IELTS Academic
For students who want to study at a university or college abroad, or register with a professional body such as for nursing or medicine.
What is IELTS?
International English Language Testing System
IELTS is the world’s most popular English language test for study, work and migration. It checks how well you listen, read, write and speak in English, and is accepted by more than 12,500 organisations in over 140 countries, including universities, employers and immigration authorities in the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA.
- Test length
- 2 h 45 min
- Score
- Band 0 – 9
- Results in
- 3 – 13 days
- Valid for
- 2 years
Types of IELTS Test
IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge University Press & Assessment.
IELTS General Training
For people moving abroad to work, train or live, including permanent residency in Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
IELTS for UKVI
The same Academic or General Training test, taken at an approved centre for a UK visa application.
IELTS Test Format
- 01
Listening
30 minutes
Four recordings of native English speakers — conversations and talks — with 40 questions.
- 02
Reading
60 minutes
Three long texts with 40 questions. Academic texts come from books and journals; General Training texts from everyday life and work.
- 03
Writing
60 minutes
Two tasks: describe a chart or write a letter (150 words), then write an essay (250 words).
- 04
Speaking
11 – 14 minutes
A face-to-face conversation with an examiner in three parts, recorded for marking.
Listening, Reading and Writing are taken together, on paper or on a computer. Speaking can be on the same day or up to a week before or after.
How is IELTS Scored?
Each skill gets a band score from 0 to 9, in whole or half bands. Your overall band is the average of the four, rounded to the nearest half band. Most universities ask for an overall 6.0 – 7.0.
- 9Expert user
- 8Very good user
- 7Good user
- 6Competent user
- 5Modest user
- 4Limited user
Frequently Asked Questions
You can choose. Both have the same questions, timing and scoring. Computer-delivered IELTS gives results faster (usually in 3–5 days) and has more test dates; paper-based results come in 13 days.
Your Test Report Form is valid for 2 years. Most universities and immigration authorities do not accept results older than that.
As many times as you like — there is no limit and no waiting period between tests.
Take Academic for university study or professional registration, General Training for work or migration, and IELTS for UKVI if you are applying for a UK visa. If you are not sure, our team can help you choose.
Yes. As a British Council certified IELTS registration center, we help you book your test with no extra charges — and you get ৳2,000 cashback after you take the exam.
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