Listening, Reading and Writing test is taken on the same day, one after the other, without any break in between. The Speaking test may either fall on the same day or any day up to a week before or after the test date. Test takers opting for paper-based IELTS can book a slot for the Speaking test on a preferred date and time. In case you fail to choose a slot within the stipulated period of time, a time slot be allotted automatically.

The total test time is 2 hours 45 minutes.

Here’s an overview of the test format:

The Listening and Speaking tests remain same for both, Academic and General. However, questioning differs in case of the Reading and Writing tests.

Academic Reading would include extracts from books, journals, newspapers and magazines appropriate for people seeking education or professional accreditation abroad whereas General Training Reading comprises of extracts from books, magazines and handbooks that one may encounter in day-to-day life in an English-speaking culture.

Academic Reading involves two tasks – one explaining data, graphs or charts and the other asking views and arguments on a formal level. General Training Reading involves one letter writing task which may be formal or informal and an essay writing task expressing views in a fairly personal style.