In the 2024-25 academic year, Chinese mainland test takers achieved an average score of 5.9 in the academic IELTS exam, securing the 35th position globally, as reported by the British Council. The score distribution remained stable, with nearly 60% of candidates scoring between 5.5 and 6.5, marking a slight 1.7% decline from the previous year. Reading emerged as the strongest skill for Chinese candidates, with an average score of 6.2, while speaking and writing showed significant improvement compared to 2018-19 levels, reflecting progress in productive language skills. The report also noted advancements across various education stages, with secondary, vocational, undergraduate, and postgraduate test takers all demonstrating enhanced performance, particularly in writing and speaking. Middle school students made steady progress, vocational college candidates excelled in reading and writing, undergraduates performed well in reading but struggled with listening, and postgraduate candidates maintained high scores in reading and writing. Regionally, Shanghai led in average scores, though regional disparities are narrowing. Among top institutions, 38 universities achieved an average score of 6.5 or above, with Fudan University reaching the 7 band for the second consecutive year.