20 Best IELTS Preparation Books for Indian Students

“I’ve got just three months. I’m not sure where to start. Are these books enough to get me to Band 7?”

If you’ve ever had that thought, you’re not the only one. Every year, thousands of students find themselves caught in the same storm of uncertainty. YouTube videos. Language apps. Advice from all directions. And yet, no clear path.

It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Preparing for the IELTS is about handling pressure, building confidence, and staying focused when your mind feels scattered.

This guide is here to be a calm in that storm.

We’re not just listing 20 books. We’re giving you a roadmap. One that’s honest, clear, and shaped by the real stories of students who struggled, persevered, and succeeded.

So, wherever you are in your journey, just starting or feeling stuck, know this: You're not alone. And you can do this. Let’s walk through it together.

Key Highlights:

• Top IELTS preparation books include Cambridge IELTS 16 Academic Student’s Book, Complete IELTS Bands 4-5, The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS and Barron’s IELTS Superpack.
• The average price of recommended IELTS prep books ranges from INR 400 to INR 2,000.
• Books like Barron’s IELTS Superpack and The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS provide complete coverage of all four IELTS sections.

Why Choosing the Right IELTS Book Matters More Than Ever

The internet is flooded with IELTS “resources,” but the problem is that not all of them are created equal. Some are outdated, others are just plain confusing, and the worst ones promise the moon but deliver nothing of value.

The right book, however, is like a personal mentor it offers real, exam-like practice, helps you understand and correct your mistakes, and supports your progress from beginner nerves to confident readiness.

Now, here is the list of the 20 best IELTS preparation books:

• Cambridge IELTS 16 Academic Student’s Book
• Complete IELTS Bands 4-5 (with CD-ROM)
• The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS
• Barron’s IELTS Superpack
• Official IELTS Practice Materials Vol 1 & 2
• IELTS Trainer Six Practice Tests
• Mometrix IELTS Book
• Cambridge Vocabulary for IELTS
• IELTS Foundation Coursebook
• Simone Braverman’s Target Band 7
• Career Launcher’s IELTS Academic Prep Set (6 Books)
• Makkar IELTS Graphs from Past Exams
• English Collocations in Use
• English Vocabulary in Use (All Levels)
• New Insight Into IELTS
• Cambridge Grammar for IELTS
• IELTS Advantage: Writing Skills
• IELTS Advantage Reading Skills
• IELTS Advantage: Listening & Speaking Skills
• English Grammar in Use by Raymond Murphy

Let's explore the features, syllabus, price, and other important details of each IELTS book.

1. Cambridge IELTS 16 Academic Student’s Book

If you're looking for the closest thing to the real IELTS exam, this book is your go-to. It includes 4 full-length practice tests that look and feel just like the actual test. From the instructions to the answer sheet, everything is designed to mimic the real deal. It also comes with answer keys and explanations, helping you understand the why behind them. Students often say this book is what made everything “feel real”.

2. Complete IELTS Bands 4-5 (with CD-ROM)

Just starting your IELTS journey? Feeling unsure about grammar or vocabulary? This book was made with beginners in mind. It breaks everything down into easy, clear lessons that use relatable topics. Grammar and vocab are built into the lessons, not dumped on you randomly. It’s friendly, clear, and encouraging. That’s exactly what you need when IELTS feels too big.

3. The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS

This is a full-prep book trusted by thousands of test-takers. Whether you’re doing Academic or General Training, this guide walks you through every question type, explains strategies, and offers 8 full tests to work with. It also comes with videos and audio clips that help you practice listening and speaking in a real-life way. Students often call this their “IELTS Bible”, and for good reason.

4. Barron’s IELTS Superpack

If you're someone who likes having everything in one place, like the books, CDs, flashcards, and practice tests, then this Superpack is your IELTS toolbox. It’s a bit bulky, yes, but that’s because it’s packed with value. You get multiple books that cover strategies, vocabulary, and full-length practice exams. It’s perfect if you like the idea of being fully covered without jumping between different resources.

5. Official IELTS Practice Materials Vol 1 & 2

Ever wondered why your answer didn’t score as high as you hoped? These two books are written by the official IELTS test partners and include real sample answers with comments from examiners. That means you’ll see how the test is scored. You will understand what makes an answer a Band 5 vs a Band 8. It’s a smart side book for improving your writing and speaking.

6. IELTS Trainer Six Practice Tests

This book is like having a personal coach. The first two practice tests are “guided”, which means they explain how to approach each question step by step. Then, the remaining four are like real tests, perfect for timed practice. It’s a great in-between stage when you're past the basics but not quite ready to fly solo.

7. Mometrix IELTS Book

Not a fan of too much reading? Mometrix gets that. This book pairs prep content with video lessons so if you learn better by watching and listening, you’re in for a treat. It covers all four IELTS sections with straightforward strategies and points out common traps that trip students up. Great if you like learning with a little more interaction.

8. Cambridge Vocabulary for IELTS

Vocabulary is a tricky area. If it’s too basic and you sound flat, or too advanced and you sound unnatural. This book helps you strike the right balance. It teaches the kind of vocabulary that appears on the test and builds it through context-rich activities. It also adds Listening and Speaking tasks, so the words stick better.

9. IELTS Foundation Coursebook

Just starting out? Or restarting after a long pause? This coursebook is designed to give you a gentle but solid start. It walks you through the essentials in simple English and uses real-world examples to build confidence. The listening tasks and mini-projects make it feel interactive rather than academic.

10. Simone Braverman’s Target Band 7

This book was written by someone who took the IELTS herself, so the advice feels honest, relatable, and straight to the point. It’s full of smart strategies for each section, especially helpful if you’re short on time or feeling overwhelmed. It doesn’t just teach you what to do; it tells you why it works.

11. Career Launcher’s IELTS Academic Prep Set (6 Books)

If you love structure, checklists, and having all your materials in one place, this set is for you. It teaches you the logic behind the test. From grammar and writing to critical reading skills, this pack gives you step-by-step guidance across six well-designed books.

12. Makkar IELTS Graphs from Past Exams

Struggling with Academic Writing Task 1? You’re not alone. This book is a lifesaver. It collects real graph/chart/map questions from past IELTS tests, along with sample answers that show you exactly how to structure your response and use proper vocabulary. Perfect for students aiming to break past the Band 6 wall.

13. English Collocations in Use

Sounding fluent is about knowing which words go naturally together. That’s where collocations come in. This book helps you learn expressions like “make a decision” or “take a break,” so your speaking and writing feels smooth and natural, exactly what IELTS examiners look for.

14. English Vocabulary in Use (All Levels)

Think of this as your personal vocabulary library. With Beginner to Advanced levels, this series covers all the essential words and phrases you’ll need for IELTS. It’s student-friendly, well-structured, and full of practice exercises that help you retain what you learn.

15. New Insight Into IELTS

Some students prep hard but still feel unsure about how the IELTS test works. This book fixes that. It gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the test format, question styles, and examiner expectations. Great for the curious student who wants to prep smart, not just hard.

16. Cambridge Grammar for IELTS

Grammar is often the trickiest part of the IELTS, but it’s also crucial to your score. This book takes the fear out of grammar by breaking it down in the context of IELTS tasks so you’re not just memorizing rules but learning how to use them to your advantage in the Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking sections.

17. IELTS Advantage: Writing Skills

Writing is often the hardest section to crack, especially for those aiming for a Band 7 or higher. This book offers step-by-step guidance on how to improve your writing, breaking down different types of essays (opinion, problem-solution, etc.) with model answers and clear strategies for success.

18. IELTS Advantage Reading Skills

Do you often find yourself running out of time or getting stuck on difficult passages? This book helps you build the skills needed to tackle tricky reading questions, including how to skim, scan, and paraphrase effectively to avoid traps and boost your reading speed.

19. IELTS Advantage: Listening & Speaking Skills

The Listening and Speaking sections can be intimidating, especially when you're not used to real-life conversations or fast-paced audio. This book gives you tips, practice exercises, and strategies for boosting your confidence in both areas. It helps you with speaking naturally and understanding fast, complex dialogues. These skills are also key to scoring well.

20. English Grammar in Use by Raymond Murphy

This is one of the most popular grammar books in the world, and for good reason. It’s perfect for students who want to work through grammar issues at their own pace. Each unit comes with exercises to reinforce the rules, making it a great resource for tackling specific grammar problems you encounter while preparing for the IELTS.

Final Thoughts

IELTS isn’t about luck. It’s about preparation with a purpose. These books are the voices of people who’ve taken the test, taught others, and cracked the code. 

Whether you’re aiming for immigration, a scholarship, or your dream university, the right IELTS prep book is an investment in your future.

So, pick wisely. Start early. Stick to the plan. And remember that you’re not alone on this journey.

If you’re unsure where to begin or stuck in the middle, talk to an IELTS expert, join a free webinar, or connect with others who are prepping like you. The path to Band 7+ is absolutely possible, and you’re already halfway there.

Read also: IELTS Preparation Books & Study Guide

From the Desk of Yocket

Feeling unsure about where to start with IELTS books? You’re not the only one. Many students feel overwhelmed at first. And that’s completely okay!

At Yocket Prep, we’ve created this guide to make things clearer and calmer. And with Yocket Prep, you’ll get expert resources, mock tests, and personal support to help you stay on track.

Remember, you don’t have to do it all alone. Start small, stay steady. Don’t forget that we are right here with you every step of the way.