Among all language proficiency tests, the International English Language Testing System, also commonly known as IELTS, is the most widely recognised worldwide. In Bangladesh, it has become the most preferred first stage for individuals seeking higher education, employment, or immigration opportunities abroad.
We’ll take the extensive route to the IELTS in Bangladesh. It will cover the importance, structure, preparation tips, test centres, fees, and the impact on both students and professionals.
Importance of IELTS in Bangladesh
People in Bangladesh often have this misconception that IELTS is only for academic purposes. But that's not entirely true. These tests are used to check your communication skills in many different areas, all the while improving your chances of getting into advanced study programmes or job sectors.
The common areas where IELTS is required are:
- University admissions: Most universities abroad require a minimum IELTS score, typically 6.0 to 7.0, for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
- Employment: Many employers in foreign countries demand proof of English proficiency, especially in industries like healthcare, engineering, and IT.
- Immigration: IELTS is essential for immigration processes in countries like Canada and Australia, where applicants are evaluated on their language proficiency as part of the immigration point system.
Types of IELTS Tests
There are two types of IELTS tests popular in Bangladesh:IELTS Academic
Best for individuals, mainly students who seek higher education or professional registration in an English-speaking environment. This version of the test assesses whether a person is ready to begin studying or working in a country where English is the primary language.
IELTS General Training
Best suited for individuals migrating to English-speaking countries for secondary education, work experience, or training programmes. Basically, it is more about the general language proficiency needed in daily life.
The test structure of IELTS
The IELTS test is split into four parts:
Listening (30 minutes)
The test assesses how well you can catch the main ideas, details, and what the speakers mean based on real-life situations. It consists of four recordings of native English speakers and questions based on these recordings.
Reading (60 minutes)
The Academic version includes three long texts from books, journals, or newspapers, while the General Training version typically uses extracts from advertisements, company handbooks, and other everyday materials.
Writing (60 minutes)
The academic writing test requires you to describe graphs, charts, or diagrams and write essays on specific topics. The General Training writing test, on the other hand, includes letter writing and short essays.
Speaking (11-14 minutes)
This section is a face-to-face interview where candidates are asked questions about themselves, their interests, and broader issues. The goal is to assess fluency, coherence, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
Scoring system of IELTS
IELTS test scores are given on a scale of 1 to 9. Each section (listening, reading, writing, and speaking) is individually scored, and the overall band score is the average of the four. Most universities and employers require a band score of 6.5 to 7.5.
IELTS scale
| Score | Skill | Skill Overview |
| Band 9 | Expert | Total control over the English language with accuracy and fluency. |
| Band 8 | Very good | Comprehensive understanding of English with few occasional mistakes. The candidate may struggle with new subjects but has the ability to handle complex, detailed arguments. |
| Band 7 | Good | Generally understands complex English well enough for detailed reasoning with operational command over the language. In some situations, inaccuracies, mistakes, and misunderstandings may arise. |
| Band 6 | Competent | Generally able to understand complex English in familiar subjects despite some inaccuracies, misunderstandings, and mistakes. |
| Band 5 | Modest | Able to handle basic familiar fields with partial command over English. Likely to make mistakes often despite understanding the overall meaning of the situation. |
| Band 4 | Limited | Struggles with understanding and expression. Unable to use advanced English and limited to only familiar situations. |
| Band 3 | Extremely limited | Unless the situation is very familiar, candidates in this category are only able to understand general meanings. Communication frequently breaks down. |
| Band 2 | Intermittent | Only able to communicate basic information with simple words or short phrases in familiar settings. Struggles a lot with understanding spoken and written English. |
| Band 1 | Non-user | Apart from knowing a few words, the candidate has no understanding of the English language. |
| Band 0 | Did not attempt the test | Not present on the test day |
IELTS test centres in Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, the IELTS is officially administered by the British Council. There are several test centres located across the country, mainly in major cities like Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet, and Rajshahi. You have the option to sit for a paper-based IELTS as well as a computer-delivered IELTS, giving candidates flexibility in choosing their preferred mode of testing.
Fees for IELTS in Bangladesh
As of 2024, the standard fee for taking the IELTS test in Bangladesh ranges between BDT [24,950] and BDT [27,450]. This can change depending on whether the test is paper-based or computer-delivered and the organisation administering the test (British Council).
How to register for IELTS in Bangladesh
Registration for IELTS in Bangladesh can be done online, preferably from the official websites of the British Council. For candidates who are under 18, your parents need to complete a consent form.
It's best to register in advance, as test dates can fill up quickly during peak application seasons.
The requirements for IELTS registration:
- A valid identification document (passport or national ID)
- Choose the test type (Academic or General Training)
- Select the preferred test centre and date
- Complete the registration form with personal details
- Pay the registration fee via bank transfer or online payment methods
IELTS preparation resources
Like any other test you have taken, good results are guaranteed if you create a long-term plan. Consistent effort from your side and taking help from reliable sources will help you succeed.
Prepare for the IELTS exam through these resources:
- Online courses: Websites like the British Council and IELTS.org offer free practice tests, sample questions, and paid courses to prepare for your IELTS test.
- Coaching centres: Numerous coaching centres in Bangladesh provide specialised IELTS training, including mock tests, speaking practice, and personalised feedback. The most popular ones are Mentors, 10 Minute School, Saifur’s, and Grameen.
- Self-study: Candidates can access study materials in the form of textbooks, online tutorials, and apps designed to improve English proficiency in all four sections of the test.
- Mock tests: One of the best ways to prepare is by taking mock tests. The British Council offers official IELTS mock tests, which give candidates a feel for the real test environment.
Challenges faced by IELTS candidates in Bangladesh
While IELTS is a great way to open doors to international opportunities, some common challenges might:
- Financial constraints: Although IELTS is not considered costly, the test fee and preparation costs can be an issue for students from rural areas.
- Access to resources: Although there are plenty of resources available in urban centres like Dhaka, candidates from remote areas often need help finding good quality study materials or reliable coaching centres.
- Language barriers: Mastering the English language in a short period can be challenging for students from non-English medium schools.
- Test anxiety: Understand your limits! High score pressure can cause stress, affecting test-day performance.
Tips for success in IELTS
- Understand the format: Get to know the test format and the common question types. Regularly practice each section to build up confidence until the test day.
- Improve English proficiency: Enhance your overall English skills by reading English newspapers, watching TV shows, and having conversations in English.
- Time management: Practice managing your time effectively, especially in the Reading and Writing sections, where many candidates struggle to complete all tasks on time.
- Take mock tests: Regularly attempt full-length practice tests to simulate real exam conditions. This helps reduce anxiety and improve speed and accuracy.
- Prioritise feedback: Get feedback from teachers or IELTS experts to improve your weak areas, particularly in the Writing and Speaking sections.
Final thoughts
In Bangladesh, the IELTS has opened doors for countless individuals to explore new opportunities. It’s an important milestone for many Bangladeshis looking to study, work, or migrate abroad.
Although this journey demands time and patience, candidates can secure excellent scores with the right preparation and resources. We hope our insights on IELTS in Bangladesh provide everything you need to realise your potential and move closer to achieving your dream.