Indian students over-weight IELTS. It is a language proficiency test, not a merit signal. Admissions committees at top universities use it as a floor, not a ceiling.
If you're below the minimum (usually 6.5 or 7.0 overall), nothing else matters. Above the minimum, a 7.5 vs 8.0 tells the admissions officer almost nothing.
What actually moves the needle: a specific, well-written SOP that maps your background to the course; one or two recommendation letters that are substantive; a GPA that's explained in context if it's not a straight first-class.
Spend two more weeks on your SOP. Spend one fewer retake on IELTS. You'll thank yourself.
Written by
Sahla