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GAPICTInternational Testing Centre
EnglishOwned by IELTS partners: British Council, IDP IELTS and Cambridge University Press & Assessment

IELTS

International English Language Testing System

The four-skills English test used for study, work and migration in the UK, Australia, Canada and beyond.

Facts checked 21 October 2026

Duration
2h 45m
Delivered through
Owner-run centres
Results
IELTS on computer: usually 1–2 days. Paper-based: up to 13 days.

Not yet available at GAPICT

Register your interest and we will contact you if IELTS becomes available in Lahore.

Register interestHow to book

Overview

IELTS tests listening, reading, writing and speaking. It comes in Academic and General Training versions, with separate IELTS for UKVI and Life Skills tests for UK visas. Speaking is a face-to-face interview with an examiner.

Who it is for

  • Students applying to undergraduate or postgraduate courses (Academic)
  • Doctors, nurses and others seeking professional registration (Academic)
  • People migrating to Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the UK (General Training)
  • UK visa applicants who need a Secure English Language Test (IELTS for UKVI or Life Skills)

Versions

IELTS Academic

For university study and professional registration.

IELTS General Training

For migration, work and training or study below degree level. Listening and Speaking are the same as Academic; Reading and Writing differ.

IELTS for UKVI (Academic or General Training)

Same test, taken in person at an approved IELTS for UKVI centre for UK visa applications.

IELTS Life Skills (A1, A2, B1)

Speaking and listening only, graded pass or fail. For UK family, settlement and citizenship routes.

One Skill Retake

Retake one skill within 60 days of a computer-delivered test, at centres that offer it. One retake per test.

Where it is accepted

  • University admission worldwide (Academic)
  • UK visas (IELTS for UKVI and Life Skills are approved SELTs)
  • Canadian Express Entry (General Training only; One Skill Retake not accepted)
  • Migration to Australia, New Zealand and Canada (General Training)
  • Professional registration, e.g. doctors and nurses (Academic)

Always check the current requirements of the university, employer, regulator or visa authority you are applying to.

Test format

IELTS sections
SectionWhat it involves
Listening4 parts, 40 questions, about 30 minutes.
Reading3 texts, 40 questions, 60 minutes.
Writing2 tasks (Academic: 150+ word visual description and 250+ word essay), 60 minutes.
Speaking3-part face-to-face interview with an examiner, 11–14 minutes, recorded.

Total time: 2 hours 45 minutes (Life Skills tests are shorter)

Scores and validity

Scoring
Band scale 0–9 in whole and half bands for each skill. The overall band is the average of the four skills, rounded to the nearest half band. Life Skills is pass or fail.
Validity
IELTS says results are valid for two years. Some organisations accept older results; check with the receiving body.

How long results take is shown at the top of this page.

Fees

Fees are set by the test owner, were checked on 21 October 2026, and can change. Confirm the price when you book. GAPICT never takes exam fees.

On test day

Identification

The valid passport or CNIC used at booking (British Council Pakistan). For IELTS for UKVI and Life Skills, bring a valid passport.

Arrive early, bring only what the test owner allows, and expect identity checks and a photo at check-in. Read our test day guide and exam day FAQs.

How to book

Exam seats for IELTS are booked and paid on the test owner's own system. Delivered through: Owner-run centres (British Council and IDP; in Pakistan IDP centres include AEO-run centres).

  1. 1

    Book directly with the British Council (britishcouncil.pk) or IDP (ielts.idp.com/pakistan).

  2. 2

    Book on the test owner's official website, choosing a centre near you.

  3. 3

    Pay the test owner directly and keep your confirmation email.

  4. 4

    Check the ID rules and arrive early on test day.

Book on official IELTS website (opens in a new tab)

IELTS is booked and paid with the British Council or IDP, who run their own test centres. Refunds and transfers follow their policy.

GAPICT cannot take bookings for this exam. Exam seats are booked and paid on the test owner's system.

Need help booking?

We can walk you through the test owner's registration, step by step.

Book a free registration help session

GAPICT's status with these organisations

IELTS FAQs

Should I take Academic or General Training?
Take Academic for university study or professional registration. Take General Training for migration or work. Check what your receiving organisation asks for.
Do I need IELTS for UKVI?
Only for some UK visas, such as Skilled Worker or study below degree level. For degree-level study, many UK universities accept standard IELTS. Check GOV.UK and your sponsor.
Can I use One Skill Retake for Canadian immigration?
No. IRCC does not accept IELTS One Skill Retake for Express Entry.
How long are my results valid?
IELTS recommends two years. Each organisation sets its own limit.

Sources

Facts on this page were checked against these official sources on 21 October 2026. If anything here differs from the test owner's website, the owner's website is correct.

IELTS is a registered trade mark of the IELTS Partners: British Council, IDP IELTS and Cambridge University Press & Assessment.

IELTS and related names are trademarks of their owners and are used here only to describe the test. GAPICT is independent of IELTS partners: British Council, IDP IELTS and Cambridge University Press & Assessment, is not endorsed by it, and is not currently an authorised centre for this test.

Related tests

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