Academic or General Training?
Choose the right IELTS test
Listening and Speaking are the same in every version. Reading and Writing differ. Choose the version your university or visa asks for.
IELTS Academic
University and college admission, and student visas for Australia, New Zealand, the UK and others.
IELTS General Training
Work and migration, including Australian skilled visas and Canada Express Entry and post-graduation work permits.
IELTS for UKVI and Life Skills
UK visas that need a Secure English Language Test, and A1 / B1 speaking and listening tests for UK family and settlement visas.
IELTS exam pattern 2026
IELTS format and band scores
About 2 hours 45 minutes in total. Each section gets a band from 0 to 9, and your overall band is the average, rounded to the nearest half band.
How the overall band is rounded
Average 6.125
6.0
Average 6.25
6.5
Average 6.75
7.0
Computer-delivered in India
Since September 2026 IELTS in India is taken on computer. Speaking is still face to face with an examiner. We train you on the computer format from day one.
| Section | Time | What it tests |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | About 30 min | Four recordings: everyday conversations and academic talks, 40 questions |
| Reading | 60 min | Academic: three long texts. General Training: everyday and workplace texts. 40 questions |
| Writing | 60 min | Task 1 (chart or diagram for Academic; a letter for General Training) and a Task 2 essay |
| Speaking | 11–14 min | Face-to-face interview with an examiner in three parts |
| IELTS test fee in India (IDP, 2026) | Fee |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic or General Training | ₹19,000 |
| IELTS for UKVI | ₹19,250 |
| IELTS Life Skills (A1 / B1) | ₹18,000 |
| One Skill Retake | ₹12,650 |
Sources: IDP India test fees, IELTS scoring. Checked October 2026.
IELTS band requirements 2026
IELTS bands you may need
Common targets for our students. Always check the exact requirement for your course or visa before you book.
| Purpose | IELTS band | PTE equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Australian student visa (500) | 6.0 overall | PTE 47 |
| Australian skilled visas: Competent English | 6 in each band | PTE 47 / 48 / 51 / 54 |
| Proficient English (+10 points) | 7 in each band | PTE 58 / 59 / 69 / 76 |
| Superior English (+20 points) | 8 in each band | PTE 69 / 70 / 85 / 88 |
| New Zealand postgraduate study | 6.5, none below 6.0 | PTE 58, none below 50 |
| Canada Express Entry: CLB 7 (General Training) | 6.0 in each band | PTE Core (see CLB chart) |
| University admission | Set by each university | Check your offer letter |
Sources: Department of Home Affairs, NZQA, IRCC CLB charts. Convert any score with our IELTS ↔ PTE converter.
Our IELTS course
What your IELTS coaching includes
1
Diagnostic test
A short test shows your band in each section and the gap to your target.
2
Speaking with a trainer
Regular one-to-one speaking practice in the three-part exam format.
3
Essay and letter marking
Written feedback on Task 1 and Task 2 using the four official marking criteria.
4
Computer test practice
Listening and reading practice on screen, as in the computer-delivered test.
5
Full mock tests
Timed mocks with band scores before you book your test.
6
Help with test booking
Choose Academic or General Training, a nearby test centre and a sensible date.
Fast track
For students with a test date close by and a good base in English.
Ask for fees & timings →
One-to-one
Personal sessions on your weakest section, often Writing or Speaking.
Ask for fees & timings →
Mock tests only
Already prepared? Sit full mocks and get band feedback before test day.
Ask for fees & timings →
IELTS tips and tricks 2026
Six IELTS tips from our trainers
Listening
Read ahead while you can
Use the pause before each part to read the questions and guess the type of answer: a number, a name or a place.
Reading
Skim first, then scan
Spend a minute on the overall idea of each paragraph, then scan for key words. Do not read every word.
Writing Task 1
Find the overview
State the main trend or biggest difference in one or two sentences. Many students lose a band by skipping this.
Writing Task 2
Answer every part of the question
If it asks for causes and solutions, give both. Plan for five minutes before you write.
Speaking
Extend, do not memorise
Give a reason and an example for each answer. Examiners notice memorised answers and mark you down.
Computer test
Practise typing in English
On computer IELTS you type your essays. Practise for speed, and watch the word count shown on screen.
Recent results
IELTS bands from our students
Individual results. Your band depends on your preparation and performance on test day.
IELTS classes near you
IELTS coaching for Ambala, Ladwa and nearby towns
Students from Ambala City usually join our Ambala Cantt centre on Jagadhri Road. Students from Kurukshetra, Shahabad and Yamunanagar usually join at Ladwa.
Ambala Cantt centre
8A Panna Cottage, Opposite SD Vidya School, Jagadhri Road, Ambala Cantt, Haryana 133001
Ambala CanttAmbala CityBararaMullanaNaraingarhSahaPanchkula
Ladwa centre
Opposite Municipal Corporation Office, Ladwa, Kurukshetra, Haryana
LadwaKurukshetraPipliShahabadPehowaYamunanagarRadaur
Keep going
Free IELTS tools and guides
IELTS FAQs
IELTS coaching questions
Where can I find IELTS coaching in Ambala City?
Our nearest centre to Ambala City is in Ambala Cantt, at 8A Panna Cottage on Jagadhri Road, opposite SD Vidya School. Many of our IELTS students travel from Ambala City.
Do you have IELTS classes in Ladwa?
Yes. Our Ladwa centre, opposite the Municipal Corporation Office, runs IELTS and PTE classes for students from Ladwa, Kurukshetra, Shahabad, Pipli and Yamunanagar.
Do you run IELTS mock tests in Ambala?
Yes. Full IELTS mock tests on computer, plus speaking practice with a trainer, are part of our IELTS classes at Ambala Cantt and Ladwa. If you are already prepared, you can join for mock tests only.
Can you help me book my IELTS exam?
Yes. We help you choose IELTS Academic or General Training, pick a date and venue, and book your test with IDP. The test fee is paid to IDP.
What are the fees and batch timings for IELTS classes?
They depend on the course you choose: regular batch, fast track, one-to-one or mock tests only. Call or WhatsApp +91 98966 99221 for current fees and batch timings at our Ambala Cantt and Ladwa centres.
Should I take IELTS Academic or General Training?
Academic for university study and most student visas. General Training for work and migration, including Canada Express Entry. If you are unsure, ask us before you book.
Is the paper-based IELTS still available in India?
No. From September 2026 IELTS in India is computer-delivered. The Speaking test is still face to face with an examiner.
What is IELTS One Skill Retake?
It lets you retake one section of a computer-delivered IELTS within 60 days. Not every university or visa accepts it, so check before you use it.
Where is the nearest IELTS test centre?
IDP runs IELTS test venues in and around Ambala and Chandigarh. Venues and dates change, so we check availability with you when you are ready to book.
IELTS or PTE: which should I choose?
IELTS suits people who prefer speaking to an examiner. PTE suits people comfortable with computers and a microphone. Our diagnostic test helps you decide.
Do you guarantee an IELTS band?
No. Your band depends on your preparation and performance on test day. We give honest feedback on where you are and what it will take to reach your target.