Guide to IELTS: Ready, Set, Succeed on Test Day

Guide to IELTS: As test day approaches, you might be feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. To help you prepare and feel more confident, this comprehensive guide will walk you through what to expect on IELTS test day. But before that you need to feel confident about your preparation. Since there are only as many reattempts that you can take considering the cost of the exam and also the timeline of your goals.

 Let’s start with the most important question which is are you ready to take the IELTS test. 

Guide to IELTS: Are You Prepared for the Exam?

Being well-prepared means you have covered all the modules, attempted IELTS Practice tests, and feel confident in your scores. If you have doubts, it’s crucial to determine whether you are truly prepared for the exam. To gauge your readiness for the IELTS exam, consider the following factors:

1. Your performance in class
2. Your scores on mock tests
3. Feedback from your instructor
4. Your own confidence and feelings about the exam

By thoroughly assessing your readiness in various aspects, you can determine whether you are prepared to take the IELTS exam or if additional preparation is necessary. Numerous online and offline IELTS coaching centers can help you prepare for all the different modules. 

You can also focus on one or two modules where you feel less confident. At this stage, most students typically feel assured about their overall performance, but they might have doubts about a specific area, such as writing or speaking. In such cases, they can allocate less time and receive coaching for only a single module.

However, many students lack a clear understanding of their objectives, which means they might not know the exact score they need. Consequently, they could end up dedicating excessive time attempting to achieve a higher score than necessary. In the following section, we will guide you through the score requirements for various programs.

What is your goal? 

It’s not uncommon to encounter students aspiring to achieve an overall score of 8.5, even when they only require a 7 for their specific goal. Let’s take a closer look at how different score requirements correspond to various application purposes:

For Graduation:

The IELTS score required for undergraduate study abroad varies depending on the university, program, and country you are applying to. However, most universities require a minimum overall band score of 6.0 to 7.5 in the Academic module of the IELTS test. In countries such as the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia, the minimum IELTS score requirements for undergraduate study are usually between 6.0 and 7.0. However, some universities may require higher scores, especially for competitive programs such as Medicine or Engineering.

For Post Graduation/Masters:

 The IELTS score required for admission to a Masters or Postgraduate program varies according to the university and program requirements. However, the majority of the universities require a minimum overall band score of 6.5, with no band score less than 6.0. Some universities may even require a higher band score, such as 7.0 or 7.5, for certain programs or for admission to competitive programs.

For Phd:

Generally, for admission into a PhD program, a minimum overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 is required. However, some universities and programs may require a higher score, such as 7.5 or 8.0. In addition to the overall band score, universities and programs may also have specific requirements for each section of the IELTS test. 

For example, some universities may require a minimum score of 6.0 or 6.5 in each section, while others may require a higher score, such as 7.0 or 7.5. It is important to note that the required IELTS score may also depend on other factors such as the field of study, the country of origin, and the level of study. But make sure to take help from free IELTS preparation materials before taking the test.

To apply for work visa: 

The required IELTS score for a work visa varies depending on the country and the specific visa category. Each country and visa category may have different language proficiency requirements for the work visa.

1. For example, in Canada, the required IELTS score for a work visa varies depending on the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code of the job. For NOC code 0 or A, the minimum required score is usually 6.0 in each module of the IELTS Academic test. For NOC code B, the minimum required score is usually 5.0 in each module of the IELTS General Training test.

2. In Australia, the required IELTS score for a work visa also varies depending on the visa category. For the skilled work visa, the minimum required score is usually 6.0 in each module of the IELTS General Training test.

It is important to check the language proficiency requirements for the specific work visa and country you are interested in applying for. The required IELTS score may also vary depending on other factors such as your occupation, work experience, and education level.

To apply for PR through various programs: 

The minimum IELTS score required for PR (Permanent Residency) depends on the country and immigration program for which you are applying. Each country and immigration program sets its own language proficiency requirements, and the IELTS score required may vary based on factors such as the type of visa, occupation, and level of education.

1. For example, in Canada, the minimum IELTS score required for PR varies based on the immigration program. 

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): The Federal Skilled Worker Program is one of the main Canada PR programs for skilled workers. The minimum IELTS score required for the FSWP is a CLB 7 or higher in all four language abilities (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking).

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): The Canadian Experience Class is a Canada PR program for candidates who have gained skilled work experience in Canada. The minimum IELTS score required for the CEC is a CLB 5 or higher in Speaking and a CLB 6 or higher in other abilities.

• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): The Federal Skilled Trades Program is a Canada PR program for skilled trades workers. The minimum IELTS score required for the FSTP is a CLB 5 or higher in Speaking and a CLB 4 or higher in other abilities.

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): The Provincial Nominee Program is a Canada PR program that allows provinces and territories to nominate candidates who meet their specific labour market needs. The IELTS score requirement for the PNP varies by province and territory, and some may have different language requirements depending on the occupation and level of education.

2. In Australia, the minimum IELTS score required for PR also varies based on the visa category and occupation. 

• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): This visa is for skilled workers who do not have a sponsor or nomination from an employer, state, or territory government. The minimum IELTS score required for this visa is 6 in each component of the test (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking).

• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): This visa is for skilled workers who are nominated by a state or territory government. The minimum IELTS score required for this visa is 6 in each component of the test.

• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491): This visa is for skilled workers who are nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated regional area of Australia. The minimum IELTS score required for this visa is 6 in each component of the test.

• Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186): This visa is for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer. The minimum IELTS score required for this visa is 6 in each component of the test.

How do you apply for the IELTS test? 

To apply for the IELTS test in India, you can follow these steps:

1. Choose your test date: You can check the available test dates on the official IELTS website or contact your nearest test center. Choose the date that suits you best.

2. Create an account: You need to create an account on the official IELTS website to register for the test. Fill in the required personal and contact information to create your account.

3. Choose your test type: You can choose either the Academic or General Training test, depending on your purpose of taking the test.

4. Fill in the application form: Provide the required information in the application form, such as your name, contact details, nationality, and passport or ID number. You also need to upload a scanned copy of your ID or passport.

5. Select your test location: Choose the test center where you want to take the test. You can select a center that is nearest to your location.

6. Pay the fees: The fee for the IELTS test in India is INR 15,500. You can pay the fees online using your credit card, debit card, or net banking.

7. Receive confirmation: Once you have completed your application and payment, you will receive a confirmation email from the IELTS test center. This email will contain all the details of your test date, time, and location.

Late Fees: If you miss the registration deadline, you may still be able to register for the test, but you will have to pay a late fee of INR 3,300. The late fee is applicable only if the registration is made within five days of the registration deadline.

It is important to note that the IELTS test has specific requirements for identification and registration, so be sure to read the instructions carefully before applying. Also, make sure you register well in advance to avoid late fees and to ensure that you have ample time to prepare for the test.

Here is the description of a typical day at the IELTS test center:

A typical day at the IELTS test center is as follows:

Arrival and check-in:

 Candidates are required to arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes before the start time of the test. Upon arrival, they need to check-in with the test center staff, who will verify their identity and provide them with the necessary instructions.

Listening test:

The IELTS test usually starts with the Listening test, which lasts for approximately 30 minutes. Candidates are given a set of headphones and are required to listen to a recording of four sections of varying difficulty levels. They need to answer the questions related to each section on the answer sheet provided.

Reading test:

The Reading test follows the Listening test and lasts for approximately 60 minutes. Candidates are given a set of passages and questions related to them. The passages are usually of academic or general interest, depending on the type of test taken.

Break: 

After the Listening and Reading tests, candidates are given a break of 10 to 15 minutes.

Writing test:

The Writing test follows the break and lasts for approximately 60 minutes. Candidates are required to write two tasks: Task 1 is usually a report, letter or graph and Task 2 is an essay. They need to complete the tasks on the answer sheet provided.

Speaking test:

 The Speaking test is usually conducted on the same day or within seven days before or after the other tests. The test lasts for approximately 11-14 minutes and is conducted by a trained examiner. The Speaking test assesses the candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in English.

Departure: 

Once the test is completed, candidates are required to hand over their answer sheets to the test center staff and are allowed to leave the test center.

During the test, candidates are not allowed to bring any electronic devices, including mobile phones, laptops, or tablets, into the test room. They are also not allowed to take any food or drinks, except for water, into the test room. The test center staff will provide them with all the necessary materials required for the test.

We hope this information will help you prepare for the test day. For any doubt or clarity, it’s always recommended to reach out to the best IELTS online coaching and get the required information.