IELTS
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a widely recognized English proficiency test designed to evaluate the language skills of individuals seeking to study or work in environments where English is the primary language. Galaxy offers top-notch online and classroom IELTS coaching in Chennai, catering to both professionals and students.
IELTS is also a key requirement for admission to universities and training programs in countries such as the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and others. Additionally, it is accepted by professional organizations, government bodies, and immigration authorities in several countries as a measure of English language competency.
IELTS, wholly owned and administered by IDP: IELTS (Australia) in India, is a globally recognized test designed to assess English language proficiency across four key modules:
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
As of February 2024, the cost of the IELTS test is ₹17,000.
IELTS Test Types
Test takers can select the type of IELTS test based on their specific requirements:
1. Academic
The Academic test is intended for individuals seeking admission to undergraduate or postgraduate courses in English-speaking countries. Many universities and educational institutions use Academic IELTS scores as part of their admissions process.
2. General Training
The General Training test focuses on assessing basic survival skills in everyday social and workplace contexts. This format is typically required for those migrating to English-speaking countries for employment or permanent residency (PR). Academic test results may also be necessary for certain professions’ registration and migration requirements.
Other IELTS Formats
- UKVI IELTS: A specialized version of IELTS approved by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for visa applications.
- Life Skills: Designed to assess speaking and listening skills for specific immigration or visa purposes.
IELTS Test Format
The duration of the IELTS test is 2 hours and 45 minutes for the main test, with an additional 11 to 14 minutes allocated for the Speaking test, which is conducted on a separate date. While the Listening and Speaking modules are identical for both test types (Academic and General Training), the Reading and Writing modules vary depending on the selected test type.
| Academic IELTS | General IELTS |
|---|---|
| Listening part: 4 Sections with 40 questions to be completed within 30 minutes | Listening part: 4 Sections with 40 questions to be completed within 30 minutes |
| Reading part: 3 sections with 40 questions to be completed within 60 minutes | Reading part : 3 sections with 40 questions to be completed within 60 minutes |
| Writing part: 2 tasks to be completed within 60 minutes | Writing part: 2 tasks to be completed within 60 minutes |
| Speaking part: 11-14 minutes interview | Speaking: 11-14 minutes interview |
The IELTS test is scored on a 9-band scale, ranging from 0 to 9, with each band representing a specific level of English proficiency. Test takers receive individual band scores for each module—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking—as well as an overall band score, which is the average of the four module scores.
- Band scores are awarded in both whole and half bands (e.g., 6.5, 7.0, 7.5).
- Each band reflects a clearly defined proficiency level, ensuring consistent interpretation of scores worldwide.
The 9-band system is internationally recognized for its reliability and consistency, making it a trusted measure of English language ability for education, work, and migration purposes.
Would you like a breakdown of the band descriptors for each level?
IELTS test Registration process:
Galaxy Academy supports the test taker by
- Choosing the right universities to apply for
- Targeting the desired score.
- Training on IELTS with assured score improvement.
- Registration for the IELTS test
- Holds a backup of your test score in case you need it in future.
Score 8+ in IELTS through our strategised learning method
How do we support the test takers
- Guided 5-week study plan
- Best Online IELTS Practice Material
- Standardised Material
- Choice of Training Mode
- Customized training program
- Unlimited Faculty Support
- Guaranteed Score improvement
- Certified Expert faculty team
Plan your IELTS Training
Our IELTS batch is planned in a way that makes the test taker to easily get the grip of the test and perform well. This includes:
- 40 hours of Faculty-led classroom or online training
- Standard Study Material from Cambridge.
- IELTS Online Portal, that includes :
- Vast online resources
- 6 months valid
- 120 module-wise drills
- 10 full-length mock tests
- Auto-generated Remedial tests
- Unlimited Faculty Support
- Strategy videos
IELTS Self Prep
Designed for Professionals and students who wish to prepare for the test at their own pace with IELTS online practice materials. It includes:
- Online Study Portal for 6 months
- 10 Full-length Mock tests
- 90+ drills in all 4 modules.
- Unlimited remedial tests upon performance.
- Evaluation and Feedback on Speaking and Writing
IELTS Test Series
In the IELTS Test series, you can choose any particular module like Reading, Speaking, Listening or Writing alone and practice more on it. You can take full-length tests to check your readiness to take the actual IELTS test.
One module includes:
- 3 Full-length tests
- 10 Modules wise drills, as selected
- Access for 1 month.
Browse through “ Admission” on our website to know the IELTS eligibility score requirement for your education in every country.
Take a free mock test on IELTS. Get personalized feedback from our Master Trainer.
FAQs on IELTS
IELTS academic is given by those who wish to enroll at a college/university to pursue studies. Whereas, IELTS General Training is given by those who wish to migrate to a foreign country for work.
- Visit the official IELTS website.
- Register for the test.
- Select the test type and date.
- Give all your details in the application form.
- Upload all your documents
- (candidate’s passport). This step is not mandatory.
- Pay the fee and check all the details and then proceed.
Galaxy offers free registration services for all enrolled and non-enrolled students. For enrolled students, we offer Rs.500 discount on IDP – IELTS test fees.
A wide range of topics are covered and they are relevant and accessible to those wanting to study at university level. No specialist knowledge is required.
Not at all. All candidates will take the same paper in each module. Only the name of the test differs. Rest is same.
Of course yes. You will have time to look at the questions before each set of questions. The voice prompt on the recording will indicate you which questions to look at.
You will hear each recording ONCE only (other than in the example at the beginning).
You can write in pen or pencil, but you must write clearly. You may erase/cross out and change parts of your writing, but you must make sure that your work is easy to read.
Yes. You must write at least 150 words for the Task 1 question and 250 words for the Task 2 question. If you don’t write enough words, you will be penalised
You have 1 hour to write your answers for the two tasks. It is upto you on how you divide your available time. However, remember that Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1 to the Writing score – so you may wish to spend 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2. You should plan your work carefully before writing, and you should allow time to check your writing after completing a task or at the end of the test.
You can only take your identity document. The examiner will give you all materials you will be needing in the test.
No, IELTS isn’t compulsory in all university admissions. Many universities might not even require IELTS scores for admission purposes. But remember that if you don’t give IELTS, your chances of getting the student visa might suffer as the visa officers may not be convinced about your English proficiency without IELTS scores. So, it is safer to appear for IELTS.
IELTS is accepted by most Australian, British, Canadian, European, Irish, and New Zealand academic institutions, by over 3,000 academic institutions in the United States, and by various professional organizations across the world.
The IELTS exam is accepted by immigration authorities of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK – as a proof of prospective immigrants’ competence in English.
The registration fee for the IELTS exam differs in each country.
In India, the IELTS test fee is Rs.15500 + Rs.150 as service charge.
Anyone above the age of 16 years and having a valid passport can take the IELTS test. If you wish to study, work or migrate to the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand and study or work in the US, you can take this test.
IELTS can be taken on a computer or paper.
If you go for Paper-Based IELTS you will write answers in either pen or HB-pencils. The Speaking test is carried out face-to-face with an IELTS examiner.
However, if you take Computer-based IELTS you will take the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections on a computer. The Speaking test will remain face to face with a trained IELTS Examiner.
The choice totally depends on your comfort, if your typing speed is good then you can opt for a computer-based test otherwise you should stick to the traditional paper-based exam.
There are two ways – self-study or taking professional help.
If you have a really good command over the English language, it is manageable to study by yourself.
- You can buy some IELTS self-study books, “The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS” is one top recommendation by many. The British Council website has a list of books with brief descriptions that you could refer to.
- Also, there are loads of free study material for IELTS preparation available on the Internet.
- Start taking practice test papers. These are available on the IELTS website where you will also get answers to sample questions given.
- Then there are YouTube videos that are especially useful for speaking and listening tests.
And if you want to fasten your learning process, it’s a good option to take some training or professional help.
- At Galaxy Training Academy, we train you to secure your desired score through our online courses. We have e-learning portal and dedicated faculty team to support you.