It assesses Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Your score is accepted by thousands of universities, employers, and immigration authorities worldwide.
Full Form
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Year Started
1980 AD
Score / Grade Range
0 to 9 (in 0.5 band increments)
Test Score Validity
2 Years
Total Test Duration
2 hours 45 minutes
Annual No. of Test Takers
Over 3.5 million (2021)
Test Official Authorities
British Council and IDP
Countries / Regions
1,600+ test centers in 140+ countries
IELTS is divided into four parts. Each section checks a different real-world English skill and is scored separately.
You listen to recordings and answer 40 questions based on what you hear. You have about 30 minutes to complete the test.
To register for the IELTS test, follow these simple steps to ensure a smooth and successful booking process.
First, find an authorized IELTS test center near your location.
Then, choose a convenient test date from the available options.
Next, complete the registration online or in person by providing your personal details and selecting the test type (Academic or General Training).
After that, pay the required test fee and wait for the confirmation email containing your test details.
Prepare well by familiarizing yourself with the test format and practicing sample questions.
On the test day, arrive early at the test center with your valid identification document.
Tip: Always carry a valid identification document on the test day. Registration steps may vary slightly by location.
A high-level view of each section, time allocation, question count, and common item types.
| Test Section | Time Allocation | Total Number of Questions | Item Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 30 minutes | 40 items | Multiple ChoiceMatchingPlan/Map/Diagram LabelingForm/Narrative/Note/Flowchart/Summary CompletionSentence Completion |
| Reading | 60 minutes | 40 items | Multiple ChoiceMatchingPlan/Map/Diagram LabelingSummary/Idea/Information/Opinion CompletionTrue/False, Yes/NoSentence/Summary/Note/Table/Flowchart/MatchingDiagram/Chart/Graph/Figure Classification |
| Writing | 60 minutes | 2 tasks | Task 1: Graph/Table/Chart/Diagram DescriptionTask 2: Essay Writing |
| Speaking | 11–15 minutes | 3 parts | Part 1: Introduction and InterviewPart 2: Individual Long Turn (Cue card)Part 3: Two-way Discussion |
Quick answers to the most common IELTS questions—scores, booking, dates, validity, and preparation.
IELTS results are commonly available online within 13 days. In many cases, a hard copy may be issued around 17 days after your LRW test (timelines can vary by test center).
Tip: Always confirm result timelines with your specific test center.

Clear answers help you decide faster. If something still feels unclear, the right test choice usually depends on your target country and timeline.