Sarah Deverall, director examinations, India & customer services South Asia, British Council, talks to Diptiman Dewan on the IELTS examination
Q- How many times in the year is the IELTS held? The test is offered up to four times a month throughout the year and across 38 cities in India.
Q- When is the right time to take the test? As the test is offered up to 48 times a year it can be taken by candidates at their convenience to meet their individual admission / deadline requirements.
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Q- Is IELTS an online test? The IELTS is a paper based test.
Q- What are the choices of timings for taking the test? The test starts at 1.00 pm in all test centres across India and finishes by 4.00 pm. The reporting time for candidates at the test venue is 11.30 am to complete the required pre test procedures.
Q- What is considered as a good score in IELTS? There is no pass or fail in IELTS. Candidates are graded on their performance in the test, using scores from 1 to 9 for each part of the test – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The results from the four parts then produce an Overall Band Score.
This unique 9-band system measures scores in a consistent manner – wherever and whenever the test is taken. It is internationally recognised and understood, giving you a reliable international currency.
Q- Which universities recognise IELTS scores, and for which programmes? IELTS is recognised by over 7,000 organisations in over 135 countries. This includes over 3,000 higher education institutions and programmes in the USA which accept IELTS scores as proof of English language proficiency.
Q- What is the cut-off score required by top universities? IELTS is trusted by top universities across the world including all Ivy League colleges in USA. The IELTS Global Recognition System available at http://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/choose-ielts/who-accepts-ielts provides detailed information on organisations accept IELTS and the scores they require.
Q- How long does it take for results to be declared? How long is it valid? Results are issued 13 days after the test. Test Results are valid for a recommended period of two years.
Q- How many times can the result be asked for by an applicant? Is it emailed/couriered? Candidates are sent one copy of their Test Report Form by courier or post. The British Council provides additional services to help candidates know how well they have done before the official test report form is issued. This online result is provisional and should not be used as an official confirmation of achievement. Test centres are not permitted to give results over phone or by fax or e-mail.
The test centre can forward copies of your Test Report Form to five recognising organisations for candidates free of charge. The recognising organisations can also double-check the details of the candidate Test Report Form via the secure online database. If candidates require extra copies sent to other organisations, they can ask their test centre.
Q- How does one prepare for the IELTS? Are there practise tests/books, mock papers available? The British Council offers access to a wide range of IELTS preparation and study resources to help you prepare for IELTS. Over 30 hours of free online practice materials, expert teachers and first class customer service mean that candidates can do their personal best by taking IELTS with the British Council. Useful information on how to prepare the test is available on http://takeielts.britishcouncil.org
Q- Which countries/universities is it recognised in? IELTS is the world’s most popular English language test for education and emigration. Due to its high quality controls, IELTS is accepted by thousands of organisations in over 135 countries. These include – UK, USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, etc. IELTS is trusted by top universities across the world including all Ivy League colleges in USA. For more information, visit http://takeielts.britishcouncil.org
