ielts.india@idp.com 
1800-102-4544 
If you're planning to take the IELTS exam this year, you're in the right place. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a globally recognised English language proficiency test that is widely used for study, work, and immigration purposes. It is essential to familiarise yourself with the IELTS syllabus and exam pattern to ensure you are well-prepared and can perform at your best on exam day. In this blog, we will provide you with an overview of the IELTS syllabus and exam pattern for 2024. So, let's dive in and get you ready for success in your IELTS exam in 2024!
Types of IELTS
There are several types of IELTS exams, each designed for different purposes and individuals. The main types of IELTS are:
IELTS Academic: This test is primarily for individuals who plan to study in an English-speaking country. It assesses a wide range of language skills, including Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, with an emphasis on academic language and tasks.
IELTS General Training: This test is typically taken by individuals who are planning to migrate to an English-speaking country for work or immigration purposes, or for those who wish to undertake non-academic training programs. It also assesses Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking skills, but with a focus on everyday language and tasks.
IELTS for UKVI: This test is specifically for individuals applying for a UK visa. It meets the language requirements for visa applications to the UK and is accepted by UK Visas and Immigration as evidence of English language proficiency.
IELTS Life Skills: This test is designed for individuals who need to prove their English language ability for UK visa purposes, specifically for family and settlement routes. It assesses listening and speaking skills at two levels: A1 (for the family route) and B1 (for the settlement route).
Each type of IELTS test has its own format, scoring, and specific requirements. It is important to determine which type of IELTS test you need to take based on your specific goals and requirements before registering for the exam.
What is the process of IELTS exam registration?
You may either book your IELTS test online or visit your nearest IDP branch to book it offline. Here’s how:
Log on to our IELTS India website.
Select the option ‘Register for IELTS.’
Select your preferred test – computer-delivered IELTS/ paper-based (IELTS, IELTS for UKVI or Life Skills).
Select your test type/module – Academic or General Training for IELTS, IELTS for UKVI, A1, and B1 for Life Skills (be extremely careful while choosing the module you wish to take).
Pick your desired test location/city (from the available IELTS test centres in India).
Once done, you will find a list of dates available for your preferences. Select your desired date and time slot.
Fill up the required details and complete your online application. Remember, you will also have to upload a clear, scanned colour copy of your passport to complete the process.
Proceed to pay the test fee.
IELTS test fee
IELTS syllabus, exam pattern and duration 2024
If you're preparing for the IELTS exam. We have provided you with an overview of the latest IELTS syllabus and exam pattern, giving you the essential information, you need to ace your exam. Whether you're aiming for IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training, let's dive into what you can expect in 2024.
Listening Section
Duration: 30 minutes
You will be presented with four recorded texts, including monologues and conversations by native speakers.
You must then answer a series of questions that assess your ability to comprehend the main ideas, detailed information, opinions, and attitudes expressed by the speakers.
Additionally, you will be tested on your ability to understand the purpose of the spoken words and follow the progression of ideas.
The recordings feature a variety of voices and accents from native speakers, and each section will be played only once.
It's important to note that the Listening component is identical for both the Academic and General Training versions of the test.
Section 1 | A conversation between two people is set in an everyday social context, such as a conversation in an accommodation agency. |
Section 2 | A monologue set in an everyday social context, like a speech about local facilities. |
Section 3 | A conversation between up to four people set in an educational or training context, such as a university tutor and a student discussing an assignment. |
Section 4 | A monologue on an academic subject, like a university lecture. |
Reading Section
Duration: 60 minutes
The Reading component of the test consists of 40 questions that cover a diverse range of reading skills. These questions are designed to assess your ability to comprehend the general idea, main concepts, details, and logical arguments in a text.
You will also need to identify the opinions, attitudes, and purpose of the writers. The question types used in this component vary to test different reading techniques, such as skimming and understanding the writer's perspective.
Reading – Academic
In the Academic version of the test, you will encounter three lengthy texts that encompass a wide range of styles, from descriptive and factual to discursive and analytical. These texts are authentic and have been sourced from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers.
While they are intended for a non-specialist audience, they are appropriate for individuals who are preparing for undergraduate or postgraduate courses or seeking professional registration.
Reading – General Training
The General Training version requires you to read extracts from books, magazines, newspapers, notices, advertisements, company handbooks, and guidelines.
These are materials you are likely to encounter on a daily basis in an English-speaking environment.
Writing Section
Duration: 60 minutes
Writing – Academic
The Academic version of the Writing component consists of two tasks, each addressing topics of broad relevance and suitability for individuals entering undergraduate or postgraduate studies, or those seeking professional registration.
Task 1 | Task 2 |
|---|---|
You will be presented with a graph, table, chart, or diagram and are asked to describe, summarise, or explain the information in your own words You may be asked to describe and explain data, explain the stages of a process, how something works, or describe an object or event | You will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument, or problem. Responses to both tasks must be written in a formal style. |
Writing – General Training
The General Training version of the Writing component comprises two tasks that revolve around topics of general interest, designed to assess candidates' ability to communicate effectively in common real-life situations.
Task 1 | Task 2 |
You will be presented with a situation and asked to write a letter requesting information or explaining the situation. The letter may be personal, semi-formal, or formal in style. | You will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument, or problem. The essay can be slightly more personal in style than the Academic Writing Task 2 essay. |
Speaking Section
Duration: 11 to 14 minutes
The Speaking component of the test evaluates your proficiency in spoken English and typically takes about 11 to 14 minutes to complete. It is recorded for assessment purposes. Notably, the Speaking component is identical in both the Academic and General Training versions, similar to the Listening component.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 |
|---|---|---|
You will be asked to answer general questions about yourself and a range of familiar topics, such as your home, family, work, studies, and interests. This part lasts between four to five minutes. | You will be given a card that asks you to talk about a particular topic. You will have one minute to prepare before speaking for up to two minutes. The examiner then asks you one or two questions on the same topic to finish this part of the test. | You will be asked further questions connected to the topic in Part 2. These questions give you an opportunity to discuss more abstract issues and ideas. |
IELTS preparation tips
Here are the tips and strategies to help you prepare effectively and confidently for the IELTS test, ensuring you are ready to achieve your desired score and excel in your language proficiency goals.
IELTS Listening test tips
Most important: check if your headphones are working, if not, raise your hand
Utilise the time allotted to prepare the questions. Read through them before the recording starts
Listen to the recording attentively and focus more on answers than understanding everything. Remember that the recording is played only once
Take notes on your question paper when listening to the recording
Write within the given word limit for each question
Revise and proofread for spelling and grammar errors before submission
Try to use all capital letters for your answers
IELTS Reading test tips
Examine every detail of the figures, graphs, or images in the question paper to be precise while answering
If you can’t understand a question, don’t waste time on it. Rather than move on to the next, you can always come back later to finish this
Don’t waste time writing on the question paper. There is a time limit, and you will get no extra time to transfer answers later on
Understand the questions carefully and focus on finding answers from the passage
Be precise, grammatically correct, and to the point. Proofread before submission
Try to use all capital letters for your answers
The General and Academic Training Reading tests are usually graded to the same level. However, the texts mentioned in the Academic Reading Test can be more challenging as compared to those mentioned in the General Training Test.
IELTS Writing test tips
Perform a thorough analysis of assigned tasks and quickly prepare the answers mentally
Divide your time smartly, 20 minutes for task 1, and 40 minutes for the task (as it is lengthier and carries more marks)
Try to write over 150 words for task 1 and over 250 for task 2
Avoid repetition of ideas, phrases, and words
Ensure that you write a conclusion for task 2
Write precise, relevant answers. Avoid writing long paragraphs and sentences
Use active voice. Avoid writing in the passive voice
Do not submit without a thorough revision and proofreading
IELTS Speaking test tips
Speak clearly (slow and fluently)
Listen to the questions asked carefully, and answer directly
You can add more information to the answers, and ensure the answers remain relevant
If required, ask the examiner to repeat the question
Be confident as you speak
Don’t take long pauses
Focus on vocabulary, range of tenses, grammar, and sentence structure equally
Sample test questions
Ready to answer some sample test questions?
You can download our free IELTS Essentials preparation pack and take a look at some of the sample questions.
1800-102-4544
ielts.india@idp.com
Mon to Sat - 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
