Choosing the right test

IELTS has two versions – Academic and General Training. The Academic test is for those who want to study at a tertiary level in an English-speaking country. The General Training test is for those who want to pursue work experience or training programs, secondary school or migrate to an English-speaking country. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking tests but different Reading and Writing tests.
Contact the organization or institution to which you are applying to find out what it requires. Note that you must know which version to take when you complete the online application process.

Test format

IELTS has four parts – Listening (30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), Writing (60 minutes) and Speaking (11–14 minutes). The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes. The Listening, Reading and Writing tests are done in one sitting. The Speaking test is taken separately, usually on the same day as the other parts of the test. Click here to learn more.
The Speaking test is a conversation with a certified IELTS Examiner. The Speaking test is made up of three sections: introductory questions, a 2-minute talk on a given topic, and a discussion. It takes around 15 minutes and is recorded on a digital recorder.
VCS stands for Video Call Speaking. The test will have the exact same format, content and marking as the in-person speaking test, except that the test room will have a computer to connect with the examiner over Zoom. Please follow this link for more information about IELTS Speaking by VCS
You do the Listening test first followed by the Reading and Writing components of the test. The speaking test is usually on the same day after the written sections for paper-based IELTS. Your speaking may be done before or after the written sections for IELTS on computer. Rarely, the Speaking test may be scheduled on a different day.
The Listening, Reading and Writing components of the test are always completed immediately after each other and with no break. The Speaking test may be taken up to 7 days either before or after the test date if not held on test day. A detailed email confirmation with Speaking Test time and location is provided three days in advance; this email is different from the “no reply” email provided at time of registration.
As IELTS is an international test, a variety of English accents are used in both of these tests.
Yes. At the beginning, you hear instructions. Then you read section 1 questions, listen to section 1 and answer the questions. There will be another brief pause before each section. After all sections of the Listening Test, you will have 10 minutes to transfer your answers to the answer sheet.
No. The Reading test is one hour, and you must write all your answers on the answer sheet in this time.

Managing my registration and payment

Try logging back into the portal. If this doesn't work, you can use the payment option in our website to make your payment.
For real time information, please refer to your registration portal or contact us for further assistance.
At the time of registration, please upload your passport. If you have not uploaded your passport during registration, please ensure that the passport is uploaded in the next 24 hours.
Test centers make every effort to cater for the special needs of disabled candidates. It is our aim for all candidates to be assessed fairly and objectively. If you have a special need, send us an email when registering. We may need three months to organize arrangements.
The best way to pay is through the Online Registration System at the time of making your booking. If you already registered and chose to pay later, you can log back in to https://ieltsregistration.britishcouncil.org/login and choose the payment tab. Please note that you have 24 hours to complete your payment to keep your booking. If your payment is not accepted, you can click herefor online payment or visit our centre for credit card or cash payment in person Mon-Fri 9:00am-4:00pm at the addresses found here.
You can log back in to https://ieltsregistration.britishcouncil.org/login and choose the payment tab.
For real time information, please refer to your registration portal or contact us for further assistance.
At the time of registration, please upload your passport. You can scan or take a photo of your passport. If you have not uploaded your passport during registration, please ensure that the passport is uploaded in the next 24 hours.
Test centers make every effort to cater for the special needs of disabled candidates. It is our aim for all candidates to be assessed fairly and objectively. If you have a special need, send us an email when registering. We may need three months to organize arrangements.

Test day information

Yes, ILSC provides headphones for the listening portions at all venues.
Only transparent water bottle with no label. You must bring the passport/national identity card you used on the IELTS Application Form to the test. You must leave everything else outside the examination room. Mobile phones must be switched off and placed with personal belongings in the area designated by the supervisor. If you do not switch off your phone or keep it on you, you will be disqualified. Please note that watches, other electronic devices, jackets and hats are also not allowed in the test room.
No. You must do it in pencil. The answer sheet is scanned by a computer which cannot register pen ink.
Yes. The IELTS Examiner will not see your question paper.
Please refer to your registration portal. You can choose your preferred time at the time of registration. Please note that the test centre may change your time due to absentees, examiner availability or other factors before or on test day. You will be notified of any changes.
You must bring the same identification documents you supplied on your IELTS Application Form and used for the rest of the test. Your ID will be checked before you enter the interview room.
If you postpone or cancel your application more than 5 days before the test date, you will receive a refund minus an administration charge. If you postpone or cancel within 5 days before the test date, you will be charged the full fee unless you have a medical reason. If you provide a medical certificate by 5 days after the test date, you may receive a refund minus administrative cost. The Centre will review your case and will inform you if approved. Refer to IELTS cancellation policies for more details.
If you are away on the test day with no prior notice, you will lose your full fee. However, if you provide a medical certificate within 5 days of the test date, you will receive a refund minus the local administrative cost. Conditions apply, refer to IELTS cancellation policies for more details.