ISLAMABAD – In a recent update to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), aspiring students aiming for international education now have the option to retake specific components of the test, rather than the entire examination.
Previously, candidates who took the IELTS had to reattempt all four test sections—Listening, Writing, Reading, and Speaking—to improve their scores. However, a welcome change has been introduced in Pakistan, allowing candidates the flexibility to retake only the specific components in which they seek improvement.
This modification, termed ‘One Skill Retake,’ applies to both the Academic and General IELTS and is presently accessible in centres in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Faisalabad, and Gujrat, with plans to expand the service to other centers shortly.
Participants opting for a retake in any component will have the option to select either their previous or new score for the specific section they have retaken, providing greater control over score selection.
The move addresses challenges faced by students aiming for scholarships and university admissions, especially in countries like the United Kingdom, where IELTS is a mandatory requirement. The high cost of the test, coupled with economic inflation and currency devaluation in Pakistan, had made it difficult for aspiring international students to retake the exam, impacting their aspirations of pursuing education abroad.
IELTS is currently working towards wider recognition of the ‘One Skill Retake’ policy. Presently, authorities such as UK Visas and Immigration, the Australian Department of Home Affairs, and the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency have acknowledged this update, with ongoing efforts to expand recognition to more entities and countries.
The IELTS test measures the competence of any individual regarding English language proficiency and is used as a benchmark for international universities to grant admission to people in non-English speaking countries including Pakistan.
