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Whether you are a student eyeing the interesting prospects of studying in the top universities, or an adventurist setting up your new life in a foreign land, you must have heard of tests like IELTS and TOEFL.
For students, the scores of these tests can even leverage their chances of getting a scholarship. But for many people, these tests are synonymous with sleepless nights and panic. We have thorough guides explaining every step of these assessments, starting from the IELTS exam booking to last-minute tips. So, let’s get started!
What is IELTS?
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an English language proficiency test for candidates planning to move overseas for international education or global immigration. The test is recognized in more than 140 countries, including the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, etc.
What are the different IELTS exams?
The popularity of the IELTS exams has a strong base for it to thrive upon. A team of global educators and experts formulate the question formats and types in a fair and unbiased manner. So, before you go on to book the IELTS exam, take a look at the two variations of the assessment.
- IELTS Academic – The academic assessment is designed for students willing to pursue their bachelor’s or master’s degrees and other higher education internationally.
- General Training- The test applies to anyone and everyone moving abroad for secondary education, employment, or migration purposes to the UK, Australia, Canada, or New Zealand.
IELTS Academic exam scrutinizes the students’ abilities to perform in a non-native environment and is comparatively more difficult to ace for it entails rigorous analytical and problem-solving skills. On the other hand, the IELTS General test assesses the candidate’s grasp of the English language in the context of day-to-day use, hence a lot easier than its counterpart.
How to book the IELTS exam?
IELTS exam booking is no longer rocket science. You can register for the IELTS in three ways, including online websites, offline in-office registration, and demand drafts.
The significant difference between the three modes lies in the payment method. Online payment must be made via debit/credit cards, net banking, while the other two allow you to deposit cash or bank drafts.
Follow the steps below to book the IELTS exam online-
- Create a new account and log in on British Council or IDP IELTS.
- Select ‘Register for Test’ and your preferred mode of examination from paper-based and computer-delivered.
- Select the preferred test type from Academic and General Training.
- Choose the location of the test center as per your ease.
- Select the date, time, and slot of availability.
- Upload a colored scanned copy of the passport.
- Choose the universities/colleges where you want to send your score.
- Pay INR 14,700 online with a credit/debit card or net banking services.
- Print the acknowledgment slip received in your email.
Eligibility criteria for taking the IELTS exam
There exists only one eligibility criterion for anyone appearing for the IELTS exam. You must be at least 16 years of age while taking the assessment. Also, the examination refrains from any discrimination based on sex, race, nationality, or background.
Requisites for IELTS exam booking
Although there are no strict bounds and boxes to check for IELTS exam booking, international candidates need to present some documents at the time of registration. These include-
- Passport- Your passport will act as the primary identity proof necessary at the time of registration. You also need to carry your valid, original passport on the examination day.
- Consent form for minors- If you are below 18 years of age, a consent form signed by guardians is a prime requisite to appear for the examination.
Mode of examination
One key decision you will have to make while IELTS exam booking is the mode of examination. IELTS exam offers two mediums- paper-based and computer-delivered.
- The paper-based IELTS requires you to move to the designated examination center and appear for the test. For the writing section, you need to note down your answers in the answer sheet. At the same time, for the listening section, you are required to write answers simultaneously while listening to the audio recordings. You will get a buffer window of 10 minutes to transfer their noted drafts to the fair answer sheet.
- In the computer-based mode, the questions are presented on the screen, and you need to submit the answers with the click of a mouse or a keyboard. The listening section here does not allow the extra 10 minutes, and you need to answer digitally.
- For the speaking section in both the modes, you have to visit the opted centers for a face-to-face assessment with a certified IELTS examiner.
- Paper-based exams are carried out two times a week while the computer-delivered are available three times a day on all days of the week.
- Due to its feasibility, the computer-delivered test is the more opted-for choice for candidates. You can access the computer-delivered test results within 3-5 days of taking the test, compared to the 13 working days for the paper-based exam.
Key takeaways
- If you are thinking of moving abroad for studies or work, you can take the IELTS exam as proof of your English proficiency.
- The IELTS exam is of two types – Academic and General Training. You can choose the exam you need to take based on your purpose of moving abroad.
- To begin the process, figure out the IELTS exam booking, the mode of test you are comfortable with, and fill out the application accordingly.
FAQs
Q1. How many days before can we book the IELTS exam?
Answer- Test-takers can book their IELTS exam slot three months before their desired date.
Q2 Which are the best books for IELTS exam preparation?
Answer- The best way to prepare for the IELTS exam is by referring to the past years’ question papers. There are also top-quality books for exam preparation that you can use. Some of these are-
- The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS
- Barron’s IELTS Superpack
- Simone Braverman’s Target Band 7
- IELTS Practice Test Plus 2
- Road to IELTS
Q3. Where to book the IELTS exam date online?
Answer- Visit IDP or the British Council’s registration website and fill out the form. These institutions will display the dates and slots available, and you can easily go for your preference. If you don’t find your preferred date on either of the sites, check back later for updated news.
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