IELTS Overview

The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam assesses the English language proficiency of people who want to study or work in countries where English is used as the primary language of communication like USA, Canada etc.

IELTS tests the following language skills

IELTS Eligibility and Registration

Eligibility

IELTS is a general test and can be taken by anyone who wants to test his proficiency in English.
The rest is used for the admissions for some of the colleges; also IELTS is part of the visa requirement for English speaking countries like Australia, the UK, and New Zealand.

Based on the requirement IETLS test is offered in 2 flavors Academic & General. Before you take up the test make sure on which flavor is required for your admission or Visa requirements.

Registration
Registration for IELTS involves the following steps

IELTS Exam Pattern

In general IELTS test contains the following 4 sections

1. Listening (30 minutes)
2. Reading (60 minutes)
3. Writing (60 minutes)
4. Speaking (11–14 minutes).

The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes. The Listening, Reading and Writing tests are done in one sitting. The Speaking test may be on the same day or up to seven days before or after the other tests.

Based on the Admission / Visa requirements IELTS test takers can choose between one of the following versions of the test.

IELTS Exam Dates and Scores

IELTS tests are held in over 900 locations across the world with tests up to four times a month, IELTS has 48 fixed test dates each year to ensure high levels of quality and security.

The Exam dates differ based on the country in which the student takes the test, for details of the available dates in your country refer the following IELTS site.
http://www.ielts.org/test_takers_information/how_do_i_register/test_dates.aspx

You can find your nearest test center using the search option available in IELTS site.
http://www.ielts.org/test_centre_search/search_results.aspx

The Fee for the IELTS exam varies is roughly about Rs. 8000/- (INR)

Scores