The Complete Guide to IELTS – Academic, General, Fees, Tips & Our Free Coaching
If you’re an Indian student planning to study abroad, a professional seeking overseas work opportunities, or someone aiming for permanent residency in countries like Canada, Australia, or the UK, the IELTS exam is likely already on your radar.
This comprehensive blog will guide you through everything you need to know about the IELTS exam – including the difference between Academic and General Training, test format, fees, tips to prepare, score validity, and why so many test-takers choose us for free IELTS coaching, mock tests, and study material.
What is the IELTS Exam?
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is one of the world’s most widely recognized English language proficiency exams. It assesses your skills in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
The test is jointly owned by IDP Education, Cambridge English, and the British Council (though IDP now handles IELTS operations in India).
The IELTS is accepted by over 11,000 institutions in 140+ countries, including universities, immigration bodies, employers, and professional associations.
IELTS is accepted by immigration authorities in countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. Most universities and colleges in these countries also require IELTS Academic scores from international students, especially from non-native English-speaking countries like India.
Types of IELTS: Academic vs General Training
IELTS Academic
The Academic module is designed for students and professionals who need to demonstrate advanced English skills for:
Admission to universities and colleges abroad
Professional licensing (doctors, nurses, engineers, etc.)
Higher education or research programs
The content is more formal and academic in nature.
IELTS General Training
The General Training module is meant for those who need to prove basic communication skills for:
Immigration purposes (Canada PR, Australia skilled migration, etc.)
Secondary education
Work experience or job applications abroad
The reading and writing sections are more practical, covering everyday scenarios like writing letters or understanding notices and job ads.
IELTS Test Pattern
The IELTS exam tests four core English language skills:
1. Listening – 30 minutes
4 sections (conversations and monologues)
40 questions
Accents may include British, Australian, Canadian, and others
2. Reading – 60 minutes​
Academic: 3 long academic texts
General: 3 sections with short factual and descriptive texts
40 questions
3. Writing – 60 minutes​
Task 1:
Academic: Describe a graph, chart, or diagram
General: Write a letter (formal/informal)
Task 2:
Essay writing on a general topic (both versions)
4. Speaking – 11 to 14 minutes
Conducted face-to-face with an examiner
Includes personal introduction, topic-based speech, and discussion
IELTS Test Modes: Paper-Based vs Computer-Based
In India, IELTS can be taken in two modes:
Paper-Based IELTS
Traditional pen-and-paper format
Results are declared in 13 days
Computer-Based IELTS
Taken on a computer at a test center
More frequent test dates
Faster results (3 to 5 days)
The speaking test remains face-to-face in both formats.
IELTS Fees in India
As of 2025, the IELTS exam fee in India is approximately ₹18,000. This is applicable for both Academic and General Training versions, whether computer-based or paper-based.
Additional charges may apply for rescheduling, cancellations, or requesting extra copies of the scorecard.
IELTS Scoring System
Each of the four sections is scored on a scale of 0 to 9. The average of these scores forms your overall band score, which is also rounded to the nearest 0.5.
Band Score Descriptions
9 – Expert user
8 – Very good user
7 – Good user
6 – Competent user
5 – Modest user
4 – Limited user
A band score of 6.5 or higher is generally required for higher education, while 6.0 is often sufficient for immigration purposes (depending on visa requirements).
IELTS Score Validity
IELTS scores are valid for 2 years from the test date. If you’re applying for PR, universities, or jobs abroad, make sure your score remains valid during application processing.
Who Should Take IELTS?
Students applying to international universities or colleges
Healthcare professionals such as nurses or pharmacists needing licensing abroad
Skilled workers applying for PR under Canada Express Entry or Australia Skilled Migration
Job seekers migrating for work in English-speaking countries
Spouse visa applicants where proof of English proficiency is needed
IELTS vs PTE: Which is Better?
Feature
IELTS
PTE
Speaking Format
Face-to-face interview
Recorded on computer
Result Time
3–5 days (computer), 13 days (paper)
~48 hours
Score Format
Band score (0–9)
Out of 90
Test Format
More traditional
Fully computer-based
Preferred By
UK, Canada, Australia, NZ, USA
Accepted widely, especially for Australia & Canada PR
Why Indian Students Choose IELTS
Trusted and globally accepted
Flexible test dates and locations in India
Familiar test format with extensive preparation resources and easily available coaching
Widely accepted for both academic and immigration purposes
Face-to-face speaking format preferred by many Indian candidates
Clearly separated four modules in IELTS are preferred among test takers compared to mixed modules unlike PTE.
There are test centers located across major Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, and more.
Tips to Prepare for IELTS Successfully
Here are some practical tips from our experienced trainers:
Know the test format – Familiarize yourself with question types, timing, and scoring.
Practice mock tests regularly – Simulate real test conditions to improve speed and accuracy.
Improve vocabulary and grammar – Read newspapers, watch English shows, and keep a vocabulary diary.
Focus on writing and speaking – These sections are where Indian test-takers often lose marks. Practice essays and get speaking feedback.
Listen actively – Listen to podcasts and news from different English-speaking countries.
Take professional coaching – Guided learning with feedback speeds up improvement.
Free IELTS Coaching at Embassy Immigration
We are proud to offer completely free IELTS coaching in online mode for both Academic and General Training versions. Our British Council-certified trainer provides hand-in-hand mentoring with numerous practice sessions throughout your journey of achieving your dream score.
What’s included?
Expert trainers with years of IELTS teaching experience
Full access to study material and official practice tests
Regular mock tests with individual feedback
One-on-one speaking practice
Guidance on test booking and score interpretation
Flexibility for working professionals and students
Whether you are a beginner or have already attempted the exam before, our personalized coaching will help you target a higher band score with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1) How many times can I take the IELTS exam?     A)   There’s no limit – you can take the IELTS test as many times as needed. However, preparation is key to avoiding repeated attempts.
Q2) Can I use IELTS Academic for Canada PR? For immigration purposes (Canada, Australia), IELTS General Training is required.
Q3) How long does it take to prepare for IELTS? Depending on your current level, preparation may take anywhere from 4 to 10 weeks. Regular practice and guided coaching can help speed up the process.
Q4) Is IELTS difficult for Indian students? Not if you prepare properly. Many Indian students score 7+ bands with regular practice, smart strategies, and expert support.
Q5) What is the fee for IELTS test in India? The fee for IELTS in the year 2025 is INR 18,000/-
Conclusion
The IELTS exam is your gateway to world-class education, global career opportunities, and a new life abroad. With the right preparation, it’s entirely possible to achieve your desired band score – whether you’re targeting 6.5 for university or 8+ for Canada PR.
We’re here to make your journey smoother. With our free IELTS coaching, unlimited mock tests, high-quality materials, and expert guidance, you’ll be fully prepared to take on the IELTS challenge.
Contact us to register for a free demo session today! Let’s work together to turn your international dreams into a reality.
IELTS Coaching
The Complete Guide to IELTS – Academic, General, Fees, Tips & Our Free Coaching
If you’re an Indian student planning to study abroad, a professional seeking overseas work opportunities, or someone aiming for permanent residency in countries like Canada, Australia, or the UK, the IELTS exam is likely already on your radar.
This comprehensive blog will guide you through everything you need to know about the IELTS exam – including the difference between Academic and General Training, test format, fees, tips to prepare, score validity, and why so many test-takers choose us for free IELTS coaching, mock tests, and study material.
What is the IELTS Exam?
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is one of the world’s most widely recognized English language proficiency exams. It assesses your skills in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
The test is jointly owned by IDP Education, Cambridge English, and the British Council (though IDP now handles IELTS operations in India).
The IELTS is accepted by over 11,000 institutions in 140+ countries, including universities, immigration bodies, employers, and professional associations.
IELTS is accepted by immigration authorities in countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. Most universities and colleges in these countries also require IELTS Academic scores from international students, especially from non-native English-speaking countries like India.
Types of IELTS: Academic vs General Training
IELTS Academic
The Academic module is designed for students and professionals who need to demonstrate advanced English skills for:
The content is more formal and academic in nature.
IELTS General Training
The General Training module is meant for those who need to prove basic communication skills for:
The reading and writing sections are more practical, covering everyday scenarios like writing letters or understanding notices and job ads.
IELTS Test Pattern
The IELTS exam tests four core English language skills:
1. Listening – 30 minutes
2. Reading – 60 minutes​
3. Writing – 60 minutes​
Task 1:
Task 2:
4. Speaking – 11 to 14 minutes
IELTS Test Modes: Paper-Based vs Computer-Based
In India, IELTS can be taken in two modes:
Paper-Based IELTS
Computer-Based IELTS
The speaking test remains face-to-face in both formats.
IELTS Fees in India
As of 2025, the IELTS exam fee in India is approximately ₹18,000. This is applicable for both Academic and General Training versions, whether computer-based or paper-based.
Additional charges may apply for rescheduling, cancellations, or requesting extra copies of the scorecard.
IELTS Scoring System
Each of the four sections is scored on a scale of 0 to 9. The average of these scores forms your overall band score, which is also rounded to the nearest 0.5.
Band Score Descriptions
A band score of 6.5 or higher is generally required for higher education, while 6.0 is often sufficient for immigration purposes (depending on visa requirements).
IELTS Score Validity
IELTS scores are valid for 2 years from the test date. If you’re applying for PR, universities, or jobs abroad, make sure your score remains valid during application processing.
Who Should Take IELTS?
IELTS vs PTE: Which is Better?
Feature
IELTS
PTE
Speaking Format
Face-to-face interview
Recorded on computer
Result Time
3–5 days (computer), 13 days (paper)
~48 hours
Score Format
Band score (0–9)
Out of 90
Test Format
More traditional
Fully computer-based
Preferred By
UK, Canada, Australia, NZ, USA
Accepted widely, especially for Australia & Canada PR
Why Indian Students Choose IELTS
Registration Process:
There are test centers located across major Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, and more.
Tips to Prepare for IELTS Successfully
Here are some practical tips from our experienced trainers:
Free IELTS Coaching at Embassy Immigration
We are proud to offer completely free IELTS coaching in online mode for both Academic and General Training versions. Our British Council-certified trainer provides hand-in-hand mentoring with numerous practice sessions throughout your journey of achieving your dream score.
What’s included?
Whether you are a beginner or have already attempted the exam before, our personalized coaching will help you target a higher band score with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1) How many times can I take the IELTS exam?    Â
A)   There’s no limit – you can take the IELTS test as many times as needed. However, preparation is key to avoiding repeated attempts.
Q2) Can I use IELTS Academic for Canada PR?
For immigration purposes (Canada, Australia), IELTS General Training is required.
Q3) How long does it take to prepare for IELTS?
Depending on your current level, preparation may take anywhere from 4 to 10 weeks. Regular practice and guided coaching can help speed up the process.
Q4) Is IELTS difficult for Indian students?
Not if you prepare properly. Many Indian students score 7+ bands with regular practice, smart strategies, and expert support.
Q5) What is the fee for IELTS test in India?
The fee for IELTS in the year 2025 is INR 18,000/-
Conclusion
The IELTS exam is your gateway to world-class education, global career opportunities, and a new life abroad. With the right preparation, it’s entirely possible to achieve your desired band score – whether you’re targeting 6.5 for university or 8+ for Canada PR.
We’re here to make your journey smoother. With our free IELTS coaching, unlimited mock tests, high-quality materials, and expert guidance, you’ll be fully prepared to take on the IELTS challenge.
Contact us to register for a free demo session today!
Let’s work together to turn your international dreams into a reality.
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