IELTS New Pen-Only Policy Starting January 25, 2025: Pencils are prohibited
Effective January 25, 2025, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) will enforce a new pen-only policy for all paper-based exams. This change mandates that candidates use pens exclusively for the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections; the use of pencils will no longer be permitted. Additionally, candidates are not allowed to bring personal writing materials into the exam hall, pens will be provided by the test center, so you don’t need to worry about bringing your own.
Key Details:
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- Implementation Date: January 25, 2025
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- Affected Sections: Listening, Reading, and Writing
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- Policy Change: Pens are now mandatory; pencils are prohibited.
Recommendations for Test Takers:
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- Practice with Pens: To adapt to this change, incorporate the use of pens into your preparation for the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections.
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- Stay Updated: Regularly check official IELTS communications for any further updates or clarifications regarding test procedures.
This policy shift aims to standardize test-taking materials and enhance the clarity of candidates’ responses.