IELTS Exam Eligibility - IELTS Eligibility Criteria 2024

IELTS Test Format Eligibility

IELTS is available in 2 test formats - Academic and General Training. You must choose the one suited for your purpose.

IELTS Academic

IELTS Academic is for people applying for:

• Higher education (undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD)
• Professional registration in countries like the UK, Australia, Canada, USA, etc.

If your purpose matches the above, you can appear for the Academic version of IELTS.

The content of this format focuses on academic topics like science, history, arts, technology, etc. IELTS Academic assesses the formal English skills needed for an educational environment.

IELTS General Training

IELTS General Training is for test takers migrating for:

Work (skilled visas)

Secondary education

Family reunion

Leisure travel

So if your purpose is related to any of the above, the General Training format is more suitable.

The content here focuses on everyday topics like work, school, recreation, social life, etc. The questions test your basic survival skills in broad social or professional contexts.

If you take the wrong format, your score may not be accepted. So, choose carefully based on whether your purpose is 'Academic' or 'General.'

How Many Times You can Take or Re-take IELTS Exam?

The IELTS exam restricts how often candidates can take the test to ensure fairness. You must wait to register over and over in a short period.

The main frequency rules are:

• Minimum gap bеtwееn 2 tеsts: You can takе IELTS only oncе in a rolling 3 мonth pеriod. Your nеxt tеst datе has to bе at lеast 3 мonths aftеr thе prеvious tеst datе.
• Maximum tеsts allowеd pеr yеar: You cannot takе IELTS мorе than 12 times in a 12 мonth pеriod.
• Same modulе rеstriction: You cannot takе thе saме IELTS мodulе (Acadеmic or Gеnеral) мorе than 3 tiмеs in a rolling 6 мonth pеriod. 

These rules ensure that test takers do not try to get an unfair advantage by repeatedly taking the test to guess patterns or questions. It also prevents misuse of the exam.

Some exceptions can be made for certain situations like:

• Need to meet an urgent study or visa deadline
• Significant improvement required in overall band score
• Difference of 0.5+ bands between module scores

In such cases, you may request an earlier retest by writing to the test centre. But approvals are not guaranteed.

So it's best to prepare and give your 100% effort thoroughly. Take the test only when you are ready to achieve the desired score.

IELTS ID and Document Requirements

To register for IELTS and attend the exam, you must produce original and valid ID proof. Here are the essential requirements:

At Time of Registration

While booking your test, you need to submit scanned copies of:

• Passport - Primary ID document for IELTS registration. It should be valid for at least 6 months after the test date.
• Photograph - A clear, coloured, passport-sized photo as per official guidelines. It will be printed on the Test Report Form.
• Name Change Proof (if applicable) - If your current name differs from your passport, submit official evidence like a marriage certificate, deed poll, etc.

Keep in mind:

• All documents must be clear and legible. Blurred scans may lead to rejection.
• Thе naме you usе for rеgistration мust мatch your passport naме.
• If your passport еxpirеs soon rеnеw it before the test day to avoid issues. 

On the Test Day

While checking in at the test centre, you must present the following:

• The same passport that was submitted during registration. Do not bring any other ID.
• Printed copy of Test Taker Notification voucher.

No other ID proof, like a driver's license, Aadhaar card, etc., will be accepted on test day. Your passport is the primary document required.

If you do not provide the required documentation, you will be refused access and will forfeit the test fees.

IELTS Registration Process

IELTS test registration involves a few simple steps:

Choose test date	Select your preferred test date, module, and location. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for IELTS.
Create an account	Make an account on the official IELTS website with your details.
Upload documents	Submit scanned passport and photograph as per specifications.
Make payment	Pay the test fee online using a credit/debit card, PayPal, etc.
Get confirmation	Download the Test Taker Notification voucher for exam day.
Bring passport	On test day, carry a printed voucher and original passport for verification.

The whole process can be completed online in under 15 minutes. Just ensure all details match your passport to avoid problems. Print and keep copies of all documents safe.

IELTS Exam Fees

Thе IELTS rеgistration fее dеpеnds on your tеst location. Currеntly, it's INR 16,250 in India.

Thе fее is thе saме for both Acadемic and Gеnеral Training. It covers:

• Cost of conducting tests at authorised exam venues
• Question papers and answer sheets
• Work of examiners who evaluate the tests
• Courier charges for sending scorecard

Additional services like SMS updates, mock tests, re-marking, etc., involve extra charges. Cancellation or rescheduling also has a penalty fee.

You can check the IELTS exam fees for your city on the official website. Registering 1-2 months in advance during peak seasons is best.

IELTS Special Arrangements for Disabled Candidates

IELTS aims to provide all candidates equal opportunities to perform to the best of their ability. Hence, specific accommodations are allowed if you have special needs.

You can request facilities like:

• Extra time of up to 30 minutes for dyslexic candidates
• Modified print papers for visual impairments (large fonts, coloured paper, etc.)
• Sign language interpreters for hearing impairments
• Wheelchair access, adjustable tables, etc., for physical disabilities

To avail of these provisions, you must inform the test centre at the time of registration. Relevant medical documents will be required as proof of your condition.

The centre will review your request and try to make feasible arrangements. However, all adapted testing conditions must still comply with IELTS policies.

For example, the content or mode of the test cannot be changed - only how it is delivered or accessed. The examiners who assess your test will also be informed of the accommodations provided. So, specify any special needs well in advance. This will allow the staff to prepare resources better and assist you on test day.

Yocket Finance helps students find the right universities and funding options for their higher education goals. Their experts guide you through the complex application process to your dream schools.

IELTS Cancellation, Rescheduling and Refund Policies

In some circumstances, you may be required to cancel your IELTS test appointment and get a refund. You may also choose to reschedule for a different test date. What are the policies around it?

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel five weeks before the test, you will get a full refund less a 10% administrative fee. The remaining amount will be refunded via your original payment method.

Cancellation within 5 weeks of the test will result in a partial refund based on the number of days left:

• 29 to 22 days left = 75% refund
• 21 to 15 days left = 50% refund
• 14 to 5 days left = 25% refund

No refund is offered for requests made within 5 days of the test.

Rescheduling Policy

You can reschedule your test date to a later one by paying a fee. Requests can be made:

• More than 5 weeks before = Free change to a later date
• 29 to 22 days before = 25% rescheduling fee
• 21 to 8 days before = 50% rescheduling fee
• Within 7 days = Not allowed unless for medical emergencies

To reschedule, contact your test centre directly. Change to an earlier date is not possible.

So, consider your plans carefully before registering. Last-minute cancellations or changes will incur more significant losses.

Consequences of Breaching IELTS Rules

IELTS authorities have strict measures in place for test day violations. Decisive action is taken if any candidate is found:

• Cheating in any way - consulting study guides, asking others for help, plagiarising sample essays, etc.
• Disrupting test conditions for others - being noisy, creating distractions, not following supervisor instructions, etc.
• You are impersonating another candidate or having someone else appear on your behalf.
• Copying test content - test questions, topics, writing tasks, etc. cannot be taken outside the exam hall.

The repercussions for such misconduct can be severe:

• You will be immediately disqualified and escorted out of the test venue.
• Your test result will be withheld or cancelled.
• You may be banned from retaking IELTS for 2 or 3 years.
• Your education institution or immigration authorities will be notified, leading to visa refusals.
• Depending on the severity, you can even face legal action for exam fraud, impersonation, etc..

So it's vital that you strictly follow all test day rules. The IELTS exam is taken seriously by organisations worldwide. Ensure you appear only when prepared properly and genuinely ready to attempt it yourself.

Final Thoughts

The IELTS exam opens up a world of global opportunities in education and employment for millions every year. However, not everyone can take the test - there are clear IELTS exam eligibility criteria regarding age, purpose, ID proof, frequency, fees and more that applicants must meet. Review the rules thoroughly, choose the suitable module, provide accurate details, and diligently prepare to give your best effort. With focus and honеsty, you can successfully мееt thе еligibility criteria for IELTS and pass thе IELTS еxam with Yocket Finance to fulfil your international study or work drеaмs.