Difference Between IDP and British Council IELTS
IELTS, which stands for International English Language Testing System, is a test of English that help students, skilled workforce and other citizens to migrate abroad. IELTS test is conducted by two main bodies – British Council and IDP – all across the world. Both of these companies are privately owned Australian businesses.
IELTS aspirants therefore, have a choice to choose one of the companies to give their test and thus comes to the light the most baffling question for the IELTS aspirants – what should I prefer British Council or IDP? And why should one be preferred over the other? This article will address this question and some other relevant ones, to provide detailed answers to the ones who are planning to take up their IELTS test.
As mentioned earlier, both British Council and IDP are identical, privately owned businesses. Both provide similar level of IELTS tests and similar level of checking. As per the basic IELTS requirements, both the companies conducts tests on different locations and provides IELTS test results within a timeframe of 13 days. So, what is the difference between the two? The answer to this question is – there is no difference between the two. None can be deemed to be better than the other and students can choose either of them to book their tests. Still confused?
Consider this, you decided to take a test dated 15th of December 20xx. You booked it under IDP, sat in the test and gave it. Your friend, on the other hand, booked a test under British Council on the same date. Then you meet after your results and discuss the pros and cons of the companies. You will surely weigh them on the basis of score you receive. If you scored more, you will be bound to say IDP is easier and must be preferred and vice versa. If you then give another test, this time switching your companies. Again, you receive higher score what will you prefer? Therefore, the first and foremost problem is that we, the test takers tend to compare the companies on the basis band score we receive rather than looking at other aspects. So, the very beginning of our hypothesis is wrong.
Then, what should be the criteria for comparison? The only reply to this question is it depends on personal choices you may want to compare them on the basis of facilities offered; marks scored, and ease of booking a test, available locations, or reach ability of the company. And again, if the basis of your comparison varies, so what will your answers. This can be surely said that in Punjab region, the company that is more popular and preferred is IDP. They certainly have more locations; offer a speedy service and good level of tests and examiner offered.
However, if we look at a recent survey conducted by students’ Union of Chandigarh about the most preferred IELTS companies and the reasons behind this preference, it becomes clear that most students book their tests with IDP because they are told to do so, either by their teachers, institutions or peers. They never give a thought of their own and book the test based on guidance provided by others, which can certainly be misleading.
By misleading, I don’t mean that IDP is not a good option for booking an IELTS exam; it just means that people can take advantage of students’ innocence and ignorance to earn incentives offered by the companies. Many a times, those who book tests are rewarded with commission by the companies if they book certain number of tests. Thus, their only motive behind telling you to sit for an IDP or British Council exam is to earn more money and poor students are unaware of this situation.
Finally, discussing about which test one should sit in, it would depend on their personal choices. However, the aspirants need to get it clear that there is no difference in the marking of the exam. Very competent examiners check your exam and both companies make sure that testing and checking is not compromised in any aspect. So, next time an IELTS test taker tells you BC or IDP is better, you will know the truth.
Do not follow their advice simply because they gave their test with a specific company and scored well. If they scored well, it must have been due to their English competency, not because they sat in for exam with IDP or British Council.
Overall, when it comes to choosing a company for your IELTS exam, you will need to remind yourself with the following important points:
* Both IDP and BC offer some level of tests.
* Tests may seem easy or difficult to students’ dependency on their competency.
* Do not blindly follow a test taker to book your test because they had good/bad experience with a particular company.
* Do look for what is more comfortable and convenient for you.
Therefore, preferring one company over the other is done on the basis of personal choices or mostly in case of students results. Hopefully, this article helps and all the very best to the IELTS aspirants out there. Choose any and rock your exam.
