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What is IELTS? Format, scoring and versions explained
IELTS measures English in four skills and reports a band from 0 to 9. This guide covers each part, how marking works and which version you need.
Last reviewed 30 September 2026. Figures are checked against the sources listed at the bottom of the page.
Talk to a counsellorThe four parts of the test
| Section | Time | Tasks | What it tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | About 30 minutes | 40 questions across 4 recordings: a conversation, a monologue, a discussion between students, an academic lecture | Understanding main ideas, detail, opinions and following an argument |
| Reading | 60 minutes | 40 questions across 3 passages. Academic uses academic texts; General Training uses everyday and work texts | Skimming, scanning, inference, matching headings and information |
| Writing | 60 minutes | Task 1 (at least 150 words): Academic describes a graph, chart, table or process; GT writes a letter. Task 2 (at least 250 words): an essay responding to a point of view. Task 2 counts for more of the writing score | Task achievement, coherence, vocabulary and grammar |
| Speaking | 11 to 14 minutes | Face-to-face with an examiner: Part 1 short questions, Part 2 a talk from a cue card, Part 3 discussion | Fluency, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation |
Timings are standard for the format. Your booking confirmation gives your exact schedule. Speaking can be taken on the test day or within a week either side, subject to availability, according to the British Council booking guidance.
Which version do you need?
| Version | Who it is for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | University study and professional registration | The most common version for students |
| IELTS General Training | Work experience, training below degree level, and some migration | Not usually accepted for degree admission |
| IELTS for UKVI (Academic or GT) | UK visa routes that need a Secure English Language Test | Sat at approved centres with extra security. Fee Rs 72,000 at the British Council |
| IELTS Life Skills A1 and B1 | UK family, settlement and citizenship routes | Speaking and listening only. Not for degree entry |
| One Skill Retake | Anyone who wants to improve a single section | Computer tests only. Retake one skill once per original test, within 60 days |
Ask your university which version it needs. A wrong version wastes a test fee.
How scoring works
Each skill gets a band from 0 to 9, in whole or half bands. The overall band is the average of the four, rounded to the nearest half band. Use the calculator on the IELTS page to try your own numbers.
| Band | Level | Approximate CEFR |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Expert user | C2 |
| 8 to 8.5 | Very good user | C1 (8.5 reaches C2) |
| 7 to 7.5 | Good user | C1 |
| 6 to 6.5 | Competent user | B2 |
| 5.5 | Modest user | B2 (lower) |
| 4 to 5 | Limited to modest user | B1 |
| Below 4 | Extremely limited to non-user | A2 and below |
Approximate mapping for orientation only. Each institution publishes its own requirement.
- Per-skill minimums. Many universities and visa routes say “6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any skill”. One weak section can fail you.
- Results. Computer tests: usually available in 1 to 2 days through the Test Taker Portal. UKVI Life Skills can take up to 9 days.
- Validity. Two years from the test date.
- Enquiry on Results. You can request a remark within six weeks for a fee. The score can stay the same or go up, but not down.
Computer vs paper
In Pakistan the British Council booking page lists computer delivery for Academic, General Training and UKVI tests, and computer results arrive faster than paper. On computer you type your answers, and the Reading, Writing and Listening parts run on screen, while Speaking is still with a human examiner. Take the free familiarisation test and tutorial on the British Council site before you book. Practise typing 250 words in 40 minutes.
Myths that cost marks
- “Longer essays score higher.” Writing is scored on quality against the descriptors. Padding lowers coherence.
- “Examiners want big words.” Correct, natural vocabulary beats rare words used wrongly.
- “I can memorise a speaking answer.” Examiners are trained to spot rehearsed scripts and will probe with follow-up questions.
- “Listening is about catching every word.” It is about following the thread and answering the question asked.
- “You pass or fail IELTS.” There is no pass mark. Your score is compared with each institution’s requirement.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a pass mark in IELTS?
No. You receive band scores, and each university or visa office decides what score it needs.
What is the difference between IELTS Academic and General Training?
Listening and Speaking are the same. Reading and Writing differ: Academic uses academic texts and graph or process descriptions, while General Training uses everyday texts and a letter.
Can I retake just one section?
Yes, through IELTS One Skill Retake on computer tests, once per original test, within 60 days, if your institution accepts it. Check the list of accepting organisations first.
How long does it take to get results?
For IELTS on computer, usually 1 to 2 days, available online in the Test Taker Portal.
What ID do I need on test day?
The same valid passport or national ID you used to book. The British Council says the ID for a One Skill Retake must be the same one used for the original test and must still be valid.
Sources and how we verify
Checked on 30 September 2026. This page is general information, not legal, immigration, medical or financial advice. Rules, fees and deadlines change, so confirm with the official body before you pay or apply.
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