, here are some essential preparation tips for each section.
Below are some of the top IELTS reading tips for test takers.
Students must check the below-mentioned IELTS listening tips to prepare for this section effectively.
Immerse Yourself: Listen to a variety of English content, including podcasts, news broadcasts, and movies. This will make you familiar with different accents and speeds of speech.
Take Notes: During the listening test, take notes to help you remember key details. Be concise in your note-taking to avoid missing information.
Practice Dictation: Transcribing spoken words or sentences from audio can improve your listening and writing skills simultaneously.
Mock Tests: Practice IELTS listening test under real conditions to simulate the real test environment. This will help you manage stress and time effectively.
Repeat Practice: Repeatedly listen to the same audio passages to improve your comprehension and pick up on details you might have missed initially.
Structure Matters: Understand the structure for both the IELTS Academic and General Training writing tasks. Practice writing essays, reports, and letters with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
Expand Vocabulary: A strong vocabulary is essential for writing. Learn synonyms and varied sentence structures to make your writing more engaging.
Proofreading: Always review and edit your writing for grammatical errors and clarity. Simple mistakes can affect your score.
Time Management: Time is limited for writing tasks in the IELTS exam, so practice completing essays or reports within the given time frame. This helps improve your writing speed.
Feedback and Review: Get proper feedback on your writing from teachers, peers, or online communities. Regularly review and analyse your work to identify areas for improvement.
Also Read : Tips for IELTS Writing Task 2
Practice Speaking Aloud: Practice speaking in English as much as possible. Talk to yourself or find a speaking partner to communicate regularly.
Recording: Record your spoken responses during practice sessions. Listening to your own recordings can help you identify pronunciation and fluency issues.
Structured Responses: When answering speaking questions, use a structured approach: introduce the topic, present key points, and summarise with a conclusion.
Expand Topics: Practice speaking on a wide range of topics to build confidence in discussing various subjects.
Mock Interviews: Conduct mock interviews with a teacher or a language partner to simulate the speaking test environment and get feedback.
Students preparing for the IELTS exam must refer to some of the best IELTS book and study material. Below is a list of IELTS preparation books by the British Council and Cambridge.
The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS
Cambridge IELTS 9
How to Prepare for IELTS
Official IELTS Practice Materials Volume 1 and 2
IDP releases the IELTS results in online mode on the official website, ieltsidpindia.com. For the computer-based test, IDP releases IELTS exam results generally within 1 to 2 days from the test date. The paper-based IDP IELTS results are released 7 days after the test. Candidates can also check their IELTS exam result from their test centers.
In order to check the IDP IELTS results in online mode, one needs to enter their name, passport or ID number and date of birth. It is important to note that IELTS candidate will receive an email when their scores are available.
IELTS exam result 2026 are provisional till the Test Report Form (TRF) is issued. The IDP test results of IELTS in India and other countries will be available online for only 28 days after its declaration.
Before understanding IELTS score, first, we need to understand how to calculate IELTS band score. The IELTS exam score is calculated on a 1-9 point scale which is a mean of the individual sectional scores. If the average of the sectional band score in IELTS ends in 0.25 then the overall score is rounded off to the next half band. In the situation that the average of the sectional scores ends in 0.75 then the overall IELTS results are rounded off to the next full band. The IELTS test report form or TRF is valid for two years.
IELTS Exam Band Score
Band Score | Level of Skill |
Band 9 | Expert |
Band 8 | Very good |
Band 7 | Good |
Band 6 | Competent |
Band 5 | Modest |
Band 4 | Limited |
Band 3 | Extremely Limited |
Band 2 | Intermittent |
Band 1 | Non-user |
Band 0 | Did not attempt the test |
The IELTS exam score validity is two years. In Australia, the IELTS exam score validity for Skilled Migration applications is three years. In Canada, USA, New Zealand, and UK the IELTS score validity is two years.
IELTS exam is graded on a scale of 1 to 9. The IELTS cut-off varies for different universities. Each college or university sets its own minimum IELTS band scores for admissions.
IELTS Cut off for Top Universities
University | Overall score of IELTS | Sectional score of IELTS |
7 | 7.5 | |
7 | 6.5 | |
| University of Cambridge | 7.5 | 7 |
7.5 | 7.5 | |
7 | 7 | |
6.5 | 6 | |
7 | 7 |
To help candidates prepare for the exam, various organizations offer free IELTS practice tests and question papers with answers. These IELTS question paper with answers resources are designed to familiarize test-takers with the format, content, and difficulty level of the actual IELTS exam. By taking free online IELTS practice tests, candidates can gain valuable experience in answering questions under timed conditions, which is crucial for success on test day.
After completing the IELTS practice tests free, candidates can review the answers and compare their performance to model answers provided by the test providers. Below you can find free IELTS Practice Tests that will help you in preparing for the exam.
IELTS Sections | Practice Tests |
IELTS Academic Reading | |
IELTS Listening | |
IELTS Academic Writing | |
IELTS Speaking |
One can practice from the IELTS writing practice test PDF which is available for free from below.
Download IELTS listening practice test free from the table below,
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
IDP IELTS costs around INR 18,000 for both computer-based and paper-based formats. In addition, the cost remains the same for IELTS academic and IELTS General Training as well. However, there are additional charges in exceptional cases like cancellation fee, rescheduling fee, rechecking fee and fee for Additional Test Reports Form.
The IELTS syllabus consists of 4 major sections namely, Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. Based on these sections, an applicant's proficiency in the English language is examined. Although for IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training, the reading and writing sections will be different. The listening and speaking section will remain the same.
Yes, IELTS preparation can be done through 3 months; however, this might be a challenging task. To achieve this goal, applicants must prepare well using preparation materials, mock tests and eBooks. You can also prepare a study plan and prepare for the IELTS exam with dedication and focus.
IELTS score of 6.5 is an achievable score with proper focus, dedication and preparation. The IELTS score that you achieve also depends on your proficiency in the English language. It is advisable that applicants practice for each section of the test through IELTS mock tests and preparation materials.
There are no passing or failing marks in the IELTS test; the desired university's requirements can help you in setting your IELTS score goal. However, many universities accept a score of 6.0 or above. You can check the official website of your desired university and find out the minimum IELTS score requirement.
IELTS's difficulty is subjective. If the IELTS exam is easy or difficult, it largely depends on your English proficiency and level of preparation. With adequate study and practice, many individuals can achieve their desired scores, making IELTS more manageable. The applicant is advised to go through various preparation materials, IELTS sample papers and mock tests to make their IELTS journey smooth.
IDP has not formulated any specific guidelines for IELTS eligibility. However, applicants of age 16 years or older can apply for this exam irrespective of their religion, gender and background. There are no minimum educational requirements as well. Nonetheless, the applicant must have a valid passport.
Applicants can choose the type of IELTS based on their requirement while registering for the exam. There are 4 types of IELTS, namely: IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training, IELTS UKVI and IELTS Life Skills.
A 7.5 IELTS score is generally considered a good score. Top universities like Harvard University, Stanford University, British Columbia University and many others accept a 7.5 IELTS score. Success in IELTS depends on various factors, including your current English skills, the amount of preparation you undertake, and your familiarity with the test format. Some test-takers find it relatively easier, while others may need significant preparation and practice to reach this level however, it is not impossible.
The IELTS: International English Language Testing System is designed to assess an individual's English language proficiency, particularly for those who are non-native English speakers. IELTS measures a test taker's abilities in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. It is used for various purposes, such as university admissions, visa applications, and employment requirements.
On Question asked by student community
Hello,
Yes, admission to a German private university with 52% in bachelors, 6.0 IELTS band, and a 1-year gap is possible, but options are limited.
Private universities in Germany are more flexible than public ones. You can apply for courses in management, business, or IT fields. However, you must justify
Hello,
Here I have list out some best IELTS coaching in Hyderabad.
Manhattan Review – Experienced trainers, online & offline classes, realistic practice tests.
Manya – The Princeton Review – Tailored lessons, progress tracking, classroom & online programs.
First Academy – Cambridge-certified trainers, interactive sessions, personalized feedback.
IELTSguru – One-on-one
Hello,
Here are the links where you can get study material for IELTS :
2. IELTS Preparation books and study materials 2025
Hope it helps !
Want to study in Ireland? Explore Universities & Courses
Explore Universities, Courses & Subjects | Work while study
Apply for upcoming intake & plan your journey
Universities inviting applications | Get expert guidance
Shortlist best ranked universities & get expert guidance
