IELTS Test Format Overview

The IELTS test format measures your ability to listen, read, write, and speak in English. It’s used for university admissions, jobs, and immigration in more than 140 countries. 

How is IELTS conducted in India? IDP is the official provider of the IELTS exam in India. The test is developed by Cambridge English and used globally.

There are two versions: IELTS Academic (for higher education) and IELTS General Training (for work or migration). You can take IELTS on paper or computer. The format stays the same across both options. 

Here, we’ll explain the IELTS exam pattern 2025, duration of IELTS test sections, IELTS section-wise question types, and the difference between Academic vs General Training—especially for Indian test takers.

Applying abroad with IELTS? Explore Master’s and Bachelor’s programs accepted globally.

Top destinations in mind? Check IELTS-accepted courses in the USA and UK.

Targeting elite schools? Apply to IELTS-recognized universities like Cornell and Drexel.

IELTS Test Format – Highlights

The IELTS test format follows a fixed structure for both Academic and General Training versions. This table covers the key details Indian test-takers should know before booking their slot under the latest IELTS exam structure in 2025.

Feature	Details
Test Versions	Academic and General Training
Sections	Listening → Reading → Writing → Speaking
Test Duration	Approx. 2 hours 45 minutes
Delivery Modes	Paper-based and computer-based
Score Range	0 to 9 bands
IELTS for Indian Students	Conducted only by IDP in India
Online/Home Option	IELTS Online available (Academic only, selected locations)

New to the test? Begin with the full IELTS exam overview.

Understand the format fully using this IELTS exam pattern guide.

IELTS Band Score Calculation Method

Section	Scoring Basis
Listening	Number of correct answers out of 40
Reading	Number of correct answers out of 40
Writing	Based on 4 criteria: Task Response, Coherence & Cohesion, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Accuracy
Speaking	Based on 4 criteria: Fluency & Coherence, Pronunciation, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Accuracy

All scores are equally weighted, meaning each module contributes 25% to the final score.

IELTS Test Format: Listening Section

The IELTS Listening section checks your ability to follow conversations and instructions in English. You’ll hear a variety of accents, including British, Australian, and North American. 

The section has 4 parts with 40 questions in total. You hear the audio once and must answer as it plays. Questions follow the audio order, so staying focused is critical.

IELTS Listening Overview

Feature	Details
Total Time	~30 minutes + 10 mins (paper) / 2 mins (computer) to transfer answers
Number of Parts	4
Total Questions	40
Question Types	Form/sentence completion, multiple choice, map/diagram labeling, matching
Accents Used	British, American, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand
Marking	1 mark per correct answer; no negative marking

Common Question Types in Listening

• Form, note, or table completion – Fill in missing words based on audio
• Multiple choice – Choose the correct option based on details or opinions
• Map or diagram labeling – Identify locations or parts of a layout
• Matching – Connect speakers to opinions or statements
• Sentence completion – Fill in exact words heard in the recording

Each part of the Listening section tests a different real-life scenario—from booking services to understanding academic lectures. The difficulty increases across parts.

Explore section-wise structure in the updated IELTS syllabus.

IELTS Test Format: Reading Section

The IELTS Reading section evaluates how well you understand written English. It includes 3 passages and 40 questions, but the question type and difficulty vary between the Academic and General Training versions.

In Academic Reading, texts come from journals, books, or newspapers. In General Training, you’ll read notices, advertisements, or workplace documents followed by one longer passage.

IELTS Reading Overview

Feature	Academic Version	General Training Version
Total Time	60 minutes (no extra transfer time)	60 minutes
Passages	3 long texts	3 sections (short + long texts)
Question Types	MCQs, T/F/NG, matching headings, summary completion	Same types, with simpler vocabulary
Marking	1 mark per correct answer	1 mark per correct answer

IELTS Reading Question Types (Academic and General)

Question Type	Description
Multiple choice	Choose one or more correct answers
Matching headings	Match paragraphs to appropriate headings
Matching information/features	Locate specific info or match features across sections
True/False/Not Given	Verify factual accuracy of statements (Academic)
Yes/No/Not Given	Check writer’s opinion (General)
Sentence/summary completion	Fill in missing words using exact wording from the passage
Short answer questions	Respond using words from the text only
Diagram or table completion	Complete visuals using keywords from the reading section

IELTS academic vs general test format differences in Reading mostly come down to complexity and source type. 

Choosing Academic vs General? Compare them here: Types of IELTS exams.

Ready to prep? Start with this IELTS online preparation guide.

IELTS Test Format: Writing Section – Task 1 and Task 2 Breakdown

The IELTS test format sets aside 60 minutes for Writing. You must finish Task 1 first, then Task 2—no option to switch the order. Task 2 carries double the score weight.

IELTS Writing Test Duration and Time Allocation

Item	Academic	General Training
Task 1	Describe data (graph, chart, map, process) in ≥ 150 words	Write a formal, semi-formal, or informal letter in ≥ 150 words
Task 2	250-word opinion or argument essay	Same 250-word essay (topics differ slightly)
Time Guide	20 min for Task 1, 40 min for Task 2

IELTS Writing Scoring Criteria Explained

Band Criteria	Description
Task Response (TR)	Addresses prompt fully, supports ideas
Coherence & Cohesion (CC)	Logical flow, proper paragraphing
Lexical Resource (LR)	Vocabulary variety, accurate word use
Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA)	Sentence diversity, low error rate

IELTS Writing Task 1 Format – Academic vs General Training

Task 1 Type	Academic	General Training
Format	Describe visual data (graphs, maps, processes)	Write a formal/semi-formal/informal letter
Style	Objective, third-person	Depends on prompt; may be personal or formal
Purpose	Summarize key trends, comparisons	Respond to a situation (e.g., complaint, request)

IELTS Writing Task 2 Format – Essay Writing

Both test versions are same for Task 2: a 250-word essay where you present an argument, give an opinion, or solve a problem.

Recommended essay structure:

• Introduction with your clear position
• 2–3 body paragraphs with one main point each
• Conclusion summarizing your stance

High scorers plan ideas first, keep paragraphs balanced, and leave 3–4 minutes for proofreading—essential under the latest IELTS exam structure.

Am I eligible? Confirm here: IELTS eligibility criteria.

Book smart. Check upcoming IELTS exam dates and test centres in India.

Planning your budget? View the latest IELTS exam fee details.

IELTS Test Format: Speaking Section

The Speaking test follows a live, face-to-face interview. It lasts 11–14 minutes and uses three clearly defined parts.

IELTS Speaking Section Structure (All 3 Parts)

Part	Focus	Format
Part 1	Familiar topics (home, study, work)	Q&A with examiner  Duration: 4–5 min
Part 2	Extended monologue	1-min prep + 2-min talk on cue-card topic Duration: 3–4 min
Part 3	Abstract discussion	Follow-up questions linked to Part 2 Duration: 4–5 min

IELTS Speaking Scoring Criteria Breakdown

Criteria	What It Measures
Fluency & Coherence	Ability to speak continuously with clear logic
Lexical Resource	Use of relevant and varied vocabulary
Pronunciation	Accent clarity, stress, intonation
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	Sentence structures and control over tenses

Quick Tip for Test Day: You can ask the examiner to repeat a question, but avoid overuse. Speak naturally—don’t memorize answers.

Important points for candidates—especially under the IELTS test format for Indian students:

• Examiner records the session for quality control.
• You may ask for clarification once, but avoid repeating the question.
• Use the 1-minute prep time in Part 2 to jot bullet points; aim to fill the full 2 minutes.

Practice with timed mock interviews to match the real pace and question flow set by the IELTS listening, speaking, reading, and writing format.

How long is your score valid? Check the IELTS score validity before applying.

Want to crack IELTS fast? Use these prep tips and tricks.

IELTS Test Format: Computer-Delivered vs Paper-Based

The IELTS test format for both modes has the same number of questions, sections, time, and scoring. The difference lies in how you interact with the exam.

IELTS Computer-Based vs Paper-Based

Feature	Computer-Delivered IELTS	Paper-Based IELTS
Answer Mode	Typing for Writing; click for Reading/Listening	Handwriting responses in booklets
Tools Provided	On-screen timer, highlight tool, copy-paste, navigation tabs	Physical question paper and answer sheet
Results Timeline	3–5 days after test	13 days after test
Test Availability	More frequent test dates	Fewer slots per month

• Choose computer-based IELTS if you type faster than you write or prefer a cleaner interface with digital tools.
• Choose paper-based IELTS if you're more comfortable reading and writing on physical paper.

IELTS Test Format – Timing and Section Order

The IELTS test pattern always begins with Listening, followed by Reading and Writing. These three modules are completed back-to-back on the same day. The Speaking test may happen the same day or up to a week before/after.

IELTS Test Section Order and Timings

Section	Duration	Order
Listening	30 minutes (plus 10 mins transfer time for paper-based)	1st
Reading	60 minutes	2nd
Writing	60 minutes	3rd
Speaking	11–14 minutes	Scheduled separately (same day or different)

There are no official breaks between listening, reading, and writing—time is continuous. You must manage transitions quickly to avoid delays.

For Indian students, IDP India assigns Speaking slots via email or SMS. Always check your IELTS account dashboard for updates.

How long is your score valid? Check the IELTS score validity before applying.

Want to crack IELTS fast? Use these prep tips and tricks.

How Are IELTS Test Scores Calculated and Reported?

So, what is the IELTS marking scheme and band score? The IELTS test format assigns scores on a 0 to 9 band scale for each of the four sections—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Your final result includes individual band scores and an overall band score, which colleges, employers, and immigration bodies use to assess English proficiency.

IELTS Band Score Calculation Method

Section	Scoring Basis
Listening	Number of correct answers out of 40
Reading	Number of correct answers out of 40
Writing	Based on 4 criteria: Task Response, Coherence & Cohesion, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Accuracy
Speaking	Based on 4 criteria: Fluency & Coherence, Pronunciation, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Accuracy

All scores are equally weighted, meaning each module contributes 25% to the final score.

When Will IELTS Results Be Available?

Mode of Test	Result Release Timeline
Computer-based	3–5 calendar days
Paper-based	13 calendar days

Results are published online through your IELTS portal and are available for 28 days. The Test Report Form (TRF) is mailed or can be collected, depending on your center’s process.

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Need help planning your IELTS journey? Talk to upGrad for expert guidance.

How Overall IELTS Band Score Is Calculated

Your overall IELTS band score is the average of the four individual section scores, rounded to the nearest 0.5 or whole band.

Rounding rules:

• Average of 6.125 → rounded down to 6.0
• Average of 6.25 → rounded up to 6.5
• Average of 6.75 → rounded up to 7.0

For example, if your scores are 7 (Listening), 6.5 (Reading), 6.5 (Writing), and 6 (Speaking),
then: (7 + 6.5 + 6.5 + 6) ÷ 4 = 6.5