IELTS Eligibility
There are no strict eligibility criteria for the IELTS test. Anyone who is older than 16 years of age can appear for the test, and no educational qualification is specified to attend the IELTS.
However, you must obtain the qualifying score in the test to meet your purpose of taking the IELTS. The minimum score to be obtained is determined by the university you are applying for or the specific organization concerned in your case, and there is no minimum score requirement set by the IDP.
- In general, a score of 7.0 - 8.0 bands in IELTS is considered optimum for IELTS Academic test, with each section having a minimum of 6.0 - 7.0 bands.
- For IELTS General Training, a minimum score of 6.0 - 7.0 bands is demanded by many organizations, with 4.5 - 6.0 in each section.
Who can take the IELTS test?
The IELTS is taken for different purposes, such as for academic and general needs. According to your purpose, you can take either IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training. IELTS Academic lets you study abroad in an English-speaking country for Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate, and so on. IELTS General Training is required to work abroad and to take vocational courses in a foreign country
Anyone with any of the above-mentioned intentions can take the IELTS test. The only criterion is with respect to your age, that is, you must not be under 16 years old while applying for the test. There is no higher age limit for the IELTS Academic or General Training tests
How do I take the IELTS test?
Before taking the IELTS test, it is important to take mock tests and practice well to ease the difficulty. Make sure you are familiar with the test pattern and questions, and do your practice perfectly. It is better to follow a systematic schedule months earlier before attending your test.
- Once you are confident enough, visit the IDP website and start your registration
- Select a date and time convenient for you
- Explore the test center options and choose one near to you
- Pay the fees and confirm your IELTS test registration
Read the instructions properly and learn in advance how to register for the test. In case you can’t take the test at the registered time due to unforeseen circumstances, you can either cancel or reschedule the test. However, there will be an administration fee charged if you cancel or reschedule the test, and you will get a refund if you cancel or reschedule earlier than 5 weeks with a valid reason (mostly a medical reason).
What are the educational qualifications required to take the IELTS test?
To take the IELTS test, there are no specified educational requirements. However, note that you must possess an extraordinary command of the English language to pass the test. You might need special coaching for writing, listening, reading, and writing sections of the IELTS Academic or General Training test, depending on your choice.
In short, you must obtain the minimum IELTS scores set by the university or professional organization. Apart from that, your IELTS scores alone will not determine your acceptance. Universities abroad often set other admission requirements and companies will prioritize the applicant’s work experience other than the IELTS scores.
It is suggested that you score the best you can to enhance your chances of being accepted while applying with the IELTS scores. You can start your application to universities or organizations abroad once the results are out. Your IELTS scores are valid for up to 2 years from the date of results
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum IELTS score required for various purposes?
There is no minimum IELTS score set by the IDP. The minimum scores are set by universities or oraganizations abroad, which can be 6.0 - 7.0 bands in typical cases. You must check the website of the university or organization concerned to know about the minimum IELTS scores
What is the maximum IELTS score required for my application?
The maximum IELTS score you can obtain is 9.0 bands. Often, there is no requirement for obtaining the maximum band score. You must have the minimum band score set by your university or organization abroad to get accepted.
Can a 12th pass person apply for IELTS?
Yes, anyone above the age of 16 years can apply for the IELTS.
How many times can a person take the IELTS test?
There is no recent update in the IELTS syllabus, and it remains unchanged as in the past for test takers.
Can I cover the IELTS syllabus within 3 months?
You can take the IELTS test multiple times, and there is no limit on the number of times a person can take the test.
Should I submit my educational qualifications while booking the IELTS test?
No, there is no mandatory requirement to submit your educational qualifications while booking the IELTS test
