It is no wonder that navigating the study abroad journey has many ups and downs. From choosing the right university to planning accommodation and finances, it is chaos all through the way. One such challenge amidst all the havoc is preparing for the English language proficiency test such as IELTS. The IELTS, or International English Language Testing System, is essential for non-native English speakers who wish to pursue higher education or professional opportunities in English-speaking countries.
Whether you’re eyeing top universities in the UK, Australia, Canada, or the US, your first step is to book your IELTS application form. The IELTS test is required by several educational institutions across the world and is attempted by over 5 million students every year. By taking the IELTS test and obtaining a desirable score, international students can up their chances of getting into a reputable university and choosing their desired courses.
This blog is designed to provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to register for your IELTS application form in 2024. We’ll cover everything you need to know, from understanding how to apply for IELTS exam to navigating the registration process, fees, and more. With detailed insights and practical tips, this guide aims to make your IELTS booking experience smooth and hassle-free, ensuring you can focus on what truly matters—preparing for the exam and achieving your dream of studying abroad. For the right directions and assistance regarding booking your IELTS test application form, get in touch with MSM Unify.
Also read: Top 3 Reasons To Take IELTS Test
Types of IELTS exams
There are four types of IELTS exams:
1. IELTS Academic
IELTS Academic is intended for students wishing to pursue bachelor’s or master’s programs at an English-speaking university. The test evaluates your ability to interpret and use academic English in a range of settings, such as lectures, tutorials, and textbooks.
2. IELTS General Training
IELTS General Training is intended for persons who desire to move to an English-speaking nation, work in an English-speaking environment, or train or study below the degree level. The test measures your ability to speak in English in regular settings such as work, school, as well as social interactions.
3. IELTS for UKVI
IELTS for UKVI is a secure English language test (SELT) that is approved by the UK Home Office for visa applications. It is available in both Academic and General Training formats.
4. IELTS Life Skills
IELTS Life Skills is a SELT that assesses your speaking and listening skills only. It is available at three levels: A1, A2, and B1.
Also Read: Where Can Your IELTS Score Take You?
What’s the difference between the four types of IELTS exams?
Here is a table summarizing the key differences between the four types of IELTS exams:
Type of exam |
Purpose |
Reading and writing tests |
IELTS Academic | Studying at an English-speaking university | Academic texts, such as journal articles and textbooks |
IELTS General Training | Migrating to an English-speaking country, working in an English-speaking environment, or training or studying at below degree level | Everyday texts, such as newspapers, magazines, and brochures |
IELTS for UKVI | Applying for a UK visa | Available in both Academic and General Training formats |
IELTS Life Skills | Assessing speaking and listening skills only | Available at three levels: A1, A2, and B1 |
Modes of IELTS Examination
If you want to apply for IELTS exam, there are two modes through which you can do that: paper-based and computer-based. However, the speaking test is always the same in both modes, while the listening, reading, and writing tests are different.
Paper-based IELTS
The traditional format of the exam is known as paper-based IELTS. All four parts of the exam are done on paper. You will be provided with a pencil and an answer sheet for marking your responses.
Computer-based IELTS
A relatively new way of conducting this test is called computer-based IELTS. A computer is used for administering Listening, Reading and Writing sections instead. You will be given headphones and a keyboard to input your answers.
Speaking test
Speaking tests for both formats are identical in their content. It involves you being interviewed by an IELTS examiner face-to-face. This could entail questions about yourself, your hobbies, or some experiences that you have had in your life among other things chosen by the examiner.
Also read: IELTS Exam: Should You Take Computer-Based IELTS or IELTS on Paper
How to apply for IELTS exam in 2024?
To fill out your IELTS application form in 2024, you can follow these steps:
Here is a more detailed breakdown of each step:
Step 1:
Visit the official IELTS website and click on the “Book Now” button.
The official IELTS website is the best place to start your IELTS application process. You can find all the information you need about the exam, including test dates, locations, and fees.
Step 2:
Select your test date and test location.
There are four types of IELTS exams: Academic, General Training, for UKVI, and Life Skills. Choose the test type that is required by the institution or organization that you are applying to. Once you have selected your test type, you will need to choose a test date and location. Test dates and locations can vary depending on your country.
Click on the “Book Now” button. Once you have selected your test type, test date, and test location, you will be able to continue to the registration form.
Step 3:
Complete the online registration form.
The online registration form will ask you for basic information, such as your name, contact information, and passport number. You will also need to select your preferred Speaking test time slot.
NOTE: You will need to upload a copy of your passport (or other valid identification document) to your IELTS account. This is required for all IELTS test takers.
Step 4:
Pay the test fee.
The IELTS test fee varies depending on your country. You can pay the test fee using a credit or debit card.
Step 5:
Review your application and submit it.
Once you have completed the registration form and paid the test fee, you will need to review your application and submit it.
Once you have submitted your application, you will receive a confirmation email from IELTS. You will also be able to download a copy of your test confirmation from your IELTS account.
IELTS application form fee in 2024
The IELTS exam fee in India varies as per the exam type. Please refer to the below table for detailed information on IELTS test fees before understanding how to apply for IELTS:
Test Type | Cost (INR) |
Computer-delivered IELTS for UKVI | 16,500 |
Computer-delivered IELTS | 16,250 |
IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1) | 15,350 |
IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration | 16,500 |
Pen and paper-based IELTS | 16,250 |
IELTS 2024 Eligibility Criteria
The IELTS eligibility criteria for 2024 are as follows:
- You must be at least 16 years old on the day of the test.
- You must have a valid passport or other form of government-issued identification.
- You must meet the specific IELTS requirements of the institution or organization that you are applying to.
There is no minimum educational qualification for the IELTS exam. However, if you are planning to study at a university, you will need to meet the university’s entrance requirements, which may include specific IELTS scores.
How to fill out the application form for the IELTS One Skill Retake?
If you’ve taken your full test at an eligible test center, and you’re eligible for IELTS One Skill Retake, how do you book it?
- Log in to your IELTS profile here
- View your past test results
- Click the “retake” button on the skill you wish to retake.
- Fill in the required information, such as your details, preferred test date, and identification documents.
- Select the test center location from the available options in India.
- Pay the registration fee using the provided online payment methods.
- Once the registration is complete, you will receive an email confirmation with further instructions and your exam details.
How to reschedule the IELTS application form?
To reschedule your IELTS application form, you will need to contact the test center where you booked your test. You can find the contact information for your test center on the IELTS website.
If you reschedule your application more than 5 weeks before the test date, you will receive a refund minus an administration fee. If you reschedule your application within 5 weeks of the test date, you will be charged the full fee unless you have a serious medical reason. If you provide a medical certificate within 5 days of the test date, you will receive a refund minus the local administrative cost.
Here are the steps on how to reschedule your IELTS application form:
- Go to the IELTS website and log in to your account.
- Click on the “My Tests” tab.
- Click on the “Reschedule” button next to the test that you want to reschedule.
- Select a new test date and time.
- Pay the rescheduling fee.
- Confirm your rescheduling request.
You will receive a confirmation email from IELTS once your rescheduling request has been processed.
How to cancel the IELTS application form?
To cancel your IELTS application form, you will need to contact the test center where you booked your test. You can find the contact information for your test center on the IELTS website.
If you cancel your application more than 5 weeks before the test date, you will receive a refund minus an administration fee. If you cancel your application within 5 weeks of the test date, you will be charged the full fee unless you have a serious medical reason. If you provide a medical certificate within 5 days of the test date, you will receive a refund minus the local administrative cost.
Follow these steps to cancel your IELTS application form:
- Go to the IELTS website and log in to your account.
- Click on the “My Tests” tab.
- Click on the “Cancel” button next to the test that you want to cancel.
- Provide a reason for canceling your test.
- Confirm your cancellation request.
You will receive a confirmation email from IELTS once your cancellation request has been processed.
IELTS Exam Syllabus & Pattern
Sections | Details | NO. of Questions | Score | Duration |
Listening | MCQs will be asked accordingly | 40 | 40 | 30 min |
Reading | Multiple-choice questions will be asked accordingly | 40 | 40 | 60 min |
Writing |
|
2 | Whole/Half band | 60 min |
Speaking | Face-to-face interview | 3 | Whole/Half band | 11-14 min |
IELTS 2024 Exam Centers in India
State | City |
Gujarat | Ahmedabad |
Anand | |
Baroda | |
Mehsana | |
Rajkot | |
Surat | |
Vadodara | |
Navsari | |
Gandhinagar | |
Nadiad | |
Vapi | |
Punjab | Amritsar |
Jalandhar | |
Ludhiana | |
Moga | |
Patiala | |
Sri Muktsar Sahib | |
Sangrur | |
Raikot | |
Barnala | |
Bathinda | |
Faridkot | |
Firozpur | |
Gurdaspur | |
Hoshiarpur | |
Jagraon | |
Kapurthala | |
Nawanshahr | |
Kerala | Angamaly |
Calicut | |
Kochi | |
Kottayam | |
Thrissur | |
Chengannur | |
Kannur | |
Kollam | |
Kothamangalam | |
Trivandrum | |
Karnataka | Bangalore |
Mangalore | |
Madhya Pradesh | Bhopal |
Indore | |
Odisha | Bhubaneswar |
Chandigarh | Chandigarh |
Tamil Nadu | Chennai |
Coimbatore | |
Madurai | |
Tiruchirappalli | |
Delhi | New Delhi |
Haryana | Gurgaon |
Kurukshetra | |
Ambala | |
Karnal | |
Uttar Pradesh | Noida |
Lucknow | |
Goa | Goa |
Assam | Guwahati |
Rajasthan | Jaipur |
Sri Ganganagar | |
Telangana | Hyderabad |
West Bengal | Kolkata |
Siliguri | |
Maharashtra | Mumbai |
Navi Mumbai | |
Pune | |
Thane | |
Nagpur | |
Nashik | |
Bihar | Patna |
Chhattisgarh | Raipur |
Jharkhand | Ranchi |
Andhra Pradesh | Vijayawada |
Visakhapatnam | |
Tirupati | |
Uttarakhand | Rudrapur |
Dehradun | |
Jammu and Kashmir | Jammu |
Bhutan | Thimphu |
Improving your listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills is essential for the IELTS exam in India. Familiarizing yourself with the exam format and practicing regularly can greatly improve your IELTS score. If you’re considering taking the IELTS exam, speaking with our experts can provide valuable guidance. At MSM Unify, our team of experienced counselors is dedicated to assisting students in their study abroad journey.
FAQs
How to fill up the IELTS application form?
Visit the official IELTS website, sign up for an account, choose a test type and date, enter personal information, scan documents for identification, cover the registration fee, and then submit.
How to apply for IELTS exam?
To apply for IELTS exam, you need to go to the official IELTS website, select the type of test, as well as the date and place where you would like to be tested, fill in the application form, and pay registration fees.
How to register for the IELTS exam?
In order to register for the IELTS exam, one would need to visit the official IELTS website then create an account with the site, enter all required information, fill in the test date as well as the preferred center, and finally pay to register.
How many days before should I register for IELTS?
Students who are considering taking an IELTS test should make their registration not less than four weeks before registering online, please go to the official IELTS website. Slots are filled rather quickly, so it is advisable to register beforehand.