IDP VS British Council: Which One Should I Choose?

Once you made a decision for appearing in IELTS, now it’s time to choose two organizations i.e IDP and the British council under which you can appear for the IELTS test. Most of the people who are gearing up for the IELTS test get confused between IDP and the British Council because they don’t know under which organizations they can book their IELTS test. For those, we have wrapped out some important aspects they should need to know. Before understanding the difference between IDP and the British Council IELTS dig into what actually it is.

What is the British Council?

The British Council is the official IELTS test organization that is engaged with promoting the English language. In India, the British Council offers IELTS for UKVI, academic, general, etc. Under this IELTS organization, aspirants can book their test dates online.

What is IDP?

International development program or IDP is an educational organization that helps students in their placement in New Zealand, UK, Australia, Ireland.it also offers IELTS for UKVI, academic, general many more similar tests. Aspirants can easily book their test online under IDP IELTS.

Common Misconceptions About IDP and British Council

Misconceptions are the only thing that directs you to the wrong path. In the same way, misconceptions about IDP and the British council can make you feel confused while booking the IELTS Test. Here are some common misconceptions about IDP and the British council that most people strongly believe in: 

  • IDP is more lenient in marking. 
  •  British Council is strict in marking the exam.
  • The people who mark your exam papers are different. 
  • You need to register with IDP only if you are deciding to go to Australia; while the British Council is for the U.K and U.S.

What’s the Reality?

The reality is there is no difference in marking the IELTS exam as both the IDP and British Council, along with Cambridge English Language Assessment own IELTS. Basically, Cambridge English Language Assessment compiles the IELTS test, and these two IELTS organizations i.e. IDP and British Council conduct it. The marking system of the IELTS exam is the same in both organizations. There is no leniency IDP while checking the IELTS exam as both follow the same instructions.

How to Choose Between IDP IELTS and British Council?

As we all know every year lakhs of people appear for the popular English language test i.e IELTS, but some with the aim of higher studies abroad and some are interested in immigration. But many aspirants are in dilemma that how they could choose between the International Development Program and the British Council. But let me clear your all doubts that basically content-wise there is no difference between IDP and British Council. However, in the case of center availability, there is a minor disparity; the International Development Program has more centers all over India than the British Council. This is the only reason why most people prefer to book their IELTS test under IDP. Therefore, one can choose from more available test dates and more centers for computer-delivered tests too.

Also read: IDP VS British Council: Which One Should I Choose?

Keep Some Points in Mind While Choosing IDP or British Council:

  • You should choose a central location that is not far from your home. It does not matter which organization you choose either the International Development Program or the British Council. As you know your reading, listening, and writing tests are of 2 hours and 40 minutes so you must be there on time and in a hassle-free state.

  • Choose a center that provides headphones for the listening module because, with headphones, you can easily concentrate on the audio clip rather than listening through speakers.

  • · Pick a test date only when you will feel that your language skills are good enough.

Conclusion

To conclude, it is clear that there is no difference between IDP and the British Council. You can book your IELTS test under any organization according to your convenience. You don’t need to hassle with taking IELTS tests as there are multifarious center locations Thus, there will not be any discrepancies in terms of the quality of the test. So, what are you thinking about your Ielts exam preparations? You can get the best IELTS coaching online with complete material and live classes. Buy IELTS Course now and achieve a score of 7+Band.

FAQs

Are IDP and British Council the same?

undoubtedly, content-wise both IDP and British Council are the same. But when it comes to infrastructure, there is a minor difference; the International Development Program (IDP) has more center locations all over India. Therefore, it has more test dates and center locations than the British council.

Is IDP IELTS valid in Canada for a student visa?

Yes, IDP and the British council both are accepted by Canadian immigration and also by universities and colleges. You don’t need to get confused between these two organizations, go ahead and book your test.

Is the Marking System Different?

To be honest, there is no difference in the attempting IELTS exam under these two organizations; British Council or IDP. Basically, The marking criteria are exactly the same in both. The examiner plays a major role in the Writing and Speaking tests and their marking criteria remain the same. Apart from this, they are checked regularly on how they evaluate.

Is the Exam Fee Different?

The fee is the same, 14,000 INR in both the organization. Moreover, the fee is the same also the same either you are going for paper-based IELTS tests or computer-delivered tests.

Are there countries that prefer IDP or British Council?

No, not at all. These are just misconceptions. let's take the example of Canada. It accepts both immigration or study visas as well as its own accepted language entrance exams.

Dr.Roma

@Content Writer