The most recognised English Language Proficiency Test that requires excelling while applying for higher studies, mostly in foreign Universities, is IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Professionals, students, employers, and migration seekers who plan to migrate for better career growth must meet the IELTS requirements as mentioned by the respective organisations. This test evaluates a candidate’s competency in the English language and is divided into three parts – Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. Clearing this examination in one attempt is a daunting task, so candidates need to plan the preparation and choose the dates of the IELTS exam wisely.
Do’s and Don’ts to Consider While Selecting Dates for the IELTS Exam
The table below displays some of the basic do’s and don’ts for the IELTS exam.
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| 1. While selecting dates for the IELTS exam, it is important to know whether there is a single deadline, rolling admission method or admission rounds. Having this knowledge is essential as some universities follow the acceptance process on a rolling basis while others mention certain deadlines for application submission. | 1. Candidates should not choose the IELTS exam dates that clash with the University admission dates. For example, a candidate must select the date three months prior if the University admission is at the end of the year. This will allow ample time to prepare the Statement of Purpose and transcript of documents. |
| 2. It is crucial to choose the dates of the IELTS exam to make certain that the scores are reported much before the date of the application deadline. In addition, candidates must estimate the days required for the official score reports to reach the concerned admission office of the University. | |
| 3. In addition, applicants should select the preferable dates of IELTS exams and register in advance to ensure the availability of time slots at a likeable testing centre. | 2. Late selection of dates of the IELTS exam should definitely be avoided as the dates are allotted on a first-come-first-serve basis. |
| 4. It is advisable to select the date keeping the approximate time needed to prepare for the exam. Further, the date should be selected considering the following factors – learning style, study schedule, overall English skills, budget, time to arrange for funds, etc. | 3. Applicants should not select the date of the IELTS exam in a rush as, according to the educational counsellors, the minimum time required to make the necessary preparation is two-three months. |
The students preparing for these types of tests have a lot on their plate. So, cross-checking prerequisites for successful planning is required. Here are some basic tips candidates must consider apart from selecting dates for IELTS exams:
Understanding the Structure
Candidates must acquire a clear understanding of the structure and format of this test to understand the difficulty level. The IELTS exam consists of four parts: listening, speaking, reading, and writing in the same order. The allotted time is 2 hours and 40 minutes, excluding the speaking test arranged on a particular date. Additionally, an IELTS exam is available in both paper mode and computer-based. So candidates must select the option keeping their convenience and strength in mind.
Comprehend the Scoring of the Test
Before planning for preparation, it is vital to acquire a profound understanding of the scoring process of the IELTS tests. The reading and listening are scored 0-40 based on the correct answers as per the scoring instructions. Though there is no negative marking, the entire score is considered a band score from 0 to 9.
Plan of Preparation
To nail every part of the IELTS exam, it is essential to take preparation based on planning. Candidates must have a practical strategy to cover all the aspects of the test. One of the best ways to excel in the exam is to enrol in online classes or take tuition from a qualified tutor. This preparation phase is exceptionally crucial as, based on the quality of preparation, dates for the IELTS exam should be considered.
Practice the Advanced Skill-sets
Candidates should consider practising on the questionnaire sets questionnaire available on various educational websites. In addition to this, approaching an authorised institute will be a great initiative as the study guide and papers will be at par with the current syllabus. Moreover, counsellors suggest conducting regular self-evaluations to find out and solve mistakes as necessary.
Multiple details need equal attention before selecting the dates of the IELTS exams. These types of exams determine expertise in a language and act as supporting documents in accomplishing the first steps towards a big dream. To provide complete information about these dates of the IELTS exams, this blog highlights tentative dates of the said examination:
January 2022
| Tentative dates | Type of Test |
| 8th January, Saturday | Academic and General Training |
| 15th January, Saturday | Academic only |
| 20th January, Thursday | Academic only |
| 29th January, Saturday | Academic and General Training |
February 2022
| Tentative dates | Type of Test |
| 5th February, Saturday | Academic and General Training for Australia and New Zealand only |
| 12th February, Saturday | Academic and General Training |
| 17th February, Thursday | Academic and General Training |
| 26th February, Saturday | Academic only |
March 2022
| Tentative dates | Type of Test |
| 3rd March, Thursday | Academic only |
| 12th March, Saturday | Academic and General Training |
| 19th March, Saturday | Academic only |
| 26th March, Saturday | Academic and General Training |
April 2022
| Tentative dates | Type of Test |
| 9th April, Saturday | Academic and General Training |
| 21st April, Thursday | Academic only |
| 23rd April, Saturday | Academic and General Training |
| 30th April, Saturday | Academic only |
May 2022
| Tentative dates | Type of Test |
| 7th May, Saturday | Academic and General Training for Australia and New Zealand only |
| 12th May, Thursday | Academic and General Training |
| 21st May, Saturday | Academic only |
| 28th May, Saturday | Academic and General Training |
June 2022
| Tentative dates | Type of Test |
| 4th June, Saturday | Academic only |
| 11th June, Saturday | Academic and General Training |
| 16th June, Thursday | Academic only |
| 25th June, Saturday | Academic and General Training |
July 2022
| Tentative dates | Type of Test |
| 7th July, Thursday | Academic only |
| 9th July, Saturday | Academic and General Training |
| 16th July, Saturday | Academic only |
| 23rd July, Saturday | Academic and General Training |
August 2022
| Tentative dates | Type of Test |
| 6th August, Saturday | Academic and General Training for Australia and New Zealand only |
| 11th August, Thursday | Academic and General Training |
| 20th August, Saturday | Academic and General Training |
| 27th August, Saturday | Academic only |
September 2022
| Tentative dates | Type of Test |
| 3rd September, Saturday | Academic and General Training |
| 10th September, Saturday | Academic only |
| 15th September, Thursday | Academic only |
| 24th September, Saturday | Academic and General Training |
October 2022
| Tentative dates | Type of Test |
| 8th October, Saturday | Academic and General Training |
| 13th October, Thursday | Academic only |
| 22nd October, Saturday | Academic only |
| 29th October, Saturday | Academic and General Training |
November 2022
| Tentative dates | Type of Test |
| 5th November, Saturday | Academic and General Training for Australia and New Zealand only |
| 10th, November, Thursday | Academic and General Training |
| 19th November, Saturday | Academic and General Training |
| 26th November, Saturday | Academic only |
December 2022
| Tentative dates | Type of Test |
| 3rd December, Saturday | Academic and General Training |
| 8th December, Thursday | Academic only |
| 10th December, Saturday | Academic only |
| 17th December, Saturday | Academic and General Training |
Students preparing for the language proficiency test must consider these tentative dates for the IELTS exams and plan their preparation based on this. It is always preferable to clear this exam in one chance as foreign organisations measure the same based on a candidate’s proficiency.
