IELTS: International English Language Testing System




IELTS is the International English Language Testing System which tests English proficiency across the globe. IELTS is accepted by more than 6000 organisations worldwide. These include universities, immigration departments, government agencies, professional bodies and multinational companies. IELTS is jointly owned by British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL)

Registration for IELTS can be done quickly and easily either online, by post/courier or in person at British Council centers.

There are two versions of the 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 do 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.'

Which version has to be done?
Read the explanation of the Academic and General Training tests, then contact the organisation 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 form.

What is the test format and how long will it take?
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 may be on the same day or up to seven days before or after the other tests.'

To register, simply follow the steps below

1. Read the information for candidates

Download and read the Information for Candidates which contains important information about the test format, the question types and the test results. Please note that IELTS is not recommended for candidates under the age of 16.

2. Decide which version of the test is right for you

There are two versions of the IELTS test:
IELTS Academic: This is recommended for candidates who plan to undertake academic study.
IELTS General Training: This is recommended for candidates to use at work, work-related training or for migration.

3. Check the IELTS test dates

There are a limited number of places for all IELTS test sessions. Check the IELTS test dates.
You can use our online registration system to find up-to-date information about test dates and availability or else contact one of our centres to register in person.

4. Register

The fee for registration is INR 9,900

Register online by completing the following two steps.

1.Complete the application form online and choose the test date.
2.Pay online by credit card / debit Card (Visa, Visa electron, Master Card)

Register offline in person or post/courier by completing the following three steps.

1.Download the IELTS registration form.
2.Complete your details and choose the test date
3.Pay by credit card / debit card, demand draft or by cash (To pay by cash visit the nearest ICICI bank with the ICICI payment slip)

5. Choose payment options

If registering online / in person / post / courier you can pay using the following methods:
  • Credit card (on the website and at the British Council office)
  • Debit card (on the website and at the British Council office)
  • Cash (make cash payment at any ICICI bank branch by filling in the ICICI payment slip)
  • Demand Draft (should be made to British Council Division and payable in: Delhi for North India, Mumbai for West India, Chennai for South India, Kolkata for East India)
6. Prepare and send documents

For payments made by Cash and Demand Draft, kindly send the evidence of the payment made (either the demand draft or the ‘British Council Copy’ of the ICICI payment slip) within 3 days from the day of registering for the test to the British Council in: Delhi for North India, Mumbai for West India, Chennai for South India, Kolkata for East India, along with a copy of the IELTS Test application acknowledgement that you receive by email (for online application) or the completed physical application form.
Please note: In case we do not receive the payment within 3 days, your application will be cancelled.

7. After registration

Those registering online will receive an email containing access details to our free online preparation course - Road to IELTS
Those registering in person will receive a confirmation receipt and Road to IELTS access details.
Free IELTS preparation book will be received within 7 days after registration

For more information about postponement, cancellation, amendment of test version and remarking, please visit Terms and conditions page.

For more details, please visit:
ielts.britishcouncil.org/Default.aspx