Reading list: What is the difference between Academic and General IELTS?
The difference between Academic and General IELTS depends on the purpose for which a person needs the exam. Academic IELTS is mainly for students who want to study in universities or colleges abroad and for professionals who need registration in fields like engineering, medicine, or nursing. This test checks advanced English skills used in education, such as understanding academic reading passages, writing essays, and explaining ideas based on charts or graphs. That is why the use of the IELTS exam in the academic field is to prove that a student is ready for higher studies in an English-speaking country. On the other hand, General IELTS is designed for people who want to work abroad, apply for immigration, or settle permanently in countries like Canada, Australia, or the UK. It focuses on day-to-day English used at work, in offices, and in daily life, such as reading notices, writing letters, and basic communication. This shows why IELTS is important for jobs and migration. Both tests give a valid IELTS qualification, but choosing the right one depends on whether the goal is education or work and settlement. Simply put, Academic IELTS is for study and professional courses, while General IELTS is for work, visa, and immigration purposes.

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