IELTS Application Form: Exam Pattern, Fees & How To Register

Aspirants aiming to appear for IELTS need to register for the examination well in advance of the desired test dates. The registration can be done either online or in person. Candidates can choose to appear either for the computer-based or the paper-based IELTS test. While the computer-based test is available up to three times a day, seven days a week, the paper-based test is available on four dates each month. IELTS is one of the most renowned English language proficiency tests conducted in more than 140+ nations. With millions of candidates appearing for it each year, it enjoys high demand globally. It is recommended to register for this test at least three months in advance to ensure the availability of test centres and time slots. Here is a comprehensive guide to help students correctly fill up the IELTS application form and register for the test. 

Guide to Register for IELTS Online

IELST registration through the online method is highly convenient, fast, simple and hassle-free. However, one needs a valid passport and a debit/credit card for the process. Candidates can fill up the IELTS application form online through the following steps:

1. Go to the official website of IELTS India and create an account.
2. Click on ‘Register for IELTS’.
3. Now, choose the preferred medium for the test (computer-based or paper-based).
4. Select the test module as per preference and requirements (Academic, General Training, IELTS for UKVI or IELTS Life Skills).
5. Choose the desired test location.
6. Then, pick the test date and time slots.
7. Provide relevant details and carefully fill up the online IELTS application form. Upload a scanned copy of your passport.
8. Review the entered details and pay the registration fee either through net banking or credit/debit cards. 

Candidates will receive an acknowledgement slip once registration is complete. 

Guide to Register for IELTS Offline

If candidates are not able to register via the online process, they can choose to apply in person. For this, they need to follow these steps:

1.  Visit the nearest IDP branch office or Referral Partner with a downloaded and duly filled IELTS application form. 
2. Submit a photocopy of passport along with a signed declaration form. 
3. Pay the registration fee in any of the following methods:

• Through debit or credit card
• Through demand draft payable at New Delhi
• By depositing cash at any ICICI Bank branch

Test-takers must provide accurate communication details to make sure their study material and TRFs reach without delay or hassle.

Tips to Remember while Registering for IELTS

Registration is a crucial element during any competitive examination. Students should keep the following factors in mind before applying for the test:

• Aspirants should make sure that they have a valid passport. A passport is necessary not only to register for IELTS but also to gain access to test centres on the day of the examination.
• Those opting for online registration must have access to net banking or a debit/credit card (Visa, Mastercard, and Visa Electron).
• The registration should be done, keeping in mind the deadline for admission to the chosen universities.
• One should keep a printed copy of the online IELTS application form for future reference.

IELTS Registration Fee Structure

The test fee for IELTS depends on the type of test one chooses. This table shows the charges required for IELTS registration:  

IELTS test type	Cost
Computer-based IELTS	Rs. 14,700
Paper-based IELTS	Rs. 14,700
IELTS for UKVI	Rs. 15,100
IELTS Life Skills	Rs. 13,940

However, one must know that these fees are subject to change at the discretion of the conducting entities. 

Scholarship for IELTS Registration Fee Waiver 

There are no provisions to reduce the fee for IELTS registration. However, meritorious candidates from low-income families can apply for a scholarship to waive off the registration charges. Eligible candidates will receive a complete refund of the registration fee within 45 days of test results. Those who wish to waive off their IELTS fees need to fulfil these eligibility criteria:

• The candidate has to come from a family with a monthly income of not more than $250.
• Applicants have to secure at least 75% marks in the high school examination and a minimum of 3.0 GPA in undergraduate study. 
• One has to be below 32 years while applying for the fee waiver.
• Candidates should not have appeared for IELTS before.

The entire fee amount will be credited to the candidate’s bank account within the mentioned time. 

A Brief Overview of IELTS Test Pattern

The exam pattern for both the Academic and General Training test is similar. There are four test sections in IELTS exams: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. Here is a brief guide on the test pattern of IELTS exam:

Test Type	No. of Questions	Allotted Time	Description
Reading	40	60 minutes	This section consists of three passages taken from books, magazines, journals, company brochures, etc. Students have to answer questions from these excerpts. The texts can be factual, discursive, descriptive or analytical.
Writing	2	60 minutes	Candidates have to answer two tasks including a 150 words summary and a 250 words essay.
Listening	40	30 minutes	Here, test-takers will answer various types of questions on the basis of four pre-recorded audio clips. These clips will be monologues and conversations.
Speaking	3	11-14 minutes	This is basically a face-to-face interview with an IELTS examiner. It consists of a short speech on a given topic, a brief round of questions and a detailed discussion on the topic.

 While the first three sections take place on the designated test date, the Speaking section is conducted either before or after the test date. Candidates are required to register for the IELTS exam after taking the application deadlines of the preferred universities into consideration. This will help them to plan the successive steps of their study abroad journey accordingly. Studying overseas requires careful planning in advance, which can be quite intimidating for students. This is where Leap Scholar comes in. Leap Scholar provides complete guidance to help them have a smooth and hassle-free study abroad experience. Aspirants can get expert assistance in terms of financing, IELTS registration, admission application and more.