Frequently Asked Questions

IELTS, or the International English Language Testing System, is the world’s most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and global migration. It assesses your ability to listen, read, write, and speak in English and is recognized by thousands of organizations worldwide, including universities, employers, and immigration bodies.

There are a few versions of the test, so it’s crucial to choose the right one for your goals:

• IELTS Academic: This is for you if you’re applying for higher education (university) or professional registration in an English-speaking environment.
• IELTS General Training (GT): This is for those who are going to English-speaking countries for secondary education, work experience, or training programs. It’s also required for migration to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK.
• IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI): This is a government-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT). You may need this version if you’re applying for a UK visa to study, work, or live there. It’s the same in format as the standard IELTS but with additional security protocols.
• IELTS Life Skills (A1, A2, or B1): This test only assesses speaking and listening skills and is used for specific UK visa categories, such as ‘family of a settled person’ visas.

The IELTS test has four parts, and the total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes.

• Listening: 30 minutes, 4 parts
• Reading: 60 minutes, 3 sections
• Writing: 60 minutes, 2 tasks
• Speaking: 11–14 minutes, 3 parts

The Listening, Reading, and Writing sections are completed on the same day without a break. The Speaking test might be on the same day or up to a week before or after your main test day.

You can choose how you want to take the test in Bangladesh!

• Paper-based IELTS: You’ll write your answers on paper. This is the traditional format.
• Computer-delivered IELTS: You’ll take the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections on a computer at the test center. The Speaking test either virtual or a face-to-face interview with an examiner. The main advantages are more test dates and faster results. (*only virtual interviews will be available shortly)

You can register online through the official websites of the two test providers in Bangladesh: the British Council and IDP Bangladesh. The process is straightforward: just choose your preferred test type, date, and location, and fill in your personal details.

It is crucial to always check the official British Council or IDP Bangladesh websites before registering, as fees can change. Here are the latest approximate fees as of August 2025:

• Standard IELTS (Academic & GT – Paper or Computer): BDT 28,450
• IELTS for UKVI (Academic & GT): BDT 31,970
• IELTS Life Skills (A1 & B1): BDT 23,760

Payment options are now very convenient in Bangladesh. You can typically pay using:

• Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, MasterCard)
• Bank Deposit at designated banks (e.g., Standard Chartered Bank)
• Mobile Financial Services (bKash, Nagad, Rocket, etc.).

The only acceptable ID is a valid, original passport or NID (smart card only). You must have your passport or NID with you for registration and bring the exact same passport or NID on the test day. No other form of ID (like printed NID or a driver’s license) will be accepted at the test venue.

Tests are conducted in major cities across the country, making it accessible for everyone. Main locations include Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, Khulna, Rajshahi, Barishal, and Cumilla. Both the British Council and IDP have multiple venues in these cities.

IELTS uses a 9-band scoring system, from Band 1 (Non-user) to Band 9 (Expert user). You get a score for each of the four skills (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) and an overall band score, which is the average of the four. Scores are given in whole or half bands (e.g., 6.0, 7.5, 8.0). There is no “pass” or “fail” score; the score you need depends on the requirements of the university or organization you are applying to.

The result timeline depends on the test format you chose:

• Computer-delivered IELTS: You can preview your results online in 3-5 days.
• Paper-based IELTS: You can preview your results online after 13 days.

You will receive one official copy of your Test Report Form (TRF), which will be sent to your address via courier.

You have two options if you believe your score doesn’t reflect your performance:

• Enquiry on Results (EoR): You can apply for a re-mark of one or more sections within six weeks of your test date. In Bangladesh, the fee is approximately BDT 12,500. This fee will be fully refunded if your score in any section increases. Keep in mind that scores can also go down or stay the same.
• IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR): This is a new feature available in Bangladesh! If you’re not happy with your score in just one skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking), you can retake just that one part of the test without having to do the full test again. This is currently available for computer-delivered tests. The fee for the OSR is approximately BDT 15,750.

Your IELTS results are valid for two years from your test date.