IELTS Reading Band Score Guide

The IELTS exam measures your English skills across four sections: Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. Each section is scored on a band scale, and your final score is the average of all four. You can check your official IELTS result within 3–5 days after taking the test through the IDP website.

The IELTS Reading band score is based on how many correct answers you get out of 40 questions in the reading section. Each correct answer adds one point to your raw score, which is then converted into a band score from 1 to 9. This score plays an important role in your overall IELTS result.

Let’s cover this in detail so you know how the IELTS Reading band score is calculated. This will help you set the right target, measure your progress, and focus your preparation effectively.

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IELTS Reading Band Score – Overview and Purpose

The IELTS Reading band score reflects how well you can read, understand, and interpret English under time pressure. Scores range from Band 1 (non-user) to Band 9 (expert user) and are calculated using the official IELTS reading band score table 2025.

Even a small increase in your band score for reading module in IELTS can raise your final average - helping you meet university or visa cutoffs. That’s why it’s important to know how reading scores are calculated—and what you need to aim for if you’re targeting Band 8 or 9.

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Why Is the IELTS Reading Band Score Important

• Impacts Your Overall Band
  A weak reading score can pull down your average—especially when aiming for IELTS reading score for 8 band overall.
• Tied to Academic and Visa Cutoffs
  Most universities set a minimum reading score for IELTS Academic, especially at postgraduate level. For immigration, programs like UK Skilled Visa require a strong IELTS reading band score, usually between Band 6.0 and 8.0.
• Maps to Global English Proficiency Standards
  IELTS aligns with CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference). This allows schools and visa offices to benchmark your reading ability internationally.

IELTS Reading Band Score vs CEFR Levels

IELTS Band	Skill Level	CEFR Equivalent
9.0	Expert User	C2
8.0–8.5	Very Good User	C1
7.0–7.5	Good User	C1
6.0–6.5	Competent User	B2
5.0–5.5	Modest User	B1
4.0	Limited User	A2

The IELTS reading band required for top universities is typically Band 7 or higher. PR programs like Canada or Australia often accept a minimum Band 6.0–6.5, depending on your CLB target.

Check Out: 

IELTS Score for Australia, IELTS Score for UK, IELTS Score for New Zealand, IELTS Score for USA

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How Raw Scores Convert to IELTS Reading Band Scores

There’s no negative marking while scoring, so each correct response adds a point. Your total is then matched to a band on the 0–9 scale.

These conversion thresholds vary slightly between the Academic and General Training modules. That’s why test takers aiming for an IELTS reading score for 8 band overall must understand the raw score they need to hit that band.

Below is the Reading score conversion in IELTS for both test types:

IELTS Academic Reading Scores

If you're applying for a degree abroad, your IELTS Reading Band Score must meet university-specific cutoffs. These vary by country and program type. Top universities typically ask for Band 7 or higher in the reading module—especially for STEM, business, or postgraduate courses.

IELTS Academic Reading Conversion Table

Correct Answers (out of 40)	Band Score
39–40	9
35–38	8
30–34	7
23–29	6
15–22	5
10–14	4

IELTS General Training Reading Scores

If you're taking the General Training test for work, migration, or PR, your target IELTS Reading Band Score depends on your destination and visa type. For example, Canada PR through Express Entry often requires a minimum Band 6–8 in Reading, depending on the NOC and CLB level.

The General Training module uses simpler texts than Academic. However, the scoring is stricter—you need more correct answers to hit the same band. 

IELTS General Training Reading Conversion

Correct Answers (out of 40)	Band Score
37–40	9
34–36	8
30–33	7
23–29	6
15–22	5
10–14	4

These tables help you set exact targets. For example, if you're aiming for Band 7 in Academic, you need 30+ correct answers.

The IELTS Reading Score Rounding Logic

When calculating your overall IELTS band score, the average of all four sections is rounded as follows:

• 6.25 → 6.5
• 6.75 → 7.0
• 6.1 → 6.0

This matters if your band score for reading module in IELTS pulls up your average. 

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Ideal IELTS Reading Band Score

Your IELTS Reading Band Score directly affects where you can study, work, or settle. Every program sets minimum cutoffs—not just overall, but section-wise. Reading is one of the most commonly flagged scores by universities and visa officers.

So, what is a good score in the reading module?

• Band 6.0–6.5: Meets basic university admission needs in the UK, Australia, and EU public institutions. This is often the minimum reading score for IELTS Academic for undergraduate programs.
• Band 7.0–7.5: Required by competitive postgraduate courses. This level aligns with the IELTS reading band required for top universities.
• Band 8.0: Essential if you're applying for PR via Canada Express Entry or targeting full CRS points. This is the benchmark for IELTS reading band score for Canada PR at CLB 9 or 10.
• Band 8.5–9.0: Not mandatory but impressive. Helps boost your overall band average and gives an edge in scholarship and visa interviews.

If you’re aiming for an IELTS reading score for 8 band overall, plan to hit 35+ correct responses on a consistent basis.

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How to Improve Your IELTS Reading Band Score

If your IELTS Reading Band Score is stuck at 6.0 or 6.5, the issue usually isn’t vocabulary—it’s strategy. Most test-takers lose marks on speed, accuracy, and specific question types like Matching or True/False/Not Given. Fixing those areas is the fastest way to reach Band 7 or Band 8.

Here’s how to improve your IELTS reading band score with focused effort:

Focus Area	What to Do	Why It Works
Time Management	Practice full tests under 60-minute limits	Builds speed and confidence for real test conditions
True/False/Not Given	Match exact ideas—not keywords	These trap questions rely on logic, not memory
Matching Headings	Focus on topic sentences, not filler text	Topic lines summarize the point of each paragraph
Use Paraphrasing	Review synonyms and rewrite answer stems	IELTS rephrases everything—your brain must too
Score Tracking	Use the IELTS academic reading band calculator to convert scores	Helps you set accurate goals using the IELTS reading band score table 2025
Skimming + Scanning	Skim for structure, scan for facts	Prevents wasting time on full-text reading

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