IELTS (Academic) – Overall Band 9.0 – How did I do it in July 2026?
In July 2026, I gave the IELTS Academic exam in New Delhi, since I needed an English language certification to apply abroad for higher studies. The exam is divided into 4 parts – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. I opted for the computer based test, which made the test significantly easier for me, since I’m habituated to using my laptop for coursework.
I did not spend a very long time preparing before the exam; perhaps a month at best. I used the Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS, which, while useful, did feel slightly redundant to me personally. Like many Indians, I have completed my schooling as well as my undergraduate studies with English as the primary medium of instruction. Thus, for me, most of the tips seemed rudimentary. However, for those who are unaccustomed to reading, writing or conversing in English, the book provides a solid foundation, with lucid instructions on how to accomplish task-specific objectives.
The book has 8 complete mock exams with all answers provided. In the days leading up to the exam, I took a mock every other day and tracked my progress over time. I was able to identify areas that I was good at (Listening), and areas I needed to work on (Writing). While many mocks are available online, I preferred using this book since it had detailed advice about what evaluators seek to assess in each section, and what aspects the candidate must focus on.
Apart from this, I already consume a lot of English language content in my daily life – from English music to English videos on YouTube. I enjoy reading – I have since I was a little kid. Perhaps the fact that I spend a significant portion of my time each day on classics made the reading section easier. Similarly, I primarily speak to my parents and my friends in English, which made the speaking section very easy. The conversation flowed naturally, without any pauses or confusion.
I recognise that having English speaking friends and peers is not a privilege everyone is privy to. Thus, I recommend utilising free English language resources available only. Reading news articles published by Reuters, The Hindu, BBC and the Deccan Herald in India could be a good start. As for listening, there are several educational podcasts available online, but I think a good idea is to find a subject you’re interested in, and listen to podcasts related to that theme. This way, it seems like much less of a chore. For instance, I occasionally listen to the Fall of Civilisations Podcast, which describes itself as a “history podcast looking at the collapse of a different civilisation each episode.” Alternatively, one can also utilise free audiobooks available online.
This playlist is a collection of audiobooks of English-language classics.
As for writing, since I am currently doing a Masters in French and Francophone studies, I am more accustomed to writing in French than in English. I made an effort to practice writing critically about a diverse array of subjects, and formulate arguments that were logical and coherent. It is challenging to find people to evaluate one’s writing, but I think online forums may be helpful. I am a member of French, Spanish and Japanese language forums on Discord, which have been very helpful in my language learning process. Often, I practice speaking in these languages with other members of the forum. I am certain similar forums exist for the English language, since there are far more people all over the world who wish to learn English.
I scored a 9 – the maximum possible score for this exam. While I already had a fairly advanced grasp of the English language, what made the difference was my effort to prepare according to what each section demanded, and what skills I had to demonstrate. For instance, for the writing section, the second question involves writing an essay. One must understand what the question demands – be it a critical essay, weighing pros and cons, or a personal one, demanding examples and instances drawn from one’s own life. For the most part, the best option is to write a balanced article, while making one’s own point of view as lucid as possible. One must not completely reject the opposing point of view, but try to understand the issue at hand as multifaceted and complex. Examples are crucial, as is linking all the elements logically, so that the person reading can follow the line of reasoning without much trouble.
This is not an extremely challenging exam. It is not helpful to perceive it as abysmally easy, or as insurmountable. If one prepares consistently, keeping in mind what the exam demands, a score of 7 or above should not be too difficult to obtain.