IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is an international exam of English language proficiency for non-native English language speakers. This test is jointly conducted by the British Coubcil, IDP:IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English. IELTS is recognized as basic requirement by the British, the US, Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand universities for admission to secondary and vocational training programmes, and for immigration and employment abroad. IELTS opens doors to international opportunities.
IELTS has two versions: the General version and the Academic Version. Both the versions have four modules in which the exams are conducted. All candidates are tested in these four modules: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
Listening – 4 Sections, 40 questions – 30+10 min.
General Training Reading – 3 Sections, 40 questions – 60 min.
Academic Reading – 3 Sections, 40 questions – 60 min.
General Training Writing – 2 tasks ( min of 150 & 250 words) – 60 min.
Academic Writing – 2 tasks ( min of 150 & 250 words) – 60 min.
Speaking – 3 sections – 11 to 14 min.
The first three modules – Listening, Reading and Writing – must be completed in one day. The Speaking Module may be taken at the discretion of the test centre. Generally, it is on the same day the next day.
Candidates must select either Academic or GT depending on the requirement of their sponsor or receiving institution. If you go for higher studies, you must take the academic module. In the case of some job aspirants, such as nurses, they are required to take the Academic module. The version in which the candidate should take the test depends on his/her purpose of going abroad, requirements of the particular university, sponsor or registering body.