Study in USA, Australia, Japan – Intake Begins from September, October to January, February

IELTS in Nepal: Your Guide to English Proficiency

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a key requirement for Nepali students aiming for higher education or careers abroad. As a globally recognized test, IELTS assesses your English proficiency across various contexts. This guide, tailored for Nepali test-takers, covers the exam’s structure, scoring, and specifics for taking it in Nepal.

IELTS, managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English, is accepted by over 11,000 organizations worldwide, including universities and immigration authorities. A strong IELTS score is essential for studying in countries like Australia, the UK, USA, Canada, and New Zealand, as well as for visa applications.

This guide explores the IELTS exam, its formats, test centers in Nepal, fees, registration, and preparation tips to help you achieve the score needed for your global aspirations.

What is IELTS?

IELTS assesses English proficiency for non-native speakers, testing skills in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. It offers two main versions:

  • IELTS Academic: For higher education or professional registration, focusing on academic language.
  • IELTS General Training: For migration, secondary education, or work, assessing everyday English.

Special versions for UK visa purposes include:

  • IELTS for UKVI: A Secure English Language Test for UK visa applications, with identical content to standard IELTS but specific procedures.
  • IELTS Life Skills: Tests speaking and listening for family visas or citizenship at CEFR levels A1, A2, or B1.

IELTS Test Format

The IELTS test, lasting about 2 hours and 45 minutes, evaluates four modules: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Listening, Reading, and Writing occur on the same day, while Speaking may be scheduled separately.

1. Listening (30 minutes + 10 minutes transfer time)

Assesses understanding of main ideas, facts, and opinions through four recordings, played once.

  • Section 1: Social conversation (e.g., about accommodation).
  • Section 2: Social monologue (e.g., about local facilities).
  • Section 3: Academic conversation (e.g., tutor-student discussion).
  • Section 4: Academic monologue (e.g., university lecture).

Paper-based tests include 10 minutes to transfer answers; computer-delivered tests integrate this time.

2. Reading (60 minutes)

Tests reading comprehension with 40 questions across various question types.

  • Academic Reading: Three long texts from books, journals, or newspapers.
  • General Training Reading: Extracts from everyday materials like ads or handbooks.

3. Writing (60 minutes)

Evaluates writing skills with two tasks:

  • Academic Writing:
  • Task 1: Describe a graph, table, or diagram (150 words).
  • Task 2: Write an essay on a point of view or problem (250 words, weighted more).
  • General Training Writing:
  • Task 1: Write a letter for a situation (150 words).
  • Task 2: Write an essay (250 words, weighted more).

4. Speaking (11-14 minutes)

A face-to-face interview assessing spoken English.

  • Part 1: General questions (4-5 minutes).
  • Part 2: Talk on a task card topic (3-4 minutes).
  • Part 3: Discussion of abstract issues (4-5 minutes).

IELTS Scoring System

IELTS uses a 9-band scale, with individual scores for each module and an overall average score, rounded to the nearest half or whole band. Universities and immigration often require specific minimums (e.g., 6.0–6.5 overall, no band below 5.5).

Band Score Skill Level Description
9 Expert User Fully operational command, accurate and fluent.
8 Very Good User Fully operational with occasional inaccuracies.
7 Good User Operational command with some inaccuracies.
6 Competent User Effective command despite some errors.
5 Modest User Partial command, handles basic communication.
4 Limited User Basic competence in familiar situations.
3 Extremely Limited User Understands general meaning in familiar situations.
2 Intermittent User Basic communication with difficulty.
1 Non User Minimal language ability.
0 Did not attempt No assessable information.

IELTS in Nepal: Test Centers, Fees, and Registration

Conducting Bodies

IELTS in Nepal is administered by:

  • British Council Nepal: Offers educational and cultural exchange opportunities.
  • IDP: IELTS Australia Nepal: A leader in international education services.

Both offer paper-based and computer-delivered tests.

Test Centers

Tests are available in:

  • Kathmandu: Multiple venues for both formats.
  • Pokhara: Paper-based and computer-delivered.
  • Biratnagar: Both formats.
  • Chitwan: Mainly paper-based.
  • Butwal, Banepa, Birtamod, Ghorahi, Itahari: Test facilities.

Check British Council or IDP websites for current centers.

IELTS Fees

Approximate fees (as of June 2025, confirm on official websites):

  • Paper-based IELTS: NPR 36,200
  • Computer-delivered IELTS: NPR 33,000
  • IELTS UKVI: ~NPR 34,000
  • IELTS Life Skills: NPR 24,000

Registration Process

Register online via British Council or IDP Nepal:

  1. Visit British Council or IDP Nepal.
  2. Choose test type (Academic, General, UKVI, Life Skills).
  3. Select format (paper-based or computer-delivered).
  4. Pick test date and location.
  5. Create/log in to an account.
  6. Complete application form.
  7. Upload passport copy.
  8. Pay fee (e.g., via eSewa, Khalti, or bank).
  9. Receive confirmation email.

Tips:

  • Use a valid passport for registration and test day.
  • Ensure accurate personal details.
  • Use free preparation materials from British Council/IDP.
  • Results: 3-5 days (computer), 13 days (paper).

Home