CELPIP vs IELTS Language Tests: What Indian Students Should Know in 2025

Aspect 

CELPIP

IELTS 

Full Form

Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program

International English Language Testing System

Conducting Body

Paragon Testing Enterprises

IELTS IDP India

Test Types

- CELPIP General: For PR applications, professional designations

- CELPIP General LS: For citizenship, professional designation

- IELTS Academic: For higher education, professional registration

- IELTS General Training: For migration to English-speaking countries

Test Focus

Canadian English

International English (Academic & General)

Test Format

Computer-based only (in test centre)

Computer-based and paper-based (wider choice)

Cost (2025)

CELPIP General: $280 + taxes

CELPIP General LS: $195 + taxes

IELTS (Academic & General): INR 17,000

Skills Assessed

Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking

Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking

Test Content

Practical Canadian scenarios; focus on daily tasks (e.g., describing Canadian landscapes, replying to voicemails)

Academic and/or general topics depending on version

Speaking Section

Multiple short tasks via computer (recorded responses)

Face-to-face interview with examiner

Test Availability

Limited test centres in India (expanding globally, but still fewer than IELTS)

Extensive network of test centres across India and worldwide

Test Duration

CELPIP General: 3 hours (single sitting)

CELPIP General LS: 1 hour (single sitting)

IELTS: 2 hours 45 minutes (both Academic & General)

Preparation Material

Official practice tests and materials available, but fewer than IELTS

Abundant prep materials, books, courses, and online resources

Test Recognition

Recognised by IRCC, Canadian universities, colleges, vocational programs, PGWP, citizenship, PR, and professional registration

IELTS Academic: For study worldwide

IELTS General: For migration worldwide

Scoring System

Points-based: 1–12 per skill (9 is the minimum for most PR streams; 12 is the highest)

Band score: 0 (no user) to 9 (expert user)

Score Validity

2 years

2 years

Why Consider the CELPIP Test? 

Why Consider the IELTS Test? 

Candidates who are looking for Canadian immigration must opt for CELPIP

Candidates who are looking to take a test that is accepted globally for various study or immigration options

Candidates who prefer any computer-based exam with a strong focus on everyday Canadian English

Candidates who are ok with the traditional pen-and-paper or computer based format with a face-to-face speaking test should definitely opt for IELTS

Candidates who do not have any problem short and task-based speaking sections 

Students looking to get an ample preparation resources in India must opt for IELTS

Feature 

CELPIP

IELTS

Focus

Canadian English, Canadian accents, and scenarios.

British English foundation, but covers global English variations.

Skills Tested

Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing.

Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing.

Modules

Single test format:

- CELPIP General (PR, work, study)

- CELPIP General LS (citizenship).

Two modules:

- IELTS Academic (study, professional registration)

- IELTS General Training (migration, work).

Test Format

Entirely computerized; all sections taken on a computer at a test centre.

Paper-based or computer-based for Listening, Reading, Writing; Speaking is face-to-face with an examiner.

Test Content

Practical, everyday Canadian scenarios and tasks.

Academic and general topics; international context.

Spelling/Instructions

Multiple-choice format with drop-downs reduces spelling errors.

Requires precise spelling, especially on paper-based test.

Test Availability

Limited test centres, mainly in Canada and select locations abroad.

Wide global availability, extensive network in India and worldwide

Feature 

CELPIP

IELTS 

Scoring Scale & Range

1 to 12 for each component (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking)

0 to 9 band scale for each component (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking)

Overall Score

Average of the four component scores

Average of the four component band scores (rounded to nearest half or whole band)

Evaluation Criteria

Pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, content, coherence, relevance, task fulfillment

Accurate, fluent ,flexible resource, grammatical range, pronunciation, task achievement

Aspect

CELPIP 

IELTS 

Test Type

General English proficiency (for PR, work, citizenship)

Academic or General Training (for study, migration, work)

Total Duration

Approximately 3 hours (in one sitting)

2 hours 45 minutes (Speaking may be scheduled separately)

Section Duration

- Listening: 47–55 minutes

- Reading: 43–60 minutes

- Writing: 53–60 minutes

- Speaking: 15–20 minutes

- Listening: 30 minutes

- Reading: 60 minutes

- Writing: 60 minutes

- Speaking: 11–14 minutes

Additional Notes

- All sections completed in a single sitting at a test centre

- 10-minute break between Listening and Speaking

- Computer-based only

- Listening, Reading, Writing are completed in one sitting

- Speaking can be up to a week before or after other sections

- Paper-based or computer-based options

Aspect

CELPIP 

IELTS 

Test Center Locations

Over 140 locations across Canada and select international cities including USA, India (Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, etc.), Germany, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico, Thailand, and more

Over 1,600 test locations in more than 140 countries worldwide, including extensive coverage in India and globally

Acceptance

Widely accepted by Canadian immigration authorities (IRCC), Canadian universities, colleges, vocational programs, and professional bodies

Recognized by many immigration departments, educational institutions, and professional organizations worldwide for study, work, and migration

Test Dates

Multiple test dates available every month in India and internationally; frequent sittings in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, etc.

Approximately 4 test dates monthly and 48 fixed test dates annually in India and worldwide

Aspect

CELPIP 

IELTS 

Official Study Materials

Offers official study materials including online practice tests, study guides, ebooks, online courses, and preparation tips. Materials are available for purchase on the official CELPIP website.

Provides official practice materials, including sample tests, preparation books (e.g., Cambridge IELTS series), and online courses. Materials can be purchased online and through authorized retailers.

Free Resources

Provides free sample tests, guidebooks, webinars, and online practice tests to help candidates understand the test format and expectations.

Offers free sample questions, practice tests with answer keys in ebooks, and full-length online mock tests for both Academic and General Training modules

Feature 

CELPIP

IELTS 

Recognized

Tailored for Canadian English and everyday communication; widely accepted by Canadian immigration authorities (IRCC), and various Canadian academic and professional institutions.

Globally recognized, accepted by educational institutions, immigration authorities, and professional organizations worldwide.

Focus

Real-life situations and Canadian context; assesses practical English for daily life, work, and citizenship in Canada.

English usage in both academic and general contexts, with an international scope; includes academic and migration pathways.

Content

May be slightly easier for some due to familiar Canadian content and North American accents; focuses on everyday scenarios and tasks relevant to Canadian society.

Diverse content, covering a wide range of topics and vocabulary, including academic, professional, and general English; uses a variety of English accents (British, Australian, North American