IELTS Academic test: Guide to format, sections and scoring

The IELTS Academic Test is one of the most widely accepted English language proficiency exams for students aiming to study abroad. Whether you are planning to pursue undergraduate studies, postgraduate degrees, or apply for professional registration in fields such as medicine or nursing, the IELTS Academic Test is your gateway to global education opportunities.

Recognised by thousands of universities, colleges, and professional bodies worldwide, the IELTS Academic Test assesses whether your English language skills are suitable for an academic environment.

The IELTS Academic Test is designed to evaluate your ability to understand and use academic English in real-life study situations. You can take the test at an authorised IELTS test centre, depending on availability in your region.

• Total test duration: 2 hours 45 minutes

• Test modes: IELTS on Computer, IELTS on Paper

• Accepted by: Universities, colleges, professional bodies, and governments

You should choose the IELTS Academic Test if you are:

• Applying for undergraduate or postgraduate studies

• Seeking professional registration (e.g. doctors, nurses, healthcare professionals)

• Planning to study in English-speaking countries such as Australia, the UK, Canada, New Zealand, or the USA

The IELTS Academic Test consists of four sections:

• Listening

• Reading

• Writing

• Speaking

While the Listening and Speaking sections are the same for both Academic and General Training tests, the Reading and Writing sections are specifically designed to assess academic skills.

The IELTS Academic Listening test measures your ability to understand spoken English in both every day and academic contexts.

The IELTS Academic Reading test evaluates your ability to read, understand, and analyse complex academic texts.

The IELTS Academic Writing test assesses your ability to present ideas clearly, logically, and accurately in written academic English.

The IELTS Academic Speaking test is a face-to-face interview with a trained examiner and is recorded for quality assurance.

Each section of the IELTS Academic Test is scored individually, and the final result is reported as an overall band score from 1 to 9, in whole or half bands (e.g. 6.5, 7.0).

• Accepted by 12,500+ institutions worldwide

• Trusted by universities, governments, and employers

• Human-evaluated Speaking and Writing tests

• Tests real-life academic English skills

The IELTS Academic Test is more than just an English exam, it’s a stepping stone to international education and professional success. Understanding the test format, sections, and scoring criteria can help you prepare strategically and achieve your target band score.

If your goal is to study abroad, the IELTS Academic Test is the right place to start.