You can register for the IELTS test online, but you have to appear for the test at the selected IDP centers assigned to you. The exam consists of four sections and takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes in total.

IELTS Exam Format:

1. Listening

• Duration: ~30 minutes (+10 minutes to transfer answers on paper-based test)
• Format: 4 recordings (conversations and monologues)
• Tasks: Answer 40 questions

2. Reading

• Duration: 60 minutes
• Format: 3 passages
• Tasks: Answer 40 questions
• Versions: Academic or General Training (based on test type)

3. Writing

• Duration: 60 minutes
• Format: 2 tasks
• Task 1: Describe a graph, table, or letter
• Task 2: Essay

4. Speaking

• Duration: 11–14 minutes
• Format: Face-to-face interview with an examiner
• Sections: Introduction, individual long turn, two-way discussion

The Listening, Reading, and Writing sections are taken on the same day without a break. The Speaking test may be scheduled on the same day or within 7 days before or after the other sections, depending on the test center.

The examiner will provide you with a task card and ask you to discuss a subject. You have to speak upto two minutes after one minute of preparation. To conclude this section of the test, the examiner shall ask one or two questions on the same subject.

Test takers are given a total or an overall score, which ranges between 0 to 9. This number is determined by putting the four section scores together, dividing the result by 4, and then rounding it up or down to the next half-point.

If you did not receive the expected IELTS score you desired, you may apply to retake the exam whenever you are prepared. However, you should remember that your score is unlikely to change without making a major effort to improve your English before requesting a retest.

Most institutions in India require students to retake the exam during the additional exam round if they are absent from an exam for any reason (emergency, health, accidental, etc.).

Please log in to the Test Taker Portal, submit a cancellation request together with an upload of any necessary papers or supporting evidence if you need to postpone your IELTS (Academic and General Training) test.