IELTS Exam in Nepal : A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding the IELTS Exam 

IELTS is the International English Language Testing System, accepted by all four immigration authorities and over 12,000 academic institutions worldwide to evaluate English Language skills.

Supported by a global partnership between the British Council, Cambridge English, and IDP Australia, IELTS stands as the world’s most trusted English language test, empowering individuals to work and study in over 140 countries.

Understanding the scenario of the IELTS Exam in Nepal

Since the rapid increase of Nepalese students studying abroad, thousands of students take IELTS tests every year. ‘The British Council’ and ‘IDP’ conduct the test. 

English is a second language in Nepal which makes it mandatory for students to take the IELTS or other English language tests like PTE and TOEFL. Not only for students, people who want to work or live in English-speaking countries, proficiency tests like IELTS are a must in Nepal. 

There are lots of institutes in Nepal that help you prepare for the test. Many education consultancies also conduct in-house IELTS classes in Nepal. They help you prepare beforehand by providing tips, resources, and practice materials. It is not compulsory to attend the classes but we recommend you to.

Types of IELTS exam

In Nepal, the IELTS exam is of three types: One is for academics, another is for general training purposes and the last is for UK Visas and Immigration. 

1. IELTS Academic

This test is primarily for students of Nepal planning to study in an English-speaking country. It evaluates a variety of language skills, such as listening, reading, writing, and speaking, with a focus on academic language and tasks.

2. IELTS General Training

This test is typically taken by people of Nepal who want to move to an English-speaking country for work or immigration, or who want to pursue non-academic training programs. It also evaluates listening, reading, writing, and speaking abilities, but with an emphasis on everyday language and tasks.

3. IELTS FOR UKVI

UKVI stands for United Kingdom Visas and Immigration. IELTS for UKVI is an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) for visa applications to the UK. You need a valid English Language test for a UK Visa score to study, work, or migrate to the UK. If you wish to get a UK Spouse Visa, you will need a valid IELTS for a UKVI score.

IELTS Exam on Paper or Computer

You can also choose to take the IELTS exam in Nepal either on paper or on a computer. The test format is the same for both the medium but computer-based IETLS is a less cheaper.

IELTS Exam Structure and Modules

Preparing for the IELTS exam in Nepal, both academic and general, requires a clear understanding of its structure and modules. The IELTS test covers four key language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking, 

Here’s the general overview of IELTS exam structures and modules in Nepal: 

Academic / General

Listening Section
Duration
30 minutes + 10 minutes to copy the answers to an answer sheet
Number of Parts/sections 
4 (You will be presented with four recorded texts, including monologues and conversations by native speakers.)
Number of questions
40
Marking
Each correct answer receives 1 mark. Your final score is given as a band score in whole or half bands, e.g. 5.5 or 7.0.
Reading Section
Duration 
60 minutes (including answers transfer time)
Number of Parts/sections
3 (the total text length is 2150–2750 words)
Number of questions
40
Marking
Each correct answer receives 1 mark. Your final score is given as a band score from 1–9 in whole or half bands, e.g. 3 or 8.5.
Writing Section
Duration 
60 minutes
Number of Parts/sections
2
Number of questions
2
Marking
Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1 to the Writing score.
Speaking Section
Duration 
11–14 minutes
Number of Parts/sections
3
Marking
Based on grammar range, accuracy, fluency and coherence, lexical resource, and pronunciation

Planning Your IELTS Exam in Nepal 

As a candidate preparing for the IELTS exam, the following quick tips may come in handy: 

  1. Understand the test format to know how the test is marked, the structures and modules of the test, and the basics. 
  2. Surround yourself with English. Watch English movies, and other videos, listen to English music, and read books by native English speakers. 
  3. Make a plan of action keeping in mind the test date. 
  4. Join an IELTS preparation class.
  5. Practice with sample questions as much as you can and regularly update the marks to know about the progress.
  6. Know different skills like skimming, scanning, and answering formats and get ready for taking the IELTS test. 
  7. Register for the IELTS test
 

IELTS Exam Practice

IELTS requires understanding the format, and structures, and honing your vocabulary, grammar, and communication skills. Actively practice with mock tests and expert feedback for improvement. Learn time management, keyword identification, paraphrasing, and logical organization.

IELTS Exam Dates in Nepal

Generally, IELTS exams are offered multiple times a month, providing the candidates of Nepal with flexibility in scheduling their tests according to their convenience. 

Know the dates of the IELTS Exam in Nepal conducted by IDP and the British Council :

1. IDP IELTS Dates in Nepal

IDP IELTS Nepal offers a range of testing choices, providing testing slots throughout the week, with two sessions daily for the computer-based IELTS. Additionally, the paper-based IELTS test is available 48 times a year, corresponding to a frequency of four times per month.

Please visit the official IDP IELTS website to know about the available exam dates. 

2. British Council IELTS Dates in Nepal

It offers paper-based IELTS dates 2 to 5 times a month and computer-based IELTS almost every day with two sessions a day. 

Please visit the official British Council website to know about the available exam dates.

 

 

How to book or register for the IELTS Exam in Nepal?

The IELTS exam can be registered online comfortably from anywhere. You just need an internet connection and a device (laptop or phone). You can also request your IELTS institute or consultancy to book the IELTS in case you don’t have a device or internet connection. 

Here’s how you can register online for the IELTS exam in Nepal:  

Step 1: Choose between ‘Academic IELTS’ or ‘General IELTS’ based on your requirements. Also, decide ‘IELTS on paper’ or ‘IELTS by computer’. 

Step 2: Go to the official IELTS registration page(British Council) and IELTS registration page (IDP)

Step 2: Create an account.  

Step 3: Find the test center that’s suitable for you.

Step 4: Select the test date and location closest to you.  

Step 5: Pay your fees and register for your exam.  

Here’s how you can register offline or in person:  

Step 1: A One Global Consultants will provide the registration application.  

Step 2: Carefully fill in all the required information and make sure you have your passport. 

Step 3: Visit the A One Global office to personally submit your application.  

Step 4: Use electronic or mobile banking to pay the IELTS exam fee.

How to cancel your IELTS Exam?

You can cancel your IELTS test registration at any time before taking your test by notifying your test center. The refund policy is dependent upon when you cancel and whether exceptional circumstances apply and can take four to six weeks to process. Contact the test center where you booked your test if you need to postpone or cancel.

In case of online registration, to cancel your IELTS (Academic and General Training) test, log in to the IELTS Test Taker Portal (British Council) or IELTS Test Taker Portal (IDP) and submit a cancellation request, along with an upload of supporting documentation/evidence.

IELTS Exam Fee in Nepal 

It would cost you slightly cheaper if you decide to take the test by computer than on paper. 

Exam fee for IELTS Academic
On computerNPR 27,100
On PaperNPR 29,500
Exam fee for IELTS General
On computer NPR 27,100
On PaperNPR 29,500
Exam fee for UKVI IELTS 
AcademicNPR 32,000
GeneralNPR 32,000

 

IELTS Exam Venue and Location in Nepal

IELTS test venue and location differs according to the institution you choose to take the test: They are:

British Council IELTS Exam Venue and Location in Nepal

Test Centers (IELTS on Paper)It offers paper-based IELTS in 6 different test centers across Nepal: Kathmandu, Chitwan, Biratnagar, Pokhara, Butwal, and Birtamod. 
Test Centers (IELTS on Computer)If offers computer-based IELTS in Kathmandu only. 
Test LocationYou will get a follow-up email or text message regarding your test venue and time. 

IDP IELTS Exam Venue and Location in Nepal

Test Centers (IELTS on Paper)If offers paper-based IELTS in 4 different test centers across Nepal: Kathmandu, Chitwan, Biratnagar, and Pokhara
Test Centers (IELTS on  Computer)If offers computer-based IELTS in 4 different test centers across Nepal: Kathmandu, Chitwan, Biratnagar, and Pokhara
Test LocationYou will get a follow-up email or text message regarding your test venue and time. 

 

IELTS Exam Time Schedule in Nepal

Morning sessions typically occur from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, while afternoon sessions usually take place between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm.

If you opt for the paper-based IELTS test, your Speaking test will be scheduled on a separate day within a 7-day window before or after the main test day for the other sections. A confirmation email specifying your Speaking test date will be sent 48 hours before the scheduled time.

Preparation for Success

Taking the IELTS test and aiming for a high band score is only possible if you prepare for the test with the right guidance from certified trainers, updated learning materials, and frequent practice mock tests.

IELTS Exam Result Nepal

You can find your results online 13 days after the test date for paper-based tests and 3-6 days for computer-based tests. 

Physical copies are available 14 days after the test date for paper-based tests and 3-5 days for computer-based tests. You can request additional copies for free up to two years after your test date. 

Results are valid for two years. 

You can request a re-mark within four weeks of the result release for a fee, which will be refunded if your score increases. You can retake the test anytime.

IELTS One Skill Retest in Nepal

Since December 2022, IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) has been made available for test takers. OSR is an IELTS retest system that allows test takers to retake one of the four test components in either reading, writing, speaking, or listening (once only). If you’re applying for an Australian visa, most of the time, you can use IELTS test results that have OSR. However, if you’re applying for certain visa types like subclasses 476, 482, or 485, you’ll need to have scores from a single attempt.

Conclusion

The IELTS exam in Nepal simply serves as a gateway for Nepalese students to study and work in more than 140 English-speaking countries. Understanding the structure, modules, and format helps you to prepare effectively. Furthermore, explore the provided links for further information and registration details. For any guidance related to IELTS level tests, preparation classes, mock tests, and test booking, Book a free appointment or visit A One Global Consultants.

FAQs and Tips

Yes, a passport is typically required for the IELTS exam, both at the time of registration and on test day.

You can transfer your test date at no additional cost. Choose a new date within 3 months of your original test date. Simply contact your test center or use the online portal.

You can visit A One Global center and register for the IDP IELTS exam offline with the help of the instructors.