Frequently Asked Questions About IELTS Exam

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a standardized English language proficiency test conducted internationally.

This test is specifically for students who do not speak English as their first language. IELTS has grown in popularity in Bhutan and among those who aspire to travel abroad for studies and work.

International students to undergo the IELTS exam in countries such as Australia, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand require IELTS exam.

The IELTS exam consists of four sections: reading, writing, listening and speaking.

Curious about what IELTS is and everything related to the test? Learn everything you need to know about IELTS exam with Chhundu Training Institute.

The IELTS Exam Explained

1. Where can I take the IELTS exam?

In Bhutan, the British Council India administers the IELTS exam.

You can register and book your test dates for the IELTS exam at the Royal Institute of Management (RIM). Registrations are processed centrally at the British Council offices in Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, and Kolkata.

Note: Simply register for a coaching course at our Institute to ace your exam and gain admission to prestigious universities abroad.

2. What are the two kinds of IELTS exams?

The IELTS exam is divided into two sections: Academic and General Training.

The IELTS Academic test is intended for individuals seeking higher education or professional registration in an English-speaking country.

It reflects some aspects of academic language and evaluates your preparation to begin studying or training.

The IELTS General Training exam is intended for students going to English-speaking countries for secondary school, work experience, or training programs.

It is also required for immigrants traveling abroad. The exam focuses on basic survival skills in various social and workplace settings.

The Listening and Speaking sections are the same for both tests, but the Reading and Writing sections vary based on which test you take.

3. Which IELTS exam should I take?

IELTS Academic

IELTS Academic measures whether your English language proficiency suits an academic environment.

Take this test if you want to:

Study at an undergraduate level or postgraduate level.

Apply for a Student Route visa (Tier 4) at a university

Work in an English-speaking country for a professional organization.

IELTS General Training

IELTS General Training measures English language proficiency in a practical, everyday context. The tasks and tests reflect both workplace and social situations.

Take this test if you would like to:

Study or train below degree level

Work or undertake work-related training in an English-speaking country

Migrate to an English-speaking country

4. What is the IELTS exam format?

The IELTS exam is divided into four sections: listening (30 minutes), reading (60 minutes), writing (60 minutes), and speaking (30 minutes) (11-14 minutes).

The first three sections of the test will be taken on the same day, in the following order: listening, reading, and writing (there are no breaks between these tests).

Depending on local arrangements, the test lasts 2 hours and 45 minutes, and the speaking test will be held on the same day, seven days before or two days after.

The Listening, Reading, Writing, And Speaking Test

1. What accents can be heard in the Listening and Speaking tests?

IELTS is an international exam, and both tests feature a range of English accents.

2. Does the IELTS listening tape include instructions and pauses?

Yes. At first, you will hear instructions, then read the section 1 questions, listen to the section 1 audio, and answer the questions.

3. Is there a 10-minute transfer period in the IELTS Reading test?

No. The Reading test lasts one hour, and you must complete all your answers on the answer sheet within that time frame.

4. Can I take the IELTS Listening and Reading tests with a pen?

No. The IELTS test must be done in pencil. A computer, which cannot read a pen, scans the answer sheet.

5. Can I take notes on the IELTS Listening and Reading question papers?

Yes. The IELTS Examiner will not see your question paper.

6. What exactly is the IELTS Speaking exam?

The Speaking test consists of a conversation with an IELTS Examiner. The Speaking test is divided into three sections as it is recorded on an audio cassette or digital recorder.

7. What do I need to prepare for the IELTS Speaking test?

You must bring the same identification documents you used for the rest of the test you provided on your IELTS Application Form.

Before you enter the interview room, your ID will be checked. Personal items such as electronic devices and watches are not permitted in the Speaking test room.

Booking For The IELTS Test

1. Where do I go to take the IELTS exam?

IELTS is offered on 48 set dates throughout the year, up to four times each month, depending on demand in the area.

2. How much is the IELTS exam?

The test fee for IELTS is predetermined. The cost of the Academic and General Training exams is the same. The charge will be disclosed to you when you apply.

3. What assistance is available for IELTS test takers with visual, hearing, speaking, or learning disabilities?

If you experience issues with your vision, hearing, speaking, or learning, authorized British Council IELTS test centers can assist you.

Please be advised that you must produce medical documentation to back your claim if you need a customized version of the IELTS.

Note: A medical practitioner must write the medical report in English within two years of the test date and submit it six weeks before the test.

On The Test Day

1. What is permitted at the IELTS test center?

Writing instruments like pens, pencils, and erasers. The passport or government-issued identification card you used to submit your IELTS application must be brought to the test.

Everything else must be left outside the testing area. Mobile phones, pagers, and any other electronic devices must be turned off and put with personal belongings in the location that the supervisor has assigned.

You will only be eligible if you keep your phone, pager, or any other electronic device on you or turn it off. The test room does not permit the wearing of personal timepieces.

2. Which IELTS test component should I take first?

The listening test is the first you'll take, then the reading and writing tests (there are no breaks between these tests).

3. Is the IELTS test completed in one day?

The Listening, Reading, and Writing tests are always completed immediately after each other and with no break.

The Speaking test will be held on the same day, seven days before or two days after, depending on local arrangements.

Result, Scores, And Report Forms

1. When will I get the results of my IELTS exam?

Your Test Report Form will be mailed to you 13 days following your test date.

2. Can I access the results of my IELTS test online?

You will get a notification email with links to your IELTS results. If you take the IELTS exam on paper, you can check your results online 13 days following the exam.

Within three to five days following the test, if you take the IELTS on a computer, your results will be accessible online.

Concluding Thought

The more practice tests you take, the better you will identify your weak points. Working with a tutor will speed up and improve your progress in this situation.

Enroll in CTI in Bhutan to get guidance from qualified tutors. It is ideal to have experts who are proficient in the test format and have a strong background in English.

Self-study makes it challenging to evaluate your progress. You will be the only one studying as though you were taking regular examinations.

Nobody will be there to correct you if you make an unnoticed error. Hiring a professional tutor will provide you with someone to help you identify gaps in your learning process and pinpoint your learning objectives.

Learn why IELTS exam coaching classes are necessary and excel in your tests with Chhundu Training Institute.