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IELTS

IELTS Life Skills preparation

Speaking and Listening only, for UK family, settlement and citizenship routes

Updated 24 Oct 2026

Test length

16–22 minutes

Skills

Speaking and Listening

Results

Pass or fail, usually about 7 days

Our batches

At the centre, morning or evening

About IELTS Life Skills

IELTS Life Skills is a short, face-to-face test of speaking and listening for people who need to prove their English for certain UK visas. There is no reading or writing, and the result is a simple pass or fail.

It is not used for study. Students should take IELTS Academic (or IELTS for UKVI if their course asks for a SELT). Families of students and workers moving to the UK are the ones who most often need Life Skills.

Quick facts

IELTS Life Skills quick facts
IELTS Life Skills
LevelsA1 and B1 in India (A2 only in the UK)
SkillsSpeaking and Listening
Test length16–22 minutes
FormatFace to face with an examiner and one other test taker
ResultPass or fail, usually about 7 days
Fee in India₹18,000 (IDP India, 2026)
Accepted forUK family visas, indefinite leave to remain and citizenship

Who should take it

  • Spouses, partners and parents applying for a first UK family visa (A1)
  • People applying for indefinite leave to remain or British citizenship (B1)

Commonly accepted for

  • A1: first UK spouse, partner or parent visa
  • A2 (taken in the UK only): extending a family visa
  • B1: indefinite leave to remain and British citizenship

How it differs from the other tests

  1. 01

    Life Skills vs IELTS for UKVI

    Life Skills covers only Speaking and Listening and gives pass/fail. IELTS for UKVI covers four skills with band scores.

  2. 02

    Life Skills vs PTE Home

    Both are approved for UK family and settlement routes. Life Skills is a face-to-face conversation; PTE Home is taken on computer.

Test format

IELTS Life Skills format
PartTimeWhat you do
Speaking and Listening16–22 minutesA conversation with an examiner and another candidate on everyday topics, with short listening tasks

Scoring

  • Pass or fail; there is no band score.
  • The examiner assesses whether you can communicate at the CEFR level you booked (A1 or B1).

How to book

  1. Confirm the level your UK route requires (A1 or B1 from India).
  2. Book IELTS Life Skills with IDP India at an approved centre.
  3. Bring the passport you booked with; the session is recorded.

IDP India lists IELTS Life Skills (A1, B1) at ₹18,000 (2026), with UKVI-style transfer and refund rules.

How we prepare you

  • Short, practical speaking sessions on everyday topics: family, work, home, travel and local services.
  • Practice conversations in pairs, because the test is taken with another candidate.
  • Listening practice with clear, everyday recordings at the right level.
  • We don't promise a pass: we help you speak with more confidence and check your readiness with mock tests.

Plan your IELTS Life Skills dateWe match your batch to your university or visa deadline and track your progress with timed mock tests.

Preparation tips

  • Book the level your route asks for, not a higher one.
  • Answer in full sentences and ask the examiner to repeat if you didn't hear.
  • Practise speaking with a partner, not only with a teacher.

Batch dates

Choose a start date and timing. A counsellor calls to confirm the batch and fee.

Upcoming batches

  • IELTS Academic · At the centre · morning 8:00–10:00 am or evening 6:00–8:00 pm
  • IELTS General Training · At the centre · morning 9:00–11:00 am or evening 6:30–8:30 pm
  • IELTS for UKVI · At the centre · morning 8:00–10:00 am or evening 5:30–7:30 pm
  • PTE Academic · At the centre · morning 10:00 am–12:00 pm or evening 7:00–9:00 pm
  • PTE Academic UKVI · At the centre · morning 10:00 am–12:00 pm or evening 6:00–8:00 pm
  • PTE Core · At the centre · morning 9:00–11:00 am or evening 7:00–9:00 pm
  • Spoken English · At the centre · morning 7:00–8:00 am or evening 6:00–7:00 pm
  • Interview Preparation · Live online · morning 9:00–10:00 am or evening 8:00–9:00 pm

IELTS Life Skills: frequently asked questions

Can students use IELTS Life Skills?

No. It is for family, settlement and citizenship routes. Students need IELTS Academic or IELTS for UKVI.

Which level do I need for a spouse visa?

A1 for the first application. Extensions need A2, which is offered in the UK only.

How long does the result take?

IDP India gives about 7 days for a pass or fail result.

Is there any writing?

No. Only speaking and listening are tested.

Sources

#YouInspireUs

Stories from our students and parents

#AcademicsSample
ft. Student nameIELTS Academic

#1 Student name

IELTS Academic · Academics

Sample text. A student shares what changed in their writing and speaking practice, and how mock tests and feedback helped them prepare.

Design preview: sample cards show where real stories will appear. They are replaced by real students' stories (with written consent) before launch.

All student stories

Talk to our counsellor

Tell us what you're planning. A counsellor will call you, free of charge, and help you with the next step.

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