Hyderabad is a place where history whispers through the streets. Many students like you in Hyderabad dream of studying abroad. Whatever host country you pick, if English is not your first language, there is one thing you will probably need: the IELTS. It is critical to understand the IELTS exam eligibility before you start your exam training. This way, you can ensure you meet the minimum criteria for taking the test. This exam is like a global passcode to education. But before you buy books or sign up for coaching classes, hold up and read this article to check if you are even eligible to take it.

Who Can Apply for the IELTS? Eligibility Explained

You may be thinking about taking the IELTS. But before you plan for the exam, consider the IELTS exam eligibility. Here is everything you need to know about who can apply, age limits, and the documents you need.

IELTS Eligibility: Basic Criteria

You do not require any degree to take IELTS. If you want to verify your English skills, you are eligible to take the exam. But yes, there are a few things you should know.

Minimum Age Requirement

You must be at least 16 to take the IELTS exam. Moreover, they do not stop older folks from taking it either. But if you are under 16, this exam is not meant for you.

Educational Background

You do not need to be a college grad to take the IELTS exam. There is no strict IELTS exam eligibility or education requirement at all. But most people who take the test have finished school, like 10+2, or high school equivalent. This minimum educational level helps with the whole test-taking process.

Valid Passport

You must not forget your passport to be eligible for IELTS. It is your ID for the entire exam journey. Simple: no passport = no test.

English Proficiency Level

Nobody will test your level before you sign up or anything. However, you should know at least the basics. Otherwise, the whole thing might feel like reading a novel in a language you barely understand.

So yes, IELTS is open to almost everyone. You only need to meet the basics. Bring a passport, be old enough, and ideally, have a grip on English. And then, you are good to go.

Who Should Take the IELTS Academic Test?

You may think of studying abroad and opting for a bachelor’s or master’s program. If so, then this exam might be for you. Or maybe you are chasing that professional license for a Doctor, Engineer, or Lawyer. Understanding IELTS exam eligibility becomes crucial at this point, as it determines whether you are ready to take the test for your goals.

Some students take the exam to start with a foundation or pathway course. There is nothing wrong with that because everyone begins somewhere. In all these cases, one thing keeps popping up: the IELTS Academic test.

IELTS Registration: What You Need

So, you may think of taking the IELTS. But hang on—before you dive into registration, make sure you have a few things sorted. First is your passport. No passport means no IELTS. It is the one thing you must have when signing up and when showing up on test day. Next up, let’s talk about IELTS exam eligibility. Technically, there are no strict academic requirements. You do not need to have completed any particular degree.

Then there is the photo. You must have a recent passport-size photograph of yourself. That grainy pic from two years ago will not work. Moreover, you should check your test centre’s rules because they are sometimes picky. Also, your money matters here, too. You will need a debit or credit card handy to pay the fee. It is around ₹16,000–₹17,000 in India. This amount may be more or less, depending on where you are.

Now, where do you register? Do not worry; it is an easy process. Just go to the official websites. For instance, IDP IELTS handles most of it now, especially in India. As far as the British Council is concerned, they stopped doing IELTS in India back in 2021.

That is pretty much it, but do not leave it till the last minute. Most students do that and then panic. You are smarter than that.

How Many Times Can You Take the IELTS?

You can take the IELTS as many times as you want. But the thing is that it is not free. Each attempt will cost you a significant amount. So yes, you should be smart about it. Some people rush it and take it again and again. This approach does not always help.

Instead, you should use the gap to practice. Watch English YouTubers with varied accents and fix what went wrong. Consider enrolling in the best IELTS coaching in Hyderabad to get proper guidance and structured preparation. Most universities look at your latest score. That is usually the one that counts. However, some institutions might consider the highest score or the average of the sections. So, before you bet everything on that last attempt, check your odds wisely.

Summing It Up

You may want to secure admission to a top university overseas. Moreover, you may be looking for a niche course. Either way, there is one little way: passing the IELTS exam. It is a well-known and recognized exam worldwide. And honestly, it is not that hard to get started. If you are 16 or older and have a valid passport, you are eligible for the exam. But here is the thing. Just being eligible does not mean you are ready. You must prepare hard, and enrolling in the best IELTS coaching in Hyderabad is one way to do that. Remember: the better you prep, the better your score.