The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an English Language Proficiency Test, mandatory for non-native students for studying in nations where the mode and medium of instruction is English. Many Universities in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada accept the IELTS. It is a prerequisite for students desirous of studying in Australia - an Australian Student Visa, granted without an IELTS Score is unheard of. All other Universities require students to either take the TOEFL or IELTS. Most Centers provide a testing session about thrice a month. Candidates are advised to contact their nearest center to find out the date of the next date and collect the IELTS Handbook and an application form.

IELTS is jointly managed by: University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, British Council, and IDP: IELTS Australia

The test has four components - Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking. You will receive a band score for each component as well as a global band score.

The Academic Module- This module is intended for candidates seeking entry to a university or institution of higher education offering degree and diploma courses (i.e. those seeking undergraduate or postgraduate courses).

The General Training Module- This module is meant for candidates seeking immigration/job to an English speaking country.

The two versions do not carry the same weight and are not interchangeable. All candidates are tested on reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. Whereas the speaking and listening sections are common for the Academic and General versions of the test, the Reading and Writing sections are different.

IELTS is an English Language Proficiency test that is required to be taken by non-native students for study in countries where the medium of instruction is English. Among the popular study destinations IELTS is accepted by universities in UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

IELTS is jointly managed by University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, British Council, and IDP: IELTS Australia.

It has become a mandatory test for students of many nationalities to get student visas to Australia. You cannot be granted an Australian student visa without an IELTS score if you are from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and many other countries, TOEFL is not accepted. The test is conducted by the British Council. Also some institutes runs short courses are to prepare you for IELTS.

The test results are normally made available within two weeks of taking the test. You can also ask for more copies of your test results.

There is no fixed pass mark in IELTS. The acceptability of a score is totally at the discretion of the institute-applied or govt. body (immigration). However, as a general rule, scores below Band 6 are considered to be too low and above Band 6.5 are deemed to be adequate and good. Band 6 scores are borderline. An overall score of Band 6.5 is mostly accepted as a good score. The individual module's Band score is considered as per the requirement. . The Band score obtained is valid up to two years. While obtaining admission to an educational institute, the latest IELTS score is considered.

The IELTS examination is held thrice, once a month.

IELTS is not recommended for candidates under the age of 16.

In India, the fee is Rs.7200, payable at the time of registration.