How Choosing the Right Dates of the IELTS Exam Can Prove Effective?

Students aspiring to study abroad need to appear for English language proficiency tests like IELTS or International English Language Testing System. These tests are administered in India by IDP, and the dates of IELTS exams are available throughout the year.

The computer-delivered IELTS tests are available every day of the week, while the paper-based tests take place four times a month. However, students should know that the test dates will depend on whether one appears for the Academic test or General Training test. IELTS test dates usually fall on Thursdays and Saturdays.

While the Reading, Listening and Writing sections take place on the assigned dates of IELTS exam, the Speaking section is held seven days before or after the dates.

Notably, choosing a suitable date for the IELTS test requires careful consideration and planning. The following sections will show how selecting a convenient IELTS test date can help aspirants achieve success in their quest for admission to preferred foreign institutions.

Major Advantages of Effective Scheduling of IELTS Test Dates 

The IELTS test-centres operate on a first-come-first-serve basis. Students need to book their tests beforehand to get a convenient test date at a suitable test centre. Experts suggest that test-takers should ideally book their IELTS tests at least three months before the test date. However, during peak season, test date slots and centres might fill up quite fast.

Aspirants need to find a suitable test date that can help them prepare for timely applications at universities.

Here’s a rundown on how finding the right test date can be instrumental for realising one’s study-abroad dreams:

Aids in Test Preparation

IELTS, like any other language proficiency test, is highly competitive and comes with intense time constraints. As of 2018, more than 3.5 million test-takers around the globe appeared for this language test. Moreover, international institutions have their own IELTS score requirement for successful admission into different programs.

IELTS assesses the English language capability of an aspirant on 4 parameters: reading, writing, speaking and listening. Each of these test sections come with a stipulated time frame. Students need to chalk out a thorough strategy to prepare for these sections. At the same time, they need to develop time management skills so as to complete the test sections within the provided time slot.

One needs to have a clear estimation of the overall time they would require to prepare for the test. This will usually depend on one’s English language abilities, test preparation options, learning style and schedule. Moreover, the time needed for preparation will depend on whether one chooses to self-prepare or opt for a professional coaching centre.

Choosing a suitable test date for the IELTS exam will give candidates ample time for solid preparation for these tests.

Helps to Plan University Applications

One of the most critical factors that ensure a student’s success in studying abroad is a timely and orderly submission of applications. One must check whether the selected program has a single admission, rolling admission, or admission rounds.

Some international institutions have multiple deadlines, and some can have only one deadline. There are certain institutions that come with a specific deadline for application submission, while others might accept applications on a rolling basis.

At times, choosing the right program and university can take up considerable time. Aspirants should, therefore, pick dates of IELTS exam that provides them sufficient time to choose a program, a university and plan the drafting of admission applications.

Provides Scope for Timely Score Reporting

Appearing for an IELTS test is not enough. Candidates need to make sure that their IELTS score reaches the selected institutions before the prescribed deadline. The process of sending the scorecard might take some time.

Students have to find out information from the official website to make sure how much time it takes for the scorecard to reach admission offices of different universities. They should also learn when the programs they are interested in require the applications and scorecards. These factors should be kept in mind while selecting test dates for the IELTS exam.

With effective scheduling of IELTS test dates, test-takers can get ample scope to have their scorecards reach the admission offices within the deadline.

Enables Streamlining

The entire procedure involved with a successful study-abroad planning and execution depends much on a proper strategy. Selecting and booking suitable IELTS test dates play a vital role in this strategic planning. Students can plan all the crucial steps such as registration, preparation, drafting applications, and sending multiple test report forms to selected universities accordingly.

In other words, through effective scheduling of test dates, one can significantly streamline the processes involved with study-abroad plans. This will also help students to get all possible help in time to deal with any issues that might crop up during the process.

Guide to Book Dates of IELTS Exam

Now that it is clear how proper scheduling of IELTS test dates can help students in realising their study-abroad dream, here’s a detailed guide on how to book a suitable test date:

1. Visit the official website of IELTS India.
2. Tap on ‘Register for Test’ and then choose the type of test you wish to take.
3. Choose the test module- Academic / General Training / UKVI.
4. Select the preferred test date and location. However, it is important to know that both test dates and locations are subject to availability.
5. Provide the required details and complete the online application form.
6. Upload a scanned copy of passport.
7. Proceed to pay the registration fee. It has to be paid online through debit / credit card or net banking.

Once the registration is complete, students will receive an acknowledgement.

IELTS is a challenging test, and aspirants might have to appear for the test more than once to secure the desired score band. Students need to keep this in mind while choosing a test date. Therefore, aspirants have to formulate their strategy accordingly to complete all the relevant steps associated with their study abroad plans.