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.
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 | ||
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 |
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 | ||
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 |
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.
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 |