Mr Muhammad Shahbaz Rajper is a freelance columnist from Sindh.
IELTS and Its Test Types
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the criteria test for most of the students in Pakistan who want to study abroad where English is the native language. Along with IELTS, there are also other exams like PTE, TOEFL, etc. Among them, IELTS is the world’s most popular, as it serves as the major test for eligibility to study abroad, live overseas, or for those looking to work abroad. Most educational institutions abroad recognise and accept IELTS results. There are three main test types on which the IELTS results are based. The test assesses the applicant’s ability to speak, write, hear, and read English—or in other words, his/her language proficiency based on the band score. As such, the four parts of the IELTS include an English speaking and listening test, a reading test, and a writing test.
For general training before you take your IELTS test, you can find IELTS preparation courses and practice tests online. Whether you’re applying for university, for a visa, or for work, IELTS ensures that you’re able to communicate in English-speaking countries. As far as the applying process for IELTS is concerned, which serves as a point of concern or difficulty for some students, this article will provide a complete guide on how to apply for IELTS in Pakistan.
Application Process of the IELTS Test of the British Council
In Pakistan, there are two organizations available that conduct the IELTS exam—the Australian Educational Organization and the British Council. It doesn’t matter where you take IELTS as both test results will have the same value, as IELTS itself is jointly owned by the British Council, AEO, and Cambridge. There are two ways to apply for IELTS. Either one can submit a form online for registration or download the form and go to the nearest IELTS test centre in Pakistan to submit the form.
First, you must provide the test date and location as per your availability and comfort. For offline applicants to AEO, they should submit some necessary documents by going to an IELTS centre or by mail or courier. Read the instructions carefully on the application form about which documents to send and which ones to carry on the test day as well. Among the major documents are the pay order paid to AEO Pakistan and a photocopy of the CNIC or passport. Whereas the online applicants have separate steps from the offline applicants.
The first step in an online application is to make a reservation on the online booking portal. After that, the student should submit the pay order to AEO Pakistan (paid physically, by online transaction, or by credit card), a copy of the confirmation received, and a copy of the CNIC or passport. The acknowledgment message is received by mail or courier, and AEO will contact the applicant within 2 working days. The students can also contact them at these numbers: 111-236(AEO)-000 during office hours or through email at [email protected].
To apply for the British Council IELTS test registration, one can apply online or through nearby centers. The documents required for the application are valid passports. The payment method for the test is via credit card, bank draft, ATM card payment, cash at the standard chartered bank, or bank funds transfer online. The application process can be done by following the steps mentioned on the website or form.
The British Council only accepts CNICs and passports for the IELTS test. Students will get notified through email or SMS three days before the test, giving them some time for IELTS preparation. They can be contacted at 0800-22000 or visited at www.britishcouncil.pk. The registration fee for IELTS varies from city to city in Pakistan, ranging from approximately 30,000 to 35,000. The usual timing for the IELTS exam is that for reporting, students should come at 11:30; the test starts at 13:00 and ends at 16:00.
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