What is the difference between IELTS Academic and General Training tests?

    Updated on: 04 Sep 2023

    IELTS Academic vs IELTS General Traning Test

    The IELTS is a widely accepted measure of English proficiency of non-native speakers of English for academic, professional, and migration purposes abroad. Depending on the purpose of one taking the test, it has mainly two varieties - IELTS Academic and General Training. While Indians score 6.2 bands on average for IELTS Academic, the same for IELTS General Training is 6.4 bands, according to the 2022 data released by the IELTS. 

    If you are curious to know how the IELTS Academic vs. General Training tests are different, explore the blog for a comprehensive answer.

    IELTS Academic vs. General Training

    IELTS Academic: The IELTS Academic is for students who are interested in studying abroad in an English-speaking country and for employment in some professional organizations. The test assesses how far the test-taker is ready and comfortable to use English as the medium of study. 

    IELTS General Training: The IELTS General Training is for those who wish to work and live in an English-speaking country abroad and for studying courses below a degree level. The test assesses how far the test-taker can handle everyday situations in English. 

    Parameters

    IELTS Academic test

    IELTS General Training test

    Fees

    INR 15,500

    INR 15,500

    Test duration

    2 hours 45 minutes

    2 hours 45 minutes

    Test validity

    2 years

    2 years

     

    Check Your Education Loan Eligibility Apply Here

     

    Application procedure for IELTS academic and general tests is the same. While applying online, candidates can select the test they want.

    Prepare for IELTS. Subscribe to our YouTube series for IELTS preparation

    IELTS tests for different purposes

    Your purpose is the key reason why you opt for IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training. Refer to the table below for the IELTS test required for different purposes:

     

    Purpose

    IELTS test required

    Undergraduate & Postgraduate study

    IELTS Academic

    Doctoral & Post-Doctoral study

    IELTS Academic

    Education below the degree level 

    IELTS General Training

    Work or Training 

    IELTS General Training

    To work in a professional oraganization

    IELTS Academic

    Migrating for temporary period

    IELTS General Training

    Obtaining a Permanent Residency

    IELTS General Training

    IELTS Academic vs. General Training syllabus

    As the purpose of the IELTS Academic and General Training differs, the syllabus for the tests varies to cater to the purpose. However, the Listening and Speaking sections remain the same for both tests. 

    Here’s how the syllabus for the Reading and Writing sections differ for IELTS Academic and General Training tests.

    Reading

    In the reading section, 40 questions based on three texts are asked. These 40 questions include multiple-choice, picking out info for short-answer questions, matching words of two columns, analyzing the writer’s views, and completing a summary.

    IELTS Academic

    IELTS General Training

    Three academic essays of different difficulty levels to be read out

    Four short passages of different difficulty levels to be read out

    Essays with academic content are taken from books, journals, magazines, newspapers, etc.

    Short passages of everyday situations are taken from books, journals, magazines, newspapers, etc.

    Sample topics for reading test in IELTS Academics: Robots at work, Extraction and purification of drinking water, The life and work of Marie Curie, etc.

    Sample topics for reading test in IELTS General Training: Emergency procedures, Your Moulex iron, Beneficial work practices for the keyboard operator, etc. 

    Writing

    In the IELTS Writing section, test-takers have two tasks: describe a chart, graph, diagram, or table in 100 words, and write a 250-word short essay on the topic given. The topics and questions differ from your purpose for taking the test, as you can see below.

    IELTS Academic

    IELTS General Training

    Formal style of writing

    Formal or semi-formal style of writing

    Topics related to the program of study

    Topics of general nature

    The first task is based on data, diagram, or graphical representation

    The candidate is asked to draft a letter connected to a hypothetical situation

    The second task asks you to write an essay as your response to given data

    The tone of the letter is flexible according to the situation provided

    Sample topic for writing test in IELTS Academic:

    In education and employment, some people work harder than others. Why do some people work harder? Is it always a good thing to work hard?

    Sample topic for writing test in IELTS General Training:

    You recently organized an all-day meeting for your company, which took place in a local hotel. In their feedback, participants at the meeting said that they liked the hotel, but they were unhappy about the food that was served for lunch. 

    Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter,

    • Say what the participants liked about the hotel.
    • Explain why they were unhappy about the food.
    • Suggest what the manager should do to improve the food in the future.

     

    As mentioned, the Listening and Speaking sections remain the same for IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. 

    Listening 

    The IELTS Listening section is divided into four parts and tests adaptability in various situations. The first two situations deal with societal requirements, and the remaining are concerned with an educational or training setting. The average time allotted for each segment falls between 3 - 4 minutes. 

    • Number of questions asked: more than 40
    • The conversations can be either monologue or dialogue
    • Only one-time listening is allowed
    • Based on them, more than 40 questions are asked, including multiple-choice, short-answer, diagram labeling, etc.

     

    Get Guaranteed Best Loan with GyanDhan
    Find a Better Loan Offer Elsewhere & We Will Cover the Difference in Interest
    Get Guaranteed Best Loan with GyanDhan

     

    Speaking

    The IELTS speaking section examines the test-taker’s skills to converse with a native English speaker. The assessment comprises a personal interview, a short speech, and a discussion and typically lasts for 11-14 minutes. 

    • Part 1 - Introducing yourself and Interview: You will be given 4 - 5 minutes to introduce yourself. You can give your details, such as hobbies, interests, etc. 

     

    • Part 2 - Short speech on a topic: You have 2 - 3 minutes within which you speak on a topic the examiner gives you. You will get 1 - 2 minutes for preparation, and after your speech, there will be questions based on that. 

     

    • Part 3 - Discussions on a topic given: You will get 5 - 6 minutes for talking about a given topic and based on your speech, there will be simpler and more complex discussions.

     

    Check here for the IELTS syllabus.

    IELTS Academic and General Training tests differ in the purpose of taking the test and the syllabus changes accordingly. While the Academic test is for higher education abroad, the General Training test serves immigrants seeking employment opportunities.

    IELTS Academic or General Training, consistent effort is required to get enough scores and move abroad. Kickstart your preparation with our online IELTS preparation course. Check the link right now.

    Read also:

    Frequently asked questions

    Which is harder - IELTS Academic or General test? 

    The ease and toughness of IELTS tests depend on the test-taker’s preparation level, personal abilities, and comfort at the time of the test. Generally, the IELTS General Training test is simpler since IELTS Academic involves academic topics. 

    What is the minimum age for IELTS Academic and General Training? 

    16 years is the minimum age to take either IELTS Academic or General Training test. 

    Is a 12th-grade pass required for IELTS Academic and General Training tests? 

    Academic grades are not related to the eligibility to take the IELTS Academic or General Training tests. The test aims to show proof of the English skills of the test-takers despite their academic backgrounds. 

    What is the minimum IELTS score required for a PR in Canada? 

    Generally, an IELTS score of 6.0 bands or above is required for a PR in Canada. The IELTS scores are compared against the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB), which assigns points according to the IELTS scores for each section. 

    How to book an IELTS Academic or General Training test? 

    • Log in to the IELTS India website
    • Select the option ‘Register for IELTS’
    • Choose the mode of test - computer-delivered IELTS/ paper-based (IELTS, IELTS for UKVI or Life Skills)
    • Select the type of IELTS - IELTS Academic or General Training
    • Select your test location
    • Choose a date from available choices and select a time slot
    • Upload a colored copy of your passport
    • Pay the IELTS fee

    First published date: 05 Aug 2023


Gd icon

About author

Sahil Sahil khan

Gd icon
GyanDhan is India's first education financing marketplace.

Kickstart Your Study Abroad Journey with our FREE counseling
Kickstart Your Journey Abroad


Help our experts understand you better by filling our 2-Minute Form,
to find the right education loan

Get instant loan offer suitable to your profile !

Upcoming Events

Part-Time Job Opportunities While Studying Abroad

  Fri, September 29, 2023    17:00 IST

How to Choose the Right Education Loan & Save Lakhs

  Fri, September 29, 2023    18:00 IST

Part-Time Job Opportunities While Studying Abroad

  Fri, September 29, 2023    17:00 IST




Looking For Help in Foreign Education Loan? Arrange a Call From an Expert:

Enter Mobile no. Without Any Prefix.
By entering my phone number here, I hereby authorize GyanDhan to contact me through call, message or WhatsApp. \ It will override my registry on the NCPR/NDNC


Help our experts understand you better by filling our 2-Minute Form,
to find the right education loan

Get instant loan offer suitable to your profile !