IELTS Practice Test 2026 — Free IELTS Exam Prep Questions
IELTS Academic is taken by people applying for university study or professional registration in English-speaking settings. Our practice focuses on the Reading task types, with short original passages, plus multiple-choice drills on Writing, Listening and Speaking skills, such as describing data, cohesion, word limits and paraphrasing.
IELTS format, scoring & key facts
Computer-delivered at a test centre or online; paper-based IELTS is being phased out from mid-2026, with a Writing on Paper option in selected markets. Listening recordings are heard once. Speaking is a recorded face-to-face interview with an examiner. Not adaptive.
| Structure | Listening (about 30 min, 40 questions) + Reading (60 min, 40 questions) + Writing (60 min, 2 tasks) + Speaking (11–14 min) |
|---|---|
| Total time | 2 hours 45 minutes |
| Listening | 4 parts of 10 questions; each recording is heard once |
| Reading | 3 long texts totalling 2,150–2,750 words (Academic) |
| Writing | Task 1 at least 150 words; Task 2 at least 250 words and worth twice as much |
| Scores | Bands 0–9 in half bands; overall band is the average of the four skills, rounded to the nearest half band |
| Academic vs General Training | Listening and Speaking are the same; Reading and Writing differ (General Training Writing Task 1 is a letter) |
| Delivery in 2026 | On computer; paper-based testing ends from mid-2026 |
| Score validity | 2 years (recommended) |
Facts last verified Oct 21, 2026. Source: ielts.org/take-a-test/test-types/ielts-academic-test. Always confirm details with IELTS before your exam.
When can you take the IELTS?
Computer-delivered tests run frequently throughout the year at test centres; Speaking is on the same day or within a few days of the other skills, depending on the centre.
Plan backwards from your exam date
What the IELTS covers
Every PrepBanq IELTS test mirrors the official domain weights.
Domain distribution
% of the exam| Content domain | Weight | ≈ Questions on exam | Our practice questions |
|---|---|---|---|
Listening40 questions in four parts: everyday conversation, everyday monologue, educational discussion and academic lecture. | 25% | ~20 | 75 questions → |
Reading40 questions on three long academic texts, testing detail, main ideas, writers' views and paraphrase. | 25% | ~20 | 75 questions → |
WritingTwo tasks rated by examiners on four criteria. Not part of the multiple-choice practice bank. | 25% | ~20 | 0 questions → |
SpeakingA three-part interview rated by examiners on four criteria. Not part of the multiple-choice practice bank. | 25% | ~20 | 0 questions → |
How to register for the IELTS
Retake policy
You can book IELTS again as many times as you like. On computer-delivered tests, IELTS One Skill Retake lets you retake one skill once, within 60 days of the original test, where it is offered.
Score release
Computer-delivered results usually arrive within 1–5 days.
Credential renewal
Results are generally considered valid for 2 years; organisations may accept older results.
Your path to passing the IELTS
Diagnostic
Free test across every content areaTargeted practice
Drill your weakest areas firstReview
Every option explainedFull simulation
Real format and timingReady
Book your exam with confidenceIELTS practice tests
All IELTS tests →The full IELTS question bank is on its way
All IELTS practice tests here are free right now. Leave your email and we'll tell you when the complete question bank, full-length simulations and readiness tracking launch.
IELTS FAQ
How many questions are on the IELTS?
The IELTS has 80 questions and you have 2 hours 45 minutes to finish. Question types: Listening (40 questions): multiple choice, matching, plan/map/diagram labelling, form/note/table/flow-chart completion, sentence completion and short-answer questions. Reading (40 questions): multiple choice, True/False/Not given, Yes/No/Not given, matching information, headings, features and sentence endings, sentence, summary, note, table and flow-chart completion, diagram labels and short answers. Writing: Task 1 (describe visual information, at least 150 words) and Task 2 (essay, at least 250 words). Speaking: a three-part face-to-face interview..
How long is the IELTS exam?
Testing time for the IELTS is 2 hours 45 minutes.
What is the passing score for the IELTS?
IELTS passing standard: No pass or fail: each skill and the overall result get a band from 0 to 9 in half bands, and each institution sets its own requirement. Score range: Band 0–9 (whole and half bands) for Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking and overall.
How much does the IELTS cost?
The IELTS registration fee is Set locally and varies by country; check your IDP or British Council test centre. Check the official site for current fees before you register.
What is on the IELTS?
The IELTS covers Listening (about 25%), Reading (about 25%), Writing (about 25%), Speaking (about 25%).
Who administers the IELTS?
The IELTS Academic is administered by IELTS. Delivery: Computer-delivered at a test centre or online; paper-based IELTS is being phased out from mid-2026, with a Writing on Paper option in selected markets. Listening recordings are heard once. Speaking is a recorded face-to-face interview with an examiner. Not adaptive.
Can you retake the IELTS?
You can book IELTS again as many times as you like. On computer-delivered tests, IELTS One Skill Retake lets you retake one skill once, within 60 days of the original test, where it is offered.
Is there a free IELTS practice test?
Yes. PrepBanq has 15 free IELTS practice tests with 150 exam-style questions in the real IELTS formats, and every answer is explained. No credit card is needed.
IELTS practice test reviews
No reviews yet. Took a free IELTS practice test? Tell other test-takers how it went.
Related english language exams
Your IELTS prep starts with one free test.
Instant score report · no credit card.