The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS, is an internationally recognised test that gauges the level of English proficiency. It measures the ability to listen, read, write, and speak in English, thereby preparing you to communicate effectively in academics or at work.
IELTS is accepted by more than 12,000 organisations around the world, including universities, employers, and immigration authorities.
Taking the British Council IELTS is important because it will open many opportunities. Many universities require the IELTS score for their admission processes, especially when it comes to international students.
Furthermore, a good score in IELTS would increase your chances of getting scholarships to make your education more affordable. For those who wish to migrate, IELTS is at times a requirement to apply for a visa, showcasing your ability to integrate into a new environment.
If you plan to migrate, seek professional registration, or go into higher education, we highly recommend taking the IELTS now. Besides giving a boost to your application, it will show how seriously you are determined to succeed. Be it admission to one of the finest universities or meeting the visa requirements, IELTS can unlock all the doors to your future.
Where can you take the IELTS in Bangladesh?
The British Council and IDP offer a range of convenient test dates across Bangladesh. You can choose to take your IELTS test on paper or on a computer. Whichever you prefer, you will need to come to a test centre to sit your test.
- Test centres offering IELTS on paper: Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, Barishal, Khulna, Cumilla, Rajshahi and Cox’s Bazar
- Test centres offering IELTS on computer: Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna, Rajshahi, and Sylhet
Which IELTS test should I take?
There are three key types of IELTS tests:
- IELTS Academic: For those applying for higher education or professional registration. Complimentary offered by the British Council after the registration and payment confirmation
- IELTS General Training: For those who want to migrate or seek work.
- IELTS for UKVI: If you need a visa for working or studying in the UK, then in some cases you may need to take IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration or IELTS for UKVI Life Skills.
IELTS test fees
- IELTS Academic: Tk24950 (Both on paper and computer).
- IELTS General Training: Tk24950 (Both on paper and computer).
- IELTS for UKVI: Tk27450 (On paper).
Difference between IELTS on computer and on paper
The main differences between taking the IELTS on paper and on a computer lie in the format, experience, and certain logistics. Here’s a breakdown:
Format and delivery
- Paper-Based IELTS: Listening, Reading, and Writing sections are completed on paper. Speaking is conducted face-to-face with an examiner.
- Computer-Based IELTS: Listening, Reading, and Writing sections are done on a computer. Speaking is still in person with an examiner (sometimes via video call).
Timing
- Paper-Based: Results take about 13 days.
- Computer-Based: Results are available in three to five days.
Listening section
- Paper-Based: 10 minutes of extra time to transfer answers to the answer sheet.
- Computer-Based: two minutes to review answers (since answers are typed directly).
Comfort and experience
- Paper-Based: Preferred by those comfortable with writing by hand.
- Computer-Based: Suitable for those who type faster and are comfortable with technology.
Availability and scheduling
- Paper-Based: Fewer test dates (fixed schedules).
- Computer-Based: More frequent test dates and flexible scheduling.
Environment
- Paper-Based: Larger test rooms with many candidates.
- Computer-Based: Smaller test rooms, quieter environment.
Cost
- Typically, the cost is the same for both formats.
How to book your IELTS test?
Bookings for the IELTS test are easy. You can sign up online through the portal of the British Council or IDP via selecting your test type, city, and preferred date. Use valid identification, like your NID or passport, during registration. After you have completed your registration, you will be sent a confirmation message with all details.
How to prepare for IELTS
The key to a good score is effective preparation. The British Council offers a range of preparation resources, including: IELTS Ready Premium: Practice tests, model answers, and expert feedback. Free Preparation Apps: Improve your skills anywhere, anytime. Online Courses and Webinars: Interactive sessions to enhance your understanding of the test format.
What to expect on the test day?
On the test day, at your booked centre, with your identification document. The sections, Listening, Reading, and Writing, will be taken in one session, while the Speaking test can be taken on the same day or even sometime within a week before or after. Knowing the test format and the instructions will make you more confident and probably improve your performance in the test.
When and how to get your IELTS results?
In the case of computer-delivered IELTS, the results are available within 24 hours, or at max within 3–5 days, while paper-based test results take 13 days. You can preview your scores online and will also receive a Test Report Form (TRF), which is the official document needed for applications.
Cancellation, refunds, and retake options
IELTS does provide for such eventualities in its policy on cancellation and refund. A cancellation more than 35 days before the actual date may allow a refund after deduction of administration charges. Rescheduling, where done within the required time frames, is possible.
IELTS one skill retake
IELTS has one peculiar feature: the One Skill Retake option, meaning that candidates can retake only one section of the test in case they did not get a good score, be it Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking. This saves time and effort in comparison with retaking the whole test.
Why take IELTS now?
Taking IELTS marks a very important and significant milestone toward achieving the goals a candidate aspires to attain in academic and professional directions. Whatever your goal-scholarship, admission, or immigrating to an English-speaking country-IELTS brings an avenue for you to prove your English Language proficiency. So, don’t wait for any other cue to do so; try IELTS now and unlock your future.