International English Language Testing System
TheInternational English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the most widely accepted English language proficiency tests for higher education, global migration, and professional registration. Jointly managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English, IELTS assesses your ability to communicate in English across all four language skills—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.It is accepted by over11,000 institutions across 140+ countries, including top universities in theUK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland.
- Students applying for undergraduate or postgraduate programs abroad in English-speaking countries.
- Applicants for visa and immigration to countries like Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
- Working professionals seeking employment or licensure in healthcare, engineering, or education abroad.
- Indian students targeting global scholarships or pathways via Study Abroad programs.
There are two main types of IELTS exams:
- IELTS Academic: For students applying to higher education or professional registration.
- IELTS General Training: For migration or secondary education/employment abroad.
Ethos Education provides expert-led IELTS prep, mock tests, personalized study plans, and end-to-end registration support to help students achieve their target band score.
The IELTS test measures English language proficiency infour key skill areas. All students take the same Listening and Speaking sections, while Reading and Writing differ based on Academic or General Training versions.
| IELTS Exam Structure | |||
| Section | Time | No. of Questions | Skills Assessed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 30 mins + 10 mins transfer | 40 | Understanding spoken English in various contexts |
| Reading | 60 mins | 40 | Comprehension of academic/general texts |
| Writing | 60 mins | 2 tasks | Task-based writing, argument presentation |
| Speaking | 11–14 mins | 3 parts | Spoken interaction, fluency, and coherence |
| Total Test Time | Approx. 2 hours 45 minutes | ||
In India, AP exams are administered byCollege Board–authorized test centers, including international schools and third-party partners.
| How to Register for IELTS in India | |
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Visit Official Website | Select IDP or British Council for IELTS registration |
| Choose Test Type | Decide between IELTS Academic or General Training |
| Select Test Format | Choose either Computer-Based or Paper-Based test |
| Pick Test Date & Location | Select a convenient date and test center location |
| Fill Registration Form | Enter personal details and upload a scanned passport copy |
| Make Payment | Pay online via credit/debit card or net banking |
| Get Confirmation | Receive email confirmation and admit card with details |
| Fee Structure (As of 2025) | |
| Component | Fee (INR) (Indicative) |
|---|---|
| IELTS Test (Academic/GT) | ₹16,250 – ₹17,000 |
| Computer-delivered IELTS | Same as paper-based |
| Rescheduling Fee | ₹3,300 (approx) |
| Additional Score Reports | ₹250 per university |
| Note: Fees are updated periodically. Ethos assists with latest fee guidance and offers. | |
Slot booking is part of the registration process but especially critical forcomputer-delivered tests, as seat availability is limited.
| Slot Booking Step | |
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Choose Date & Location | Select the city and desired date from available slots |
| Select Format | Computer-Based (CBT) or Paper-Based |
| Book Speaking Test | Choose time for Speaking (if CBT) or receive allotment (PBT) |
| Pay to Confirm | Pay test fee and receive booking confirmation via email |
| Track via Portal | Login to manage appointments and access hall ticket |
Ethos ensures students book optimal dates based onuniversity deadlines, scholarship timelines, and prep readiness.
| Slot Booking Step | ||||
| Feature | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic | Duolingo English Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Form | International English Language Testing System | Test of English as a Foreign Language | Pearson Test of English Academic | — |
| Test Type | Paper or Computer-based | Internet-based | Computer-based | Online, at home |
| Duration | ~2 hours 45 mins | ~2 hours | ~2 hours | ~1 hour |
| Scoring | Band score 0–9 | 0–120 | 10–90 | 10–160 |
| Accepted By | 11,000+ institutions | 11,000+ institutions | 3,000+ institutions | 4,000+ institutions |
| Speaking Section | Live interview with examiner | Recorded responses (via mic) | Recorded responses | Recorded responses |
| Result Time | 3–5 days (computer); 13 days (paper) | 4–6 days | 1–2 days | 2 days |
| Test Mode | Test centers (some at-home options) | At test centers or home (TOEFL iBT Home Edition) | Test centers or home | At home only |
| Cost (USD) | ~$190–$250 | ~$190–$250 | ~$180–$220 | ~$59 |