IELTS Paper Based Test 2024: Format, Fee, Practice Tests

A. The IELTS paper-based test is a traditional IELTS exam in which you must answer the questions in pen-and-paper format. It is the oldest of the two modes and has been conducted for almost 30 years. The IELTS paper-based test duration is 2 hours and 45 minutes long, priced at INR 17,000 (for Academic and General Training tests).

A. You can register for the IELTS paper-based test on the official website of IELTS IDP India. Here are the steps to follow: 

• Sign up on the IELTS IDP India website
• Choose a paper-based test as the mode
• Choose the type of exam you want to take
• Choose the dates and test centre
• Pay the test fee and complete your registration

A. The IELTS paper-based test duration is 2 hours and 45 minutes, plus 10 minutes of transfer time. The duration remains the same for both computer and paper-based tests. The full breakdown of each section is as follows: 
 

A. Yes. You can take notes during the IELTS paper-based test. You will be provided with a paper for note-taking, along with a pen/pencil. You can also take notes during the Speaking test to brainstorm. You can also jot down keywords and important points while listening to the audio in the Listening section. Taking notes is a good habit, and it has been claimed to help many students keep up with the test and avoid any significant confusion. 

A. No. Since IELTS on computer and paper have the same modules, score range, and scoring criteria, they have the same difficulty level. The level of difficulty may vary with your preferences. For instance, you may face hurdles during the IELTS computer test if you need more basic computer skills. In this context, IELTS on paper may be much easier for you.

A. Yes, you can. IELTS is offered in two modes: On paper and computer. You can decide which mode you want to take based on your preferences and comfort level. The paper-based test is the oldest exam mode, which IELTS has used for over 30 years. If you’re comfortable writing on paper, compared to typing on the computer, you should pick the IELTS paper-based test.

A. IELTS is scored on a scale of 0-9. There are four modules in IELTS: Reading, Speaking, Writing, and Listening. Each module gets a score between 0 and 9, then averaged and rounded to the nearest whole or half number. For example, if your score is 6.75, it will be rounded off to 7. If your score is 6.35, it will be rounded off to 6.5. IELTS uses the same scoring mechanisms for both paper-based and computer-based tests. 

A. The main difference is the medium of the exam. In paper-based tests, you write on paper, while computer-based tests require you to type on a computer. Apart from that, a computer-based test requires you to listen to recordings through headphones and write your answers on the question paper or an answer sheet. The speaking test remains common for both modes and will be done in a 1-on-1 interview format.

A. Yes, you can. Many websites allow you to download PDFs for IELTS paper-based tests. You can use these resources for IELTS paper-based test practice. Make sure you double-check where you get these resources from and only pick resources from the most credible sources, such as the official website. You can also find IELTS paper-based practice tests on our website. 

A. The IELTS paper-based test fee was revised recently and is updated to INR 17,000 for both Academic and General versions. Here is a full breakdown of the same: 
 

A. You can register for the IELTS on paper test online and take the exam at a designated test centre. IELTS, on paper, is available around 48 times a year and at least 4 times a month. However, check the dates based on your location since it varies depending on the city.