New IELTS Exam Update Indian students will only need to retest one skill starting in March 2023

Education has been proving itself to be more reachable over the years, with the development of systems, incorporation of technology in teaching and also the opened arms with which the main academic leader countries receive foreign students has been generating impacts not only in countries’ relationships but also in the development of main sectors of the industries, as outstanding and capable graduates keep knocking their doors.
The most popular countries among international students are the English-speaking ones, which mostly stand out as being education leaders; those are countries like Canada, the UK, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, and others.

In such countries, international students from non-English speaking countries are requested to present an English proficiency exam to ensure the university and the government are able to learn and communicate within the country.

The most popular and globally recognized proficiency exam is IELTS, established four decades ago. IELTS is important because it provides a standardized and objective way to evaluate the English language skills of individuals from a wide range of cultural and educational backgrounds.

What is IELTS?

Developed by leading language experts, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a worldly recognized English proficiency exam for international students and immigrant entries in English-speaking countries. The IELTS exam is administered by a network of more than 1,200 test centres in over 140 countries. It is recognized by thousands of universities, employers, and governments around the world as a reliable and valid measure of English language ability.

There are two types of IELTS exams: the IELTS Academic test and the IELTS General Training test.

The IELTS Academic test is intended for test-takers who are planning to study at the undergraduate or postgraduate level at a university or other academic institution in an English-speaking country. The test assesses the test taker’s ability to understand and use academic language, including content relevant to academic contexts.

The IELTS General Training test is intended for test-takers who are planning to work, train, or study at a lower level in an English-speaking country. The test assesses the test taker’s ability to use English in everyday situations, including content relevant to work, training, and general education.

Both the IELTS Academic and General Training tests consist of four sections: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Each section is scored on a scale of 0 to 9, and test-takers receive an overall score on the same scale.

Old IELTS rule

One factor contributing to its wide recognition is its demanding process. From strict modules to rigorous retaking policies, IELTS has indeed established both an outstanding and a fearful position for test takers.

Both students and immigrants must present a minimum score in total and per module to their intending institutions, which must also be shown in the Visa application. However, if one fails to achieve the aspiring score in one of the modules, he must retake the entire exam in order to balance the score sheet. This created a difficult scenario for the continuation of students’ enrollment applications, most of which had to be postponed or discontinued while they tried to rearrange the situation.

New IELTS rule

The “One Skill Retake” was first introduced in Australia as a project pilot that will also reach the Indian IELTS system.

Warwick Freeland, the managing director of IELTS IDP Education, said that by answering test taker’s requests, students could retake only one exam section in which they did not reach the desired score.

From the four components of the test, Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, they are now allowed to only repeat one section instead of the whole exam. This will make it flexible for students to upgrade their admissions process, fastening their enrollment in English foreign countries.

This decision will be effective from March 2023, being one more solution towards building a progressive environment for international students to achieve their intended baselines.

What will be the benefits of the new IELTS rule?

This rule will make it possible for students to pursue their desired score sheet in order to positively meet the requirements for studying abroad in English-speaking countries.

IELTS is known for being a strict proficiency exam. Therefore, it is hard work to prepare again for a new round to get one module’s score right; this will also take much pressure away from the student’s shoulders.

One Skill Retake will also build a positive environment for students to be optimistic about taking the test, as it will now have a balanced scene in which they will be able to show their full potential to succeed.

Final Thoughts

Essential systems are always bringing developments to include and ensure community progression. With this rule, International Students, and, in special, Indian students, will have the opportunity to rewrite their path, correct what needs to be corrected and move forward on their dreams and prospects.

Global Colliance has a team of IELTS specialist who deeply understands the IELTS exam and is familiar with its format, content, and scoring system. This can help prepare for the exam and understand what to expect on test day. In addition, learning from a specialist can provide you with a more structured and focused approach to studying for the IELTS exam, which can be beneficial for achieving your goals.

Visit us at www.globalcolliance.com and get answers to all your study abroad-related queries.