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The IELTS score is calculated by a unique 9-band scoring system. This measurement system is internationally recognised and understood. IELTS test consists of 4 sections: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Each section is scored an individual IELTS band score of 0 to 9. The overall IELTS band score 2024 is the average of the four section band scores rounded to the nearest half band.
There is no pass or fail in the IELTS. Every IELTS-accepting university or organisation has its own minimum IELTS score requirement. Students can check university-specific score requirements beforehand and plan their required IELTS band score 2024 accordingly.
Each question or task in this IELTS exam has a certain grading system for calculating the scores. Understanding the IELTS score system helps in identifying the scoring elements and gives a chance to enhance the exam score. Read the complete article to learn all the IELTS Academic score details.
Both the total IELTS score and each sectional score are calculated between 0 to 9 bands. However, the IELTS scoring system varies for each section of the test, in terms of scoring criteria, calculation, etc. So, now familiarise yourself with the section-wise IELTS score 2024 details mentioned below.
The IELTS reading section has 40 questions. For every correctly answered question, 1 mark is given. All these raw scores are summed and then converted into 0 to 9 bands. Candidates can check the IELTS score India conversion chart below to understand this conversion.
Raw score | Band score |
2.5 | 4-5 |
3 | 6-7 |
3.5 | 8-9 |
4 | 10-12 |
4.5 | 13-14 |
5 | 15-18 |
5.5 | 19-22 |
6 | 23-26 |
6.5 | 27-29 |
7 | 30-32 |
7.5 | 33-34 |
8 | 35-36 |
8.5 | 37-38 |
9 | 39-40 |
So, candidates can now calculate their IELTS reading band score from their secured raw scores.
The IELTS listening section contains 40 questions. Each question carries 1 mark. These raw scores are converted into band scores using an IELTS score chart for listening. This conversion can be understood by checking the chart given below.
Raw score | Band score |
4 | 11-12 |
4.5 | 13-15 |
5 | 16-17 |
5.5 | 18-22 |
6 | 23-25 |
6.5 | 26-29 |
7 | 30-31 |
7.5 | 32-34 |
8 | 35-36 |
8.5 | 37-38 |
9 | 39-40 |
So, candidates can now calculate their Academic listening band score from their secured raw scores.
The IELTS Writing section consists of two tasks: Task 1 and Task 2. The IELTS writing task 1 is about summarising the information in tables/charts/diagrams, etc. The IELTS writing task 2 is an essay about a given argument.
Tasks 1 & 2 task in the writing are directly scored in 0 to 9 bands. These do not require any conversions or raw scores. These two individual IELTS band scores of writing tasks are summed and averaged to get the final IELTS score. Each IELTS score for the writing criterion is worth 25% of the total task score.
The IELTS score 2024 for writing is based on 4 different criteria:
Task achievement: As per this criterion, the accuracy, relevance, and appropriateness of the response given by the candidate are assessed.
Coherence and Cohesion: The logical distribution of ideas and management of cohesion are checked.
Lexical Resource: Usage of evidence in the answer and appropriate vocabulary usage with natural control of lexical features are assessed.
Grammatical Accuracy: Elements like the structuring of sentences and appropriate grammar and punctuation are checked.
IELTS Speaking score
The IELTS speaking section consists of 3 conversations. The speaking section scores are directly calculated in bands from 0 to 9. These individual IELTS band score 2024 for speaking are summed and averaged to get the final speaking score.
The scoring is based on the IELTS speaking criteria which are as follows:
Fluency and coherence: As per this criterion fluency and topic development are measured.
Lexical resource: Precise usage of vocabulary in delivering the meaning of the message is checked. The language accuracy of the test taker while delivering the speech is also considered.
Grammatical range and accuracy: Sentence formation and structuring are measured.
Pronunciation: Here, the phonic sound pronunciation of the English words is checked.
The total IELTS score calculation is done by adding the band scores of the 4 sections in the IELTS. These IELTS scores or individual section scores are displayed in the half and full bands like 5.5,8.0,8.5, etc.
This is because the IELTS band score 2024 is rounded off to the nearest zero. It means, that if the candidate scores 7.2, the IELTS score India will be rounded to 7.0. Similarly, if the IELTS exam score obtained is 7.9, then it is rounded to the nearest 8.0 band.
Each band score in the IELTS score 2024 describes the English proficiency level of the test taker. Candidates can now know their performance level by checking the IELTS band descriptors mentioned below.
IELTS Band Scores | Skill level | Description |
9 | Expert | The candidate has an operational command of English. Their usage of the English language is accurate, fluent, appropriate, and completely understandable. |
8 | Very good | The candidate has an operational command of English with only a few occasional inaccuracies. However, they can handle complex and detailed argumentation. |
7 | Good | The candidate has an operational command of English with occasional misunderstanding, inaccuracy, and inappropriate usage. |
6 | Competent | The candidate shows an effective command of English with some inaccuracies, misunderstandings, and inappropriate usage. They can understand complex language in familiar situations. |
5 | Modest | The candidate has a partial command of English but is likely to make many mistakes. They can handle basic communication skills in their field. |
4 | Limited | The candidate has basic competence and communicates only in familiar situations. They have problems understanding the language. |
3 | Extremely limited | The candidate has a very basic knowledge of English and can convey only the general meaning. They experience frequent breakdowns in communication. |
2 | Intermittent | The candidate has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English. |
1 | Non-user | The candidate cannot use the English language except for a few isolated words. |
0 | Did not attempt | The candidate was unable to answer any questions. |
Students planning to study abroad will have a lot of choices in choosing the English proficiency tests. Like-wise PTE is also an English language proficiency test. For the applicants who want to convert their IELTS score 2024 to PTE, here is the required conversion table for your reference.
IELTS | PTE-A |
5 | 40.8 |
5.5 | 45.4 |
6 | 51.6 |
6.5 | 58.5 |
7 | 66.3 |
7.5 | 74.6 |
8 | 82.3 |
8.5 | 88.1 |
*Sourced from the official IELTS website
Some abroad universities mention their English proficiency requirements only in terms of IELTS equivalent scores. So in this case also, they can refer to this table to check their IELTS equivalent PTE scores.
You may also like to read:
Here's a list of universities in USA that accept 5.5 IELTS scores for international students.
Check the list of universities in UK accepting 5.5 IELTS band score 2024 for masters.
Yes, many universities set their minimum IELTS score 2024 requirements as 7.0 bands. Scoring 7.0 bands provides the candidate with opportunities to get a place in top-ranking universities.
No. There are no passing or failing scores in the IELTS 2024 exam. Each band from 1 to 9 in the IELTS, specifies a certain level of proficiency in the English language.
Scoring 7.5 denotes the candidate has a very good command of English. This means they only make language mistakes on an occasional basis or sometimes but they can handle complex language and detailed reasoning. If the candidate meets this sort of English communication skills they can get 7.5 easily in IELTS.
Yes, already several test takers have achieved 9 bands in IELTS. Even if the candidate is a non-native English speaker, they can still score 9 bands in the IELTS if they follow a structured study plan and prepare well for the IELTS test.
IELTS band score of 5.5 is considered the minimum IELTS score to apply to any foreign university. However, students who wish to apply to top universities must require at least a 6.5 IELTS band score to fulfill the university requirements.
Yes, an 8 IELTA score is very good for international students to apply for study abroad universities. Students scoring an 8 IELTS band score are placed under the "Very good" category indicating an operational command of English with only a few occasional inaccuracies.
A 6.5 IELTS score falls between B2 and C1 on the CEFR scale. A 6.5 IELTS test score indicates an upper-intermediate English knowledge. Some universities may consider it B2, while most universities consider a 6.5 IELTS band score in the C1 proficiency level. Check the university website to check IELTS score requirements for popular courses.
Yes, a 7.0 IELTS score is considered equivalent to the C1 level of the CEFR scale. Students who score a 7.0 IELTS band score indicate a "proficiency level" of English language skills to handle complex academic and professional situations.
A 5.5 IELTS score might be accepted by many popular study-abroad countries including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and the USA. Check the official website of the specific universities to check their IELTS requirements.
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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