Types of IELTS Exam

The IELTS General Training test is intended for individuals moving abroad for work or immigration purposes. You may only sit for this version if you are applying for academic programs below the degree level.

If your goal is to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree, the IELTS Academic is the standard requirement, unless your institution specifies otherwise.

The IELTS General Training exam has a duration of 2 hours and 45 minutes and covers the same four modules as the Academic version: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. While the Listening and Speaking sections are identical for both exams, the Reading and Writing components differ.

The primary distinction between the two versions lies in the context of the questions.

The IELTS General Training test utilizes content based on everyday scenarios. This approach is designed to assess your ability to navigate common situations you might encounter while living in an English-speaking country.

Below is an overview of the IELTS General Training test.

You may choose between the computer-delivered or paper-based format, noting that available dates will vary. Results are typically accessible online within 3 to 13 days, depending on the test format chosen.

The IELTS Life Skills and UKVI exams are designed for individuals intending to relocate to or settle in the UK.

There are two versions of the IELTS for UKVI:

• IELTS for UKVI (Academic): For those planning to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate education in the UK.
• IELTS for UKVI (General Training): For those moving to the UK for immigration purposes or to pursue education below the degree level.

The sections, exam pattern , format, and scoring criteria are identical to the standard IELTS Academic test. The primary distinction is that the IELTS for UKVI (Academic) must be completed at a SELT-approved test center.

The IELTS Life Skills exam is required if:

• You are joining a spouse or relative already residing in the UK.
• You intend to settle permanently in the UK or apply for British citizenship.

The IELTS Life Skills exam differs from the Academic version. It focuses on everyday topics such as work, weather, or transportation, with the primary objective of evaluating basic English communication skills rather than academic or complex language proficiency.

Both IELTS Life Skills and IELTS for UKVI are recognized as Secure English Language Tests (SELT) approved by the UK government.

The IELTS Life Skills test duration is 16–22 minutes and involves an examiner and another test-taker.

Unlike the other IELTS formats, the Life Skills exam does not provide a band score. Instead, results are reported as a simple ‘Pass’ or ‘Fail’.

A pass signifies that you can effectively communicate in an English-speaking setting, while a fail indicates that you require further preparation.

The test is categorized into three levels based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR): A1, A2, and B1. An overview is provided below.

• IELTS Life Skills Test Levels
  • IELTS Life Skills A1
  • IELTS Life Skills A2
  • IELTS Life Skills B1
• IELTS Life Skills Duration
  • IELTS Life Skills A1: 16–18 minutes
  • IELTS Life Skills A2: Approximately 20 minutes
  • IELTS Life Skills B1: Approximately 22 minutes
• IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1) Fee: ₹17,000

Each assessment involves short discussions on daily events. You must select the specific test level that aligns with your visa requirements. Below is a summary of the test levels:

If you are new to the IELTS, it is common to be unsure about the differences between the IELTS Academic and General Training exams. While the two tests share many similarities, they possess a few distinct characteristics that set them apart.

As previously mentioned, the primary difference lies in the focus of the content. As the name suggests, the IELTS Academic is academically oriented and slightly more complex. In contrast, the IELTS General Training focuses on standard, everyday scenarios.

The Reading and Writing modules also differ significantly. IELTS Academic Reading passages are academic in nature, sourced from textbooks, journals, and newspapers. Conversely, the IELTS General Reading test uses texts from advertisements, instruction manuals, and company guidebooks.

A major difference in the Writing section is the nature of the tasks. IELTS General does not require the interpretation of visual data. Instead, it focuses on more straightforward tasks, such as writing a letter.

Below is a detailed comparison between the two types of IELTS exams .

IELTS Academic vs. General: Which Is Easier?

Did you know that 80% of candidates opt for the IELTS Academic, while 20% choose the General Training test?

Because these exams are designed for different objectives, their difficulty levels vary.

The IELTS General Training is not intended for academic study and is therefore designed to be more accessible, testing you on real-life scenarios.

Conversely, the IELTS Academic is tailored for students pursuing international education. It is generally more complex and features academic-style content.

IELTS Academic vs. General: Scoring System

Both IELTS Academic and General Training utilize the same 9-band scale to measure proficiency, ranging from 1 (Non-User) to 9 (Expert User). You will receive individual band scores for each section (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) alongside an overall band score, which represents the average of your four individual scores.