IELTS registration becomes simpler

he New Online Registration System (NORS) to register online for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) was launched recently by the British Council.

NORS will make the already existing online registration process simpler and convenient for the candidates and the IELTS registration centres. The facility was introduced five days ago and the council is testing its accuracy.

Based on feedback, the new system has been designed to ensure that the registrant's online journey is short and simple. The NORS promises instant confirmation of seat, five levels of SMS alerts, ease of navigation and online access to pre-test information and results.

A British Council team visiting the city said over 1,800 US universities and institutions, including all Ivy League schools, had recognised IELTS scores.

"Globally, IELTS is a benchmark used by Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the UK apart from the US. In the last two years, the number of universities recognising the test has increased. Students can opt for this faceto-face examination to test their English proficiency levels," first secretary, educational services, Kevin McLaven, said at a press conference here on Monday.

The test fee remains the same, Rs 7,200, McLaven added.

After China, India features in the second position in the top five countries where students are opting for IELTS followed by the UK, Australia and Pakistan. On an average, Indian candidates score 5.97 in the IELTS test, according to the Council authorities.