How Many Times IELTS Exam is Conducted in a Year?

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Samarpita Goswami
Updated on Apr 14, 2023 04:31 PM IST

The IELTS has gained popularity because of its convenient test dates all around the year. Let us know in detail the number of times IELTS is conducted in a year. 

How Many Times IELTS Exam is Conducted in a Year?

How many times IELTS is conducted in a year?: With the IELTS held throughout the year, students often wonder about the exact number of times it is conducted.

While it is easy to pick any IELTS exam date, there may be a scope of re-taking the IELTS exam if a candidate does not meet the language proficiency requirements set by their desired universities. In this case, knowing how many times IELTS is conducted in a year allows proper planning and further preparation.

Additionally, given that the IELTS exam burns a hole in the pocket, students should be sure of themselves before appearing for the test. Let us now find out the number of times IELTS is held in a week, month and year, after which we will address all aspects of retaking the IELTS exam.

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How Many Times IELTS is Conducted in a Week?

The IELTS paper-based exam is conducted once a week either on Thursday or Saturday. The days are selected to provide maximum advantage to the candidates. Applicants who are engaged in important activities on weekdays can opt for the weekend date. While some dates are reserved for IELTS Academic vs IELTS General Training, however, only IELTS Academic take place on a particular date.

The computer-delivered IELTS exam is held seven times a week, allowing aspirants to book the IELTS online exam when they deem fit. But how to decide which type of IELTS exam is the most suitable for you? Know the salient differences between IELTS on Computer vs IELTS on Paper.

It is important to note that the online IELTS exam does not take place on public holidays.

How Many Times IELTS is Conducted in a Month?

The IELTS paper-based exam is conducted four times a month which includes four dates for IELTS Academic and two dates for IELTS General Training. The online IELTS exam occurs at least 30-31 times a month.

The IELTS exam is conducted at IDP IELTS test centres. Students are offered the liberty to choose any date when they feel confident to take the test. They can also postpone the IELTS exam date in case of an emergency or within the permitted period of time. However, in such cases, sufficient proof has to be submitted to support the reason for the IELTS postponement.

Do you know that you can crack the IELTS in a month? Check out some more IELTS Prep Tips here:

How to Crack IELTS in First Attempt?

How to Get 8-Bands in IELTS?

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing for IELTS

What are the benefits of IELTS Coaching?

Common Spelling Mistakes in IELTS

How Much Time is Required to Prepare for IELTS?

How Many Times IELTS is Conducted in a Year?

Now, moving on to answering the most significant question - The IELTS is conducted 48 times a year in paper-based modes. There are 48 IELTS Academic exam dates, whereas, 24 days are reserved for IELTS General Training.

The online IELTS exam takes place multiple times a year. So, if calculated, one can say that the IELTS online exam is held around all the year.

The students can also avail the option of re-taking the IELTS exam. The IELTS test scores are declared within three to five days in case of the IELTS online exam and within 13-15 days in case of the IELTS paper-based exam.

Reasons to Retake the IELTS Exam

There are no restrictions imposed by the IELTS organisers on the number of times to take the IELTS exam. Students can retake the IELTS exam as many times as they wish. Having said that, retaking the exam can be costly and time-consuming. Therefore, it may be wise to take the test only when the IELTS preparation is at its peak.

The reasons to retake the IELTS exam can be:

  • Dissatisfaction with the IELTS test score on the first attempt: If the students score below their expectations on the first them, they feel demotivated which may force them to take retests.

  • Inability to comprehend the IELTS test content in the first attempt: This situation arises when the students are unprepared or underprepared for the IELTS exam. They face difficulty in grasping the questions and score low.

  • Failing to secure the IELTS cut-off: All the institutions have their own minimum IELTS requirement as entry criteria. Applicants who fail to clear the cut-off, may either choose re-attempt the IELTS test or apply to universities that accept their score.

Failing in IELTS in the first attempt should not demotivate students. They must, however, take the IELTS re-test only after they have sufficiently prepared for it. Going blindly for the exam again can lead to a similar catastrophic situation.

Requirements for an IELTS Retake

There are no specific requirements for the IELTS retake. However, candidates must adhere to certain requirements while taking an IELTS re-test.

  • Students should be above 16 years of age. Below that they will not be allowed to appear for the exam.

  • There is no upper age limit set up by the IELTS authorities for appearing in the IELTS exam. However, the countries set their own age criteria while offering visas.

  • They should wait for the results of the previous examination to come out before applying for the IELTS re-test. Only if the result of the first attempt is unsatisfactory or does not serve the purpose the candidates can take a retest.

Things to Keep in Mind While Resitting the IELTS

Resitting for any exam can take a toll on mental health as candidates are gripped with fear of meeting the same fate again. Also, there is pressure to score better in the reattempt. But the students should keep in mind that trying twice or thrice for something should never be seen as a drawback.

Here are a few things to keep in mind while resitting the IELTS:

  • Reflecting on past mistakes - Students should first ponder on the fact that what went wrong in the first attempt. Once they find the loopholes, they can face the second attempt with better strategies. They should find out the flaws in preparation and identify the weaknesses that resulted in a low IELTS score.

  • Taking mental preparations - Oftentimes, it is difficult to mentally prepare oneself for taking the retest. However, it should not be seen as a failure but as another opportunity to succeed. Students must take as much time as they need before thinking to reattempt the test.

  • Revamping the strategies - After analysing the mistakes in strategies, students should plan better on how they should go on with the preparation. Practising different varieties of IELTS questions should be a priority for students looking forward to reattempting the exam.

  • Considering the mode of exam - Students can face difficulties in the online mode of the IELTS exam or in the paper-based test. So, they should think if it was the reason behind a low score as they had to move out of their comfort zone. If that is the case, they can try the other alternative next time.

How to Prepare Better for the IELTS Retest

Aspirants have to work harder and smarter to score high on their IELTS exam retest. Discarding the previous plan of action, students have to adopt new techniques for preparing better for the IELTS retest:

  • Join IELTS Coaching - Students who chose to self-study in the first attempt may consider joining IELTS coaching classes. The same can help students modify their study plans based on their requirements. The mentors at IELTS coaching classes can also guide the student when they get stuck with difficult areas and provide them with valuable feedback.

  • Study Material-Candidates must make wise use of the resources at their disposal. In today's digital world, there is an abundance of information that often leads to misinformation. Students have to carefully assess the study materials and test prep tools so that their precious time is not lost. Also, rigorous practice of IELTS mock tests proves beneficial to all IELTS aspirants.

  • Reading & Writing-Both reading and writing practice goes a long way in the case of IELTS preparation. Various quality materials are to be studied to gain efficiency in reading. Students can refer to newspapers, online news, magazines both digital and in print, audiobooks and podcasts. Writing on a topic each day and getting it evaluated by experts in the field is also essential.

  • Revision -Revising often plays an important role in IELTS retest. The human brain cannot retain some information or forgets stuff after a period of time. Hence, it becomes crucial to glance over again what has already been studied before.

Know more about section-wise question types and samples for the IELTS exam:

IELTS Reading Practice Test

IELTS Essay Writing Samples

IELTS Writing Task 1

IELTS Writing Task 2

IELTS Reading Tips

IELTS Task 1 Line Charts and Graphs

Now that we have established how many times the IELTS exam is conducted in a year, students can go ahead and plan their IELTS preparation or retest accordingly. Also, given that IELTS preparation takes around two weeks to eight weeks depending on the proficiency level, candidates can retake the test after fifteen days in case they have to meet the application deadline.

Please contact our study abroad experts at abroad@collegedekho.com for further information on language tests to take to study abroad. 

Know IELTS Score Requirement for Studying Abroad!

FAQs

How many times can I take IELTS in a year?

You can take IELTS as many times as you wish in a year. IELTS does not mention the maximum number of times you can take the IELTS exam in a year. However, students should prepare well and give the exam seriously as the IELTS exam fee is known to be significantly higher. 

How many times IELTS General Training exam is conducted in a year?

IELTS General Training exam is conducted 24 times a year in pen and paper mode. There are two dates in a month and it can fall on either a Thursday or Saturday. Those opting for the online IELTS general training exam can appear for the test on any day of the week. But, the applicants must check with the IELTS test centre for the availability of dates.

In which month IELTS retake is easy?

The IELTS retake is easy in the month when you feel you are well-prepared for the exam. Generally, you should take some time before appearing for the IELTS exam again. This time should be dedicated to enhancing your performance when you appear for the second time. Ideally, you should retake the IELTS before 15 days of your admission deadline.

How many IELTS test centres conduct IELTS exams in a year?

There are 75 IELTS test centres throughout India, in all the major cities of different Indian states. You can conveniently book the test centre according to the availability of the IELTS exam date and proximity to your residence. You get the option to locate the nearest test centre in the website of IDP IELTS India.

How many times IELTS speaking test is conducted in a year?

The IELTS speaking test is conducted as many times in a year as the IELTS exam is conducted. Some IELTS test centres have the provision for taking the IELTS speaking test on the same day, whereas, some test centres can allot a date within seven days prior to or post the IELTS exam date.

How many times IELTS online is conducted in a year?

IELTS online is held on all days of the week and three times a day. This makes the IELTS test dates available throughout the year. Students appearing for the online IELTS exam can choose the date and time as per their wishes.  The results of the IELTS online test are declared quickly within two to three days.

How soon can I retake the IELTS exam?

IELTS exam can be retaken as soon as the IELTS test scores are declared. You can book a date for IELTS retake depending on the availability at the IELTS test centre. You can keep repeating the test till you are satisfied with your band score. Having said that, it is better to prepare well for the exam before applying for an IELTS retake.

How many IELTS academic dates are available in a year?

There are 48 IELTS academic dates in a year. The IELTS academic is held four times a month, giving students a good amount of time to book a suitable IELTS exam date for themselves. In online mode, IELTS takes place on all days of the week and students get better flexibility and opportunity to choose an IELTS exam date.

On which days is IELTS conducted?

The paper-based IELTS exam is conducted on Thursdays and Saturdays for the convenience of applicants. The online IELTS exam takes place on any day of the week. If you wish to appear for the IELTS exam, book your dates ahead of time as the seats get filled up quickly due to the high demand for the exam.

Is the IELTS exam valid for three years?

No, the IELTS exam is not valid for three years. Once you give the IELTS exam and get the IELTS test scores, they will remain valid for two years. During this period of time, you can consider sending the IELTS test report anywhere you seek admission or send it to your work organisation or use it for visa purposes. After the lapse of two years, you will have to give IELTS exam again.

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