The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS, is a popular proficiency test for English. It is accepted by 11,000 organisations worldwide and must be given by those candidates who aim to pursue education and careers abroad.
It aims to test four essential skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Hence, one must avoid these mistakes while choosing the dates of the IELTS exam. Furthermore, it is accepted by the USA, UK, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada. Research has revealed that 1.3 to 1.4 million students appear for it every year in India itself. However, one must prepare for it well so that one achieves a high band score.
Avoid These Mistakes While Choosing IELTS dates
The reading, listening and writing sections take place on the same day, whereas the speaking section takes place the next day. Sometimes, the speaking test may take place in another location. Hence, this might be a tricky affair and such circumstances might be avoided. These are the below-mentioned pointers that one should keep in mind while choosing IELTS dates:
- Choosing a date that clashes with university admissions
One must not choose a date those clashes with the university intake. For instance, if one’s university applications are in October, one must appear for IELTS two months before. It gives one time to prepare for the Statement of Purpose and other essential documents required for the application.
- Registering late for the exam
One should not register for the IELTS exam late as it functions on a first come first serve basis. Hence, test seats can be filled up without one’s knowledge, and one would not appear for it if that is the case.
- Not deciding the test date following the admissions schedule
Depending on the university admissions, one must choose the test date. However, results tend to arrive 3-5 days after the exam if computer-delivered. On the other hand, it takes around 13 days if it’s paper-based.
- ● Not getting enough resources for preparation
It is essential to prepare for IELTS at least two months before. During this period, one can collect the resources required for preparation. One can also apply for preparatory courses to help achieve a high band score.
Candidates can follow the below-mentioned dates and select the exam dates accordingly:
| Dates 2022 | Type of IELTS |
| 08 January | General and Academic |
| 15 January | Academic only |
| 20 January | Academic |
| 29 January | Academic and General |
| 05 February | General and Academic |
| 12 February | Academic and General |
| 17 February | General and Academic |
| 26 February | Academic |
| 03 March | Academic |
| 12 March | General and Academic |
| 19 March | Academic |
| 26 March | General and Academic |
| 09 April | Academic and General |
| 21 April | Academic |
| 23 April | General and Academic |
| 30 April | Academic |
| 04 June | Academic |
| 11 June | General and Academic |
| 16 June | Academic |
| 25 June | General and Academic |
| 07 July | Academic |
| 09 July | General and Academic |
| 16 July | Academic |
| 23 July | Academic and General |
| 06 Aug | General and Academic |
| 11 Aug | General and Academic |
| 20 Aug | General and Academic |
| 27 Aug | Academic |
| 03 Sep | Academic and General |
| 10 Sep | Academic |
| 15 Sep | Academic |
| 24 Sep | General and Academic |
| 08 Oct | Academic and General |
| 13 Oct | Academic |
| 22 Oct | Academic |
| 29 Oct | General and Academic |
| 05 Nov | Academic and General |
| 10 Nov | Academic and General |
| 19 Nov | General and Academic |
| 26 Nov | Academic |
| 03 Dec | General and Academic |
| 08 Dec | Academic |
| 10 Dec | Academic |
| 17 Dec | Academic and General |
The test is available in more than 120 test centers and these locations:
- Ahmedabad
- Ambala
- Amritsar
- Bangalore
- Bathinda
- Bhopal
- Bhubaneswar
- Calicut
- Chandigarh
- Chengannur
- Chennai
- Coimbatore
- Dehradun etc.
Tips for the Day of Exam
Candidates must remember to follow some tips diligently on exam day. These are listed below for easier understanding:
- Make sure to check the timings
One must check the timings before the exam and the location. Candidates must reach at least one hour before the stipulated time with the essential documents.
- Carry Identity Proof
Candidates must carry their Identity Proof which they had registered for in the test. These will be checked upon arrival. One must not forget to bring their passport as it is mandatory. The staff will ask candidates to open their face covering as a photograph will be taken before one sits for the test.
As outlined above, candidates must follow the pointers while choosing dates for the IELTS exam. It will streamline the application process as a whole.
