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Which IELTS test?

IELTS Academic vs General Training

Listening and Speaking are identical. Reading and Writing are different – and so is the score you need in Reading. Here is what each test looks like, who needs which, and how to tell before you pay the test fee.

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Which one do you need?

IELTS Academic

  • Bachelor’s, master’s and PhD admission abroad
  • Professional registration – doctors, nurses and others
  • UK degree-level study (as IELTS for UKVI Academic, if your visa needs it)

IELTS General Training

  • Canada Express Entry and most Canadian immigration
  • Work, training and migration – Australia, New Zealand, the UK
  • School or college courses below degree level

The organisation you apply to decides – always check its requirement. See IELTS band requirements for the UK, Canada and Australia.

What’s different

  • Listening

    Academic
    Same – 4 parts, 40 questions
    General Training
    Same

  • Speaking

    Academic
    Same – 11–14 min with an examiner
    General Training
    Same

  • Reading texts

    Academic
    3 long passages from books, journals and newspapers
    General Training
    Everyday notices and adverts, workplace texts, then one longer article

  • Writing Task 1

    Academic
    Describe a chart, table, diagram, process or map (150 words)
    General Training
    Write a letter – formal, semi-formal or informal (150 words)

  • Writing Task 2

    Academic
    Essay on an academic or general topic (250 words)
    General Training
    Essay on a general-interest topic (250 words)

  • Reading score

    Academic
    Fewer correct answers for the same band
    General Training
    More correct answers needed for the same band

  • Fee in Pakistan

    Academic
    Same
    General Training
    Same

Reading: correct answers you need for each band

Both Reading tests have 40 questions in 60 minutes, but General Training texts are easier, so the conversion is stricter.

  • 5.0

    Academic Reading
    15 / 40
    General Training Reading
    23 / 40

  • 6.0

    Academic Reading
    23 / 40
    General Training Reading
    30 / 40

  • 6.5

    Academic Reading
    27 / 40
    General Training Reading
    32 / 40

  • 7.0

    Academic Reading
    30 / 40
    General Training Reading
    34 / 40

  • 7.5

    Academic Reading
    33 / 40
    General Training Reading
    36 / 40

  • 8.0

    Academic Reading
    35 / 40
    General Training Reading
    37 / 40

From the standard IELTS conversion tables – try the IELTS band score calculator for any score.

How to prepare for each

  • Academic Writing Task 1Learn to describe trends, compare figures and explain a process in 150 words – overview first, then the key details.
  • General Training Writing Task 1Practise all three letter types and match your tone to the reader: formal to a company, friendly to a friend.
  • Academic ReadingLong, dense passages – build speed with one passage in 20 minutes and practise matching headings and True/False/Not Given.
  • General Training ReadingShort texts first, so move quickly through Sections 1 and 2 to leave time for the long Section 3 text – and aim for high accuracy.

Band.pk has full Academic and General Training tests in the computer-delivered format, with instant band scores. Start with the Reading and Writing practice for your test, or take a full mock test.

Academic vs General Training – FAQ

Is IELTS General Training easier than Academic?

The Reading texts are more everyday and the Writing Task 1 is a letter instead of a chart, so many candidates find General Training more familiar. But General Training Reading needs more correct answers for the same band – for example 30/40 for band 6, against 23/40 in Academic – so neither test is simply easier.

Which IELTS do I need for Canada?

For Express Entry and most Canadian immigration programs, IRCC accepts only IELTS General Training (and not One Skill Retake). Canadian colleges and universities usually ask for IELTS Academic for admission.

Which IELTS do I need for Australia?

Australian skilled visas accept either IELTS Academic or General Training. For university admission, Australian universities ask for IELTS Academic.

Which IELTS do I need for the UK?

For a UK visa you may need IELTS for UKVI – Academic for degree-level study, General Training for work or study below degree level. Many UK universities accept standard IELTS Academic for degree courses; check your university and visa route.

Do Listening and Speaking differ between the two tests?

No. Listening and Speaking are exactly the same in Academic and General Training. Only Reading and Writing are different.

Do Academic and General Training cost the same?

Yes. In Pakistan both cost the same – see the IELTS fee in Pakistan page for current fees.

Can I switch from General Training to Academic later?

Your result is for the test you took. If you later need the other version, you have to take that test – so check what your university, employer or visa asks for before you book.

Practise the test you need

Academic or General Training – take a full practice test free and see your band in minutes.

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IELTS Listening practice4 recordings · 40 questions · 30 minutesIELTS Reading practice3 passages · 40 questions · 60 minutesIELTS Writing practice2 tasks · 60 minutesIELTS Speaking practice3 parts · 11–14 minutesAll IELTS practice testsIELTS C11–C20 and moreFull IELTS mock testTimed, computer-delivered, scored instantlyBand score calculatorRaw score to band, overall bandIELTS in PakistanTest types, centres, how to prepareIELTS fee in PakistanBritish Council and IDP fees, 2026IELTS test centresEvery city with a centre in Pakistan