Every coin has two sides and in the same way, the IELTS test also does. In this blog, we are going to have a look at the pros and cons of computer-based IELTS.  While mentioning the (CBT) IELTS pros and cons, it’s equally important to add that the perspective of the candidate while choosing the mode of test needs to be considered with utmost importance than just focusing on the number of pros and cons mentioned in this blog.

• Make corrections – For students, attending computer-based tests are more preferable as it helps a lot in editing their writing. It’s easier for students to structure and organize their essays. Also, the candidate can highlight the text with a right-click in the Reading and Listening tests.
• Handwriting concern – Students don’t need to worry about their messy handwriting. When it’s a computer-based test, an IELTS examiner won’t be having difficulty understanding your answers and hence, the computer-based test is an ideal solution.
• Word count – The computer will automatically count the number of words in your essay. A number of our pupils found that this made the exam a little less stressful, as they had one less thing to focus on.
• Less crowded test centers – Computer-based IELTS test centers are typically less crowded and more organized. Smaller rooms or venues with lesser aspirants enable better concentration and lower stress. While this won’t directly impact your score, some pupils found that a better-organized test center limited the amount of stress they experienced on exam day.
• Time – A timer on the screen will turn red when the candidate has 10 and 5 minutes remaining for the Reading and Writing tests, respectively.
• Results – Students don’t need to wait for long as the results can be obtained more quickly within 5 to 7 days.
• Notification Key – The screen will have a Navigation bar where the candidate can view the progress at the bottom and track answers they missed. The screen also has a timer on the screen that will turn red when the candidate has 10 and 5 minutes remaining for the Reading and Writing tests, respectively.
• Maximum Comfort – The candidate can review their answers anytime within the overall time limit. Clicking on the number they wish to review and the Navigation Bar will be highlighted for maximum comfort. The candidate can also manage their time and go forward/backward as per their wishes.
• Automatic Save option – Their answers will be automatically saved, meaning they need not keep saving or pressing Enter. They can change any answer at any time without any hassle.

• Eye strain – Using the screen for 3 hours may be stressful. For example, tired eyes or headache might affect students and their performance as some students find looking at a screen for multiple hours very tiring. But, it’s a fact that it depends on individuals as for some people, it might be harder to focus on a book for too long.
• Focus Vs Distraction – The candidate can hear people typing behind them, which may be a significant distraction at centers. If you need silence to focus, you might struggle to concentrate when the sound of multiple other candidates typing surrounds you. However, some centers do offer noise-canceling headphones and quieter keyboards.
• Writing Vs Typing – The candidate may not be used to typing the answers, which may eventually slow their progress and the IELTS exam is stressful enough and along with it if the idea of using a computer makes you nervous, the computer-based test could make exam day even more and stressful.
• Extra time constraints – Though, students will get more time in between the sections, and an extra 2 minutes at the very end, these candidates won’t have an extra 10 minutes for transferring their answers after the Listening test, like in the paper-based format. Some aspirants use this extra time for checking spelling and answers; hence, the extra time they receive needs to be effectively utilized, and that effective allocation of this time will only be provided by the best CBT coaching centers in Kerala.
• System handling – The candidate must keep listening and typing simultaneously, which is tough for those who are not used to the same. Again, for those who are used to systems, this mode of exam is better or else the performance will be badly affected as the focus on reading, answering scrolling and the system-based exam requisites are all to be done within the time allotted for the exam.

Though the number of CBT pros and cons of the IELTS exam varies, it needs to be added that these depend on the individual. It’s also possible that the above-mentioned pros and cons might not be that affecting every candidate. Join Neethu’s Academy, one of the best CBT coaching centers in Kerala and get the right coaching and guidance on computer-based IELTS tests and fulfill your career dreams.