Tuesday, 2 September 2025

International English Language Testing System background

 International English Language Testing System

What is IELTS?

  • IELTS is an international standardized English language proficiency test.
  • It is widely accepted for study, work, and migration purposes in English-speaking countries like the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and others.
  • It is jointly managed by British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English.

Types of IELTS

1.      IELTS Academic

o    For students applying to universities or professional registration.

o    Focuses on academic English.

2.      IELTS General Training (GT)

o    For migration, work experience, or training programs.

o    Focuses on everyday English in social and workplace contexts.

3.      IELTS for UKVI

o    A specific IELTS test required for UK visas and immigration.


Test Format

Total time: 2 hours 45 minutes

1.      Listening (30 min)

o    4 sections, 40 questions (conversations & monologues).

2.      Reading (60 min)

o    3 sections, 40 questions.

o    Academic & GT have different reading texts.

3.      Writing (60 min)

o    Task 1: Report (Academic) or Letter (GT).

o    Task 2: Essay (both Academic & GT).

4.      Speaking (11–14 min)

o    Face-to-face interview with an examiner.

o    3 parts: Introduction & Interview, Cue Card (long turn), and Discussion.


Scoring

  • Band scale: 0–9 (half bands possible, e.g., 6.5).
  • Each section scored separately, then averaged for Overall Band Score.
  • Example: Listening 6.5 + Reading 7.0 + Writing 6.0 + Speaking 7.0 = Overall Band 6.5.

Validity

  • IELTS results are valid for 2 years.

Acceptance

  • Accepted by 10,000+ organizations worldwide, including universities, immigration authorities, employers, and professional bodies.

 

Updates

1. Four Modules — Format Unchanged

The core structure of the IELTS—Listening, Reading, Writing, and speaking—remain the same for paper-based tests. There have been no official changes to module formats or patterns in 2025, including in Nepal.


2. Writing Instruments — Pen-Only Policy

A significant change has been implemented starting January 25, 2025:

  • Pencils are now banned for paper-based IELTS.
  • Only pens (specifically black ballpoint pens) are permitted.
  • The test center will provide the pens—candidates are not allowed to bring their own writing materials.

This applies to the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections.


3. New Entry Rules (Nepal Context)

While the pen-only rule is global, additional important rules in Nepal include:

  • For non-residents registering for paper-based IELTS (bookings made on or after January 16, 2025), you must provide proof of residence in Nepal (e.g., valid student visa, work permit, residency visa) via email at least 3 days before your test.
  • Failure to supply this documentation results in your paper-based booking being cancelled, though you may opt for the computer-based IELTS without requiring such proof. IDP IELTS

Summary Table

Category

Old Policy (Pre-2025)

New Rule (2025 Onward)

Modules & Format

Traditional format across Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking

No changes; structure remains the same

Writing Instruments

Pencil (especially for Listening/Reading), pen optional

Pen-only allowed; pencils banned; center provides black ballpoint pens

Entry Rules (Nepal)

Paper-based open to residents and non-residents alike

Non-residents need proof of 3-month valid Nepal residence; without it, booking is cancelled


What You Should Do

  • Practice with pen only—write all mock tests, especially writing tasks, using a black ballpoint pen to build comfort and speed.
  • On test day, do not bring your own pen or pencil—rely on the pen provided by the test center.
  • If you're not a Nepal resident, prepare proof of valid residence and send it at least three days before your exam to avoid cancellation.
  • Confirm with your test center if any further local rules or clarifications apply.

 

Exam Fees (since June 8, 2025)

·         Standard (Academic/GT): 36,200 (Paper) | 33,000 (Computer)

·         UKVI (Academic/GT): 39,600 (Paper) | 36,400 (Computer)

·         UKVI Life Skills A1/B1: 27,400 (Paper only)

 

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