What is the IELTS Exam?
The International English Language Testing System, famously known as IELTS, is one of the most popular & globally trusted English language proficiency tests. This test is held to evaluate the English language proficiency of individuals who want to move abroad. native English speakers who want to study or work in an English-speaking country need to take this exam. It is an internationally recognized test that evaluates the user in the following four categories:
Reading
Writing
Listening
Speaking
Which IELTS Test is Right for You?
The IELTS test is ideal for individuals aiming to study, work, or migrate
abroad. If your primary goal is to pursue higher education, then the IELTS Academic
test is the right choice. If you’re planning to relocate to an English-speaking
country for work or immigration, the IELTS General Training test is more suitable.
Both IELTS test types are designed to assess your English language proficiency and can support your journey toward studying, working, or settling abroad.
Choosing the right IELTS test is crucial and should align with your goals, interests, and the requirements of your destination country. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve created a table outlining common goals and the corresponding test type. Select your IELTS test based on what you aim to achieve.
IETLS Academic Exam
IETLS General Exam
IETLS for UKVI
IELTS Life Skills
IELTS Academic
The IELTS Academic test is designed for those students applying for higher education in English-speaking countries, as a good IELTS score serves as proof of the language proficiency required by some of the world’s most reputable academic institutions.
The IELTS Academic exam is conducted in four modules. Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. Each module in this test is designed to assess the number of language
skills, such as fluency, ability to understand complex discussions, vocabulary, grasp
main ideas, and ability to express opinions and thoughts clearly.
Undergraduate Degree
Post-Graduate Degree
Doctoral Degree
Post-Doctoral Level
Ready To Start Your IETLS Journey?
Join AlfaIELTS a self-paced online platform designed to help you practice and prepare for the IELTS exam anytime, anywhere. Register for free to get access to tailored guidance on choosing the right IELTS test type and start building the skills and confidence you need to succeed.
How to Choose the Correct IELTS Test for Your Goals?
1
Pick the correct IELTS test in 5 minutes by understanding the goal - work, study, or immigration.
2
Select IELTS Academic if you need it for college, university, or professional registration.
3
Take IELTS General Training if it’s for employment, apprentice programs, or permanent migration.
4
Plan for IELTS UKVI, if your target destination is for the United Kingdom.
5
Choose IELTS Life Skills for a specific type of United Kingdom visa, depending on your requirements.
6
Check with your institution, company, or visa office about their requirements
7
Decide on your format: IELTS on Computer or IELTS on Paper, according to your comfort level.
8
Book the proper test, then understand the score that you need and your deadline.
Note : If you make the booking for a wrong exam, you may lose your fee and miss deadlines.
IELTS Booking Checklist:
What to Check Before You Book
Look at the words on your offer letter or visa page
Check if your test center has that version
Make sure that you need Academic or General Training
Pick a good target band score
See if you need IELTS UKVI
Remember any minimum required scores for any sections (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking)
IELTS Exam Format Differences You Should Know
Most IELTS tests have four parts: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The Speaking part usually lasts between 11 and 14 minutes.
The purpose and some tasks change for different tests. Academic and General tests have different Reading and Writing parts. UKVI has test rules linked to visas, while Life Skills only tests Speaking and Listening and you either pass or fail.
| TEST TYPE | BEST FOR | KEY DIFFERENCE |
|---|---|---|
IELTS Academic | Study, registration | Academic Reading and Writing tasks |
IELTS General Training | Immigration, work | Everyday Reading and Writing tasks |
IELTS UKVI | UK visas | UKVI-approved version and rules |
IELTS Life Skills | UK visa routes | Speaking and Listening only |
IELTS Academic
Best For
Study, registration
Key Difference
Academic Reading and Writing tasks
IELTS General Training
Best For
Immigration, work
Key Difference
Everyday Reading and Writing tasks
IELTS UKVI
Best For
UK visas
Key Difference
UKVI-approved version and rules
IELTS Life Skills
Best For
UK visa routes
Key Difference
Speaking and Listening only
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you take IELTS Academic or General?
Use Academic for study and many registrations, use General Training for immigration and many work routes, based on the official requirement.
Is IELTS UKVI harder than IELTS?
The skills tested are similar, but UKVI has specific visa rules and approved test conditions.
Can you use IELTS Academic for immigration?
Sometimes, but many immigration pathways ask for General Training. Always follow the exact policy text.
IELTS Life Skills - What is this test useful for?
This test doesn't involve writing and reading skills. It only evaluates your speaking and listening abilities for a particular type of UK visa. It gives pass or fail grades.
How long does the IELTS test take?
Most of your time goes to Listening, Reading, and Writing. Together, these three sections take about 2 hours and 45 minutes. The Speaking test is much shorter and usually lasts 11 to 14 minutes. It may happen on the same day as the other sections or on a different day, depending on your test center.
Can you take the IELTS test on a computer?
Yes. Many test centers offer IELTS on a computer. The test still has the same four sections. You submit your answers for Listening, Reading, and Writing. Speaking is usually done face-to-face with an interviewer.
Can I take just one part of the IELTS test again?
In some places, you can re-take only one section instead of repeating the full test. This depends on your country, your test center, and the IELTS test type you chose. Check with your test center to see if they offer this option where you plan to test. For some visa cases, the IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) may be accepted.
How is the IELTS test graded?
Each section, Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, gets a band score from 0 to 9. Your overall band score is the average of the four scores. It gets rounded to the nearest whole or half band.
Can I switch my IELTS test type after I’ve booked it?
Sometimes you can, but it depends on the test center’s rules. You may need to cancel your booking and book again, and extra fees may apply. Contact your test center as soon as you can to confirm what’s allowed.
English (English)
Melbourne:
Level 3, 7 Jeffcott Street
Melbourne VIC3003
Adelaide:
Level 30, Westpac House,
91 King Willam Street,
Adelaide SA - 5000
India:
Suite 514, Unit No 203,
SBR CV Towers, Madhapur,
Hyderabad, India
IELTS
Our Products
Others
Others