Missing a section of the IELTS exam can have different implications depending on the specific section you miss and the policies of the test center where you are taking the exam. Here's what generally happens if you miss a section:
Listening: If you miss the Listening section, you miss out on a significant portion of your potential score. Unfortunately, there is typically no opportunity for a makeup test or a rescheduled Listening section.
Reading, Writing, or Speaking: If you miss one of these sections, your ability to receive an overall band score for the test is compromised. In such cases, you are likely to be marked as absent for the test, and you may not receive any scores for the sections missed.
Entire Exam: If you miss the entire exam (all sections), you are generally marked as absent, and you won't receive any scores. You will need to re-register and pay the exam fee again to take the test on another date.
It's crucial to arrive at the test center well in advance of the scheduled start time to ensure you have enough time to complete all sections. If you miss a section due to an emergency or other valid reasons, you should contact the test center or the official IELTS customer service as soon as possible. They might be able to guide you on the specific procedures for your situation. However, the policies can vary, so it's important to check with your test center regarding their specific rules in case of missing a section.