If you are planning to study or emigrate to the UK, US, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, you may be asked to take IELTS.
The International English Language Testing System better known as IELTS is one of the most taken tests in the world. In 2018 alone, more than 3.5 million took it for a variety of reasons.
One of the biggest misconceptions about this test is that it helps you get into a university of your choice. While it’s true, it has many other benefits as well. For example, it can help you find a job in a country of your choice and what’s more, may help you emigrate to another country.
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Whatever your reason to take this test, it is always better to do your research about the exam well in advance, so you can make the most out of it. Taking IELTS in Pakistan is not cheap (information on this later in the blog) and it is better if you get your desired result in the first go. For that, you need to know the basics of this test.
So, let’s get into it.
Types of IELTS
There are three types of IELTS:
- IELTS Academic Test – You should take this test if you are planning to study at an undergraduate or postgraduate level. This test may also be used when seeking a job in an English speaking country.
- IELTS General Training Test – If you are planning to enroll in a certificate or diploma level course or work or emigrate to an English speaking country, you should take this test.
- IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) – If you are planning to study, work or emigrate to the UK, you need to do this test.
These tests can either be taken on paper or on a computer. Fees will vary accordingly.
IELTS Registration
For registration, all you need is your CNIC. It needs to be valid because you will need to present the same ID on your test date.
If you have selected the IELTS you need to take and finalize the date, simply visit IELTS official website and register online. Or you can also download this form and submit it at your nearest test center.
How To Pay IELTS Fee in Pakistan
The fee varies depending upon which IELTS you are taking. Also, the fee might differ between paper-based and online/computer-based tests. Interestingly, the fee varies based on the city you are taking this test in.
To give you a general idea, on average you will end up spending as much as Rs.46,000 per test.
The test fee can be paid:
- Online via credit card
- Offline
- Through interbank transfer
- In the form of bank draft
- By depositing cash in one of these IELTS bank accounts
- Cheques are not accepted
IELTS Dates and Locations in Pakistan
IELTS in Pakistan is offered multiple times a month and in all the major cities of Pakistan. However, the paper-based test is offered at more locations than the computer-based test. The computer-based test is offered in the following cities only:
- Islamabad
- Karachi
- Lahore
- Peshawar
- Faisalabad
- Sukkur
The paper-based IELTS is offered in the following cities:
- All six cities offering computer-based tests
- Sialkot
- Mandi Bahauddin
- Gujranwala
- Sahiwal
- Jhelum
- Sargodha
- Mirpur
- Bahawalpur
- Multan
- Quetta
- Hyderabad
- Gujrat
- Abbottabad
IELTS Results
If you’ve taken the computer-based test, you’ll receive your results in 3 – 5 days. However, if you’ve taken the paper-based test, you will get your results after 13 days. Your test center will tell you how it intends to communicate with you. They can either post your results or you can pick them up yourself.
If during the registration process, you’ve mentioned institutions (universities, etc.) which need to get your test results, they will automatically get your test results.
IELTS Preparation
IELTS tests your English language skills on the following:
- Reading
- Writing
- Listening
- Speaking
You will be graded on a scale of 1 – 9. This is also called Band Score.
| Band Score | Skill Level |
| 1 | Non-user |
| 2 | Intermittent user |
| 3 | Extremely limited user |
| 4 | Limited user |
| 5 | Modest user |
| 6 | Competent user |
| 7 | Good user |
| 8 | Very good user |
| 9 | Expert user |
Here, “user” means the user of the English language. That his/her use of English language ranges from none to expert level.
The higher your score, the better your chances of success. For example, if you are thinking of emigrating to the UK, you may need an IELTS band score between 4 – 7. For New Zealand, the minimum score is 6.5.
If you need help to prepare for the IELTS, you can check out the list of service providers on OLX Pakistan. Here you will also find books and other materials which can help you prepare for this test.
Have you taken the IELTS? Do you have pro tips to share with our readers? Leave your comments below.
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