IELTS means International English Language Testing System. This test is a globally accepted test meant to check English communication skills. The result of IELTS is used by various sectors in English-speaking countries to make sure that a person is eligible to study, work or to live in that country.

Structure of IELTS

The time allotted for this test is 2 hours and 45 minutes. Two modules are there for this test- General Module and Academic Module. General Module is meant for those who are planning to pursue a career or for getting a secondary education. This is mandatory for those who are migrating in New Zealand, Canada and Australia. Academic module is for those who are looking for admissions in graduation and post graduation courses in English-speaking countries.

Syllabus of IELTS

The syllabus of IELTS includes a total of four parts in General Module and Academic Module. The four different parts are mentioned below:

Reading

In this reading section, candidates have an option to select either General or Academic module. The general module reading section includes general and social issues. The academic training module comprises general issues which are comfortable for undergraduate and postgraduates. Forty questions are there for both of the reading sections. This question includes identifying authors’ views& matching phrases. In addition to this, multiple choice questions will be there in this section.

Speaking

The speaking section is to analyze whether the person have an ability to speak with the native English speakers. This is mainly an oral interview section. For qualifying in this section one should possess a good knowledge in English. The interviewers will ask certain questions regarding a familiar topic and the interviewee should answer that question. This is meant to check the fluency in English.

Writing

This section is meant to check the writing skills. In academic writing module, candidates are required to write short paragraphs and about some social topics. In general writing module, candidates have to write their own views or opinions about a familiar topic.Two mandatory task are there which include Task one and Task two. In task one, candidates have to write a presentation of their own by seeing a picture or a corresponding data. In task two, candidates are directed to write a solution or opinion for a given problem or data.

Listening

Listening section is for evaluating a candidates’ English proficiency. In this, four sections are there. First two sections deals with general topics and the other section is fully depends on the education. Conversations between two or more persons were played once in this section. After hearing this conversation, candidates want to write the dialogues.

Eligibility Criteria for IELTS

There is no specific eligibility criterion for taking IELTS. Any age candidates can apply for IELTS. No particular qualification is required. In fact, IELTS itself is an eligibility criterion for those who are migrating to English -speaking countries.

How to apply for IELTS?

Candidates are provided with an option to apply online by downloading application from the website: www.ielts.org. Another option is to get the application form from the nearby test centers of IELTS by paying a test fee of Rs. 7200/-. For IELTS, around eight hundred test centers are there in one hundred and thirty countries.

How to fill the form of IELTS?

Take the print out of the application form. Carefully read the terms and conditions given in the instructions. Two recent passport size photographs without wearing spectacles are required for registration. A valid postal address is required and also makes sure that the address is same as in the passport. A valid passport photocopy is also submitted during registration. Once this registration is finished, the test centre will provide a date, time and venue for taking the test.

Important Dates of IELTS

IELTS test will be conducted in four times a month. The test date will differ from candidates to candidates. The test center will provide the dates for the candidates. The test date fully depends on the date of registration by the candidate.

Coaching Centers for IELTS TEST

• Manya Education Private Limited, Andra Pradesh
• Jeeva’s Educational Academy, Hyderabad
• Edstar IELTS, Gujarat
• Success Guru in Maharastra
• Shine Consultancy in Maharastra
• Competition Cell in Chandigarh
• Jamboree Education Center in TamilNadu
• Touchstone in Punjab
• Wisdom Mart in UttarPradesh

List of IELTS Exam Centers

• Dehradun
• Gurgaon
• Mumbai
• New Delhi
• Pune
• Trivandrum
• Bhopal
• Bangalore
• Chennai
• Hyderabad
• Jalandhar
• Kolkata
• Kochi
• Chandigarh
• Ahmedabad

Reference Books for IELTS

• Cambridge IELTS 4 Student’s Book with Answers: Examination Papers from University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (IELTS Practice Tests)
• 101 Helpful Hints for IELTS Academic Module by Garry Adams
• Official IELTS Practice Materials

Study Plan for IELTS

Practice is the essential part in preparing for IELTS. Read English Newspapers loudly. This helps to make oral organs more flexible to speak English. Speak in a bold and confident manner. Try to speak with your friends in English. Watching English channels in TV may help to understand the accent of the native speakers.

How and where to get the results of IELTS?

IELTS announced the test results within 13 days after the test. If you need to result wihin one week, you are supposed to an additional fee for that. The test score is emailed within two weeks. Results can be also downloaded from the following links: http://www.ieltsindia.com/candidate.htm.

Cutoff

The score for each section is indicated in the band of 0-9. One should score an average for all sections. The overall score is given in the band of 0-9.

Score Validity of IELTS

The IELTS score is valid for duration of two years.