IELTS Exam 2025: Registration, Test Dates & Centres, Preparation Tips, Results & Score
Latest Updates- IELTS, 2025
June 11, '25:
- Black pen policy enforced for paper-based exams since Feb 22.
May 10, '25:
- Candidates can now choose between between online or in-person interviews
Updated on :
July 09, 2025 03:30 PM
Reviewed By:
Cheif Reviewer
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a widely known English test conducted all over the world. The main motive of the IELTS exam is to test the language abilities of the candidates who wish to work, study, or live in English-speaking countries like the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, etc. The IELTS test is jointly conducted by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge Assessment English. The IELTS exam tests your skills in listening, speaking, writing, and reading English, and this test is accepted by the top universities of the world, like Harvard University, Cambridge University, and many more.
The IELTS exams are of two types, IELTS academic and IELTS general training. The academic test is conducted to gain admission to universities for study purposes, and general training is conducted for working visas and immigration. The IELTS exam is conducted in three formats, computer-based, pen and paper, and from home. Not everyone is eligible to take the IELTS tests from home. The IELTS in CBT format is conducted throughout the year, except for national holidays, and the written tests are conducted only 4 times a month.
For taking the IELTS exam, candidates must pass the eligibility criteria set by the authorities and the registration fee for the IELTS exam in India is 17000rs.
This article provides a brief overview of the IELTS exam 2025, including the key dates, format, syllabus, and many more.
IELTS 2025 Highlights
The table below shows some of the key highlights of the IELTS exam.
Particulars | Details |
IELTS full form | International English Language Testing System |
Official Website | |
Most popular for | Studying, working, and migrating to English-speaking countries like Australia, New Zealand, and the UK |
Also accepted by | Universities in Canada and USA |
Conducted by | IDP Education Ltd. |
Mode of Exam | Computer and Paper–delivered test |
IELTS Exam Fees | INR 17,000 |
Score Range | On a scale of 1 (the lowest) to 9 (the highest) |
IELTS Contact | Head Office Global Gateway Towers, Tower-B, 5th Floor, Sikanderpur Ghosi, Sector-26, M.G. Road, Gurugram -122002 Haryana, India Phone: 1800-102-4544 (Mon to Sat - 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM) Email: [email protected] |
What is IELTS?
The IELTS is an important test that students with international aspirations commonly use to measure their readiness in English. IDP IELTS is served by IELTS India, which is the country's exclusive administrator of the IELTS 2025 examination; it operates in partnership with Cambridge University Press & Assessment. This is known as the International English Language Testing System or in abbreviated form IELTS. There are two versions of the exam.
IELTS for academic purposes, for people who wish to pursue higher studies in an English-speaking country and IELTS for Immigration / General purposes, for those planning to migrate to an English-speaking country. For more details, see the difference between the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.
IELTS Full Form 2025
IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System, which is commonly referred to as the IELTS test. It is one of the most widely used English competency tests for those Indian students who want to continue their education abroad. Recognised in 140 countries with over 900 universities worldwide and familiarity with the IELTS exam, it evaluates the candidates’ proficiency in speaking, reading, writing, and listening in the academic environment.
Why is the IELTS Exam required?
The IELTS 2025 exam is required for such immigration criteria and in educational programs in English-speaking countries, including Australia, the UK, New Zealand, the USA, and Canada. IELTS is one of the approved English Language Tests for visa purposes recognised by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for both those applying from outside the UK and those who are applying from within the UK. Most students end up confused about the usability of the IELTS scores or the importance of getting high scores on the test.
In simple terms, foreign universities and visa authorities must be confident that you will not face the problem of a language barrier while living in their country. The examiner wants to see that you have a good command of the English language, which is why your overall IELTS band scores are so valuable.
Brief History of the IELTS Exam
The IELTS exam, originally known as the English Language Testing Service (ELTS), was created in 1980. Cambridge English Language Assessment worked together with the British Council to produce an official test for testing English ability. The exam has been modified multiple times throughout the years to better meet the needs of participants and companies. Here is a brief history of the IELTS exam and how it has changed through the years.
Year | Event | Interesting Fact |
| 1980s | Development of IELTS begins | IELTS was created to replace the ELTS (English Language Testing Service) |
| 1989 | The first IELTS test administered | Initially |
| 1995 | Major update to test format | The speaking module changed to a face-to-face interview |
| 2001 | Introduction of Academic and General Training modules | This change allowed IELTS to cater to both academic and migration purposes |
| 2005 | Computer-delivered IELTS introduced (limited availability) | This was a significant step towards modernizing the test |
| 2010 | IELTS has become the world's most popular English proficiency test | Over 1.4 million tests were taken in 2009 alone |
| 2016 | IELTS partners with Cambridge Assessment English | This collaboration aimed to enhance the test's quality and reach |
| 2018 | IELTS on the computer is widely available | Offering greater flexibility |
| 2020 | IELTS Indicator launched | An online test was introduced as a temporary solution during the COVID-19 pandemic |
| 2022 | The IELTS Online test introduced | A fully online version of the Academic module |
Important Dates for the IELTS Exam 2025
For candidates who want to take the IELTS exam in 2025, they must know its schedule for the year. The IELTS exam is conducted throughout the year in India every month. Here are the exam dates for each month for the IELTS exam 2025-
June 2025 IELTS exam dates
IELTS Test Date | Test Type |
Sat, 7 Jun | Academic and General Training |
Sat, 14 Jun | Academic |
Thu, 19 Jun | Academic |
Sat, 21 Jun | Academic and General Training |
July 2025 IELTS exam dates
IELTS Test Date | Test Type |
Sat, 5 Jul | Academic and General Training |
Thu, 10 Jul | Academic |
Sat, 19 Jul | Academic |
Sat, 26 Jul | Academic and General Training |
Further schedule can be checked on the official IELTS website
Types of IELTS Exam 2025
The IELTS exam is conducted in two formats or two types, The first is the academic test which is conducted for students who want to continue their studies in the top English-speaking countries and the other one is known as the IELTS general training which is conducted for the graduates or employees who want to migrate or work in the English speaking countries.
| IELTS Academic | This version of the exam is designed for candidates who wish to pursue higher education in an English-speaking environment. It assesses whether a candidate is ready to study at an undergraduate or postgraduate level.
|
| IELTS general training | This version is suitable for individuals migrating to English-speaking countries for work, training programs, or secondary education. It focuses on the general English skills required for day-to-day communication.
|
Eligibility Criteria for the IELTS Exam 2025
There is a very simple condition kept in front of the authorities for the candidates to take the IELTS exam. The candidate’s minimum age for taking the IELTS should be 16 years old with no maximum age limit. There are no specific educational criteria needed either. Here is the detailed eligibility criteria for the IELTS exam 2025-
IELTS Eligibility Criteria | Requirement |
| Eligibility | Not specific. |
| Required Document | Valid passport |
| Age Limit Criteria | No maximum age limit; open to all age groups, but not recommended for students below the age of 16 years. |
| Eligible Countries | The IELTS Exam is recognized globally by 140 countries, including the following:
|
| Minimum Educational Qualification | No minimum educational qualification |
| Minimum Score Requirements | No universal score requirement; Varies from one university to another. Check with your university while applying. |
IELTS Exam Pattern 2025
The IELTS exam confirms your eligibility to study, work, or live abroad. Understanding the test format is essential to create an effective preparation strategy.
The exam tests your English skills in four areas: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. It is available in two versions: academic (for students) and general training (for migration or employment). Here is a breakdown of what each part is in detail-
Section | Number of Questions | Question Type |
| Listening | 40 | Multiple-choice, matching, plan/map/diagram labeling, form completion, note completion, and summary completion. |
| Reading | 40 | Multiple-choice, identifying information, matching headings, matching information, and sentence completion. |
| Writing | 2 | Task 1: Report (Academic) / Letter (General Training); Task 2: Essay. |
| Speaking | 3 parts | Personal introduction, long turn (cue card), and discussion. |
IELTS Exam Test Format 2025
Here is the test format for the IELTS exam 2025-
Module with Time | Description | Task Types |
Listening 30 minutes | Evaluates comprehension of spoken English in various accents and contexts. | Multiple choice, short answer, and completion tasks |
Reading 60 minutes | Tests comprehension skills using academic and general texts. | Identifying main ideas, details, specific information |
Writing 60 minutes | Assesses written English skills in task achievement, grammar, vocabulary, and coherence. | Descriptive response, analytical/persuasive response |
Speaking 11-14 minutes | Evaluates spoken English fluency and communication in a one-on-one interview. | Introductory conversation, familiar topics, detailed discussion |
IELTS Exam Syllabus 2025
Candidates who want to clear the IELTS exam for the 2025 session must have proper knowledge and understanding of the IELTS syllabus. Here is the syllabus for the IELTS exam 2025-
IELTS Academic Section | Description | Time Allotted |
| Listening Section | Candidates will listen to recorded audio clips and respond to related questions. This section includes:
| 30 minutes |
| Reading Section | Test takers will read lengthy academic passages and answer questions based on them. The section includes:
| 60 minutes |
| Writing Section | Candidates must complete two writing tasks, each addressing relevant topics:
| 60 minutes |
| Speaking Section | This section consists of 3 parts:
| 11-14 minutes |
How to register for the IELTS exam 2025
To take the IELTS examination 2025, the candidates need to first fill out the IELTS application form, which includes basic details of the candidate, and without the filling of the application form. No candidates will be allowed to take the exam. Filling out the IELTS registration form is a very easy and straightforward process. Here is the step-by-step guide to registering for the IELTS Exam 2025-
Step 1: Choose the Test Type
- Decide whether you need to take IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training based on your requirements.
Step 2: Find a Test Center
- Visit the official IELTS website (British Council, IDP, or Cambridge) and search for test centers near your location.
Step 3: Check Test Dates
- IELTS exams are conducted multiple times a year. Choose a date that fits your schedule and allows enough time for preparation.
Step 4: Create an Account
- Sign up on the website of the test provider (British Council, IDP, or Cambridge) and create a personal account.
Step 5: Fill in the Application Form
- Complete the online application form with your details, preferred test location, and date.
Step 6: Upload Identification Document
- Upload a scanned copy of your passport or national ID, as it will be required on test day.
Step 7: Pay the Exam Fee
- Make the payment using the available online methods (credit/debit card, net banking, or other options).
Step 8: Receive Confirmation
- After successful payment, you will receive a confirmation email with details about the test center, test date, and other necessary instructions.
IELTS Exam Slot Booking 2025
Slot booking is the process of selecting a preferred test date and time for the IELTS exam. Candidates can choose from available slots based on their convenience and preparation timeline. Here are the following steps to book the slot for the IELTS exam 2025-
- Visit the official IELTS registration portal (British Council, IDP, or Cambridge Assessment English).
- Log in to your account created during the registration process.
- Select the test type (Academic or General Training).
- Choose your test location from the available test centers.
- Check available test dates and select the most suitable one.
- Confirm your slot by making the payment.
- Receive a confirmation email with test details and instructions.
IELTS Exam Fees 2025
Candidates who are registering for the IELTS exam 2025 are asked to pay some amount of money as the registration fees to confirm their application for the exam. Here is the exam fee for IELTS 2025 in India-
Feature | Fees (INR) |
Computer-delivered IELTS | ₹17,000 |
Computer-delivered IELTS for UKVI | ₹17,250 |
Pen-and-paper-based IELTS | ₹17,000 |
IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration | ₹17,250 |
IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1) | ₹16,050 |
One Skill Retake | ₹11,300 |
Top Universities accepting the IELTS exam 2025
IELTS is accepted in 140 countries and 11000 universities. IELTS is necessary for employment, education, and migration in English-speaking nations such as Australia, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Ireland. Here is the list of top universities accepting the IELTS score-
| University | IELTS Minimum Score |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 7.0 |
| California Institute of Technology | 7.0 |
| Harvard University | 7.0 |
| Yale University | 7.0 |
| University of Chicago | 7.0 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 7.0 |
| Johns Hopkins University | 7.0 |
| University of California, Berkeley | 7.0 |
| Columbia University | 7.0 |
| University of California, Los Angeles | 7.0 |
IELTS Exam Results 2025
You won't have to wait long for your IELTS scores. The IELTS results for paper-based tests in India will be available on the 13th day after the test date. The IELTS results for computer mode will be available within two days following the test. When your scores become available, you will be notified by email. Here is the step-by-step process to check your IELTS exam results 2025-
- Visit the official IELTS website of the test provider (British Council, IDP, or Cambridge).
- Log in to your account using your registration credentials.
- Enter your test details (registration number, date of birth, and test date).
- View your result and download the Test Report Form (TRF).
- Receive a hard copy of the TRF via mail within 13 days for paper-based tests and 3-5 days for computer-based tests.
IELTS Exam Cutoff 2025
IELTS scores are a crucial part of the selection process for Indian students wishing to study abroad. Universities and colleges in English-speaking nations require confirmation of English language proficiency from international candidates to ensure that they are not excluded due to language barriers. Here is the IELTS cutoff for the top universities in 2025-
University | IELTS Cut-Off - Overall Score |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 7.0 - 7.5+ |
| Cambridge University | 7.5+ |
| Oxford University | 7.0 - 7.5+ |
| Harvard University | 6.5 - 7.5+ |
| Stanford University | 7.0+ |
| Imperial College London | 6.5 - 7.0+ |
| ETH Zurich | 7.0+ |
| National University of Singapore (NUS) | 6.0 - 8.0+ |
| University College London (UCL) | 6.5 - 7.5+ |
| University of California, Berkeley Campus | 6.5 - 7.0+ |
IELTS Test Centers in India 2025
IELTS is conducted all over India and hence it has exam centres in almost every part of the country. The exam centers are usually located in the top cities of the country, making it easy for the candidates to find the venue. The exam centers are provided to the candidates based on the preference they choose while filling out the application form. Students must note that once the centers are assigned, no changes can be made later to change the exam centers. Hence, the candidates need to choose the correct exam centers to avoid any sort of problems later.
Here is the list of cities in India where the IELTS exam centers are located-
Ahmedabad | Ambala | Amritsar | Anand | Angamaly |
Bangalore | Barnala | Bathinda | Bhopal | Bhubaneswar |
Calicut | Chandigarh | Chengannur | Chennai | Coimbatore |
Dehradun | Faridkot | Firozpur | Gandhinagar | Goa |
Gurdaspur | Gurgaon | Guwahati | Hoshiarpur | Hyderabad |
Indore | Jagraon | Jaipur | Jalandhar | Jammu |
Kannur | Kapurthala | Karnal | Khanna | Kochi |
Kolkata | Kollam | Kothamangalam | Kottayam | Kurukshetra |
Lucknow | Ludhiana | Madurai | Mangalore | Mehsana |
Moga | Mumbai | Nadiad | Nagpur | Nasik |
Navi Mumbai | Navsari | Nawanshahr | New Delhi | Noida |
Patna | Pune | Raipur | Rajkot | Raikot |
Ranchi | Rudrapur | Sangrur | Siliguri | Sri Ganganagar |
Sri Muktsar | Sahib | Surat | Thane | Thimphu |
Tiruchirappalli | Tirupati | Thrissur | Trivandrum | Vadodara |
Vapi | Vijayawada | Visakhapatnam | - | - |
IELTS Exam Score Format 2025
The IELTS exam is evaluated on a scale of 0 to 9, with a band score technique used to assess your English abilities in four major areas: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. There is no pass or fail condition applied in the IELTS test 2025, the mean score of scores from all four sections will be taken as the total and this will decide if you have qualified for the test or not. Here is what the bands mean-
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 |
| 0 | Did Not Attempt |
IELTS Exam 2025 Preparation Tips
Preparing for the IELTS 2025 is not an easy task, nor is IELTS an easy exam. Hence, the candidates appearing to take the IELTS 2025 must be prepared in every possible way. They must have the right preparation strategies and the right form of resources, here are some preparation tips for the candidates taking the IELTS exam in 2025.
General Preparation Tips
Tip | Description |
Don’t Memorize Answers | In the Speaking and Writing sections, provide natural and thoughtful answers. Avoid giving memorized responses, as they may negatively impact scores. |
Understand the Test Format | Familiarize yourself with the exam structure and timing of each section. Practice managing your time effectively during mock tests. |
Take Mock Tests | Regularly attempt full-length IELTS mock tests to become comfortable with the exam’s format and evaluate your progress. |
Best resources for the IELTS Exam Preparation 2025
When preparing for any exam, it is critical to use the appropriate materials. There are several tools available on the market for IELTS preparation, as well as many coaching opportunities that can help students be fully prepared for the examination. So, to meet your needs, we'll recommend some of the top last-minute resources for preparing for the IELTS exam-
Book Title | Price |
| The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS by Pauline Cullen | ₹730 |
| Complete IELTS Bands 4-5 Student's Book with Answers with CD-ROM | ₹5,240 |
| The Official Cambridge Guide To IELTS Student's Book With Answers With DVD ROM | ₹597 |
| IELTS 18 Academic Student's Book with Answers with Audio with Resource Bank | ₹2,928.15 |
| IELTS 15 Academic Student's Book with Answers with Audio with Resource Bank | ₹2,562.31 |
| IELTS Academic Authentic Practice Tests 19 and 18 with Audio, Answers, Cambridge | ₹679 |
| Complete IELTS Bands 5-6.5 Student's Book with Answers with CD-ROM | ₹5,209 |
| Cambridge IELTS 16 Academic With Answers (Savina) | ₹269 |
| Cambridge Vocabulary For IELTS Book With Answers And Audio CD | ₹2,934.31 |
| Complete IELTS Bands 6.5-7.5 Student's Book without Answers with CD-ROM with Testbank | ₹589 |
| The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS Student's Book without Answers Paperback – Student Edition | ₹649 |
| IELTS 16 General Training Student's Book with Answers with Audio with Resource Bank | ₹4,938 |
| IELTS 18 Academic By CUP | ₹650 |
| Cambridge IELTS 7 Student's Book with Answers by Cambridge ESOL | ₹4,156.60 |
| CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH IELTS 11 ACADEMIC WITH ANSWERS | ₹149 |
| The Official Cambridge Guide To IELTS + IELTS 17 Academic | ₹1,369 |
| Complete IELTS Bands 6.5-7.5 Student's Book without Answers | ₹199 |
| IELTS 19 Academic Student's Book with Answers with Audio with Resource Bank (IELTS Practice Tests) | ₹5,023 |
| IELTS Academic 18 with Answers, Authentic Practice Tests with Audio, with Resource Bank | ₹449 |
| IELTS Common Mistakes for Bands 5.0-6.0 | ₹1,654 |
| CAMBRIDGE IELTS 14 ACADEMIC WITH ANSWERS | ₹299 |
| IELTS 17 Academic Student's Book with Answers with Audio with Resource Bank | ₹320 |
| Complete IELTS Bands 6.5-7.5 Student's Book Without Answers | ₹4,899 |
| IELTS Academic combo 14-15-16-17 (Set of 4 books) Latest Edition Cambridge English | ₹908 |
| New IELTS Academic combo 17-18-19 (Set of 3 books) Latest Edition Cambridge English | ₹799 |
| IELTS Trainer 2 Academic: Six Practice Tests | ₹4,500 |
| IELTS - 100+ SPEAKING QUESTIONS: BOOK 1 (IELTS SPEAKING) Kindle Edition | ₹213 |
| IELTS Practice Exams with Downloadable Audio; Ed. 4 (Paperback - 2020) | ₹523 |
| Cambridge IELTS Academic 14 + 15 + 16 + 17 (Set of 4 Books) Latest Edition Paperback – 1 January 2022 | ₹919 |
Exam Day Guidelines for the IELTS Exam 2025
| Exam day guidelines for the IELTS exam 2025 | |
|---|---|
Arrive early
| Reach the test center at least 30-45 minutes before the exam starts.
|
| Bring valid ID | Only the passport or national ID used during registration is allowed.
|
| No personal items are allowed. | Bags, mobile phones, and electronic devices are not permitted inside the test hall.
|
| Follow the instructions | Listen carefully to the examiner’s instructions during each section.
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| Use provided materials | Pens, pencils, and erasers are provided by the test center.
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| Stay calm | Focus and manage time effectively during the test.
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