Source: Graana.com
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is one of the most popular English language assessment tests in the world. It is conducted in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, the US, and many other countries where English is commonly spoken, opening up many academic and professional possibilities. Many top-ranking colleges and universities accept your IELTS results as proof of your English language competency.
There are several IELTS preparation institutes in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and other cities, that are helping students and professionals in achieving their goals.
Graana.com has compiled a complete guide below to help you in understanding IELTS Pakistan registration process.
Currently, two verified organisations are providing testing services for IELTS:
The British Council, as its name suggests, is a company with headquarters in London that focuses on providing services for overseas students. AEO is currently being managed by IDP: IELTS Australia’s authorized IELTS centre in Pakistan.
Contrary to popular misconceptions, the tests administered by these two organisations are identical. The entire process, from exam modules to grading and scoring, is the same. Even the prices they charge are essentially the same.
The number of IELTS testing centres each organisation has in Pakistan is the only significant distinction between the British Council and AEO.
Present in 14 locations across the nation, the British Council Pakistan offers up to four IELTS test dates each month. Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Quetta, Multan, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Hyderabad, Quetta, Multan, Gujrat, Bahawalpur, Mirpur, Sargodha, Faisalabad, and Sialkot are all included on the list.
AEO, on the other hand, exclusively conducts the test in Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi.
Generally, the following two types of IELTS are conducted on a regular basis:
Most educational institutions require the IELTS Academic test results for admissions. On the other hand, companies and immigration agencies usually make it mandatory for candidates to take the IELTS General Training test. Both are identical in format and cost almost the same amount.
To take the IELTS test in Pakistan, you must first check which one you should schedule before registering with the British Council or AEO. These exams cannot be used interchangeably.
Take note that you might need to schedule either the IELTS UKVI Academic or General Training examinations if you intend to relocate to or study in the United Kingdom. The two-level IELTS Life Skills exam is also necessary for immigration to the UK.
Whether you are appearing for IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training, you are given two modes of test to choose from:
Candidates have to use a pencil to write their responses for the listening, reading, and writing modules during the paper-based exam. However, in the computer-based IELTS exam, candidates are provided with a computer system to record their responses for the reading, writing, and listening modules.
The timing for reading and writing will be the same whether you choose a computer-based or paper-based format, depending on your preference. Your exam mode has no bearing on the speaking test because it involves face-to-face dialogue with an examiner.
It is important to reiterate that the marking for both assessments is done through an identical process.
The sole distinction between the two is that a candidate taking the IELTS exam on paper has 10 minutes to note down their answers on the answer sheet. Candidates giving the computer-based test only have two minutes to review their answers because the test requires you to type all your answers.
The computer-delivered IELTS may be a better choice for you if you regularly use a computer. However, you should choose the paper-based test if you feel more at ease writing things down.
Computer-based IELTS was first-time introduced in Pakistan in 2019. Additionally, results for computer-based exams are issued in 5 to 7 working days, whereas it can take up to 15 days for results of the paper-administered exam to be issued.
The fee is different for paper-based IELTS and computer-based IELTS. Moreover, the fee also varies (only slightly) for the IELTS conducted by the British Council and AEO.
The following table shows the fee schedule of IELTS conducted by the British Council:
| Exam | City | Cost |
| IELTS Academic or General Training (Paper-based) | Lahore and Islamabad | PKR 34,800 |
| IELTS Academic or General Training (Paper-based) | Karachi | PKR 33,900 |
| IELTS Academic or General Training (Computer-delivered) | Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi | PKR 34,800 |
The following table shows the AEO’s registration fee in Pakistan for IELTS:
| City | Via Bank Draft | Via Credit Card |
| Lahore and Islamabad | PKR 34,800 | PKR 35,844 |
| Karachi | PKR 33,900 | PKR 34,917 |
The procedure to register for IELTS in Pakistan with the British Council and AEO is essentially the same, as outlined below:
The following is a step-by-step guide to register for IELTS with British Council Pakistan:
To register for IELTS with the British Council Pakistan, you only need your original CNIC or passport as proof of your identity. Generally, there is no age limit for the candidates to register for the test.
However, it is recommended that only candidates aged above 16 years should register for the test.
To pay the registration fee for IELTS with the British Council Pakistan, you can use the following channels:
Take note that check payments are not accepted at the British Council.
Once you have paid and chosen a seat for the test, you will receive an email confirmation. At least three days prior to the exam’s scheduled date, the organisation will provide you with details about the test, including the day, time, and location.
Furthermore, you will be provided with the option of either taking all four of your examinations on the same day or scheduling your speaking exam for a different day within a week.
After making your booking, you’ll also be given a reference number that you may use to log into the Test Taker Portal. Additionally, you will receive a ticket from the British Council to access their online study materials.
The following is the procedure to register for IELTS with AEO:
You will be required to enter your personal information on an online form in order to create a new account.
Generally, IELTS comprises 4 different parts:
You can prepare for the test with the registered preparation academies. However, the British Council also provides important preparation materials that you can utilise to score well on the test.
For more related information, visit the Graana blog.
Here are some FAQs related IELTS in Pakistan
In Pakistan, the cost of taking the IELTS exam varies depending on the test type and location. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the cost of taking the IELTS Academic or General Training test was PKR 34,680.
To apply for the IELTS exam in Pakistan, one can visit the British Council or IDP website to register online or in-person at a nearby test center. The required steps to complete the application process include providing personal information, selecting the test type and date, and paying the registration fee.
The difficulty level of the IELTS exam may vary for each test-taker. However, as a standardized test, it assesses one’s proficiency in the English language in a comprehensive manner through four modules – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Therefore, it is recommended to prepare thoroughly before taking the exam to achieve a good score.
The average IELTS score in Pakistan varies based on the purpose and level of the test-taker. According to data from my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the average overall band score for IELTS Academic in Pakistan was 5.5, while the average overall band score for IELTS General Training was 5.9.
The level of difficulty of the IELTS exam depends on the individual test-takers proficiency in the English language. However, some test-takers may find the IELTS General Training test relatively easier to score as it assesses everyday English language skills that one may use in social and work contexts.
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