IELTS - New features of most popular English proficiency test

NEW DELHI, MAY 8: One of the most favoured English proficiency tests taken by aspirants wanting to make a move to foreign countries for academics or professional growth is none other than International English Language Testing System, better known as IELTS. The test has undergone certain modifications in terms of the registration fee and mode of exam. Effective from April 1, 2019, the registration fee has been revised for both Academic and General Training modules of IELTS. Previously, candidates had to pay Rs.12,650. Now, they have to pay Rs. 13,250 in both Paper-based test and Computer-delivered test. IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English.

IELTS test dates are designated in 50 official test centre locations across India. Candidates can choose the test according to their own convenience, based on availability.

Revised IELTS Fee Structure -

• INR 13,250 - Paper-based test (IELTS Academic or General Training)

• INR 13,250 - Computer-delivered test IELTS (Academic or General Training)

Mode of Payment -

• Credit/ Debit (Visa or Master) and Netbanking

• Demand Draft

• Bank deposit - Candidates can deposit cash in enlisted bank branches through a customized deposit slip that can either be downloaded from the official website or obtained from the nearest official branch office/ referral partner.

The second new feature is the mode of exam. Candidates can now opt for Computer-delivered IELTS exam like other English proficiency tests. Although the Paper-based exam still exists, candidates can choose to opt for the online exam as well. In the computer-based IELTS exam, test takers will take the Listening, Reading and Writing tests on a computer, however, the Speaking test remains face-to-face similar to Paper-based exam. Also, the computer-delivered exam result will be declared after 5-7 days of IELTS exam date.

Indian IELTS test centres in Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Bathinda and Ahmedabad will conduct both paper-based and computer-delivered IELTS exam.