You can take the IELTS exam at a time that suits you best, as test dates are usually offered several times a year. And you have two options for scheduling your IELTS exam: directly through IDP or British Council Nepal or through the consultancy you are applying with. You should, however, check the registration deadlines for your preferred test date and ensure that test slots are still available since popular dates and locations may quickly fill up.

IELTS is available in two formats: Academic module and General Training module. Students planning on studying at an English-speaking university or college should take the Academic module. The test evaluates a candidate's comprehension of academic English, including difficult passages and academic vocabulary. In contrast, the General Training module is typically used for immigration or employment. This module will evaluate a candidate's spoken and written English proficiency in social and professional contexts. 

The IELTS format consists of four sections: listening, writing, reading, and speaking. During the listening section, candidates will listen to four recorded conversations and monologues and answer questions about what they heard. During the reading section, the candidate will read three passages of increasing difficulty and answer various questions based on their understanding. Similarly, the writing portion consists of one academic and one general task that tests the candidate's writing ability in academic and everyday contexts. In the speaking test, the candidate is interviewed face-to-face by an examiner to determine his or her proficiency in spoken English.