IELTS Exam 2025: Dates, Pattern, Merit List & Old Question Papers
International English Language Testing System
IELTS Exam Details Overview
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) evaluate competence and proficiency in English language in four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. IELTS follows two formats:
- Academic: Applying for higher education or professional registration.
- General Training: Migrating to English-speaking countries or applying for secondary education.
IELTS Test Formats
- Paper-Based IELTS: Traditional format with paper and pencil.
- Computer-Delivered IELTS: Conducted on a computer at designated centers.
- IELTS for UKVI: For visa and immigration purposes to the UK.
International English Language Testing System
IELTS Exam Pattern
The IELTS exam pattern has four sections:
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
Listening, Reading and Writing are conducted on the same day meanwhile speaking may be scheduled 7 days before or after the test. The pattern varies between Academic and General Training tests with different question types in each section but its minimum. Understanding the IELTS exam pattern helps you prepare better.
This section will give you a quick glance of IELTS exam pattern and sections decomposition:
Paper | Total Questions | Time |
IELTS Listening | 40 questions |
|
IELTS Reading | 40 questions | 60 minutes |
IELTS Writing | 2 tasks | 60 minutes |
IELTS Speaking | 3 parts | 11-14 minutes |
IELTS Listening Section (30 minutes)
The below table provide basic details of IELTS listening section:
Particulars | Details |
Sections | 4 (conversations and monologues) |
Number of Questions | 40 |
Question Types |
|
Duration | 30 minutes |
Skills Assessed |
|
IELTS Reading Section (60 minutes)
This table enumerates IELTS reading section information briefly:
Particulars | Academic | General Training |
Number of Sections | 3 long texts | 3 sections (workplace, social survival, general reading) |
Number of Questions | 40 | 40 |
Question Types |
| Same as Academic |
Duration | 60 minutes | 60 minutes |
Skills Assessed |
| Same as Academic |
IELTS Writing Section (60 minutes)
The table below presents IELTS exam writing section details:
Particulars | Academic | General Training |
Task 1 | Describe visual info (graphs, charts, diagrams) | Write a letter (formal, semi-formal, informal) |
Task 2 | Respond to an argument or problem | Essay in response to a point of view, argument, or problem |
Duration | 60 minutes | 60 minutes |
Skills Assessed |
| Same as Academic |
IELTS Speaking Section (11–14 minutes)
The table below highlights essential particulars of IELTS exam speaking section:
Particulars | Details |
Format | Face-to-face interview with examiner |
Part 1 | Introduction and interview |
Part 2 | Long turn (talk on a topic) |
Part 3 | Discussion (questions related to the topic) |
Duration | 11-14 minutes |
Skills Assessed |
|
International English Language Testing System
IELTS Sample Paper
Practising with IELTS sample papers is mandatory if you want to excel. These papers are in the same format as the actual exam and help you identify your weak areas that need improvement. Regular practice with mock tests will improve your performance and increase your chances of getting a higher band score.
Types of test | Sample Paper | |
IELTS Reading Sample Papers | IELTS reading practice tests 2025 - General Training | IELTS reading practice tests 2025 - Academic |
IELTS Writing Papers | ||
IELTS Speaking Sample Paper | ||
IELTS Listening Sample Paper | ||
International English Language Testing System
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