IELTS Full Form (International English Language Testing System)
IELTS Full Form is International English Language Testing System. Get complete details on what IELTS is, IELTS Types, Scoring system, Eligibility, and Exam fees.
Porishmita Paul6 Aug, 2025
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IELTS Full Form: The IELTS full form is the International English Language Testing System. IELTS is one of the most widely accepted English proficiency tests for students, professionals, and immigrants aiming to study, work, or migrate to English-speaking countries like the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
IELTS will be useful for those who want to work in or immigrate to an English-speaking nation, study in an English-speaking environment, or get a job in their own country where fluency in English is necessary. This guide provides a complete guide to IELTS, including its registration process, exam format, eligibility, scoring, and benefits.Explore IELTS Online Courses
What is the full form of IELTS
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a standardized English proficiency test that evaluates a candidate’s ability to listen, read, write, and speak in English. Here’s a table summarizing the IELTS Full Form overview:| What is the full form of IELTS | |
|---|---|
|
Aspect |
Details |
|
Full Form |
International English Language Testing System |
|
Purpose |
English proficiency test for study, work, and migration |
|
Conducting Body |
IDP Education & Cambridge Assessment English |
|
Test Formats |
Academic & General Training |
|
Sections |
Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking |
|
Scoring System |
Band score (0-9 scale) |
|
Test Duration |
2 hours 45 minutes |
|
Exam Mode |
Computer-based & Paper-based |
|
Accepted In |
12,000+ institutions across 140+ countries |
Types of IELTS Exam
The exam is accepted by 11,500+ universities, employers, and immigration authorities worldwide. Earlier, IELTS was conducted by IDP Education, Cambridge University Press & Assessment, and the British Council. Now, in India, it is managed exclusively by IDP IELTS. There are two main types of IELTS tests:IELTS Academic Training
The IELTS Academic exam is designed for students aspiring to pursue higher education in top international destinations such as the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and more. It assesses English proficiency across four key sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Below is a detailed breakdown of the IELTS test format for Academic tests.| IELTS Academic Test Pattern | ||
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Test Sections | IELTS Academic | Time Allocated |
| IELTS Listening | 4 parts are tested and there are 40 questions | 30 minutes |
| IELTS Reading | 3 passages are tested and there are 40 questions | 60 minutes |
| IELTS Writing | Task 1: Describe information Task 2: Essay | 60 minutes |
| IELTS Speaking | Part 1: Introduction and Interview Part 2: Individual long turn Part 3: Discussion | 11-14 minutes |
IELTS General Training
The IELTS General Training (GT) test is designed for individuals seeking work opportunities, immigration visas, or admission to training programs abroad. Like the IELTS Academic test, the General Training exam also consists of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Below is a detailed overview of the IELTS General Training test format.| IELTS Test Format- General Training | ||
|---|---|---|
| Test component | IELTS General Training | Time Allotted |
| IELTS Listening | 4 parts, 40 questions | 30 minutes |
| IELTS Reading | 3 sections, 40 questions | 60 minutes |
| IELTS Writing | Task 1: Write a letter; Task 2: Essay | 60 minutes |
| IELTS Speaking | Part 1: Introduction and interview; Part 2: Individual long turn; Part 3: Discussion | 11-14 minutes |
IELTS Test Eligibility
The IDP has no compulsory test eligibility for the IELTS exam 2025. Any student who has completed their secondary education can appear for the IELTS test. However, students below 16 years of age are required to demonstrate their parental consent to take the test. Follow our IELTS test pattern page to learn more about the IELTS exam, requirements, and more.IELTS Test Pattern
The IELTS test pattern consists of four sections:- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
| IELTS Test Format | ||
|---|---|---|
| Component | IELTS Academic Test Total Questions | Time Allotted |
| IELTS Listening | 4 parts, 40 questions | 30 minutes |
| IELTS Reading | 3 passages, 40 questions | 60 minutes |
| IELTS Writing | Task 1: Describe information; Task 2: Essay | 60 minutes |
| IELTS Speaking | Part 1: Introduction and interview; Part 2: Individual long turn; Part 3: Discussion | 11-14 minutes |
IELTS Test Scoring System
IELTS uses a band score system from 0 to 9. The overall score is an average of the four section scores. Most universities require a minimum band score of 6.0 – 7.5, depending on the program.|
Band Score |
Proficiency Level |
|---|---|
|
9 |
Expert User |
|
8 |
Very Good User |
|
7 |
Good User |
|
6 |
Competent User |
|
5 |
Modest User |
|
4 |
Limited User |
|
3 |
Extremely Limited User |
|
2 |
Intermittent User |
|
1 |
Non-User |
Click here to learn more about the IELTS band score
IELTS Exam Fees
The IELTS fees vary depending on the type of exam. For Indian students, IELTS exam fees is INR 18,000 for both Computer-delivered test and paper-based exams. Refer to the below table to learn more about IELTS test fees in India .|
IELTS Exam Fees |
|
|---|---|
|
IELTS Test Type |
IELTS Test Fee 2025 |
|
IELTS on Computer for UKVI |
INR 18,250 |
|
IELTS on Computer |
INR 18,000 |
|
IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1) |
INR 17,000 |
|
IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration |
INR 18,250 |
|
IELTS on Paper |
INR 18,000 |
|
One Skill Retake |
INR 12,000 |
IELTS Exam Dates 2025 & Registration
The IELTS exam is conducted multiple times a month. Book your IELTS test online through the IDP IELTS website. The IELTS exam is a crucial English language proficiency test for students, professionals, and immigrants. Understanding the IELTS full form, test structure, eligibility, scoring, and fees can help you prepare effectively.
Guidance of PW IELTS
Physics Wallah offers online IELTS courses for all students. Follow the latest IELTS articles to start your preparation for the exam.
| IELTS Exam Other Related Links | |
| IELTS Registration | IELTS Syllabus |
| IELTS Exam Dates | IDP IELTS Test Centers |
| IELTS Cut Off | IDP IELTS Slot Booking |
IELTS Full Form FAQs
Q1. What is the IELTS exam used for?
Ans. IELTS score is used to judge candidates’ ability to communicate in the English language by universities, immigration authorities, employers, and other institutions. The most important role of IELTS exam is to facilitate international mobility and communication throughout diverse contexts.
Q2. What is the eligibility for IELTS exam?
Ans. There are no eligibility criteria such as educational qualifications, age restrictions, or language experience for IELTS exam. Candidates with a minimum age of 16 years are eligible to apply for IELTS exam.
Q3. What is the IELTS pass score?
Ans. IELTS exam has no pass or fail. Candidates are graded with a band score between 1-9 based on their performance on the test: Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening.
Q4. What is IELTS Full Form?
Ans. IELTS exam in India is conducted by IDP and the full form of IELTS exam is International English Language Testing System.
Q5. Does IELTS Expire?
Ans. IELTS scorecard is valid for only 2 years. Candidates can take IELTS exam as many time as they want.
Q6. What is the validity of the IELTS test score?
Ans. The IELTS test score is valid for two years from the test date. After this period, candidates may need to retake the test if required by their institution or immigration authority.
Q7. How many times can I take the IELTS exam?
Ans. There is no limit on the number of times you can take the IELTS test. However, it's recommended to prepare thoroughly before retaking the exam to improve your score.
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