IDP IELTS vs BC IELTS - Which is the Best to Choose?

IELTS is a widely recognized and standardized English language assessment test for students and professionals interested in studying or working in another country. Many of them have false perceptions about the IDP and British Council Exams. Which is the most appropriate for the IELTS test? This article will provide an answer to your query.

There is no such difference between the exams conducted by IDP IELTS (International Development Program ) and BC IELTS (British Council). IDP recently took over BC and since then there are no such differences. Cambridge English Language Assessment, one of the joint owners of IELTS, compiles the test that both take. Regardless of whether the test is done through IDP IELTS or BC IELTS, the test is valid in countries that demand an IELTS clearance certificate.

What is IELTS?

The International Language Testing System (IELTS) was introduced in the 1980’s. It assesses candidates' English language skills. As part of their recruitment and selection processes, most businesses and educational institutions demand confirmation of IETS clearance which includes the UK, Newzealand, Canada, and Australia. In over 140 countries, 2.5 million students take IELTS. All of the major English-speaking countries have embraced it. Academic IELTS and General IELTS are two types of tests used by IELTS to assess your abilities in:

• IELTS speaking
• IELTS writing
• IELTS listening
• IELTS Reading

It is strongly advised that students who intend to immigrate, have to clear the IELTS exam since this will make the immigration process easier for them. The examination's primary goal is to assess applicants' ability to communicate effectively in English in real-life scenarios. The test is developed by the most trusted experts of Cambridge University and it is accepted by over 10000 organizations across the world.

Which is better: IDP or British Council?

Ownership

The IELTS Exam is jointly owned by IDP, BC, and Cambridge English Language Assessment. None of them is better than the other.

Question Paper

Cambridge English Language Assessment creates the questions for both the IDP and BC exams. So it doesn't matter if you take the BC or IDP exam. The IELTS IDP and IELTS BC Exam Pattern are the same.

IELTS Examiners and Valuation in IDP & BC

All examiners in both IDP and BC are trained in the same manner and they follow the same guidelines during the evaluation. As we have said in the IELTS examination the listening, speaking, writing, and reading abilities of candidates are examined. In listening and speaking tests, the examiners simply pick up the correct and wrong answers. There is nothing more to do in that section. In reading and writing tests, the examiners play a major role. They had completed the same course, so valuation will be the same in both IDP IELTS and BC IELTS.

Fee Structure

When it comes to fee structures, there is no difference between the IDP IELTS and the British Council IELTS. Whether you book through IDP Australia or the British Council, the price remains the same. The only distinction we can make is that the pricing structure may vary from country to country for the IELTS fee. The cost of taking a test in Canada will be different from the cost in the United Arab Emirates. There is no distinction or difference between BC IELTS and IDP IELTS.

Accents used

As we know IDP is Australian and BC is British, they did not precisely follow their accents when taking the IELTS exam. The examiners have a variety of accents, and the candidates are free to employ their own. In IDP and BC, there are no hard and fast guidelines about how to follow their accents. They merely want to know if you are good at the English language.

IDP vs BC Marking

The examiners are trained in the same way so that the same guidelines can be followed. They follow the same criteria so that the IELTS score parameters meet. The examiners have also kept a check on so that they do not provide very high or very low band scores.

Availability of equipment

It is always a good idea to choose a test location that is close to your home so that you can do well on the exam ( based on your preference ). Most examiners recommend applicants to wear headphones while performing the listening assignment so that they can concentrate better and perform well. It's a good idea to find out if the exam center you chose has enough equipment for the exam since this can help you relax and avoid distractions.

Selection of Test Date

Choose an appropriate exam date based on your preferences. Make sure you've prepared properly and are confident enough to take the exam, then pick an IELTS Exam Date that works for you.

How to Register?

• You can register for the British Council IELTS examination through their official website
• You can register for the IDP IELTS examination directly through their official website

Recently in Hyderabad, students had a common question regarding which is better IDP IELTS or BC IELTS in Hyderabad. As already mentioned in the above points, both are the same tests. However, IDP has more centres than BC and hence, the accessibility is more in terms of IDP.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the format of the IELTS test?

Answer: The IELTS exam is divided into four sections: listening, speaking, writing, and reading, and it lasts three hours.

2. Which exam should I take, General or Academic?

Answer: There are two types of IELTS tests: general and academic. If you want to continue your education at an international university, you should take the Academic test. You can take the General test if you want to immigrate or if you wish to study at a lower level than a bachelor's degree.

3. Is IDP more difficult than BC?

Answer: Of course not; both exams have the same level of difficulty. The difficulty level of the questions is independent of whether they are IDP or BC. In both, the question is structured by Cambridge English Language Assessment.

4. Is there a difference in the marking system in IDP and BC?

Answer: There is no difference between the BC and IDP marking systems. Both are assessed in the same way. You will achieve good results in the IELTS exam if you prepare well and have confidence.