IELTS Selection Process: The full form of IELTS is the International English Language Testing System which is conducted for candidates who wish to study abroad. In the IELTS exam, candidates will be tested to determine whether or not they fulfill the eligibility criteria for the undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
There are two sets of IELTS exams: one is the academic test, and the other is the general test. The academic test is for candidates who wish to seek admission abroad, and the general test is for those who wish to work abroad. The details given below will help candidates understand the IELTS selection procedure.
Highlights of the IELTS Selection Process
The table mentioned below consists of all the important details regarding the IELTS selection procedure.
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | International English Language Testing System (IELTS) |
| Official Website | IELTS Exam Official Site |
| Most popular for | Study, work, and migration to English speaking countries like Australia, New Zealand, and the UK |
| Also accepted by | Canada and USA |
| Conducted by | IDP Education Ltd. |
| Mode of Exam | Computer and Paper – delivered test |
| IELTS Registration Fee | Rs 14,700 |
| Score Range | On a scale of 1 (being the lowest) to 9 (being the highest) |
| IELTS Contact | British Council 0120-4569000 / 0120-6684353, Mon-Sat 09.00 to 18.00 Email: ExamsCustomerCare@britishcouncil.org IDP Head Office +91-124-4445999/ 1800-102-4544 Email: ielts.india@idp.com |
How Is the IELTS Selection Procedure Conducted?
Every single college has its own selection criteria, which are set individually. To qualify for some of the best institutes, candidates must score a minimum of 6 bands. If candidates want to get into some of the best institutes, they must score in the 7–8 range. The table mentioned below will help candidates understand the IELTS exam pattern and how the exam is conducted.
| Sections | Duration | IELTS Test Description | Total Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 30 minutes | Multiple Choice Questions Diagram Labelling Sentence Completion Summary Completion | 40 |
| Reading | 60 minutes | Multiple Choice Questions Sentence Completion Summary Completion Matching Features Matching Headings | 40 |
| Writing | 60 minutes | Two Writing Tasks | 2 |
| Speaking | 11-14 minutes | Face-to-face interview Short question Structured Discussion | 3 |
IELTS Score Criteria for Selection in USA Colleges
| Name of Institution | IELTS minimum requirement (undergraduate programmes) | IELTS minimum requirement (postgraduate programmes) |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 7 | 7 |
| California Institute of Technology | 7 | 7 |
| Harvard University | 7 | 7 |
| University of Michigan | 7 | 7 |
| Yale University | 7 | 7 |
| University of Chicago | 7 | 7 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 7 | 7 |
| Johns Hopkins University | 7 | 7 |
| University of California, Berkeley | 7 | 7 |
| Columbia University | 7 | 7 |
| New York University | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| University of Minnesota | 6.5 | 6.5 |
IELTS Band Requirement for UK Institutes
| Name of Institution | IELTS minimum requirement (undergraduate programmes) | IELTS minimum requirement (postgraduate programmes) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Oxford | 7 | 7.5 |
| University of Cambridge | 7 | 7 |
| Imperial College London | 7 | 7 |
| London School of Economics and Political Science | 7 | 7.5 |
| University of Nottingham | 7 | 7 |
| University College London | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| University of Edinburgh | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| Durham University | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| University of Bristol | 6 | 6 |
| University of Birmingham | 6 | 6.5 |
| Queen Mary University of London | 6 | 6.5 |
| University of Leeds | 6 | 6.5 |
Marking Scheme for IELTS Band Score
The IELTS score card consists of the score that a candidate has scored in the IELTS IDP results. On the basis of the scores that the candidates have earned, they will be granted admission into such colleges. Candidates are awarded a score between 0 and 9. The table given below consists of the IELTS band score.
| Band | Skill Level | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Band 9 | Expert user | Has fully operational command of the language |
| Band 8 | Very good user | Fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies |
| Band 7 | Good user | Has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies and misunderstandings in some situations |
| Band 6 | Competent user | Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations |
| Band 5 | Modest user | Has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes |
| Band 4 | Limited user | Have frequent problems in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language |
| Band 3 | Extremely limited user | Conveys and understands the only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns occur in communication |
| Band 2 | Intermittent user | Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English |
| Band 1 | Non-user | Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words |
| Band 0 | Did not attempt the test | No assessable information provided |
Also, Read:
- IELTS Preparation Tips for Listening Section
- IELTS Syllabus 2025
- IELTS Sample Paper 2025
- IELTS exam dates 2025 in India
- IELTS preparation tips for beginners
FAQs Related to IELTS Selection Procedure /fa
Is there any limit on the number of attempts for the IELTS examination?
No, there is no limit set by the exam conducting authorities on the number of attempts for the exam.
What is the selection procedure after the IELTS 2025 exam?
The selection procedure after the IELTS 2025 exam is that candidates are required to submit their scores to the institutes of their choice.