Frequently Asked Questions
The questions Nepali students ask most about preparation, mock tests, exam booking, fees and study-abroad — answered straight, with links into the rest of the site.
- 11 answers
- IELTS · PTE · Duolingo
- Bagbazar · Kathmandu
General
Timing, test choice, what counselling covers, and how classes run.
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How long does test preparation usually take?
Most students sit IELTS, PTE or Duolingo within 4–8 weeks of joining a structured prep cycle. A diagnostic mock in your first week sets the timeline honestly — a 5.5-baseline targeting band 7.0 typically needs 8–10 weeks; a 6.5 baseline targeting 7.5 often only 4–6. -
Which English test should I take — IELTS, PTE or Duolingo?
It depends on your destination, your timeline and your typing / speaking strengths. We cover the full comparison in IELTS vs PTE vs Duolingo, but the diagnostic mock in your first week tells you honestly which test scores you highest for the same amount of work. -
Is counselling really free?
Yes — a 30-minute counselling session is free with no obligation. We map your destination shortlist, recommend the test that suits you, and quote a transparent all-in package price. You only pay when you commit to a course or a booking. -
Are classes online, in-person, or hybrid?
Our core courses run in-person at the Bagbazar centre, where students have access to the Pearson-spec mock-test lab. Hybrid attendance is available on request for students travelling outside the valley — speaking and writing reviews stay one-on-one with a faculty member regardless of format.
Exams, Mocks & Bookings
The mock-test lab, retakes, and how we handle official exam bookings end-to-end.
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Does AECS handle the exam booking itself?
Yes — we book IELTS at British Council or IDP, PTE Academic at the Pearson VUE centre, and the Duolingo English Test schedule end-to-end. Slot pick, payment receipt and electronic score-send to your shortlist are all included. -
What happens during a full-length mock test?
You sit the test in our exam-simulation lab on the same chair, software and headset profile you would on test day. Results land the next morning with section-level diagnostics from a faculty reviewer, plus a one-on-one debrief if it is a final mock before your real booking. -
Can I retake mock tests as my score improves?
Yes. Most package students sit 2–4 full-length mocks across a course; standalone mock-test bundles (3-pack / 5-pack) are listed on the pricing page for students who only want the lab time without a full course.
Pricing & Payment Plans
What our packages include, and how instalments work.
Full package pricing is on the pricing page — every figure is all-in (mocks, faculty review and booking included).
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What does it cost?
AECS package pricing for IELTS, PTE, Duolingo and mock-test bundles is published in full on the pricing page — sticker price already includes mock tests, faculty review and end-to-end booking. No hidden fees. -
Do you offer instalment payment plans?
Yes — package fees can be split across the duration of the course. Talk to a counsellor at intake; we set the plan up in writing on day one so you know exactly what is due, when. There is no surcharge for paying in instalments.
Visa, Destinations & Where to Find Us
Which countries we counsel for, and how to reach the Bagbazar centre.
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Do you also help with study-abroad applications?
Yes. AECS counsels Nepali students into 11 destinations — Australia, Canada, USA, UK, New Zealand, Germany, Finland, Japan, Hungary, Malta and South Korea — across visa documentation, university shortlisting, financial declarations and post-graduation pathways. See the study-abroad hub. -
Where is AECS located, and what are your hours?
We are at Bagbazar, Kathmandu — a short walk from Ratnapark. The centre is open Sunday–Friday for classes and counselling; weekend mock-test sessions run by booking. Phone, WhatsApp and walk-in counselling all work — see the contact page for the live map and lines.
-
How long does test preparation usually take?
Most students sit IELTS, PTE or Duolingo within 4–8 weeks of joining a structured prep cycle. A diagnostic mock in your first week sets the timeline honestly — a 5.5-baseline targeting band 7.0 typically needs 8–10 weeks; a 6.5 baseline targeting 7.5 often only 4–6. -
Which English test should I take — IELTS, PTE or Duolingo?
It depends on your destination, your timeline and your typing / speaking strengths. We cover the full comparison in IELTS vs PTE vs Duolingo, but the diagnostic mock in your first week tells you honestly which test scores you highest for the same amount of work. -
Is counselling really free?
Yes — a 30-minute counselling session is free with no obligation. We map your destination shortlist, recommend the test that suits you, and quote a transparent all-in package price. You only pay when you commit to a course or a booking. -
Are classes online, in-person, or hybrid?
Our core courses run in-person at the Bagbazar centre, where students have access to the Pearson-spec mock-test lab. Hybrid attendance is available on request for students travelling outside the valley — speaking and writing reviews stay one-on-one with a faculty member regardless of format. -
Does AECS handle the exam booking itself?
Yes — we book IELTS at British Council or IDP, PTE Academic at the Pearson VUE centre, and the Duolingo English Test schedule end-to-end. Slot pick, payment receipt and electronic score-send to your shortlist are all included. -
What happens during a full-length mock test?
You sit the test in our exam-simulation lab on the same chair, software and headset profile you would on test day. Results land the next morning with section-level diagnostics from a faculty reviewer, plus a one-on-one debrief if it is a final mock before your real booking. -
Can I retake mock tests as my score improves?
Yes. Most package students sit 2–4 full-length mocks across a course; standalone mock-test bundles (3-pack / 5-pack) are listed on the pricing page for students who only want the lab time without a full course. -
What does it cost?
AECS package pricing for IELTS, PTE, Duolingo and mock-test bundles is published in full on the pricing page — sticker price already includes mock tests, faculty review and end-to-end booking. No hidden fees. -
Do you offer instalment payment plans?
Yes — package fees can be split across the duration of the course. Talk to a counsellor at intake; we set the plan up in writing on day one so you know exactly what is due, when. There is no surcharge for paying in instalments. -
Do you also help with study-abroad applications?
Yes. AECS counsels Nepali students into 11 destinations — Australia, Canada, USA, UK, New Zealand, Germany, Finland, Japan, Hungary, Malta and South Korea — across visa documentation, university shortlisting, financial declarations and post-graduation pathways. See the study-abroad hub. -
Where is AECS located, and what are your hours?
We are at Bagbazar, Kathmandu — a short walk from Ratnapark. The centre is open Sunday–Friday for classes and counselling; weekend mock-test sessions run by booking. Phone, WhatsApp and walk-in counselling all work — see the contact page for the live map and lines.
Still have a question?
Ring up, walk in, or send a line — a counsellor replies within the same working day.