IELTS Exam 2021: Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Registration, Eligibility, Exam Fees, Score, Preparation Tips, Coaching Centers and Sample Answers

Study Abroad Expert | Updated On - Feb 25, 2021

IELTS is an English language proficiency test conducted by British Council and IDP required for those who want to study, work or immigrate abroad. Most European universities accept IELTS scores as admission requirements. IELTS is of two types – IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. The total duration of IELTS is 2hrs 45 minutes. Candidates are tested on four main skills of the IELTS exam pattern: Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening.

Due to COVID 19 outbreak, IELTS IDP arranges IELTS online test (IELTS Indicator) at home for academic test takers.

IELTS 2021 Highlights

IELTS Full Form	International English Language Testing System
Official Website of IELTS	https://www.ielts.org/
Accepted By	More than 10,000 universities
Conducted By	IDP and British Council
Mode of IELTS	Paper and Computer Delivered Test
IELTS Fee	INR 14000
IELTS Score Range	1-9

Check IELTS vs TOEFL

Types of IELTS

There are two types of IELTS conducted for two purposes - IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. The subject matter of Listening and Speaking is the same for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. Reading and Writing sections vary as per the exam taken by the candidate.

IELTS Academic

Candidates take IELTS Academic test applying for higher education or training programs in an English-speaking nation. Most educational institutions accept IELTS academic score.

IELTS General Training

Candidates take IELTS General Training for secondary education or employment or migration purposes to an English speaking nation. This test format focuses on individual skillset required to sustain in the workplace and social contexts.

Check IELTS Academic vs IELTS General Training

IELTS Exam Pattern 2021

IELTS Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2021

To perform well in IELTS, candidates need to know about the intricate details of the IELTS exam pattern and IELTS syllabus. IELTS Syllabus comprises four sections - Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. The total time duration for IELTS is 2hrs 45 minutes.

In IELTS Speaking section, candidates are assessed in three different parts and each part is recorded. The total duration for this section is 11-14 minutes.
In IELTS Listening section, candidates have to listen to four recordings of native English speakers to answer a series of questions. The total duration for this section is 30 minutes
Candidates get two different kinds of IELTS Reading questions for IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. In both exam pattern, test takers have to attempt 40 questions in 60 minutes.
IELTS Writing is different for candidates appearing in IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. Two writing tasks have to be attempted within 60 minutes for IELTS writing section.

IELTS February Prediction 2021

Numerous predictions from IELTS experts have stated that the difficulty level of the February 2021 IELTS exam will be moderate. Predictions for IELTS Listening 2021:

In IELTS listening test, the pattern of Part 1 will be similar to one-word only but the questions should be focused on.
In IELTS listening test Part 2 there will be three types of questions. In MCQs, you’ve to select 2 answers from a list of five with the total number of MCQs being 4. The second question type can be a map with 4 to 5 questions. The 3rd question type can sentence completion or matching information.
In IELTS listening test, Part 3 might be all about MCQs ranging from question number 21 to 30. Or 4 questions can be MCQs and the remaining being Matching Information.
In IELTS listening test, Part 4 will be filled with One-Word Only question type with the audio playing fluent English and not ‘fast’.

Prediction for IELTS Academic Reading 2021

IELTS academic reading will be moderately difficult but 1 reading passage might appear difficult;
Passage 1: This will include True/False/Not Given, Sentence Completion, or short answer question types
Passage 2: Focus on the question type asking to find the information from a particular paragraph, matching information, sentence completion, Yes/No/Not Given
Passage 3: Focus on MCQs, list of headings, summarizing, and 2 to 3 questions about Yes/No/Not Given

Prediction for IELTS Writing Prediction 2021

Put emphasis on IELTS Writing Task 1 – Graphic Information, Comparative Graph, and the Trend Graphs;
For IELTS essays, focus on discussion and opinion types

What is the ideal time to take IELTS?

The best time to take the IELTS is right before the topics change, namely the months of December, April, and August. IELTS speaking topics are added in the months of January, May and September. By this time, the candidate will be aware of 99.9% of the topics that will eventually help them take the exam. Additionally, candidates should also note the application deadlines of their selected universities and colleges.

Why do I need to take IELTS?

Candidates take IELTS for three fundamental purposes- study, work, and migration to travel to those countries where English is considered as the main language of communication. Mostly the candidates who aim to pursue higher education abroad, write IELTS academic exam. Candidates from any non-English speaking nation require to secure an IELTS score. Due to pandemic outbursts, IELTS Indicator arranges exam patterns only for IELTS Academic candidates.

Check IELTS Test Development

IELTS Registration 2021

IELTS registration can be completed by following a few easy steps. With 80 IELTS test centers located across India, test-taker can choose the test center location easily accessible. Candidates can make IELTS exam registration either through online or offline mode. IDP IELTS and British Council do make any eligibility criteria for IELTS. It can be taken by any individual irrespective of gender, age, race, religion, or nationality. Anyone below 16 years of age is not allowed for IELTS.

For Online IELTS registration

Candidates have to visit the official website for IELTS registration

Create an account
Find out a suitable date slot as per the availability at the nearest test center
Complete the registration by paying online

For Offline IELTS Registration

Candidates have to download the IELTS exam registration form from the official portal. Manually select the test date and fill other requirements asked in the form. Next, the candidate has to pay by demand draft (made to British Council and payable at New Delhi) or by cash (to pay cash visit the nearest ICICI bank with payment slip). The candidate has to provide Blue Dart courier serviceable address on the registration form

IELTS Fees 2021

IELTS Exam Fees 2021

Candidates can pay IELTS exam Fees online through net banking or offline by paying the amount at ICICI bank. Before paying the amount, candidates must look for cancellation, rescheduling fees as well.

IELTS Cancellation Fees

If the candidate is canceling the exam more than 5 weeks prior to the test date, an amount of 25% from the administrative fee will be deducted from the refund;
If the cancellation is done less than 5 weeks prior to the test date, there will be no sign of refund;
If the candidate doesn’t turn up on the test day, then along with receiving no refund there test will be considered canceled.

IELTS Rescheduling Fees

If the candidate wants to reschedule IELTS date then one has to reschedule the date at least five weeks before the stipulated exam date. The candidate also has to reschedule IELTS exam date within 3 months of the date first assigned. The candidate has to pay an amount of INR 3000 inclusive of all taxes to reschedule the test date.

IELTS Exam Dates 2021

IELTS exam dates are available every month for international students four times. Annually there are 48 dates for IELTS and the booking depends on availability. The candidate can take the IELTS exam dates on 48 different days for the Academic section and 24 dates for the General Training section. Candidates are advised to book for IELTS at least 3-4 months before the application deadline. Candidates can book IELTS dates through 3 different portals- British Council, IDP, or IELTS (official website).

IELTS Score 2021

IELTS scores are designed to be deciphered easily by any individual. As IDP IELTS collected data of the test-takers and analyzed that irrespective of gender, candidates score the most in listening and least in writing. Since childhood, in India, one starts learning English by listening on an electronic medium, therefore it is quite easy to analyze an argument by listening to the recordings present in the test.

Whereas the least score secured section is writing. The least marks are secured in writing for a lack of language construction and grammatical errors. Candidates should start practicing writing within a particular time period to improve all these mistakes. As compared to other bands, the Writing band has the least score range for both male and female candidates. IELTS band scores are calculated on a scale of 1-9.

Band Score	Skill Level	Description
9	Expert user	The test taker has fully operational command of the language. Their use of English is appropriate, accurate, and fluent, and shows complete understanding.
8	Very good user	The test taker has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. They may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations. They handle complex and detailed argumentation well.
7	Good user	The test taker has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage, and misunderstandings in some situations. They generally handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning.
6	Competent user	The test taker has an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings. They can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
5	Modest user	The test taker has partial command of the language and copes with overall meaning in most situations, although they are likely to make many mistakes. They should be able to handle basic communication in their field.
4	Limited user	The test taker's basic competence is limited to familiar situations. They frequently show problems in understanding and expression. They are not able to use complex language.
3	Extremely limited user	The test taker conveys and understands the only general meaning in very familiar situations. There are frequent breakdowns in communication.
2	Intermittent user	The test taker has great difficulty understanding spoke and written English.
1	Non-user	The test taker cannot use the language except a few isolated words.

What is a Good Score for IELTS?

Generally, an IELTS score of 7 and above is considered a good score for ensuring admission to the top-ranking universities in UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other English-speaking nations. The IELTS cutoff is set differently for each of the four sections, therefore, candidates need to focus more on improving each of the skills rather than the overall IELTS score.

IELTS Result 2021

Test Report Form or IELTS Result will be declared after 13 days from the test taken. Candidates can access IELTS scorecards online as well as offline. IELTS score validity is for 2 years. To access the IELTS score, a candidate has to submit an identification document number. Along with ID proof, the candidate also has to provide a candidate number generated during IELTS application. IELTS exam dates and date of birth are other required information. Results will also be available on IDP or British Council IELTS website. If the candidates have applied for Citizenship and Immigration Canada, 2 copies of the Test Result Form (TRF) will be provided.

Also Check IELTS Cut Off

Also Check IELTS Cut Off For UK

Also Check IELTS Cut Off For Canada

IELTS Scholarships 2021

British Council introduces IELTS Scholarships for Indian students to provide financial aid for studying abroad. To avail of the scholarship, candidates must have 6.5 scores on each band and an offer letter from UK universities. Students can also get an overview idea about the scholarships and fellowships available for Indian students at the official website of the universities.

IELTS Preparation Tips 2021

Test takers should get IELTS preparation tips from the resources available in IDP and British Council. IELTS preparation courses are available in both classroom and online models. Test-takers can install IELTS Preparation Online apps for easy access to the study materials. Few IELTS preparation tips are as following

Learn new words for understanding vocabulary
Read English books, magazines, newspapers, handbook for a strong grasp of language
Practice writing following a strict time schedule
Under strict time scheduling, the test taker can improve writing speed
Make an accurate usage of grammar
For fluency in the language, start talking in front of the mirror
Focus on pronunciation for a proper understanding of words
Try to balance between listening and scanning questions

Besides these preparation tips, test takers should start taking IELTS mock tests as diagnostic tests. Every year, lakhs of international students take IELTS for pursuing either higher education or employment opportunities. Therefore learning proper English is a step taken towards

IELTS Preparation Books 2021

IELTS books and study materials are always good sources of preparatory materials for IELTS test-takers. Few IELTS preparation books comprise the best possible materials and practise papers for the candidates.

The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS – Check PDF
Cambridge IELTS’ Book 14 for Academic with Answers – Check PDF
Official IELTS Practice Materials – Check PDF
Barron’s IELTS Superpack – Check PDF

IELTS Sample Papers 2021

As per data collected from the official website of IELTS, it is noticed that international students comparatively score the least marks in the writing section and the highest in listening sections. To score good marks in IELTS, it is necessary to practice IELTS practice papers regularly. Time management is one of the most important things to look after. These sample papers are available on the official website of IELTS as well as websites of IDP and British Council.

Also Read

Water Used For Different Areas - IELTS Writing Task 1 Sample Answer

Noise Pollution - IELTS Writing Task 1 Sample Answer

Computer Skills - IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer

Government - IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answers

Preservation of Historic Buildings - IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer

Students Living Away From Home - IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer

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Land of the Rising Sun - IELTS Reading Sample Answer

Ecotourism In the Developing Countries - IELTS Reading Sample with Explanation

Numeration - IELTS reading sample with Explanation

Endless Harvest - IELTS Reading Sample with Explanation.

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Sunglasses - IELTS Speaking Sample Answer

Describe an Exciting Sport You Know About - IELTS Speaking Cue Card

Describe a Crowded Place that you have visited - IELTS Speaking Cue Card

Things you want to buy in the future - IELTS Speaking Cue Card

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IELTS Listening Tips

IELTS FAQs

Ques. Which all agencies accept this test?

Ans. This test is accepted by at least 10,000 organizations across the world. The organizations include various universities, immigration departments, government agencies, professional bodies, MNCs among others.

Ques. Who prepares for this test?

Ans. The International teams of writers prepare the exam and ensure that it is fair and unbiased.

Ques. Which test should I give if planning to pursue MBA overseas?

Ans. You need to give IELTS Academic test in case planning to pursue higher studies in an English native country. Since individual organizations have different requirements, it is advisable to check IELTS requirements for the international students at the university to which you are applying.

Ques. How long will it take to complete the exam?

Ans. The entire duration of the exam is 2 hours and 45 minutes. The first three parts of the test including listening, reading and writing will be conducted on the same day (there will be no breaks between these tests) while speaking test can be held either on the same day or few days before or after the exam as well. It depends on the local arrangements.

Ques. Is this test available for the test takers who have visual, hearing, speaking or learning difficulties?

Ans. The students with disabilities can get assistance at the official IELTS test centres. You need to inform you about it at the center so that special arrangements can be made for you.

Ques. Can I postpone or cancel my application?

Ans. You will get a complete refund, in case you have postponed or canceled your application 5 weeks before the test date. But in case you make cancellations within 5 weeks of the test date, you will be charged the full fee unless you have a medical reason.

Ques. What will happen in case I am absent or sick on the test day?

Ans. In case you are absent on the test day without any prior notice, then you will not get any refund.

Ques. Can I give the IELTS test in one day?

Ans. All the three tests including Listening, Reading, and Writing tests will be completed followed by the next with no breaks while the Speaking test will be held either on the same day or seven days before or two days after as well.

Ques. Which part do I need to attempt first?

Ans. The candidates will be asked to give the Listening test first, which is followed by the Reading and Writing tests. Speaking test will be conducted some other day.

Ques. What kinds of accents will I hear in the Listening and Speaking tests?'

Ans. Since IELTS is an international test, you can hear a combination of a variety of English accents during your tests.

Ques. Does Listening tape have pauses?

Ans. No, the candidates will hear instructions and a sample question. Then you are asked to read section 1 questions, listen to section 1 and answer the questions. There will be no repetition of audio clips in Listening section.

Ques. Is there the same time period of 10 minutes in the Reading test to transfer answers?

Ans. No, the reading test is one hour and you must finish writing all the answers on the answer sheet at this time only. 3 reading passages will be given in this section.

Ques. Am I allowed to use a pen for the Listening and Reading tests?

Ans. No, you have to use a pencil only. Your answer sheet will be scanned by a computer that is unable to read a pen.

Ques. Is making notes on the Listening and Reading question papers allowed?'

Ans. Yes, you are allowed to make the notes.

Ques. What do I need to carry for the Speaking test?

Ans. You have to bring the same ID documents which you have submitted with your IELTS Application Form and used for the rest of the test. Your ID will be cross-checked by the examiner at the time you enter the interview room.

Ques. How are the marks given in the test?

Ans. IELTS uses a 9-band scoring system to calculate and report test scores in an appropriate way. The students will get separate scores for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking and an Overall Band Score on a band scale from one to nine.

Ques. Who is the authority that decides the passing mark for the IELTS test?

Ans. The educational institution or organizations have set their own level of IELTS scores and you must meet the individual requirements of the institute to get admission.

Ques. When will the test results be declared?'

Ans. The test Report Form of your score will be posted to you 13 days after your test date. There are facilities like SMS alerts and an Online Results Service which is offered by many IELTS centers to the aspirants who appeared for the exam. If you are taking Computer Based IELTS, the results will be declared within 5-7days.

Ques. What happens in case I misplace the Test Report Form?

Ans. Test Report Forms are valid for two years, but you will not get a copy of your test score. Your Test Report Form of IELTS will be forwarded directly to the relevant institution or embassy. You can get up to five copies free of charge but additional copies carry small administration charges.

Ques. Can I do something if I feel that my test result is wrong?

Ans. You can ask for an enquiry regarding your test results at the centre where you have applied for the test. You have to apply within six weeks of your test date. You need to inform the authorities regarding the sections of the test that you want to be checked again.

Ques. Do I need to pay something if asking for re-checking?

Ans. Yes there is a charge for an enquiry on IELTS test results. However, the amount will be refunded in case there is an increase in your score for any section of the test.

Ques. When will I get the new results?

Ans. Your result will be made available to you within 2-21 days, depending upon several factors like the number of sections requested for re-marking, etc.

Ques. What if I am not able to reach the exam center for the reason beyond my control?'

Ans. You can apply for IELTS exam again according to the next available test date.

Ques. Is it true that if I give the test in my home country, I might get a better result?

Ans. This is a common myth, you must understand that the IELTS test will have the same level of difficulty no matter from where you are giving the test.

Ques. Will I lose marks if I am unable to speak with an American, Australian or British accent?

Ans. You are not supposed to change the accent for the IELTS test, rather focus on speaking clearly and at a natural pace so that the examiner can understand what you are saying.

Ques. How can I improve my chances of scoring high in the exam?

Ans. You must practice your English every day and listening to many other native speaker accents will help you a lot in pronouncing difficult words clearly.

Ques. Is it possible that my second time score is higher than the first attempt?

Ans. Yes it is possible. Many people score higher on their second sitting as they understand the exam pattern and know how the exam can be finished within the allotted time.

Ques. Can IELTS test result be used at the time of applying for a UK visa?

Ans. In case you wish to use an IELTS or IELTS Life Skills test result as part of your application for UK visa purposes, then you must take the test at an IELTS test centre which is specifically authorised by UK Visas and Immigration for this purpose.

Ques. How often is an IELTS or IELTS Life Skills test available?

Ans. For IELTS and IELTS Life Skills, the dates of the test will be available within 28 days of booking your test.

Ques. Do non-native countries also accept IELTS Score?

Ans. There are more than 140 countries that accept the IELTS score, English speaking countries such as the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand accept IELTS score. Besides many non-English speaking countries as well accept IELTS score while giving admission to the students in different colleges and universities where the medium of education is English.

Ques. What things are allowed inside the test center?

Ans. You can only carry pens, pencils and erasers. You need to carry your passport/national identity card you used on the IELTS Application Form to the test. Mobile phones, pagers and other kinds of electronic devices must be switched off and kept at the area designated by the supervisor.

Ques. Can I take IELTS during COVID-19?

Ans. IELTS is suspended in some locations due to the Covid-19 outbreak; however, the conducting authority allows the candidates to take IELTS indicator test right now, as most of the test centers are closed. This can help the candidates for a solid preparation for IELTS.

Ques. Will the content of ILETS indicator be identical to the contents of IELTS?

Ans. Basically yes, there will be the same level of difficulty and the same question pattern will be followed in the questions of IELTS indicator. IELTS indicator will be just like the IELTS itself – the only difference is the candidates will take it from their homes.

Ques. How to Book the IELTS indicator Test?

Ans. The candidates need to click on https://my.ieltsessentials.com/indicator to book their slots for the IELTS indicator. IELTS indicator may not be available for all the locations. The charge for each IELTS indicator test is $149.

Ques. What about the Refund If I Cancel IELTS during Covid-19?

Ans. There is a possibility that the candidates may not get a chance to reschedule their exam. In that case, a refund of their exam fees will be processed. The candidates need to send a mail to examscustomercare@britishcouncil.org and follow the instructions regarding the refund.

Ques. What will be the guidelines for the IELTS speaking test amidst COVID-19?

Ans. The staff will be given a facemask on the day and test-takers or the examiners will not be permitted to remove the masks even during the IELTS speaking.

Ques. What are the safety measures for the test day?

Ans. The conducting authority ensures health check up on the test day. Candidates need to wear a mask and maintain a minimum 2-meter distance with examiners and the test-takers in the test center.

Ques. How strict the authority if IELTS is in terms of checking?

Ans. In the latest announcement, it was mentioned that no candidates even with any negligible symptoms of COVID-19 will come in contact with others. The test-takers need to mail the authority if they were in home-quarantine for 14 days or met any suspect or victim of COVID-19 or have a cold, flu, or fever for consecutive 3 days. Not just that, the candidates have to inform the authority if they are diagnosed with COVID-19 within 14 or fewer days of the exam so that other candidates can be informed. There will be bins for disposal of the masks and gloves as well.

Ques. What to do if my quarantine period is over before the exam date?

Ans. You have to show proper medical documents proving the same. Also, the authority may require you to sign a declaration form as well. A test will be done to ensure you are not infected during the test day before allowing you in the test center.

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.