IELTS Reading Band Score Guide

Updated on 13 June, 2025

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

The IELTS exam measures your English skills across four sections: Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. Each section is scored on a band scale, and your final score is the average of all four. You can check your official IELTS result within 3–5 days after taking the test through the IDP website.

The IELTS Reading band score is based on how many correct answers you get out of 40 questions in the reading section. Each correct answer adds one point to your raw score, which is then converted into a band score from 1 to 9. This score plays an important role in your overall IELTS result.

Let’s cover this in detail so you know how the IELTS Reading band score is calculated. This will help you set the right target, measure your progress, and focus your preparation effectively.

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Preparing for IELTS Reading? Start with these IELTS Reading tips and Academic Reading strategies to build confidence.

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IELTS Reading Band Score – Overview and Purpose

The IELTS Reading band score reflects how well you can read, understand, and interpret English under time pressure. Scores range from Band 1 (non-user) to Band 9 (expert user) and are calculated using the official IELTS reading band score table 2025.

Even a small increase in your band score for reading module in IELTS can raise your final average - helping you meet university or visa cutoffs. That’s why it’s important to know how reading scores are calculated—and what you need to aim for if you’re targeting Band 8 or 9.

Targeting Ivy-level schools? IELTS is accepted at top-ranked options like Cornell University and Drexel University.

Why Is the IELTS Reading Band Score Important

  • Impacts Your Overall Band
    A weak reading score can pull down your average—especially when aiming for IELTS reading score for 8 band overall.
  • Tied to Academic and Visa Cutoffs
    Most universities set a minimum reading score for IELTS Academic, especially at postgraduate level. For immigration, programs like UK Skilled Visa require a strong IELTS reading band score, usually between Band 6.0 and 8.0.
  • Maps to Global English Proficiency Standards
    IELTS aligns with CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference). This allows schools and visa offices to benchmark your reading ability internationally.

IELTS Reading Band Score vs CEFR Levels

IELTS Band Skill Level CEFR Equivalent
9.0 Expert User C2
8.0–8.5 Very Good User C1
7.0–7.5 Good User C1
6.0–6.5 Competent User B2
5.0–5.5 Modest User B1
4.0 Limited User A2

The IELTS reading band required for top universities is typically Band 7 or higher. PR programs like Canada or Australia often accept a minimum Band 6.0–6.5, depending on your CLB target.

Check Out: 

IELTS Score for AustraliaIELTS Score for UKIELTS Score for New ZealandIELTS Score for USA

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How Raw Scores Convert to IELTS Reading Band Scores

There’s no negative marking while scoring, so each correct response adds a point. Your total is then matched to a band on the 0–9 scale.

These conversion thresholds vary slightly between the Academic and General Training modules. That’s why test takers aiming for an IELTS reading score for 8 band overall must understand the raw score they need to hit that band.

Below is the Reading score conversion in IELTS for both test types:

IELTS Academic Reading Scores

If you're applying for a degree abroad, your IELTS Reading Band Score must meet university-specific cutoffs. These vary by country and program type. Top universities typically ask for Band 7 or higher in the reading module—especially for STEM, business, or postgraduate courses.

IELTS Academic Reading Conversion Table

Correct Answers (out of 40) Band Score
39–40 9
35–38 8
30–34 7
23–29 6
15–22 5
10–14 4

IELTS General Training Reading Scores

If you're taking the General Training test for work, migration, or PR, your target IELTS Reading Band Score depends on your destination and visa type. For example, Canada PR through Express Entry often requires a minimum Band 6–8 in Reading, depending on the NOC and CLB level.

The General Training module uses simpler texts than Academic. However, the scoring is stricter—you need more correct answers to hit the same band. 

IELTS General Training Reading Conversion

Correct Answers (out of 40) Band Score
37–40 9
34–36 8
30–33 7
23–29 6
15–22 5
10–14 4

These tables help you set exact targets. For example, if you're aiming for Band 7 in Academic, you need 30+ correct answers.

The IELTS Reading Score Rounding Logic

When calculating your overall IELTS band score, the average of all four sections is rounded as follows:

  • 6.25 → 6.5
  • 6.75 → 7.0
  • 6.1 → 6.0

This matters if your band score for reading module in IELTS pulls up your average. 

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Ideal IELTS Reading Band Score

Your IELTS Reading Band Score directly affects where you can study, work, or settle. Every program sets minimum cutoffs—not just overall, but section-wise. Reading is one of the most commonly flagged scores by universities and visa officers.

So, what is a good score in the reading module?

  • Band 6.0–6.5: Meets basic university admission needs in the UK, Australia, and EU public institutions. This is often the minimum reading score for IELTS Academic for undergraduate programs.
  • Band 7.0–7.5: Required by competitive postgraduate courses. This level aligns with the IELTS reading band required for top universities.
  • Band 8.0: Essential if you're applying for PR via Canada Express Entry or targeting full CRS points. This is the benchmark for IELTS reading band score for Canada PR at CLB 9 or 10.
  • Band 8.5–9.0: Not mandatory but impressive. Helps boost your overall band average and gives an edge in scholarship and visa interviews.

If you’re aiming for an IELTS reading score for 8 band overall, plan to hit 35+ correct responses on a consistent basis.

Improve reading accuracy with these proven grammar strategies for IELTS.

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Download IELTS Sample Papers

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How to Improve Your IELTS Reading Band Score

If your IELTS Reading Band Score is stuck at 6.0 or 6.5, the issue usually isn’t vocabulary—it’s strategy. Most test-takers lose marks on speed, accuracy, and specific question types like Matching or True/False/Not Given. Fixing those areas is the fastest way to reach Band 7 or Band 8.

Here’s how to improve your IELTS reading band score with focused effort:

Focus Area

What to Do

Why It Works

Time Management Practice full tests under 60-minute limits Builds speed and confidence for real test conditions
True/False/Not Given Match exact ideas—not keywords These trap questions rely on logic, not memory
Matching Headings Focus on topic sentences, not filler text Topic lines summarize the point of each paragraph
Use Paraphrasing Review synonyms and rewrite answer stems IELTS rephrases everything—your brain must too
Score Tracking Use the IELTS academic reading band calculator to convert scores Helps you set accurate goals using the IELTS reading band score table 2025
Skimming + Scanning Skim for structure, scan for facts Prevents wasting time on full-text reading

Want free tools to build reading skills? Explore free prep resources at upGrad Free Courses.

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FAQs

What IELTS reading score is required for band 8 in 2025?

To achieve a band score for reading module in IELTS at band 8 in 2025, you typically need 35–36 correct answers out of 40 in the Academic test. The General Training version may allow slightly more errors for the same band.

How is the IELTS reading band score calculated from raw scores?

IELTS uses a fixed score table each year to convert your raw score (out of 40) into a band between 1 and 9. The Academic and General modules follow slightly different scales.

How many correct answers are needed for a 7 band in IELTS reading?

To get a 7 band score in IELTS reading, you need about 30–32 correct answers in the Academic module. This may vary by a point depending on the test version and difficulty.

What is considered a high reading band score in IELTS?

A score of 8.0 or above is considered a high IELTS reading band score. Many top universities expect 7.5+ in reading, while immigration authorities may require a minimum of band 6.5–7.

How can I improve my IELTS reading band score quickly?

To improve your IELTS reading band score, practice skimming and scanning techniques, learn to locate keywords fast, and solve time-bound reading tests. Focus on weak question types like matching headings or true/false/not given.

How fast should I finish the IELTS reading section to get band 9?

To aim for a band 9 in IELTS reading, manage your time so you spend no more than 20 minutes per passage. Finishing early leaves time for reviewing tricky questions or answer sheet transfer.

What types of questions are asked in IELTS reading?

The IELTS reading section includes multiple question types:

  • Matching headings
  • True/False/Not Given
  • Multiple choice
  • Sentence completion
  • Summary completion

Practicing each type helps you build familiarity and reduce errors.

Is IELTS reading harder than listening or writing?

For many test-takers, IELTS reading feels harder due to the dense text and strict time limit. Unlike listening, you don’t get a second chance, and unlike writing, there’s no partial credit—it’s either correct or not.

How does the IELTS reading score scale differ between tests?

The reading score conversion in IELTS differs for Academic and General. Academic test-takers need more correct answers for the same band score because the texts are more advanced.

Are computer-based IELTS reading scores different from paper-based?

No, computer-based IELTS reading band scores follow the same scale as paper-based. The test content, scoring method, and time allocation remain exactly the same across both formats.

Can I skip questions in the IELTS reading section?

Yes, you can skip and return to questions during the test. However, every unanswered question is a missed chance—there’s no penalty for guessing, so always fill in an answer.

Is there a calculator for estimating IELTS reading band score?

Yes, several unofficial tools act as an IELTS academic reading band calculator, helping you estimate your score based on correct answers. Use them after practice tests to track your progress.

Do reading strategies help improve IELTS reading band?

Absolutely. Applying proven reading strategies like keyword mapping, elimination, and time-boxing can help improve your IELTS reading band score faster than just solving more tests.

Is there negative marking in IELTS reading?

No, there’s no negative marking in the IELTS reading section. You won’t lose marks for wrong answers, so it’s better to guess than leave a question blank.

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