From its vibrant academic institutions to dynamic professional opportunities, the United Kingdom (UK) remains a top destination for international students and skilled professionals alike. For those aspiring to study, work, or settle in the UK, English proficiency is essential—and a recognized language qualification is often the key. Specifically designed to meet UK immigration and visa requirements, the IELTS for UKVI is a government-approved test that ensures candidates meet the language standards for life in the UK. Here’s a closer look at the structure and evaluation process of this specialized exam. What is UKVI IELTS? Designed specifically for visa applications, this Secure English Language Test (SELT) is recognized by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) authority. It ensures that individuals possess the necessary language skills for work, study, or residency in the UK. UKVI IELTS Test Categories This assessment is divided into four distinct categories based on its purpose. Like the standard IELTS, the first two options are Academic, for study visas, and General training, for work visas. Then comes the Life Skills section which comprises two levels- A1 and B1; each tailored to specific visa requirements: A1 Level: Required for a family visa application for individuals with a settled person in the UK.B1 Level: Necessary for those applying for indefinite leave to remain or citizenship. Read more: Higher Studies in England: Application, Study Cost, Scholarship, and Other Scopes IELTS vs. UKVI IELTS The two tests share a similar format, content, scoring, and difficulty level. However, the key distinction lies in the Test Report Form. It indicates that candidates have taken the IELTS exam at an official UKVI location sanctioned by the UK Home Office. Additionally, unlike the traditional IELTS, which can be taken online remotely, UKVI requires all candidates to complete the exam in person at an accredited testing center. This stipulation ensures an added layer of security and verification. UKVI IELTS Test Format The structure of the entire evaluation mirrors the standard IELTS, with the exception that Life Skills tests include only the Listening and Speaking sections. The assessment test’s total duration spans about 2 hours and 45 minutes, structured similarly for both the Academic and General Training categories.  The assessment includes four components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The first three sections are completed consecutively on the same day, with no breaks in between. The Speaking component may take place on the same day or up to seven days before or after the other sections, depending on local arrangements. Read more: IELTS vs TOEFL: Which is better for study abroad? UKVI IELTS Scoring System The final score for this evaluation is presented as a band score ranging from 1 to 9, with scores reported in whole or half-band increments for each component. The specific score required for UKVI applications is determined by CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) levels. These levels are also associated with the visa being sought. - CEFR A1 requires a pass in the life skills A1 test- CEFR B1 requires a pass in the life skills B1 test- For CEFR B1, a minimum band score of 4 is needed across Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.- For CEFR B2, candidates must achieve at least a 5.5 in all four components.- CEFR level C1 necessitates a minimum score of 7.0 across each module. Read more: How to Register for IELTS Exam in Bangladesh?

Preparing for the IELTS exam is a crucial step for those aspiring to study, work, or migrate abroad. A successful registration process is part of a well-structured and efficient preparation plan. In recent years, Bangladeshi applicants have been able to register for IELTS online. This article presents a step-by-step guideline for registering for the IELTS exam.  Things You Need to Know Before the Registration In Bangladesh, the IELTS exam is administered by the British Council and IDP Education. Both organizations operate multiple centers across all divisional cities in the country, where candidates can register in person to participate in the tests. Examinations for different modules are scheduled on specific dates each month. The IELTS exam is offered in two categories: academic and general training (GT), with the registration process tailored according to the selected category. The academic option is designed for those pursuing higher education, while the GT category is intended for individuals seeking immigration or job opportunities. Read more: Study in France: Costs, Scholarships, and Opportunities for Bangladeshi Students This test can be taken either on a computer or using the traditional paper-based method. Computer-based test results are typically available within 3 to 5 days, whereas paper-based results may take approximately two weeks. For registration, only a National Identity Card (NID) and a valid passport are required. Regardless of the test type or format, the current registration fee is BDT 22,500. Step-by-Step IELTS Test Registration Procedure IELTS Registration in the British Council Step 1 | Account Creation on ‘Test Taker Portal’ First, create an account on the ‘Test Taker Portal’ at the link  https://eamidentity.britishcouncil.org/account/login. This step requires the candidate's name, date of birth, and email address. Complete the account setup by creating a unique password and agreeing to the registration terms. Read more: Craft a Job-Winning Resume with AI: Step-by-Step Guide to Stand Out An account on this portal allows the candidate to complete the process at different times if needed. Additionally, the portal facilitates later access to IELTS scores and the ability to send a ‘Test Report Form’ to universities. Step 2 | Test Category Selection After logging in to the account, select ‘Book New Test’ from the top left corner. Choose the test category, either academic or general training, and then select the test format- either paper-based or computer-based. Candidates with accessibility requirements can choose from options such as scribes, assistive technologies, or hearing assistive devices. Read more: Free Online AI Courses by Harvard University from Basic to Advanced Levels Next, choose the date, venue, and time for the exam based on availability. Confirm the selection by clicking ‘Book Test’. Step 3 | Providing Necessary Information and Documents At this stage, personal information, including mother tongue and test purpose, must be provided. A scanned copy of the passport or National ID (NID) should be prepared for upload. Ensure that the passport is valid; if it is nearing expiration, it should be renewed before registration. Step 4 | Review Section Review the selected test date, personal details, and uploaded documents. Any errors should be corrected at this stage. Read more: Free Websites for Online IELTS Mock Tests Step 5 | Payment of Registration Fee The fee can be paid immediately or at a later time through online payment systems such as cards or mobile banking. Upon successful payment, the British Council will send a confirmation email with the exam details.

Preparing for the IELTS (Higher Education International English Language Testing System) exam is crucial to achieving academic and professional goals. One effective way to enhance your readiness is by taking online IELTS mock tests. These practice tests are simulations of the actual exam that not only familiarise the test takers with the format of the real IELTS test; but also provide insights into their strengths and weaknesses. Let’s explore some popular free online platforms to take IELTS preparation tests. Best Free Websites for Online IELTS practice Tests in 2024 British Council Bangladesh The British Council is one of the most reliable choices for free IELTS mock tests, particularly beneficial for Bangladeshi students. This platform uniquely focuses on the authenticity in maintaining test standards. Their tests closely emulate the actual exam, providing a realistic test environment.  The official IELTS website's free practice tests cover all sections and ensure a comprehensive simulation with detailed answer keys and band score estimations.  You can take your practice test here  https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/take-ielts/prepare/free-ielts-english-practice-tests Read more: Essential Skills to Learn Before Going to Study Abroad IELTS.live IELTS.live distinguishes itself by offering an interactive experience, providing immediate feedback for test-takers to pinpoint areas for improvement. This free platform is valuable for those desiring dynamic practice sessions.  Additionally, this website provides free online practice tests for all sections and allows users to assess readiness and identify improvement areas. Thus it enriches the overall IELTS preparation experience. Feel free to conduct a mock test here  https://www.ielts.live/collection/23/ielts-ac-mock-with-answers-(-vol-1-) Read more: Higher Study Opportunities in Turkey for International Students: Process, Cost E2 Test Prep E2 Test Prep is unique for its adaptive learning, customising difficulty levels based on individual performance for an efficient IELTS preparation journey.  The platform offers valuable free resources, including timed mock tests, vocabulary quizzes, and concise grammar lessons. It is ideal for Bangladeshi aspirants seeking a tailored and effective approach to IELTS readiness. You can take a mock test through the link below https://promo.e2language.com/free-full-ielts-mock-test/ Read more: Higher Education Abroad: How Bangladeshis Can Open Student Files Mentors Mentors is one of the most popular platforms for IELTS preparation in Bangladesh. Besides offering physical classes and practice tests for IELTS preparation, Mentors offers a user-friendly online interface, providing free resources for IELTS preparation. With a diverse range of question types, the platform presents comprehensive practice experience that can be accessed online.  Perfect for self-assessment, Mentors offers free mock tests for all sections, vocabulary quizzes, and grammar lessons. Ultimately it supports a well-rounded IELTS readiness journey. You can take a practice test here https://www.ielts-mentor.com/ielts/ielts-quiz Read more: Study in Czech Republic: Application process, cost, scholarships IELTS Liz IELTS Liz emerges as another notable free resource for IELTS preparation, especially catering to Bangladeshi students. The platform garners praise for its clear explanations within comprehensive test modules.  This offers a varied array of free materials, including mock tests, vocabulary lists, and grammar lessons. So, it serves as a valuable tool for skill enhancement for IELTS preparation.  You can check your IELTS preparation through the links below https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-reading-lessons-information-and-tips/ https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-listening/ Read more: Top 10 International Scholarships for Women to Study Abroad

When it comes to studying for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test, there are many different options available. Some people decide to take a course with an instructor while others choose to study on their own by taking practice tests. One of the best ways is to go online and find full free IELTS mock tests that you can use for your study materials! This article will give you some tips on how to find these types of tests so you don't have any trouble when looking around. Where to Take Full Free IELTS Mock Tests? Achieving a high score in an IELTS examination is important for many people, such as those who are going to study or work abroad. It can be very stressful and time-consuming if you have to take the test without any practice. Luckily there are a number of free sites that offer full mock tests with feedback on your performance. The following part of this article will explore these different options and help answer the question "Where to take full free IELTS mock tests?". Read IELTS Preparation: Best Online Free Resources, Mock Tests, and Guidelines for IELTS Academic and General British Council One of the best places to find full free IELTS mock tests is on the British Council website. This website provides a lot of resources for students who are preparing to take the IELTS test, including many different practice tests. You can take free online sessions with the British Council, which will allow you to get familiar with the test format, undertake tasks under timed conditions. Moreover, a learner can also review their work afterward so that any weaknesses can be perfected before stepping into the examination hall! The practice test will allow you to carry out timed sessions, giving yourself a chance of success on test day by practicing in various conditions under which it will be taken. However, each test is presented through a number of web pages and you should answer all the questions. Read IELTS vs TOEFL: Which is better for study abroad? Anyone can access the British Council IELTS practice test from here: https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/take-ielts/prepare/free-ielts-practice-tests IELTS Prepare by IDP When you are ready to take your shot at studying abroad, IELTS Prepare is here with all of the helpful information it can provide. The site provides test locations and preparation tips as well as downloadable practice exams so that students will be confident in their abilities before they even step foot on a real IELTS exam. With IDP’s practice test, you can be confident in your ability to succeed. The test has four sections with different timing requirements and expectations for each one. Moreover, they include worksheets to help candidates prepare as well audio recordings of explanations by experts on various topics related directly or indirectly to the actual exam itself.  Read TOEFL Practice Tests: 7 Full Free TOEFL Mock Tests to Take Online Anyone can access the IELTS Prepare by IDP from here: https://ielts.idp.com/canada/prepare/ielts-test-preparation-material IELTS Essentials Computer-Delivered IELTS IELTS Essentials, a website run by IDP Education that provides valuable resources for those preparing or taking the computer-based IELTS exam. Moreover, the website allows you to take the practice test and learn more about what is real test looks like. Further, you can also find study materials if needed before starting preparation. Besides, you can also register to take computer-delivered versions which offer wider date availability than traditional paper-based exams while still providing high-quality results processing. Although the computer-delivered IELTS testing system is similar to the paper version, it has some key differences. These practice tests from IELTS Essentials give you an opportunity for a virtual experience before your actual test. Read TOEFL Preparation: Best Free Online Resources, Guidelines, and Mock Test Opportunities Anyone can access the IELTS essentials from here: https://ielts.idp.com/prepare/article-get-familiar-ielts-on-computer IELTS.org The IELTS practice test from ielts.org is a great way to calm your nerves and prepare for the real thing! This site has all of their official materials, so you know what will be on exam day-of when taking it live. Moreover, it provides access not only in terms of topics covered but also by having both free sample questions available AND some video lessons teaching techniques that can't really be found elsewhere online besides maybe via YouTube tutorials. Additionally, IELTS.org provides the answer key of the practice test. As a result, you can make yourself correct before sitting for the actual exam.  Read SAT Preparation: Free Online Resources for Study, Mock Tests, and Guidelines Anyone can access the IELTS.org from here: https://www.ielts.org/usa/ielts-practice-test GlobalExam GlobalExam is a reliable and up-to-date resource for IELTS students. All content on this website has been produced by updated teachers with years of experience, providing you immediate feedback along your journey towards success! GlobalExam offers a full mock test which resembles the real exam conditions while you get the corrections after the practice test. Your results are saved automatically so that you can check on your status later. Furthermore, they also provide grammar study sheets when it comes to vocabulary! They even have "training schedules" which will help organize preparation by giving users an increasingly thorough program they should follow before taking IELTS. Read Step by Step Guide to Publish a Research Paper in an International Journal Anyone can access the GlobalExam from here: https://global-exam.com/en IELTS Liz The IELTS Liz website is a great place for those who want to improve their language skills. It offers free exercises, as well as many tips from experienced teachers that have been taught throughout the world on how best students prepare themselves before taking these tests! IELTS Liz also has its own YouTube channel if you would rather watch videos instead of reading text all day long. It covers every aspect of speaking/listening etc., so no matter what level he/she may be at this point in time there will always be something new waiting just around each corner. Read GMAT Preparation: Free Online Resources for Study, Mock Tests, and Guidelines Anyone can access the GlobalExam from here: https://ieltsliz.com/ IELTS Mentor This resource is a great way to get expert advice on what you should be doing when taking IELTS. It includes many sample questions with answers, as well as guidance for each section of the exam and vocabulary words that need attention! Anyone can access the GlobalExam from here: https://www.ielts-mentor.com/ Final Words So far, we have mentioned seven websites that offer high-quality full free IELTS practice tests. We hope that you find this blog post helpful and it will help you to achieve your desired score in the real IELTS exam. Read Best Countries to Study and Work in 2021

IELTS has emerged as a global standard for English proficiency tests. A good number of higher study destinations abroad requires a minimum IELTS score for acceptance. It is also a requirement for professional employment seekers. The standardized test helps aspiring candidates prove their proficiency in English. The test comprises 4 distinct assessments – reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Considering the assessment depth, the preparation should be taken accordingly. But everyone can't enroll in expensive mentorship programs for IELTS. So here are some of the best free resource materials out there for impeccable IELTS preparation.  Best Online Free Resources for Complete IELTS Preparation  For ease of navigation, the contents of this article are divided into the test criteria for the exam.  Writing The best writing test modules can be found at the British Council. The British Council is the joint owner of IELTS alongside IDP, IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English. As a result, the British Council provides comprehensive directives regarding the exam.  Read Best Countries to Study and Work in 2021 The writing assessment can be found here for the academic track. Click here for guidelines of general IELTS preparation.  EAP Foundation is another great place to get an all-around grasp of the writing assessment. The blog takes a deep dive into the various intricate aspects of academic as well as general writing. An examinee can get a detailed idea about what to include and what to avoid in their writing.  Skills You Need focuses mainly on writing in general. An examinee can match with the IELTS module and practice from the diverse writing resource module available on the website.  Read Best Banks for Student Credit Card in Bangladesh Want to test the writing ability in Cambridge standard? Write & Improve offers a test module to get an essay marked in the Cambridge marking guideline. This is a paid service. However, the first essay can be tested for free.  Virtual Writing Tutor is another great website to get the writing constantly checked. This is a completely free website that grades the writing on general readability scores.  Read How to Improve Handwriting: Tips for Adult Learners Vocabulary  Whether it’s writing, reading, speaking or even listening, having a strong grasp of vocabulary is important. This is often a determining factor in the reading and writing section of the IELTS test.  The Academic Word List is a comprehensive vocab list of all words related to academics. An examinee can use Road to Grammar to practice vocab skills. Some people prefer printable practice sheets for vocabs. For them, the AWL Practice Sheets can be a great option. The Academic Phrase Bank from Manchester University is another useful resource to learn the British colloquial terms. Read SoP for Higher Studies: How to write an unfailing Statement of Purpose? Reading  The Reading aspect of IELTS is a comprehensive test that analyzes the ability of an examinee to read and understand general and academic English. The resource material for the reading can be English dailies and blogs. In addition to that, there is the British Council Magazine which offers free reading material for prospective IELTS candidates. 

When it comes to studying abroad, almost every institution requires some form of standardized English proficiency test. These tests are designed to check the merit of the student as well as assess their English language capabilities. Students might complete their secondary education in their native language. However, English is one of the most common mediums for higher studies both locally and abroad. As a result, standardized tests like IELTS and TOEFL have become a staple for study abroad applications, especially in western countries. But which of these are better for study abroad? Let’s find out.  What is IELTS? International English Language Testing System or IELTS is one of the more common standardized English proficiency tests. It is commonly used for educational, occupational, and immigration purposes. The exam is governed by the British Council, IDP, Cambridge Assessment English.  The IELTS score is valid in over 10,0000 universities, schools, and institutions across more than 140 countries of the world. The exam is applicable in both the USA and the UK so the examinee can use any of the spelling.  Read: English Vocabulary: Ways to Improve and Expand Your Knowledge of Words There are mainly two variations to the IELTS test – the academic one and the generalized one. Migration and occupational requirements are dealt with through the generalized system whereas the higher study aspirants are required to take the academic test.  What is TOEFL? While IELTS is a generalized proficiency test for a range of needs, TOEFL is geared more towards the assessment of English communication in an academic setting. This is exclusively designed for students aspiring to pursue higher education in English-taught subjects at a foreign university.  TOEFL is exclusively conducted by the Education Testing Service based in the US. As a result, an examinee is bound to take the test in US English. TOEFL scores are accepted in over 8000 institutions of the world. The leading universities including the global top 100 also acknowledge TOEFL as a standard aptitude score.  Read: English Listening Skills: Some effective ways to improve The difference between IELTS and TOEFL  Even though IELTS and TOEFL are both standardized tests for English communication and proficiency, there are still some major differences between them. The main difference between them is the structure of the exam.  TOEFL exams are based on multiple-choice questions whereas IELTS requires you to show proficiency in a range of sub-topics like reading, writing, and speaking. The written exam also varies between short question answers, essay tasks, and fill in the gaps.  The IELTS exam may feel more intensive, but the duration of the TOEFL is much longer compared to the IELTS one. It takes 2 hours 40 minutes to take the IELTS test whereas it takes 4 hours to take the TOEFL one. Read: How to improve your English speaking skills at home? Since TOEFL is a standardized academic test, there is no variation to it except for the computer-generated one. However, IELTS has two variations depending on the purpose of the applicant.   The multiple-choice nature of the TOEFL exam makes it more analytical. Compared to that, the IELTS one is more like a memory-based competency test. It also focuses on the comprehension capabilities of the student to understand their general style of writing and speaking capabilities.  Factors to consider before choosing IELTS or TOEFL  Acceptance of the test  When an examinee is planning to take any of these tests, chances are they already have a college or institution in mind. It is important to find out which IELTS and TOEFL the college accepts.  Read: How to let go of a lifelong dream and embrace a new one? A very high number of colleges across the globe accept both IELTS and TOEFL. The majority of the universities and colleges across the US prefer TOEFL to IELTS. However, it is still better to check beforehand, or else it will become pointless to appear for a test. The list of colleges and universities can be found on both IELTS and TOEFL’s websites.  Multiple choice or Short answer  An examinee needs to play on their strength when it comes to taking the tests. Some might be good at multiple-choice whereas others might be good at the descriptive type of answers. Considering TOEFL is almost entirely multiple choice-based, it can be a good choice for those looking to completely avoid coming up with an answer of their own. Those who are comfortable with writing descriptive answers compared to multiple-choice ones should go for IELTS.  Texts for the Reading section  The reading section is one of the more competitive aspects of both IELTS and TOEFL. The performance in the reading section can be a make-or-break aspect for many students. IELTS uses passages from the academic text as well as a newspaper or other excerpts.  Read: Studying Abroad in Canada: Prospects and Challenges However, TOEFL almost exclusively uses academic texts. As a result, the TOEFL passages are harder to understand with rich vocabularies. A student should assess their strength in reading skills to choose which one works best for them.  Computer-generated speaking test Vs Face to Face oral interview  The TOEFL speaking test is a computer-generated one. An examinee has to answer a series of the answers to their speaker which is recorded and assessed. Compared to that, the IELTS speaking test is a physical one with a one-to-one interviewer.  This can be a deciding factor while choosing IELTS and TOEFL. Some people might have a hard time speaking a foreign language in front of a person. This might significantly alter the performance and negatively impact the test scores.  Read: Top 10 Best Affordable Universities in Canada for International Students in 2021 Essay length  IELTS requires a student to write a recommended 400-word essay in 60 minutes. On the other hand, TOEFL requires you to write a recommended length of 500 words in 50 minutes. It's not a strict rule to maintain the word count. But it is expected that an examinee will write a comprehensive response to the essay. So, depending on your writing abilities, it might be easier for you to take the IELTS test compared to the TOEFL one.  Bottom Line  IELTS and TOEFL are both standardized tests designed to assess the English capabilities of the student. However, each of these holds an edge over the other in certain scenarios. The students who are willing to study abroad need to evaluate their own skills in English to pick the most efficient test. Before appearing for the exams the students should consider the prospects and structure of these tests carefully to achieve the best outcome possible.  Read Student Loans in Bangladesh: Banks Offering Education Loans for Higher Studies