Do you know what is the first hitch that Indian students face when they dream of studying abroad? YES! You guessed it right – it’s IELTS. I am Rishi Mehta, founder of Edge International and I’ll guide you in a detailed way regarding IELTS.
Why are Indian students forced to appear for IELTS?
The reason why we Indians are forced to take this test is that we are not an English language speaking country. Our national language is Hindi.
So if you wish to move to any English language speaking country then you need to clear the IELTS test first. IELTS stands for The International English Language Testing System.
Just like we score a certain number of marks in an exam and depending on that we get the percentage, similarly, in the IELTS exam, they give bands for performance.
What do your IELTS scores say about you? IELTS score scale
| Band score | Skill level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Expert user | The test taker has fully operational command of the language. Their use of English is appropriate, accurate and fluent, and shows complete understanding. |
| 8 | Very good user | The test taker has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. They may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations. They handle complex and detailed argumentation well. |
| 7 | Good user | The test taker has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings in some situations. They generally handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning. |
| 6 | Competent user | The test taker has an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings. They can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations. |
| 5 | Modest user | The test taker has partial command of the language and copes with overall meaning in most situations, although they are likely to make many mistakes. They should be able to handle basic communication in their field. |
| 4 | Limited user | The test taker\’s basic competence is limited to familiar situations. They frequently show problems in understanding and expression. They are not able to use complex language. |
| 3 | Extremely limited user | The test taker conveys and understands the only general meaning in very familiar situations. There are frequent breakdowns in communication. |
| 2 | Intermittent user | The test taker has great difficulty to understand, speak and write English |
| 1 | Non-user | The test taker has no ability to use the language except a few isolated words. |
| 0 | Did not attempt the test | The test taker did not answer the questions. |
If you wish you can definitely visit the above site that I referred to but We Indians, want to understand things in short. That is why I am writing this today.
To make it interesting I shall discuss with you some astonishing facts and tips about IELTS in between.
Why are there two types of IELTS tests?
Well, don’t get confused by the two types of IELTS exams that are there. The General IELTS exam is for those who wish to study below degree level whereas IELTS Academic is for those who want to appear for Masters, PhD or higher education.
Interesting Fact about General and Academic test:
The speaking and listening sections are common for both tests, just the writing and reading sections differ.
Do you know that you can take tests for the Speaking section within a week after the first test?
The rest of the tests viz, Reading, Listening and Writing sections need to be completed on the same day.
An important point in this regard is that you must try to appear for an academic test if you want a student visa and general tests are preferred for work or immigration visas.
While there is no restriction on the number of times you can attempt IELTS exams, it will surely burn your pockets if you take it lightly.
What is the cost of appearing in IELTS exams?
The cost differs from country to country and according to the mode of exams opted by you. However, as of now, it costs Rs14,700 per attempt.
| Type of IELTS test Opted | Fees(Rs.) |
|---|---|
| On computer | 14700 |
| Pen and Paper-based | 14700 |
| IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1) | 13940 |
| IELTS for UKVI | 15100 |
An interesting fact to know:
Do you know that if due to some reason you are unable to attempt the test then you can cancel it and get a refund subject to certain conditions?
Apply for cancellation at least five weeks before the test if you wish to cancel it.
Can the IELTS exam be rescheduled?
Yes, you can do it but five weeks prior to the booked date. But the next date that you choose should fall within three months of the booked test date. All this is not done free of cost and there will be an additional burden of Rs 3300.
Interesting fact:
You can reschedule the IELTS exam only once.
What other recourses do you have after appearing for the IELTS exams?
Just like other exams, you can reschedule, apply for recheck, postpone and apply for a new date, demand an additional test report form etc.
Interesting fact:
Every addition comes with an added cost.
How much does it really cost?
| Issue | Cost (Rs) |
|---|---|
| Reschedule | 3300 |
| Recheck | 8475 |
| Additional TRF by courier | 1500 |
| Additional TRF by airmail | Rs 250 per address |
| Additional TRF electronic | Rs 250 per contact |
Who conducts IELTS in India?
Final words:
Well, if I continue to write then there won’t be any end to this topic and hence I am dividing it into two or three parts so that it is easy for you to grasp. I don’t actually feel like ending my writing here because this is incomplete information.
So stay tuned to our blogs for studying more about IELTS and other current topics that relate to UK Student Visa.
For all your queries relating to the UK student visa, you can come to us at any time. We will love to guide you and try to make the best things happen for you.
