IELTS comes in two main versions: Academic and General Training. Booking the wrong one is a costly mistake, because an institution that asks for Academic will normally not accept General Training. This guide explains the difference and helps you decide which one you need.
What the two versions have in common
Both versions test the same four skills, in the same order and with the same timing:
- Listening: about 30 minutes, four recordings, 40 questions. The Listening test is identical for both versions.
- Reading: 60 minutes, 40 questions. The texts differ between versions.
- Writing: 60 minutes, two tasks. The tasks differ between versions.
- Speaking: about 11 to 14 minutes with an examiner. The Speaking test is identical for both versions.
Results for both are reported on the same 0 to 9 band scale.
Where they differ
Reading
- Academic Reading uses three long passages taken from sources such as books, journals, magazines and newspapers. The topics are general-interest but written in an academic style, and some may include diagrams.
- General Training Reading begins with shorter, practical texts, such as notices, advertisements, timetables and workplace documents, and ends with one longer text on a general topic.
Because General Training texts are generally more everyday in style, you usually need more correct answers to reach the same band. (See our guide on how IELTS scores are calculated.)
Writing
- Academic Writing Task 1: describe and compare information shown in a graph, table, chart, map or process diagram in at least 150 words.
- General Training Writing Task 1: write a letter of at least 150 words responding to an everyday situation, such as writing to a landlord, an employer or a friend. The letter may be formal, semi-formal or informal.
- Task 2 (both versions): write an essay of at least 250 words responding to a point of view, argument or problem. Academic topics can be slightly more formal in tone, but the task type is similar.
Who usually needs Academic
Choose Academic if you are applying for:
- A foundation, diploma, bachelor's, master's or PhD programme at a university or college.
- Most study-abroad applications, including to Malaysian universities.
- Professional registration in some fields, such as medicine or nursing, in certain countries.
If you are a Bangladeshi student planning to study in Malaysia, the UK, Australia or elsewhere, Academic is almost always the right choice. Always confirm with the university, though, because requirements can differ.
Who usually needs General Training
Choose General Training if you are:
- Migrating to certain countries for work or permanent residence, where the immigration authority asks for General Training.
- Applying for some work-experience or training programmes that are not at degree level.
- Going to study below degree level in some systems, for example at some secondary schools or vocational colleges, where the institution accepts it.
How to decide in three steps
- Read the official requirement. Look at the English language section of the university's admission page, your offer letter, or the immigration authority's website. It should say "IELTS Academic" or "IELTS General Training".
- Check the minimum scores. Note both the overall band and any minimum per skill.
- Check whether a special version is needed. Some visa routes, especially for the UK, may require a specific test called IELTS for UKVI. See our separate guide on this.
If the requirement is unclear, email the admissions office before booking. A counsellor at Global Academia Connects can also help you read your university's requirements.
Is one version easier?
Many students assume General Training is "easier". It is true that the Reading texts are more everyday, but the band conversion is stricter, and the letter in Writing Task 1 has its own challenges, such as choosing the right tone. More importantly, the question is not which test is easier but which test your institution accepts. A high General Training score is of little use if your university requires Academic.
Preparing for your version
- Academic candidates should practise reading long, dense passages quickly and describing charts and diagrams accurately.
- General Training candidates should practise scanning short practical texts and writing letters in different tones.
- Both should practise Listening and Speaking in exactly the same way, since those parts are shared.
Quick tip
Before you book, take a screenshot or save a copy of the English requirement from your university's website or offer letter, showing the exact test name and scores. It prevents booking the wrong version and gives you a clear target. Then use our practice sets and full practice test in the matching version to see where you stand.