Q: WHO ADMINISTERS THE IELTS?
A: The IELTS test is jointly owned by The British Council, IDP:IELTS Australia and University of Cambridge - ESOL Examinations.

Q: WHAT IS THE TEST FORMAT ?
A: All candidates are tested in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking Modules. There is a choice of Reading and Writing Modules, where a candidate can either opt for Academic or General Training Module. The first three Modules- Listening, Reading and Writing- must be completed in one day. The Speaking Module may be taken, at the discretion of the test centre, either seven days before or after the other three modules.

Q: IS THERE ANY AGE LIMIT FOR IELTS?
A: IELTS is not recommended for candidates under the age of 16

Q: IS THERE A COMPUTER BASED VERSION OF IELTS TEST?
A:Yes, a computerized version of IELTS called (CB IELTS) is now available (currently in Delhi only). Click here for some information. For more details call +91.11.320 16897 or +91.124.404 2155. You can also register on-line (subject to availability of seat)

Q: CAN IELTS BE TAKEN AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO TOEFL ?
A:YES, over 544 US institutions recognise IELTS and accept either IELTS or TOEFL for admission to award courses. For an updated list please log on to www.IELTS.org

Q: WHICH MODULE SHOULD I SIT FOR , ACADEMIC OR GENERAL TRAINING?
A: The Academic Reading and Writing Modules assess whether a candidate is ready to study or train in the medium of English at an undergraduate or postgraduate level. Admission to undergraduate and postgraduate courses is based on the result of these Modules. The General Training Reading and Writing Modules are not designed to test the full range of formal language skills required for academic purposed, but emphasize basic survival skills in a a broad social and educational context. General Training is suitable for candidates ho are going to English speaking countries to complete their secondary education, to undertake work experience or training programmes not at degree level, or for immigration purpose to Australia, Canada and New Zealand. It is the responsibility of the candidate to inform the test centre whether they wish to take the Academic or General Training Modules. Centres are not responsible for providing this information. The general Training module is not offered at all test administrations. it must be noted that it may not be possible to change module later or on the day of the test.

Q: HOW OFTEN CAN I REPEAT THE IELTS EXAM?
A:You can repeat the exam as often as you like. There is no waiting period.

Q: CAN I RETEST FOT THE MODULE ,WHERE I DIDNOT SCORE WELL INSTEAD OF REPEATING THE WHOLE TEST ?
A: IELTS provides a profile of a candidate's English proficiency at a given time. It provides not only an indication of ability in a particular module but also an indication of overall ability. This would not be possible if modules were not taken at the same time. Stakeholders require an indication of proficiency at a given time. Stakeholder have expressed a preference for full re-testing to gain an accurate assessment of a candidate's language proficiency. Therefore a candidate will have to re-take the full test and cannot re-take a specific module

Q: FOR HOW LONG IS THE TEST VALID ?
A:There are a number of variables affecting the length of time over which an IELTS score remains valid. As a general rule it is recommended that a Test Report Form (TRF), that is more than two years old should only be accepted as evidence of present level of ability if accompanied by proof that a candidate has actively maintained or tried to improve their English language proficiency.

Q: HOW SOON CAN I REPEAT THE TEST?
A:From 1 May 2006 the restriction on re-taking IELTS within 90 days has been removed. Candidates will still be asked to indicate on their application form whether they have taken the test before. This information will appear on the Test Report Form and will only be used for monitoring purposes.

Q: IS THE TEST COMPLETED IN ONE DAY?
A: The Listening, Reading and Writing components of the test are always completed immediately after each other and in this same order. The Speaking test can be taken up to 7 days either before or after the test date.

Q: IS THERE A SIMILAR PERIOD OF TEN MINUTES AT THE END OF READING TEST FOR THE TRANSFER OF ANSWERS?
A: No. The Reading test is one hour, and you must write all your answers on the answer sheet in this time.

Q: CAN I MAKE SOME NOTES ON LISTENING AND READING QUESTION PAPER?
A: Yes. The examiner will not see your question paper.

Q: WHAT IS THE SPEAKING TEST?
A: The Speaking test is conducted with a one-to-one interview with a certified examiner, which is recorded on an audiocassette.

Q: CAN I COMPLETE THE LISTENING AND READING ANSWER SHEET WITH PEN?
A: No. The answer sheet is scanned by a computer which cannot read pen.

Q: WHAT SHOULD THE CANDIDIATE BRING FOR SPEAKING TEST?
A:The candidate needs to bring the same identification documents they supplied on registration, as these must be checked again against the information on the application form. These documents will be checked by the administrator and the Speaking examiner prior to the candidate entering the interview room.

Q: WHEN WILL THE CANDIDIATE RECEIVE THEIR RESULTS?
A: Under usual test circumstances, the candidates will receive their Test Report Forms approximately two weeks after they complete their test.

Q: HOW SOON CAN CANDIDIATE REPEAT THE TEST AFTER FAILURE?
A: Candidates are not permitted to retake the test at any centre within 90 days of their previous test date, i.e. 90 days and no fewer. Candidates are reminded that scores are unlikely to improve dramatically without English language tuition in the interim.

Q: WHAT HAPPENS IF CANDIDIATE WANTS TO POSTPONE OR CANCEL THE APPLICATION?
A:Candidates who request a postponement or cancellation of their test within 5 weeks of the test date will normally be charged the full fee unless they are able to provide appropriate medical evidence to support their request within 5 days of the test date.