IELTS
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) designed by Cambridge English, it measures the language proficiency of people who want to study or work where English is used as a language of communication. It uses a nine-band scale to clearly identify levels of proficiency, from non-user (band score 1) through to expert (band score 9).
IELTS treats all test takers with the utmost fairness and respect by actively avoiding cultural bias, and accepting all standard varieties of native-speaker English, including North American, British, Australian and New Zealand English. IELTS is available at more than 1,600 locations worldwide,
There are two categories of IELTS Test Academic and General. Students going for studies need to take Academic IELTS while those going for Immigration purpose have to take General IELTS test.
When and where can I appear for the IELTS exam?
IELTS exams are conducted four times in a month, 48 times in a year. You can appear in any of the exam dates based on your convenience.
IELTS are conducted in 78 centres in India, you choose the nearest center for your exams.
What is the test Fees?
The IELTS fees in India are as follows:
- Computer based Testing: Rs 15,500/-
- Paper based Testing: Rs 15,500/-
- UKVI IELTS : Rs 15,750/-
How much time does it take for the results to be declared?
It takes 13 calendar days for Paper based testing while you can get the results for computer-based test in 3-5 days. You can check your results on IDP website, the conducting body for IELTS tests.
Is IELTS exams tough?
IELTS is test of your English language across four module Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. The test seeks to assess your competency level across these modules. It is graded on the scale of 1-9 with 1 as lowest and 9 as highest. One should strive to score at least 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any of the modules. You should prepare well for the test as it is found that sometimes, students, who are supposed to be good in English do not get adequate score merely because they had not prepared for the test.
What is the duration of the test?
The test is of 2 hours and 45 minutes with break up as follows:
- Reading: 60 mts
- Writing: 60 mts
- Listening: 30 mts
- Speaking: 11-15 mts
PTE
Pearson Test of English (PTE) is conducted by Pearson PLC Group to test the English language skills for admissions to foreign countries as well for immigration requirement. It is accepted worldwide for studies across more than 3000 Universities and colleges. It is accepted for Visa applications to Australia, New Zealand and United Kingdom. PTE Academic test is for admissions to Universities and Colleges.
What is the PTE Academic test fees?
The total PTE Academic exam fees is Rs 15,900/-.
How much time does it take for the results to be declared?
The results are declared in 48 hours.
What is the test format and the scoring system?
The PTE test assesses the English Language skills across four sections Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. It is a two-hour test via Computer.
Speaking and writing is one section of 54-67 minutes duration while reading is 29-30 mts long. Listening section is 30-43 minutes duration.
When and where can I take the test?
The tests are conducted several times every month across the year. The dates may way across the test centers. The candidates are advised to check their nearest test center for available dates.
PTE test can also be taken online at home, office or any private test through PTE Academic Online. The test content is same as the on-center test. Please do not that this test not currently accepted for Visa applications.
TOEFL
TOEFL stands for “Test of English as a Foreign Language”. It is conducted by Educational Testing Services (ETS), the same body that conducts Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The test results are acceptable by all Canadian and American Universities and host of colleges worldwide.
What is the TOEFL Academic test fees?
The fees for TOEFL iBT is $ 195 (Rs 15,990/- at an exchange rate of Rs 82 per $) and the fees for TOEFL Essentials is $ 100-120 depending on the location.
What is the test format and the scoring system?
The candidate is assessed across four skills Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. There are two tests available TOEFL Essentials and TOEFL iBT (Internet based tests). TOEFL Essentials is condensed form iBT. It is of 1.5 hrs duration while iBT is 3 hrs duration.
ETS has also started now home version of the tests that can take while at home or any other private place.
What is the difference between TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Essentials?
TOEFL iBT is a more comprehensive test over 3 hours having longer tasks and more questions. TOEFL essentials have shorter tasks and lesser questions. iBT has an additional 5-minute video statement to be submitted.
iBT scoring is from 0-120 while that of Essentials is 1-12.
Normally the norm for colleges for TOEFL iBT is 60-78 for undergrad and 79 & above for post-graduation.