IELTS Score: Score Range, Score Calculation, Raw Score to Scaled Score Conversion, Score Validity

Apr 26, 2024

IELTS score ranges on a scale of 0-9 band. The exam is divided into 4 sections; reading, writing, listening, and speaking. IDP IELTS exam results for each section use and band 9 scale. The overall IDP IELTS test results are calculated on the average score achieved in four sections.

Check: Get IELTS Coaching Centers

You can check your IELTS results by simply logging in to your account on the official website. The timing of your result depends on the test type and format. The paper-based IELTS result took 13 days to deliver, and the computer-based results took 3 to 5 days to deliver.

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IELTS score is valid for 2 years. Only for the skilled migration process for Australia, IDP India IELTS result is valid for three years. The minimum IDP IELTS result for the immigration process is 6 bands. Achieving an IELTS band scale of 7+ can help you to get admission to some of the best universities worldwide.

Table of Contents

IELTS Band Score in India
IELTS Band Scores Calculation
2.1 IELTS Listening Score
2.2 IELTS General Reading Score
2.3 IELTS Academic Reading Score
2.4 IELTS Writing Score
2.5 IELTS Speaking Score
2.6 IELTS Score Validity
2.7 IELTS Band Score Description
How to send IELTS score?
FAQs

IELTS Band Score in India

As IELTS is an exam meant for the candidates of non-English speaking countries who are willing to study in English-speaking countries, India has a dominant number of IELTS test-takers. Even after being non-English speakers, Indian candidates have secured a sufficient score in IELTS, especially in speaking and listening. For a detailed overview of the IELTS score secured by Indian candidates check the graph below:

Mean IELTS Score of Indian Candidates based on mother tongue

In all the sections, the Marathi-speaking candidates from India are seen to exceed others. After that, there are Malayalam and Kannada speaking candidates. This shows that even though the mean IELTS band score in India is 6.72, a few regions of India scored more than that.

IELTS Band Scores Calculation

IELTS band score is calculated in a complex way: each section of IELTS has a raw score. The raw score of each section is based on the number of questions and the obtained IETLS raw score is the number of correct answers given.

IELTS Listening Score

In IELTS listening section, candidates get 40 questions each. Each question carries 1 point, which makes the raw IELTS listening scores. The IELTS listening scores are calculated using the table mentioned below

Band Score	Score out of 40
9	39-40
8.5	37-38
8	35-36
7.5	32-34
7	30-31
6.5	26-29
6	23-25
5.5	18-22
5	16-17
4.5	13-15
4	10-12
3.5	8-10
2.5	4-5

IELTS General Reading Score

IELTS general reading contains 40 questions and the IELTS general reading score can be calculated by following the below table

Band Score	Score out of 40
9	40
8.5	39
8	37-38
7.5	36
7	34-35
6.5	32-33
6	30-31
5.5	27-29
5	23-26
4.5	19-22
4	15-18
3.5	12-14
2.5	6-8

IELTS Academic Reading Score

IELTS academic reading contains 40 questions. IELTS general reading is comparatively easier than IELTS academic reading. The approximate band score of IELTS reading is obtained out of 40 and is converted in a 9-band scale to get the scaled score of these sections. For example, a candidate has secured 34 out of 40 in IELTS reading – to understand the scaled score, the candidates have to find out the equivalent of 34 in terms of 9. The process is (34/40)*9= 7.65. This is how IELTS reading is calculated.

IELTS Writing Score

Candidates have two tasks to attempt two tasks. IELTS writing score is given based on 4 marking criteria:

Task Achievement (for Task 1) or Task Response (for Task 2)
Coherence and Cohesion
Lexical Resource
Grammatical Range and Accuracy

IELTS writing score can be determined by following different criteria as described in the table

Task Achievement (For Task 1)	Accurate information Proper overview and introduction Highlighted key features Supporting statement with data
Task Response (For Task 2)	Address the task Stating relevant points with supporting statements Opinionated statement Proper conclusion
Coherence and Cohesion	Collating data from paragraphs Proper central for each paragraph
Lexical Resource	Good range of words along with paraphrasing Using collocations Spelling Avoiding errors
Grammar Range and Accuracy	Use a wide range of sentence structures Proper use of verbs and tenses Punctuations Avoiding errors

IELTS Speaking Score

IELTS speaking section is conducted either on the same day or within a week after taking the test. IELTS speaking score is given based on 4 marking criteria:

Fluency	Have good oral fluency. Can speak fluently. Correct sentence structure.
Coherence and Cohesion	Can arrange information and ideas. Ability to use references carefully and wisely.
Pronunciation	Good accent maintenance. Correctly spoken sounds.
Grammatical Accuracy	Ability to use a mixture of simple and complex sentences. Able to communicate without grammatical errors

Based on these, the examiners award a score out of 9 for IELTS writing and speaking by equally evaluating each criterion.

The overall IELTS band score is calculated by extracting the average of the scores obtained in the individual sections and rounding it off to the nearest whole digit or half. For example, a candidate has obtained 6.5 for Listening, 6.5 for Reading, 5.0 for Writing, and 7.0 for Speaking. The overall score will be the total score by adding the score of 4 sections and dividing them by for.

Here the total is (6.5 + 6.5 + 5 + 7) = 25 which makes the average 25/4 = 6.25. In this case, the overall IELTS band score will be 6.5 considering it is the nearest half. IELTS band score has to be a whole number of a digit with .5. Anything other than these will be rounded off to the nearest full or half.

IELTS Score Validity

IELTS score comes with validity for 2 years. After this period, the candidates will not be able to send an IELTS score to any university or organization, no matter how high a band score they have secured. That’s why we recommend the candidates to apply wherever they want within its validity.

IELTS Band Score Description

IELTS band score describes candidates skill level on the English language proficiency. The meaning of each point of the IELTS band scale is mentioned in the table below:

IELTS Band Score	Explanation
9 or Expert	Complete understanding of English with fluency and accuracy.
8 or Very good	Good understanding of English with complex and detailed argumentation. Occasional inaccuracies in unfamiliar situations.
7 or Good	Excellent use of the language in certain situations.
6 or Competent	The candidate has shown effective usage of English with some inaccuracy.
5 or Modest	Test-taker can handle can communicate in English in familiar circumstances well with partial command over it and ample mistakes.
4 or Limited	The candidate does not understand complex language; they can manage basics under very familiar situations.
3 or Extremely limited	Test-taker has a rudimentary knowledge of the language to convey only the general meaning.
2 or Intermittent	The candidate has difficulty in understanding spoken and written English.
1 or Non-user	The test-taker has limited knowledge of the language with a few random isolated words.
0 or Did not attempt	Test-taker was unable to answer any questions.

How to send IELTS Score?

You can send your IELTS score to organizations by simply logging in to the IELTS official website. You can send one free provided IELTS exam results. Candidates who require additional Test Report Forms (TRFs) are required to pay an additional fee. IDP is no longer accepting offline applications for Additional TRF.

First five online Additional TRF would be processed free of charge.
Additional online score reporting, IELTS test charges of INR 250 - per university.
You can apply for online score reporting to a maximum of 5 universities in a day.

Even after being a difficult exam, it is possible to secure a good IELTS band score with proper practice. The candidates can check the IELTS solved papers of writing for this purpose. As it is a difficult exam and it has a time limit for each of the sections, it is good for the candidates to use the smart preparation tips for IELTS to answer the questions correctly and quickly. Along with regular practice with IELTS papers, sincerity and confidence are the USPs to ace IELTS.

FAQs

Ques: How long is an IELTS score valid for?

Ans: IELTS score is valid for 2 years. Only for the skilled migration process for Australia, IDP India IELTS result is valid for three years. The minimum IDP IELTS result for the immigration process is 6 bands.

Ques: Is 7 a good score in IELTS?

Ans: Achieving a score of 7 bands in IELTS is calculated as a good score. The total score in IELTS ranges on a scale of 0-9, and every band of IELTS describes a candidate's competency level to move to abroad.

Ques: Can I retake the IELTS test?

Ans: You can retake any one section of the IELTS test; Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking as many times you want. To register for IELTS retake, you have to pay the full IELTS registration fees.

Ques: How do I get my IELTS test results?

Ans: The paper-based IELTS result took 13 days to deliver, and the computer-based results took 3 to 5 days to deliver. You can check your IELTS results by simply logging in to your account on the official website.

Ques: What is the IELTS band score system?

Ans: IELTS band score is scaled on a scale of 0- 9-band for each part of the test. Candidate’s band score describes their English language abilities to move to an English-speaking country.

Ques: What is a good IELTS band score?

Ans: Achieving a score of 6+ is a good IELTS band score. The minimum IELTS score for the immigration process for most of the countries. Achieving a score of 7+ band can help you to get admission to some of the best universities worldwide.

Ques: How are the individual sections of the IELTS test scored?

Ans: Each of the four sections - Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking - is scored on a 9-band scale. Your overall band score is the average of these section scores.

Ques: Can I get my Speaking test rescheduled?

Ans: Yes, you can request to reschedule your Speaking test up to three days before the scheduled date. To reschedule your test, you need to pay a rescheduled fee of INR 3,312.

Ques: How much time do I have to complete each section?

Ans: The total time to complete IELTS section is 2 hours and 45 minutes. Time allotted for each section is; Listening - 30 minutes, Reading - 60 minutes, Writing - 60 minutes, Speaking - 11–14 minutes.

Ques: What is the pass mark for each section of IELTS?

Ans: There is no pass or fail mark for IELTS. The total IELTS score ranges on a scale of 0-9, You need to achieve a minimum of 6+ bands in IELTS to get a successful admission or visa application process.

Ques: Can I recheck my IELTS score?

Ans: Candidates who wish to recheck their results must fill out an EOR (Enquiry on Results) form. IELTS revaluation fee in India is INR 12,200. You need to submit your EOR application online by logging in to your IDP account.

Ques: How much does it cost to get a test or section re-marked?

Ans: IELTS rechecking fee in India is INR 12,200. IELTS is no longer accepting offline applications for EOR. You will receive a full refund of the EOR IELTS fee if your result is changed to a higher score after rechecking.

Ques: How are the Writing and Speaking sections assessed?

Ans: Writing is assessed on Task Achievement, Coherence and cohesion, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range, and Accuracy. Speaking is assessed on Fluency and coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range, and Pronunciation.

Ques: What can I do to improve my IELTS score?

Ans: To improve your IELTS score, you need to practice regularly with sample papers, join a preparation class, use official IELTS practice materials, learn from prior tests, focus on weak areas, and develop test-taking strategies.

Ques: Can I get my results over the phone?

Ans: You can’t get your results over the phone directly, IELTS results are only issued officially on the Test Report Form which is sent by post or available online through the Test Taker's portal.

Ques: What should I do if I miss my test due to an emergency?

Ans: If you miss a test date due to an emergency, you need to contact the test center immediately with valid reasons. You can apply online for a refund or reschedule if you miss your test date due to some emergency. You may be eligible for a free transfer or partial refund if you cancel with sufficient notice.

Ques: What ID should I submit in IELTS?

Ans: You need to submit a valid passport to complete IELTS registration. You are also required to submit your recent photograph to complete IELTS registration.

Ques: What versions of IELTS are available?

Ans: IELTS is available in two modules - Academic and General Training, and the tests are conducted in English only. Academic is designed for higher studies, and the general training evaluates candidates for visa and immigration purposes.

Ques: Can my test center be changed?

Ans: You can request to change your test center up to 5 weeks before the scheduled test date, depending on availability. To reschedule your test, you need to submit an additional rescheduling fee.

Ques: How do I request a Test Report Form re-issuance?

Ans: Contact your test center if your TRF is lost or damaged. You will need to provide proof of identity and pay an administrative fee for re-issuance within the 24-month validity period.

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.