Many students have this misconception that the IDP test-taking system is more straightforward compared to the British Council. People commonly believe that you need to register with the British Council if you want to go to the U.K. and U.S., and with IDP for Australia. So, which one is ideal for IELTS, IDP or British Council? Let’s find out.
The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) evaluates you on four skills – Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking. There are two modules of the exam – IELTS Academic and IELTS General . Listening and Speaking tests are the same for both the modules, but Reading, and Writing tasks vary.
What is IDP?
IDP Education or International Development Program is an international education organization that helps students find university placements in New Zealand, the USA, U.K., Australia and Canada. IELTS Australia ltd manages more than 200 IELTS test centres in 35 countries.
What is the British Council?
The British Council is a British organization that promotes culture, education and the English language worldwide. In India, the British Council offers IELTS Academic and General. Also, it has 77 official IELTS test centres across India.
Is there any difference in the test fee?
There is absolutely no difference in the test fee for IDP and BC. But the fee structure may vary depending on the country. For example, there is a difference in the fee structure of the UAE and the Netherlands.
Who owns IELTS?
It was established in 1989 by IDP: IELTS Australia, the British Council, and Cambridge Assessment English.
So, what is the difference between the IDP and British Council?
Honestly, there is no difference between the IDP and British Council. It does not make a difference whether you choose the IDP or British Council for registration. Tests taken through both of them are the same in all aspects.
Is the IDP test-taking system better than the British Council (or) vice-versa?
No, the IELTS exam has the same format and content. All the IELTS examiners, be it IDP Education or British Council, follow the same criteria to evaluate each candidate. Mostly it is just a personal choice of the students to register with IDP or British Council. In the British Council, you have the advantage because it has 77 official test centre locations across India. Students who live in remote places can also take the exam in their nearby test centres without much hassle. Whereas IDP has got a limited number of options.
Are there any countries that prefer the British Council over IDP or vice-versa?
No, IELTS from British Council and IDP have the same level of acceptance by the U.K., U.S., New Zealand, Australia and Canada for immigration and study purposes.
How to choose between IDP and British Council?
- Choose a test centre near your area that will help you to reach on time.
- Check whether the respected test centre uses headphones or speakers for the listening test. Some students prefer headphones over speakers, as it helps to build focus.
- Choose a test centre that offers you the test date you want.
