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IELTS Exam Eligibility Criteria 2024 - Age Limit and Education Qualifications

IELTS Exam Eligibility Criteria 2024 - Age Limit and Education Qualifications

Edited By Porishmita Paul | Updated on Sep 27, 2024 05:52 PM IST | #IELTS

IELTS is an international English language testing system conducted by IDP in India. IDP, the official administering body for the IELTS exam, has not stated any specific IELTS eligibility criteria. Any candidate who wishes to study abroad is eligible to apply for the IELTS 2024 regardless of gender, region, religion, race, etc. The only IELTS exam eligibility criteria recommended by IDP is for applicants to be at least 16 years of age at the time of exam registration. However, no specific limitation has been set for the maximum age limit for IELTS.

Similarly, IELTS eligibility criteria do not specify any specific academic requirements for international students. Applicants must ensure that they have a valid passport before registering for the IELTS. This is the only requirement without which an applicant will not be eligible for the test.

The IELTS exam is available in most of the countries and accepted by numerous top universities worldwide. Read the complete article to learn more about the IELTS eligibility criteria, like age limit, minimum educational qualification, and other useful information.

IELTS Exam Eligibility Criteria

A mentioned that there are no defined eligibility criteria for IELTS, and there are few recommendations for the same. Along with the age criteria for IELTS exam 2024, below are a few mandatory requirements to be met by Indian applicants at the time of IELTS registration:

Particulars

IELTS Eligibility Criteria

Minimum Age Required

16 years and older

Educational Qualification

No minimum requirement

Documents Required

A valid passport

Minimum Score Requirement

No specified score is required; however, universities provide their own IELTS score requirements.

Eligible Countries

  • US

  • UK

  • Australia

  • Canada

  • Ireland

  • New Zealand

Latest Updates for IELTS Eligibility

There are instances when applicants score a low band and are willing to improve their IELTS score. For this case, there are no IELTS test eligibility criteria mentioned by IDP for reattempting the exam. Once prepared, applicants can appear for the reattempt.

IELTS One Skill Retake: There are 4 sections in the IELTS test. With this one-skill retake facility, the candidate has the opportunity to reattempt that one particular section in which they have scored less. The applicant can take an IELTS one-skill retake within 90 days of the earlier test results.

Types of IELTS Exams

The IELTS exam assesses an individual’s English language proficiency. This exam is given by individuals from a non-native English-speaking country who are planning to study or work in international countries. IDP IELTS has provided 4 major types of IELTS exams, each fitting for an individual’s needs. Before registering for IELTS, it is highly recommended that the applicant learn more about the different kinds of IELTS tests. After careful consideration, the applicant can then select the type of IELTS and the format suitable for their needs. There are 2 formats as well for IELTS, namely, computer-based IELTS and paper-based IELTS.

IELTS Academic

The IELTS Academic test is designed for individuals seeking admission at top universities abroad. Whether applicants plan to apply for an undergraduate, postgraduate or professional registration like nurse, doctor, etc., IELTS Academic will be the right choice. This exam is for 2 hours and 45 minutes, and the applicants get to choose the suitable IELTS exam format. The general eligibility criteria are applicable for IELTS Academic as well.

IELTS General Training

This type of IELTS exam is suitable for applicants planning to migrate to English-speaking countries. The reason for migration can be to study or to work. Applicants wanting to pursue secondary education internationally are required to give IELTS General Training. The duration of the test is the same as IELTS Academic test, which is 2 hours and 45 minutes. No specific eligibility requirements are mentioned for IELTS General Training. The applicant can choose the format for this type of IELTS as well.

The IELTS syllabus has four sections: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. In the syllabus, the listening and speaking sections are common, and reading and writing are different in both IELTS General and Academic. However, the IELTS pattern is the same for the tests.

IELTS UKVI

UKVI stands for United Kingdom Visas and Immigration. The IELTS UKVI is suitable for applicants who wish to study or work in the UK. The type of the IELTS exam is available in both modules of IELTS General Training and IELTS Academic. However, the test format for the IELTS UKVI can only be conducted in person at the IELTS centre for the UKVI exam. This is due to security purposes. In addition, to attain the UK visa, the applicants are required to fulfil the minimum score eligibility.

IELTS Lifeskills

This type of IELTS exam is attempted by applicants who need to acquire a UK visa for work or further studies. This is to prove the English language skills for CEFR (Common European of Reference) for languages of level A1 and B1. The IELTS Life Skills for the UK consists of an IELTS listening and speaking section to evaluate the candidate's English proficiency.

Countries Accepting IELTS Exam

IELTS is one of the most popular exams worldwide. The test is accepted by over 12,000 organisations in 140 countries across the world. The IELTS score is accepted for study and immigration purposes in many countries. The IELTS eligibility to study or work in any country is the same for everyone.

Popular countries Accepting IELTS are

  • USA

  • UK

  • Canada

  • Germany

  • Australia

  • New Zealand

  • Ireland

The IELTS selection procedure can vary depending on the type of IELTS exam accepted by the institute or organisation. Each university or the immigration authority has its own minimum IELTS score requirement. Applicants must check the IELTS requirements of each institute and course individually before the admission application. Here are the minimum IELTS scores required by top universities in the eligible countries.

Minimum IELTS Score Required by Top Universities in the USA

IELTS Score Required by Top Universities in the UK

IELTS Eligibility Score for Top Universities in Ireland

Minimum Eligibility Score for Top Universities in Australia

IELTS Registration

Once the candidate checks the IELTS eligibility, they can proceed with the IELTS registration process. The IELTS application form 2024 can be filled out online at the IDP IELTS official website. The candidate can select the nearest IELTS test centre and convenient IELTS exam dates for attempting the test.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where is the IELTS checked?

The IELTS writing test examiners reside in the UK and review the IELTS tests. Whereas, the IELTS speaking test examiners are located worldwide and directly review and score the IELTS test takers in the local testing centres.

2. Is IELTS mandatory for studying in Canada?

There are plenty of tests curated for assessing the English language proficiency. Candidates can even study in Canada without attempting IELTS. However, for this purpose, they can choose the other alternate options for English proficiency tests like PTE, TOEFL, DET, etc.

3. What is the qualification for the IELTS exam?

To attempt the IELTS exam the candidates must be above 16 years of age and have completed the 10th class education. There is no minimum requirement in the percentage to be acquired in the 10th class. Any candidate who has passed the 10th class with the minimum age requirement will be eligible to attempt the IELTS exam.

4. What are the requirements for an IELTS score?

A minimum IELTS qualifying score of 5.0 band is required to get admission into courses offered by abroad universities. However, to get admission into top universities, the minimum IELTS score is 7.0 bands. Kindly note that the minimum score requirement for IELTS differ for each university. Hence, the applicants should check the official website of the university to find out the eligible score requirement. 

5. What are the 4 criteria for IELTS?

The writing and speaking sections of the IELTS test are scored based on 4 criteria/areas such as the following.

  • Fluency and coherence

  • Lexical resource

  • Grammatical range and accuracy

  • Pronunciation

The other two listening and reading sections of the IELTS test have 40 questions each. Every question in these sections is given 1 mark for each right answer.

6. How long is IELTS eligible for?

The IELTS exam results are valid for up to 2 years. However, for skilled immigration applicants, the IELTS results validity period is three (3) years.

7. Is 12th marks important for IELTS?

No, there is no minimum 12th-mark requirement for IELTS. Anyone who has completed their 12th class education can take the IELTS exam irrespective of their minimum marks.  

8. Can I furnish an alternate national ID for the IELTS exam?

The ID proof required for the IELTS exam criteria differs from country to country. For India, the candidates need to furnish a passport as ID proof. For other countries, it may also accept the government-issued ID. The exact requirements can be checked while filling out the IELTS application form. Students who are carrying the ID proof to the IELTS test centre must show the same, which is selected during the IELTS registration.

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Questions related to IELTS

Have a question related to IELTS ?

If you have completed a master's degree in the UK, you might still need to take the IELTS test to qualify for a Permanent Residency (PR) or Work Visa in Australia. While your degree from an English-speaking country like the UK may demonstrate your proficiency in English, Australian immigration authorities typically require a standardized English language test score, such as IELTS, to assess your language skills formally.

For better guidance, Invicta Institute can provide you with detailed information and assistance regarding the specific English language requirements for Australian PR or Work Visa applications. Invicta's experienced counselors can help you navigate the process and determine if your UK degree suffices or if you need to take the IELTS test.


Since you're currently in the first year of your Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com), planning ahead for your MBA abroad is a wise decision. The ideal time to take your IELTS exam is during your third year of B.Com. This timing ensures that your IELTS score, which is valid for two years, will still be valid when you apply for MBA programs.

Hello,

It is very highly unlikely to obtain a legitimate IELTS certificate without taking the exam. Any claims suggesting otherwise are likely scams. It is essential to take the exam through authorized testing centers to ensure the validity and credibility of the certificate.

Hope this helps you ,

Thank you

The IELTS General and IELTS Academic tests serve different purposes, so their difficulty levels can vary depending on your strengths and background. The IELTS Academic is generally considered more challenging, particularly in the Reading and Writing sections. It focuses on language skills needed in an academic setting, including understanding complex texts and writing essays on abstract topics. The IELTS General, on the other hand, is designed for everyday use, such as for immigration or work purposes, and involves more practical tasks like writing letters and understanding basic articles. If you're comfortable with academic English, the Academic test might be manageable, but for most people, the General test is slightly easier due to its more straightforward content.

The IELTS results are typically released 13 days after the test date, but the exact time of release can vary depending on the test center. While some test centers might release results at noon on the 13th day, others might have different schedules. For specific guidance and precise information regarding the release of your IELTS results, it is advisable to contact your test center directly. Additionally, for personalized assistance and expert advice on navigating the IELTS process and studying abroad, you may consider reaching out to Invicta Career Consultancy, which can provide tailored support based on your individual needs and goals, While there are other options available, hence you can pay a visit to their website (icclearning.com) and get consult with them for better guidance. All the best to you.

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