IELTS Exam Dates & Test Centres

IELTS Exam Dates and test centres are given here. Paper-based academic tests are available 48 times, while paper-based general training tests are 24 times a year. For Computer-delivered, both AC & GT tests are conducted seven days a week, three times a day - morning, afternoon and evening throughout the year. Students can book the test date and timing at least one month prior, as the IELTS test centres in India follow first-come-first-serve. Month-wise, these IDP IELTS exam dates are available up to 4 times a month, usually held on every Thursday and Saturday.

In this post, you will get a complete list of IELTS exam dates, exam fees (in INR), test centres, and booking instructions. 

Below is the complete list of IELTS exam dates (IELTS Test Calendar) for your convenience.

IELTS Exam Dates - Complete List	Test Types	Exam Time
24 January 2026	Academic only	01:00 PM to 04:00 PM
31 January 2026	Academic only	01:00 PM to 04:00 PM
07 February 2026	Academic only	01:00 PM to 04:00 PM
14 February 2026	Academic only	01:00 PM to 04:00 PM
21 February 2026	Academic only	01:00 PM to 04:00 PM
28 February 2026	Academic only	01:00 PM to 04:00 PM
07 March 2026	Academic only	01:00 PM to 04:00 PM
07 February 2026	General Training	01:00 PM to 04:00 PM
21 February 2026	General Training	01:00 PM to 04:00 PM
07 March 2026	General Training	01:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Table of Contents

• IELTS Exam Dates January
• IELTS Exam Dates February
• IELTS Exam Dates March
• IELTS Exam Dates April
• Test Centres for IELTS Exam in India
• How to Book IELTS Exam Dates and Location

IDP IELTS Exam Dates

IDP IELTS India is the sole institute to conduct the IELTS Computer-Based Exam. As per their official website,

• IELTS Exam Dates on computer-delivered test: available 3 times a day, 7 days a week
• IELTS Exam Dates on paper-based test: available 4 fixed dates in a month

Next comes the month-wise IELTS Exam Dates for paper-based, Academic and General Tests. As you have the freedom to choose your preferred test dates, select a suitable one and prepare yourself accordingly. It includes different test types and exam fees (in INR).

IELTS Exam Dates January

The IELTS Exam Dates January is given here with more details. Students and experienced professionals can choose a suitable date for higher studies or work.

IELTS Exam Dates January	Test Types	Fees (INR)
24 January 2026	Academic only	Rs. 18,000
31 January 2026	Academic only	Rs. 18,000

Interestingly, working professionals prefer the IELTS Exam Dates January for obtaining a work visa.

IELTS Exam Dates February

The IELTS Exam Dates February are made available for test-takers. It is applicable for pen and paper-based tests only.

IELTS Exam Dates February	Test Types	Fees (INR)
07 February 2026	Academic only	Rs. 18,000
14 February 2026	Academic only	Rs. 18,000
21 February 2026	Academic only	Rs. 18,000
28 February 2026	Academic only	Rs. 18,000

International students planning for September intake in universities, choose IELTS Exam Dates February and pursue their dream course.

IELTS Exam Dates March

The IELTS Exam Dates March is given here for your reference. Please note that these dates are not applicable for computer-delivered tests.

IELTS Exam Dates March	Test Types	Fees (INR)
07 March 2026	Academic only	Rs. 18,000
07 March 2026	General Training	Rs. 18,000

Students who plan to join top universities in the US, Canada or UK must check the IELTS Exam Dates March on the IDP website.

City-wise IELTS exam dates and test centres in India

IDP India organises IELTS exams in its test centres across 78 major cities. Students can book their IELTS test at the closest IELTS registration centres. Check out the exam dates of those test centres from the below table.

IELTS exam dates in Ahmedabad	IELTS exam dates in Ambala	IELTS exam dates in Amritsar	IELTS exam dates in Anand
IELTS exam dates in Angamaly	IELTS exam dates in Bangalore	IELTS exam dates in Barnala	IELTS exam dates in Bathinda
IELTS exam dates in Bhopal	IELTS exam dates in Bhuvaneswar	IELTS exam dates in Calicut	IELTS exam dates in Chandigarh
IELTS exam dates in Chengannur	IELTS exam dates in Chennai	IELTS exam dates in Coimbatore	IELTS exam dates in Dehradun
IELTS exam dates in Faridkot	IELTS exam dates in Firozpur	IELTS exam dates in Gandhinagar	IELTS exam dates in Goa
IELTS exam dates in Gurdaspur	IELTS exam dates in Gurgaon	IELTS exam dates in Guwahati	IELTS exam dates in Hoshiarpur
IELTS exam dates in Hyderabad	IELTS exam dates in Indore	IELTS exam dates in Jagraon	IELTS exam dates in Jaipur
IELTS exam dates in Jalandhar	IELTS exam dates in Jammu	IELTS exam dates in Kannur	IELTS exam dates in Kapurthala
IELTS exam dates in Karnal	IELTS exam dates in Khanna	IELTS exam dates in Kochi	IELTS exam dates in Kolkata
IELTS exam dates in Kollam	IELTS exam dates in Kothamangalam	IELTS exam dates in Kottayam	IELTS exam dates in Kurukshetra
IELTS exam dates in Lucknow	IELTS exam dates in Ludhiana	IELTS exam dates in Madurai	IELTS exam dates in Mangalore
IELTS exam dates in Mehsana	IELTS exam dates in Moga	IELTS exam dates in Mumbai	IELTS exam dates in Nadiad
IELTS exam dates in Nagpur	IELTS exam dates in Nasik	IELTS exam dates in Navi Mumbai	IELTS exam dates in Navsari
IELTS exam dates in Nawanshahr	IELTS exam dates in New Delhi	IELTS exam dates in Noida	IELTS exam dates in Patiala
IELTS exam dates in Patna	IELTS exam dates in Pune	IELTS exam dates in Raipur	IELTS exam dates in Rajkot
IELTS exam dates in Raikot	IELTS exam dates in Ranchi	IELTS exam dates in Rudrapur	IELTS exam dates in Sangrur
IELTS exam dates in Siliguri	IELTS exam dates in Sri Ganganagar	IELTS exam dates in Sri Muktsar Sahib	IELTS exam dates in Surat
IELTS exam dates in Thane	IELTS exam dates in Thimphu	IELTS exam dates in Tiruchirappalli	IELTS exam dates in Tirupati
IELTS exam dates in Thrissur	IELTS exam dates in Trivandrum	IELTS exam dates in Vadodara	IELTS exam dates in Vapi
IELTS exam dates in Vijayawada	IELTS exam dates in Visakhapatnam

Rules to be followed in an IELTS Test Centre

Test-takers must follow the rules prescribed in an IELTS test centre. It also includes extra features for candidates having special needs. They are as follows:

• Do not carry electronic gadgets like mobile phones (even switched off), calculator, IPad, laptop etc.
• Please keep your ID ready for inspection when entering the examination hall.
• If you have any doubts, just raise your hand from your place. The nearest IELTS examiner will come and help you.
• Lip-reading session of the listening test module
• Large-sized print or braille speaking task cards
• Braille papers for blind people
• Special listening CD having the correct stops and pauses
• Candidates with special requirements must visit the nearest IELTS test centre at least two months in advance and give their service request.

Is It Possible To Prepone The IELTS Exam Date?

No. It is not possible to prepone the IELTS exam date. Candidates applying for the IELTS exam with four modules: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing, can postpone or cancel the test but not prepone the test date. Whether students are applying for an online application or in-person, IDP does not provide an option to prepone the test.

How to Book IELTS Exam Dates and Location?

Since the IELTS exam dates calendar is fixed for the entire year, there are three ways to book IELTS exam dates and locations. Let’s see them one by one.

• To book the IDP dates, go to the official IDP Education website and click ‘Book Now’ from the ‘Register for IELTS’ drop down menu.
• Here, select the test - computer-delivered IELTS/ paper-based IELTS (IELTS/ IELTS for UKVI or IELTS Life Skills).
• Choose the test type/ module – IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training, IELTS for UKVI, A1 & B1 (Life Skills). 
• Choose the test location/ city (from the IELTS test centres in India).
• Choose the test date (weekdays or weekends) and time slot.  
• Give necessary details like Date of birth, ID Type, ID number, etc., and a clear scanned copy of your passport.
• Pay the IELTS test fee using Netbanking, Debit/Credit card (MasterCard/ VISA/ UPI) or Paytm. Finally, receive a confirmation mail to your registered email ID.
• To do in-person, walk into the office of the IDP Education India Pvt Ltd with a valid photograph (just in case).
• Do the fee payment, using demand draft or Allahabad bank / ICICI bank deposit challan slip. 
• Once the payment is done, your application is submitted successfully.

IELTS Exam Centre Instructions

During IELTS exams, uncertainties are common, whether it’s conducted in a school, college or a university. To keep your IELTS test day positive, follow these instructions:

Make a checklist having:

• Pen or HB-pencils, and erasers.
• ID proof like passport/national identity as given in the IELTS Registration form.
• No eatables are allowed. 
• Drinking water in a transparent container or bottle is allowed inside the IELTS exam centre.
• Mobile phones, smart watches, laptops and other electronic devices are not allowed.
• Students must switch off their belongings and keep it in the designated area.
• Women try to avoid wearing cape-like dresses for the exam. 

Conclusion

Since IDP IELTS Exam Dates for both Academic and General Training tests are conducted for the entire year, students aiming for the highest IELTS band scores need to choose their test dates in advance. On the other hand, the IELTS is required for Canada PR and other English-speaking countries, so they must keep that in mind too while selecting the dates. For specific information, visit our FAQs or contact us at your convenience. 

FAQs on IELTS Exam Dates

1. What is the date of the IELTS exam?

IDP IELTS India organises the IELTS Computer-Based Exam throughout this year. They are as follows:

IELTS Exam Dates March	Test Types	Fees (INR)
07 March 2026	Academic only	Rs. 18,000
07 March 2026	General Training	Rs. 18,000

2. When IELTS exam will start in India in 2026?

The IELTS exam for 2026 starts on January 24 in India for both Academic and General Training. Book your preferred date and time slot in advance.

3. How to find the IELTS Test Date?

To find the IELTS Test Date, you must check the dates mentioned above and select the most convenient one. It varies depending on IELTS Academic and IELTS General conducted by IDP IELTS India in all major cities of India.

4. What’s the effects of Covid-19 on the IELTS exam dates?

Due to Covid-19 pandemic, the IELTS exam dates for haven't changed. However, face masks and hand sanitisation are mandatory for all candidates appearing for the IELTS test.

5. In which month IELTS exam is easy?

As per the test-takers feedback, the months of April, May, August and September are considered easy to take IELTS exams.

6. What is the IELTS Exam Rescheduling Date?

To reschedule an IELTS exam date, a candidate must mainly submit a request at least five (5) weeks prior to the actual test date. For the IDP IELTS exam rescheduling, the fee amount is INR 3,300, inclusive of all taxes. Since rescheduling an IELTS test involves certain administrative procedures, students need to pay the required fee. After paying the registration fee, the candidate has the flexibility to keep the new test date in the coming three months. Please note that this is different from retaking the IELTS test as per the IDP guidelines.

7. Can we take the IELTS test from home?

Yes. IDP allows students to take the IELTS test from home. Students opting for the IELTS test from home must choose it while registering for the exam.

8. How soon should one book the IELTS test?

Once students finalise their IELTS exam dates, they can book the test dates as early as possible. Since there are limited seats for each test, first-come-first-serve is preferred. 

9. How can I apply for the IELTS exam?

In the IDP India official website (www.ieltsidpindia.com) click “Register for IELTS”. Then select either Computer-delivered or paper-based tests. And select the test type - IELTS Academic or General Training for IELTS, IELTS for UKVI.

10. Which month is best for the IELTS exam?

Based on IELTS experts and toppers’ feedback March, April, May, September and December would be the best months in 2023 for the IELTS exam. 

11. What is the time slot for IELTS tests?

The time slot for IELTS tests is 1:00 - 4:00 PM (3 hours). The IELTS exam starts at 1:00 PM and ends at 4:00 PM. It includes Listening, Reading and Writing sections. For the Speaking section, you have 20 minutes. The Speaking test is conducted on the same day or 2 – 3 days before or after the Listening, Reading and Writing test.

12. Which day is best for the IELTS exam?

Millions of students prefer Friday for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. Most aspirants choose that same day. Whereas, some take the General Training test on Thursday or Saturday.

13. How many times is the IELTS held in a year? 

Unlike TOEFL, the IELTS exam dates for IELTS Academic 48 days a year and IELTS General Training 24 days a year.

14. What are the IELTS exam dates in India for Canada?

IELTS exam dates in India for Canada are the same as for all other countries.  There are no specific dates scheduled country-wise by IDP or British Council. Similarly, the IELTS overall band calculator is the same for all countries.