IELTS vs CELPIP, Major Differences Between IELTS and CELPIP
IELTS vs CELPIP comparison for Indian students explaining test format, cost, recognition, and which exam suits Canadian immigration or academic goals.
Supriya Shrivastava29 May, 2025
Share
IELTS vs CELPIP: The two main English language proficiency exams for Indian students wishing to study in Canada are CELPIP and IELTS. The student's speaking, listening, writing, and reading proficiency are examined in both language exams. The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) was created for students who wish to move to Canada, and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is available to students worldwide.
Students can select one or the other depending on the following factors, even if they are both equally difficult. If speaking and listening are not the strong points, the IELTS exam is likely to be more successful for students than the CELPIP exam because of its longer speaking and listening section. The CELPIP exam also includes common scenarios to accurately measure their proficiency. If students struggle to understand things, the ideal choice is to take the IELTS exam.
What is IELTS?
The four language proficiency examinations offered by IELTS are reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This exam is mostly used for general, student, and work visas and is accepted by many countries internationally. The IELTS is not a difficult exam, especially for students from India who have grown up speaking and using the language. Taking courses is an ideal way to be ready for these examinations, but passing most of them is usually achieved by understanding the structure and taking a few practice exams. The IELTS scores are based on a 9-point scale. A good score to aim for is 6.5 points.What is CELPIP?
A general English exam is not what CELPIP is. It was created to be used only for immigration and citizenship. If students are looking for a work visa that does not require a professional designation or a student visa, there is no point in completing this exam. The CELPIP offers two types of exams:Differences Between IELTS vs CELPIP
The Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking parts of the IELTS and CELPIP differ in terms of the number of questions and assignment Types. CELPIP uses a point system for grading, but IELTS uses a band system. The CELPIP and IELTS exams differ in several ways. Let's review the differences between IELTS vs CELPIP for Indian students wanting to pursue international education.| Differences between IELTS vs CELPIP | ||
| Parameters | CELPIP | IELTS |
| Full form | The program known as CELPIP stands for the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program. | IELTS stands for the International English Language Testing System. |
| Conducting Body | Paragon Testing Enterprises | IELTS IDP India |
| Official Website | https://www.celpip.ca/ | https://www.ieltsidpindia.com/ |
| Test Type | CELPIP General: for applications for professional designations and permanent residency CELPIP General LS - for applications related to professional designations and citizenship | IELTS Academic was created for those who want to register as professionals or pursue further education. Students wishing to relocate to English-speaking countries should take the IELTS General Training course. |
| Test Focus | Canadian English | International English (Academic and General) |
| Test Format | Computer-Based Test | Computer-Based and Paper-Based Tests |
| Cost | CELPIP General Fee - $280 + Taxes CELPIP General LS Fee - $195 + Taxes | IELTS Exam Fee - INR 17,000 (Academic & General) |
| Skills Assessed | The format of the CELPIP exam will examine speaking, listening, writing, and reading proficiency. | The format of the IELTS exam will examine speaking, listening, writing, and reading proficiency. |
| Test Content | Canadian situations that are real and focus on everyday routines. Students may be asked to react to a friend's voicemail or to describe a landscape in Canada. | Depending on the student's exam type (Academic or General Training), IELTS can cover academic concepts as well as general English. |
| Speaking Section | Multiple short tasks completed through the computer | Traditional face-to-face speaking test with an examiner |
| Test Availability | CELPIP Exam centres are currently limited in India | Offers a wider network of IELTS exam centres across India |
| Test Duration | CELPIP General - Single 3-Hour Test CELPIP General LS - Single 1-Hour Test | IELTS Academic – 2 hours and 45 minutes IELTS General Training - 2 hours and 45 minutes. |
| Preparation Material Availability | CELPIP resources might be limited, but official practice exams are available | IELTS preparation resources are widely available because of their international scope. |
| Test Recognition | Only Canadian immigration purposes are eligible for the CELPIP. | IELTS Academic is used for academic objectives, and IELTS General is used for international immigration. |
| Scoring System | CELPIP utilizes a points-based system, awarding 9 points for each band achieved (the highest band being 12) | The band score system varies from 0 (no user) to 9 (expert user). |
| Score Validity | CELPIP Scores are valid for 2 years | IELTS scores are valid for 2 years |
CELPIP vs IELTS Section Wise
The number of sections in CELPIP and IELTS is the same. The IELTS exam pattern for the speaking section requires a conversation with an IELTS examiner, but the CELPIP exam pattern uses a microphone recorder.| CELPIP vs IELTS: Section Wise | ||
| Section | CELPIP | IELTS |
| Listening | 40–46 questions total across 7 components (Scored 40) 47-55 minutes of duration | 40 questions total across 4 components 30 minutes duration |
| Reading | 4 components with 38-45 questions (38 scored) 55-60 minutes duration. | 3 components with 40 questions 60 minutes duration |
| Writing | 2 components: Writing an Email and Responding to Survey Questions 53-60 minutes duration | 2 components: Writing a Letter and Responding to a Point of View, Argument, or Problem 60 minutes duration |
| Speaking | 8 components with a total of 8 short-answer questions 15-20 minutes duration | 3 components: Introduction, Individual Speech, and Two-Way Discussion 11-14 minutes duration |
CELPIP Score vs IELTS Scores
The Canadian immigration agency has reviewed and accepted both examinations. The Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB), which shows national language requirements for second language recognition, is used to compare exam results. Tables compare CLB scores with examination results from CELPIP vs. IELTS.| IELTS vs CELPIP Scores | |||||||
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | ||||
| CELPIP | IELTS | CELPIP | IELTS | CELPIP | IELTS | CELPIP | IELTS |
| 10 | 8.5 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 7.5 | 10 | 7.5 |
| 9 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 7 |
| 8 | 7.5 | 8 | 6.5 | 8 | 6.5 | 8 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6 |
| 6 | 5.5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5.5 | 6 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| 4 | 4.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
CELPIP vs IELTS Costs
CELPIP is less expensive than IELTS in the vast majority of countries, according to a fee comparison of both. More than 140 countries internationally provide IELTS, but only about 20 countries outside of Canada offer CELPIP. See the table below:| CELPIP vs IELTS Costs | ||
| Country | CELPIP (Approx) | IELTS (Approx) |
| India | INR 10845 | INR 16,250 |
| China | INR 20,632+ | INR 24,697 |
| UK | INR 17,395+ | INR 17,902– INR 19,948 |
| USA | 17,540+ | INR 20,350–INR 21,180 |
Which One Should You Choose?
If your goal is to immigrate to Canada, CELPIP is often the preferred test due to its focus on Canadian English and scenarios. However, due to limited availability and familiarity, many Indian students still opt for IELTS. If you are more comfortable with face-to-face speaking and prefer a broader set of preparation materials, IELTS may be the better option.
Guidance of PW IELTS
Physics Wallah offers multiple online IELTS courses for all students. Follow the IELTS pages to better prepare for the exam.
| What is IELTS Exam? | Documents Required for IELTS Registration |
| IELTS exam eligibility requirements | IELTS Exam Fees |
| IELTS test results | IELTS Exam Pattern |
IELTS vs CELPIP FAQs
Q1- Where can I take the IELTS exam?
Ans- India has about 100 exam centres for the IELTS because it is a very popular exam. Students can take the IELTS exam at the British Council Library as well.
Q2- Where can I take the CELPIP exam?
Ans- Three cities offer the CELPIP exam, Ahmedabad, New Delhi, and Chandigarh.
Q3- How long does the CELPIP test take?
Ans- The CELPIP exam lasts for around three hours. All four sections are finished in one day. The speaking and listening sections usually take more time.
Q4- How long does the IELTS test take?
Ans- An IELTS exam usually lasts three hours. The IELTS exam requires two days to finish since the reading and hearing portions are done on one day, and the other sections are done on a different day. The exam times are changed to allow for the validity of both computer-based and paper-based exams.
Q5- When do I get the results of my CELPIP test?
Ans- The CELPIP results of the exam usually get released in 4-5 business days.
Q6- When do I get the results for my IELTS test?
Ans- If the exam is computer-based, students will receive results in five to seven days. If the exam is paper-based, students will got their results in 13 calendar days.
Q7- When can I retake IELTS test?
Ans- Students can retake the IELTS exam at any point in time. They can submit the highest result from all of the tries, and exam results are valid for two years.
Q8- How many times can I take the CELPIP test?
Ans- Students are allowed to take it as much as they like, but they are not allowed to sign up for more than one session in 4 days. Students cannot retake the CELPIP exam until at least 30 days have passed since their previous exam.
Talk to a counsellorHave doubts? Our support team will be happy to assist you!
Check out these Related Articles
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Live & recorded classes available at easeDashboard for progress trackingMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
Free Learning Resources
PW Books
Notes (Class 10-12)
PW Study Materials
Notes (Class 6-9)
Ncert Solutions
Govt Exams
Class 6th to 12th Online Courses
Govt Job Exams Courses
UPSC Coaching
Defence Exam Coaching
Gate Exam Coaching
Other Exams
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others
Copyright © 2025 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.