IELTS

About IELTS Test

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world's most widely recognized English language proficiency test for international education, global migration, and professional opportunities. Jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English, IELTS maintains global standards and universal acceptance across more than 12,000 organizations worldwide.

IELTS continues to be the preferred English assessment test for students seeking admission to universities in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, and many other international destinations. The test evaluates your ability to communicate in English across four essential language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

Key Features

Global Recognition: Accepted by over 12,000 institutions, including universities, employers, professional bodies, immigration authorities, and government agencies across 140+ countries.
Trusted Assessment: Unlike other tests, IELTS Speaking is conducted face-to-face with a certified examiner, ensuring fair evaluation and authentic conversation assessment.
Flexible Testing Options: Choose between paper-based or computer-delivered formats based on your preference and availability.
Academic and Immigration Pathways: Required for visa applications in Canada (Study Permit, Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs), Australia (Skilled Migration, Student Visa), the UK (Student Route, Skilled Worker), New Zealand, and many other countries.

IELTS Test Structure Overview

The IELTS exam assesses real-world English communication ability through four distinct sections:

Listening (30 minutes): Tests comprehension of spoken English in various contexts
Reading (60 minutes): Evaluates understanding of written texts from books, journals, newspapers, and notices
Writing (60 minutes): Measures ability to describe visual information and present arguments
Speaking (11-14 minutes): Assesses spoken English through a face-to-face interview with a certified examiner

Total Test Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes

Types of IELTS Test

Understanding which IELTS test to take is crucial for your success. There are three main types of IELTS examinations, each designed for specific purposes.

1. IELTS Academic

Purpose: Designed for students applying for higher education and professional registration in English-speaking environments.

Who Should Take It:

Students applying for undergraduate or postgraduate degrees abroad
Professionals seeking registration in English-speaking countries (doctors, nurses, engineers)
Individuals applying for academic training programs

2. IELTS General Training

Purpose: Designed for people migrating to English-speaking countries, seeking work experience, or undertaking training programs.

Who Should Take It:

Individuals applying for permanent residence or migration purposes to Canada, Australia, the UK, and New Zealand
Work visa applicants (UK Skilled Worker, Australia 482/186 visa)
People applying for training programs below the degree level

IELTS Band Scores Overview

The IELTS Band Score system ranges from 0 to 9, with each band representing a specific level of English proficiency. Understanding this scoring system is crucial for setting realistic targets and preparing effectively.

Band Scores	Level of Proficiency	Remarks
Band 9	Expert User	Complete operational command of the language Fully appropriate, accurate, and fluent communication with a complete understanding Rare for non-native speakers
Band 8	Very Good User	Fully operational command with occasional unsystematic inaccuracies Handles complex, detailed argumentation well Occasional misunderstandings in unfamiliar situations Target for top-tier universities and professional registration
Band 7	Good User	Operational command with occasional inaccuracies and misunderstandings Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning The most common requirement for international universities
Band 6	Competent User	Generally effective command despite inaccuracies and misunderstandings Can use and understand fairly complex language in familiar situations Minimum requirement for many undergraduate programs
Band 5	Modest User	Partial command of the language with frequent errors Handles basic communication in own field Generally does not meet university or immigration requirements
Band 4	Limited User	Basic competence, limited to familiar situations Frequent problems in understanding and expression Unable to use complex language Does not meet most study abroad or immigration criteria
Band 3	Extremely Limited User	Conveys only general meaning in familiar situations Frequent communication breakdowns
Band 2	Intermittent User	Great difficulty understanding spoken and written English
Band 1	Non User	Essentially, no ability to use the language
Band 0	Did not attempt	Did not answer questions

IELTS Exam Fee in Nepal

The IELTS exam fee in Nepal is approximately NPR 33,000 – 39,600, depending on the test format and test center.

IELTS on Computer - NPR 33,000
IELTS on Paper - NPR 36,200 (IDP) to 39,600 (British Council)

IELTS Score Validity and Reporting

Validity Period: IELTS scores are valid for 2 years from the test date.

Test Report Form (TRF): You receive one original TRF showing:

Overall Band Score
Individual scores for Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking
Test date and test center
Candidate details and photo

Results Timeline:

Paper-based IELTS: 13 days after test date
Computer-delivered IELTS: 3-5 days after test date

Sending Scores: You can send up to 5 copies free within test registration. Additional copies cost approximately USD 20-25 per institution.

Enquiry on Results (EOR)

If you believe your score doesn't reflect your performance, you can request a re-mark within 6 weeks of the test date.

EOR Process:

Fee: Approximately NPR 19,000 (refunded if score increases)
Timeline: 2-21 days for results
Sections: Can request re-mark for Writing, Speaking, or both
Note: You can either apply for a remark on the whole IELTS test or any one or more components of the test, i.e., Reading, Writing, Listening or Speaking.
Your score can increase, stay the same, or decrease

IELTS Preparation Tips and Strategies

Achieving your target IELTS band score requires strategic preparation, consistent practice, and understanding of test patterns. Here are comprehensive, proven strategies for success in 2026.

1. Understand Your Current Level

Take a diagnostic test to identify your starting point
Analyze strengths and weaknesses in each section
Calculate how many months you need based on the gap between your current and target scores
Rule of thumb: Improving 0.5 bands requires 1 to 2 months of dedicated preparation

2. Create a Realistic Study Schedule

For 1-Month Preparation (Most Common):

Week 1: Foundation building, understanding test format, basic skills
Weeks 2-3: Intensive practice, strategy refinement, vocabulary expansion
Week 4: Mock tests, timing practice, weakness elimination, exam techniques

Daily Study Plan (2-3 hours minimum):

30 minutes: Vocabulary building (20 new words daily)
30 minutes: Grammar review and exercises
45 minutes: Section-specific practice (rotate daily)
30 minutes: Review mistakes and note-taking
15 minutes: Listening to English content (podcasts, news)

3. Use Official Materials

Use official Cambridge IELTS practice books
British Council official IELTS practice materials
IDP IELTS preparation resources
Avoid unreliable third-party materials with inaccurate questions

Possible International: The Best IELTS Preparation Institute in Kathmandu

At Possible International Educational Consultancy, we don't just prepare students for IELTS; we transform their English proficiency and open doors to global opportunities. With over 10 years of excellence in test preparation and study abroad counseling, we have established ourselves as Kathmandu's most trusted IELTS preparation institute.

Why Possible International Stands Out

Proven Track Record of Success: 95%+ success rate with multiple high-band achievers (8.0+) every batch.
Expert Faculty Team with specialized expertise and continuous training on the latest formats.
Comprehensive Course Structure with an advanced course depending on the student’s level, and regular mock tests.
State-of-the-Art Infrastructure with modern classrooms with audio-visual aids, a computer digital practice lab, and an extensive resource library with official Cambridge and British Council materials.
Personalized Attention: Maximum 10-15 students per batch with assigned mentors, weekly progress reports, one-on-one doubt clearing and speaking practice sessions, and customized study plans adapted to progress.
Beyond IELTS - Complete Study Abroad Support: End-to-end assistance including university selection, application support, SOP and essay review, visa counseling, pre-departure briefing, scholarship guidance, accommodation support, and access to global alumni network.
Flexible Learning Options: Multiple batch timings, including morning, day, and evening batches, plus online classes, and self-paced learning options.

Ready to Achieve Your Target IELTS Score?

Your journey to studying abroad begins with the right IELTS preparation. At Possible International, we combine expert teaching, personalized attention, and comprehensive support to ensure your success.