IELTS Registration 2026: Fees, Eligibility, Slot Booking, Documents

IELTS registration is a crucial step for students aspiring to study abroad, especially for admission to universities. Among the various English language proficiency exams required for international admissions, the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) stands out as the most popular choice among Indian students. It has two types: IELTS Academic, for those pursuing higher education, and IELTS General Training, suitable for migration and work purposes. Aspirants can register for the IELTS test via IDP as it is the official conducting body instead of the British Council.

The IDP IELTS registration process can be done in both online and offline modes for both the paper-based and computer-delivered tests. This comprehensive guide covers the entire registration steps of the IELTS test such as selecting a suitable test date and location, payment of exam fees, requirements, and slot booking.

IELTS Registration 2026

The IELTS registration is done by visiting the official website of IDP and considering factors like the test center and available dates. Candidates have the flexibility in choosing from 48 fixed dates per year (four times a month) for the IELTS Paper-delivered test. Alternatively, the IELTS Computer-delivered test is accessible seven days a week, up to three times a day. With no limits on retaking the exam, candidates can strive for improvement if unsatisfied with their initial results. The IELTS exam registration process will be completed by paying the test fee.

How much is the IELTS exam fee?

The IELTS exam fee in India is INR 18,000. For those planning to attempt the IELTS Academic test and the IELTS General test, the registration fee is INR 18,000. The IELTS exam fee is applicable each time when candidates schedule their exams.

Test type	Test fee
Computer-delivered IELTS	INR 18,000
Paper-based IELTS	INR 18,000
IELTS for UKVI	INR 18,250
Life Skills	INR 17,000

How to book your IELTS Test?

Candidates can book the IELTS test either online or offline by visiting the nearest IDP branch.

IDP IELTS Online Registration 2026

The following are the steps to do the IDP IELTS registration through online mode.

give the images for the registration process.

Step 1: Log in to the official IELTS India webpage.

Step 2: Click "Register for IELTS" to start the registration process.

Step 3: Select your preferred test mode: Computer-based/ Paper-Based for IELTS, IELTS UKVI, or Life Skills.

Step 4: Select the test Type: Choose between IELTS Academic or General Training, IELTS for UKVI, A1 and B1 for Life Skills.

Step 5: From the dropdown menu, choose your desired test location/city from the available IELTS IDP test centres.

Step 6: After clicking ‘Book Now’, explore the availability calendar and choose a suitable IELTS test date and time.

Step 7: Fill out the online application form with the necessary details. 

i. Complete filling out the personal details

ii. Fill out the registration details.

iii. Upload a clear, scanned colour copy of your passport

Step 8: Select the list of colleges to send your Score Report.

Step 9: Review all details before proceeding to the final payment.

Step 10: Pay the IELTS registration fee of INR 18,000 using your debit/credit card.

Step 11: After completing the payment, download/print the acknowledgment receipt.

Once you complete your IELTS online registration steps, you’ll receive an acknowledgment on the registered email/phone number. You can book a slot online for the paper-based IELTS speaking test on your preferred date and time. If you fail to choose a slot within the specified time period, then a time slot will be automatically allocated to you.

IELTS Exam Registration 2026 - Offline

While many individuals opt for the convenience of online registration for the IELTS exam, there is also an option to register offline. This offline registration option is provided to cater to students facing challenges with the online application process, such as issues with document acceptance or payment problems. Choosing to register offline at an IDP branch offers two methods for applicants.

IELTS IDP Registration - In Person

If you want to register for the IELTS test offline, you need to visit the IDP India Branch/Head Office. The following are the two methods by which you can register offline.

Registration Method 1

1. Register online using the computer at the IDP Branch/Head Office.
2. Pay the IELTS test fee and get immediate confirmation of their seat (this is similar to online registration).
3. Submit a photocopy of the first and last page of the Passport and observation pages if any.
4. Sign and submit the 'Terms & Conditions' document.
5. Receive an acknowledgment letter confirming the test slot instantly.

Registration Method 2

1. Fill out the application form at the IDP office/Input Node.
2. Sign the Terms & Conditions document provided with the registration form.
3. Attach a photocopy of the Passport (first and last page), including observation pages.
4. Pay the test fee.
5. After payment is done, Request the staff of the IDP branch/Input Node to submit the application form in the online registration system.
6. Receive an acknowledgment letter confirming the reserved seat.

IELTS Registration by Courier

In this alternative method, candidates need to:

1. Download the application form from the official website or collect it from the nearest IDP branch/Input Node.
2. Fill out the application form and then sign the Terms & Conditions document after reading it carefully.
3. Submit a photocopy of the Passport (first and last page), including observation pages if any.
4. Pay the IELTS exam fee.
5. Courier the completed application form, necessary documents, and test fee to the address of

IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd.

IDP Head Office

Global Gateway Towers, Tower-B, 5th Floor,

Sikanderpur Ghosi, Sector-26, M.G. Road,

Gurugram -122002 Haryana, India

Phone: 1800-102-4544 (Mon to Sat - 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM)

Your application will be processed promptly, upon receiving your documents and test fee. It's essential to note that seats will be allocated based on the existing availability.

IELTS Slot Booking 2026

To book your IELTS test with IDP, start by choosing a convenient test center and date. Make sure you have a valid passport and a debit/credit card to pay the INR 18,000 registration fee. Follow these steps for IELTS slot booking:

• Find an authorized IELTS Test Center in your preferred location by checking the official website or the IELTS test center page.
• Check the available test dates at the selected center. Plan ahead to choose a date that allows enough time for preparation.
• Fill out the online registration form on the official IELTS website, providing personal details like identification information (passport or Aadhaar card), contact information, and selecting the test type (Academic or General Training).
• Pay the IELTS exam fee online, which is INR 18,000. Use various online payment modes such as credit/debit cards, net banking, or other designated methods.
• After completing registration and a successful payment, you'll receive an IELTS confirmation email or receipt with your test date, time, and venue. Keep this information safe for future reference.
• Book your IELTS slot well in advance to secure your preferred date and location, as popular slots can fill up quickly.

Point to be considered for IELTS Booking:

• Aspirants must be at least 16 years old to take the IELTS exam.
• Information provided during registration should precisely match the details in the passport.
• Candidates must carry their passports to the test center.
• Keep debit/credit cards accessible for IELTS exam registration.
• Choose an exam date 3-4 months before the college application deadline for the flexibility to reattempt if needed.

Documents Required for IELTS Exam Registration

Documents required to register for the IELTS exam is a valid Indian passport. During the IELTS exam registration process, you'll need to provide your passport details and upload scanned copies of its front and back. Remember to carry your passport to the test centre on the test day. Also, if you’re going to take UKVI IELTS, then you need to provide a biometric residence permit or valid visa.

Can I appear for IELTS without a passport?

No. Candidates are required to carry their original, valid passport at the exam center on the test date. If they fail to bring the passport to the test center, it will result in a denial of entry to the examination. During the registration process, they are required to provide a copy of their passport.

When is the best time to appear for the IELTS test?

The best time to appear for the IELTS test is in August, April, and December. This will help test takers get familiar with the topics and can able to get a high band score. It is recommended for candidates to schedule their IELTS exam at least three to four months ahead of the initial college application deadline. This allows ample time for potential retakes if needed.

Rescheduling or Cancellation of the IELTS Exam

Check the following to understand the process of rescheduling and cancellation of IELTS exam.

Rescheduling IELTS test

Candidates planning to reschedule their IELTS test date must submit a test day transfer request at least five weeks before their previously scheduled date. The allocation of the next date is based on the availability of the test centre and time slot. The new test date should fall within three months of the original test date. Candidates should pay a fee of INR 4,550 if you're taking IELTS on computer. If you are planning to take the IELTS test after several months, you need to cancel the exam and reregister for a future date.

Cancellation of IELTS test

• Cancelling the IELTS test more than five weeks before the test date will result in a refund of 25% of the administrative fee.
• There will be no refund if the IELTS exam is cancelled less than five weeks before the scheduled test date or if the candidate fails to appear for the test.
• Refunds for medical reasons are possible with a submission of a medical certificate within 5 days of the test date, with the deduction of the local administrative costs.
• Cancellation requests are accepted if the test date is at least 15 days before.
• Once cancellation is approved, expect a refund within 8-10 business days.

IELTS reattempt

Candidates have the flexibility to retake the IELTS exam whenever they wish, without any restrictions on the number of attempts. They can also take the one-skill retake if required until they achieve their desired score. However, for each re-attempt, candidates are required to pay the IELTS exam fee of INR 12,000. It's important to note that candidates must go through the IDP IELTS registration process each time they want to retake the test.

How do I view my exam results in India?

IELTS exam results are processed quickly, typically available within 2 weeks. For online exams, results are accessible within a week of completing the test. You'll receive an email notification from the test centre. Log in to your account using your ID, password, test date, and passport number to view the results on the online platform, available for 28 days. Offline exams take a bit longer, with results evaluated and declared within 13 days from the test completion date. Ensure to check and collect your results within the specified timeframe.

IELTS Test Centres in India

The IELTS test is conducted across India, with 78 test centres for candidates taking the International English Language Testing System. Below is the list of IELTS test centres in India.

Ahmedabad	Amritsar	Bengaluru
Bhatinda	Bhopal	Bhubaneswar
Calicut	Chandigarh	Chennai
Coimbatore	Delhi	Hyderabad
Jaipur	Jalandhar	Kochi
Kolkata	Kottayam	Lucknow
Ludhiana	Madurai	Mumbai
Navi Mumbai	Patiala	Pune
Raipur	Rajkot	Surat
Thiruvananthapuram	Thrissur	Trichy
Vijayawada

IELTS Eligibility 2026

The IELTS exam does not have specific eligibility criteria, accessible to anyone interested in pursuing higher studies or to work abroad. This applies to both Academic and General Training versions of the exam. While there is no age limit set by IDP, it is generally recommended for candidates aged 16 and above. However, it's important for candidates to review the IELTS eligibility of the specific educational institution they are applying to. While many colleges and universities prefer a score of 7 or higher, some may accept a score of 6.5. 

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FAQ

1. How can I register for IELTS?

• Complete the application form by login to the IDP website or visiting the office.
• Sign the Terms & Conditions document provided with the application.
• Attach a photocopy of your Passport, including the first and last pages, and any observation pages. Remember that your passport must not expire before the test day.
• Pay the test fee using a valid credit/debit/ATM card or alternative payment method.

2. How many attempts are possible in the IELTS exam?

There is no specific limits on the number of attempts for the IELTS. However, you need to remember that for every attempt you need to make the payment of the IELTS exam fee.

3. Can I book the IELTS exam 2 days before the test?

IELTS test dates can be booked as early as before your preferred test date or at least one week before the test date. It's recommended to book your dates as early as possible.

4. Can I change my IELTS test date or location after I have registered?

You can change your test date anytime before the test. However, the transfer request will be considered as a cancellation. You need to select the new test date within three months of your original test date.

5. What if I am absent or sick on the IELTS test day?

If you are absent on test day without giving notice, you'll lose the entire fee. However, if you provide a medical certificate within three days after the test, you can get a refund minus 25% of the test fee. Another option is to pay a specified amount and reschedule your test date.

6. Can I change the test format (Academic or General Training) after registering for the IELTS exam?

Yes, it is possible to request a change in the IELTS module (Academic to General Training or vice versa) after registration. To do that, you need to fill out the IELTS Module Change Form.

7. How many years is the IELTS exam valid for?

The IELTS exam is valid for two years.

8. How can I get IELTS confirmation?

An IELTS confirmation email containing the test date, time, and venue details will be sent within five to seven days before your scheduled test. If bookings are made within five days of the test date, the final confirmation email will be sent as early as possible.

9. What is DVS in IELTS?

DVS is a data verification sheet that includes your personal details which you have given while applying. You are required to cross-verify the details and edit if there is any wrong information included as you will not be allowed to get another Test Report Form if you do not check the details carefully. You are required to submit the DVS to IDP before the exam.