Is IELTS Changing? Medcity's Interview with IDP Associate Director

Summary

In this Med City podcast interview, Commander Jabdeep Gumman, Associate Director — Operations, IDP India, addresses student concerns about English proficiency tests amid new competitors like Duolingo and Michigan. He explains how IELTS (IDP) is evolving—introducing computer delivery, one-skill retakes, hybrid and daily test options, more centres, and faster results (paper: 7 days in India; computer: often same day). Fees remain stable (~₹18,000) and the four-skill format stays intact. Gumman clarifies why rare results are flagged for quality checks, outlines review/recheck options, warns against malpractice, and reassures students that IELTS will continue supporting their overseas ambitions.

Takeaways

• 😀 IELTS continues to be the most recognized and trusted English proficiency test globally, especially for students aiming to study abroad.
• 😀 IELTS provides a high level of visa acceptance, which helps students with both academic and professional opportunities overseas.
• 😀 The IELTS test has been a leader in incorporating technology, with options like computer-based testing available since 2017.
• 😀 A major update for IELTS includes the 'One Skill Retake' feature, where students can retake only the section they need to improve, instead of the whole test.
• 😀 The IELTS exam is committed to expanding accessibility, with plans for more test centers and potentially offering daily test slots.
• 😀 The IELTS exam will continue to offer flexibility in its delivery system, possibly even moving toward a hybrid testing model with more frequent scheduling.
• 😀 Results for IELTS tests are typically available quickly, with paper-based test results released within 7 days and computer-based results often within a day.
• 😀 IELTS exam fees are standardized and considered a fair value for the quality and recognition provided by the test.
• 😀 The exam format for IELTS, which includes listening, reading, writing, and speaking, will remain unchanged as it effectively tests the necessary English skills for study and work in English-speaking countries.
• 😀 Results are occasionally flagged for quality checks, but this is a rare event, and most issues are resolved quickly with a transparent process for students.
• 😀 IELTS emphasizes fairness and transparency, with options for students to request rechecks if they believe their results do not reflect their performance.

Q & A

What makes IELTS the leader in English proficiency testing?

IELTS has been a benchmark for English language proficiency tests for over three decades, offering a globally recognized score that is accepted for visa purposes, academics, and professional integration in English-speaking countries. It continues to maintain its leadership by adapting to technological changes and offering flexibility in testing formats, such as computer-based tests and one-skill retakes.

How has IELTS kept up with newer language proficiency tests like Duolingo and Michigan tests?

IELTS has continuously adapted by embracing technology, such as offering computer-based testing since 2017, and introducing features like the 'one skill retake' option. This flexibility and constant innovation allow IELTS to maintain its position as the top choice for English proficiency testing, even with the introduction of newer, shorter-duration tests.

What new changes can we expect in the IELTS exam in the future?

IELTS is set to introduce more flexibility in test delivery, including potentially daily testing options, increased test centers, and more frequent exam availability. Additionally, changes in the delivery system could include a hybrid model that combines both online and in-person testing, enhancing accessibility for students.

What does IELTS plan to do about the test duration compared to other tests?

IELTS has recognized the shorter duration of newer exams and aims to introduce changes that will make its testing process more efficient. However, the exam will continue to test all four language skills—listening, reading, writing, and speaking—since this comprehensive approach is central to the assessment of language proficiency.

How does IELTS ensure that students get their results quickly?

IELTS has set a benchmark by releasing paper-based results within 7 days in India, which is faster than the global standard. For computer-based tests, results can often be available within a day, and in many cases, students can access their results on the same day they take the test.

Will there be any changes to the IELTS exam fee?

IELTS exam fees are unlikely to change significantly. The fee is set at around 18,000 INR in India, reflecting the value of the quality test and the global recognition it offers. The fees are competitive, and the quality of the exam justifies the price.

Will IELTS be changing its exam format anytime soon?

The core format of the IELTS exam, which includes listening, reading, writing, and speaking, is unlikely to change in the near future. These four skills are essential for assessing English proficiency, and the test format is well-established globally.

How does the IELTS test differ from other language proficiency tests?

IELTS is unique because its questions and assessments are based on real-life scenarios in English-speaking countries. The focus is not just on theoretical knowledge but on how well candidates can communicate in practical, everyday situations. This makes it highly relevant for students planning to study or work abroad.

What happens when IELTS results are withheld?

Results are not withheld for security reasons but are flagged for further quality checks in very rare cases. If discrepancies or issues are found, such as data irregularities or score differences, the results undergo additional review by an independent team. This ensures fairness, and most results are cleared within a few days.

What is the process for resolving withheld IELTS results?

If an IELTS result is flagged for review, it undergoes further quality checks by an independent audit team from both IDP and Cambridge University Press. In most cases, results are released within a few days. If there is a concern about malpractice, the result may be permanently withheld, but students can request a recheck of their scores to ensure fairness and transparency.