| Updated On - Jan 7, 2026
The IELTS test fee in India is 18,000 INR for both paper-based and computer-based formats. UKVI IELTS (for UK visas and immigration) is priced at 18,250 INR, while the Life Skills (for UK family visa and citizenship) tests cost 17,000 INR. In addition to the test booking fees, IDP charges for several optional IELTS services, like cancellation, rescheduling, and rechecking.
The IELTS test charges for rescheduling vary from 3,000 INR to 4,550 INR, depending on when you make the request. Similarly, the refund you receive for cancellation varies from 25% to 75% of the IELTS booking fee. Rescoring fees vary from 12,750 INR to 13,500 INR.
The IELTS test charges increased last year; the earlier price was 17,000 INR, and now it is 18,000 INR.
Check: IELTS Syllabus 2026
- IELTS Exam Fee in India 2026
- IELTS Exam Fee in India 2026: City-Wise
- IELTS Cancellation & Refunds Policy 2026
- IELTS Rescheduling Fee 2026
- IELTS Rechecking Fee 2026
- IELTS Exam Fee 2026 for Additional Test Report
- IELTS Exam Fee Payment Methods
- IELTS Free Mock Tests 2026
- Tips to Save on IELTS Exam Fee
- IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE vs Duolingo Exam Fees in India 2026
- FAQs
IELTS Exam Fee 2026
The IELTS test cost is different for the different versions of the exam: Academic, General Training, and UKVI IELTS. These are mentioned in the table below.
| IELTS Test Type | About | Fee | Test Formats |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | For university admissions and student visas. | 18,000 INR | Paper-based or Computer-delivered |
| IELTS General Training | For work, migration, or PR. | 18,000 INR | Paper-based or Computer-delivered |
| UKVI IELTS | Secure version for UK visa and immigration applications with extra security checks. | 18,250 INR | Paper-based or Computer-delivered |
| IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1) | Basic speaking and listening test for certain UK visas (family or spouse). | 17,000 INR | Face-to-Face with an examiner. |
| IELTS One Skill Retake | Retake only one section (Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking) if you need to improve a single band. | 12,000 INR | Computer-delivered only |
Notes:
- IELTS UKVI has extra ID checks; therefore, the cost is a bit higher.
- IELTS Life Skills tests only the speaking and listening skills of the candidates.
- For minors, the same fee applies, but a parent's or guardian's ID must be submitted on the test day. If not, a 75% refund will be provided and they won't be allowed to test.
Also Read
IELTS Exam Fee in India 2026: City-Wise
IELTS exam fees in India do not vary based on the city of the exam to ensure fairness. The following table mentions the IELTS exam fee in Indian Rupees for the different cities.
| Indian States/Cities | IELTS Test Centers | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS exam fee in Kolkata | Park Street, Salt Lake City | 18,000 INR |
| IELTS exam fee in Mumbai | Andheri, Bandra, Thane | 18,000 INR |
| IELTS exam fee in Pune | Shivaji Nagar, Kothrud, Viman Nagar | 18,000 INR |
| IELTS exam fee in Kerala | Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode | 18,000 INR |
| IELTS exam fee in Punjab | Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar | 18,000 INR |
| IELTS exam fee in Ahmedabad | Navrangpura, Maninagar, Prahlad Nagar | 18,000 INR |
| IELTS exam fee in Chennai | T. Nagar, Anna Nagar, Velachery | 18,000 INR |
| IELTS exam fee in Bangalore | Koramangala, Whitefield, Jayanagar | 18,000 INR |
| IELTS exam fee in Delhi | Connaught Place, Nehru Place, Janakpuri | 18,000 INR |
| IELTS exam fee in Hyderabad | Banjara Hills, Kukatpally, Madhapur | 18,000 INR |
Can I change my test format after paying the fee?
No, once paid, you cannot change the test format. You will have to cancel and rebook, which could incur cancellation or rescheduling fees.
IELTS Refunds on Cancellation 2026
As per the official IDP IELTS policy:
- Cancellation can be done via candidate login on the IDP or British Council portal, or
- By submitting a form to your IELTS test center.
- If the test is cancelled by the test center, you get a full refund or free rescheduling.
- No refund will be provided for absentees; you will have to re-register and pay the full fee again.
Refunds depend on timing from the date of request:
| Cancellation Request Time | Refund Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| More than 14 days before the test date | 75% of the fee (25% admin deduction) | E.g., 13,500 INR refund on 18,000 INR. |
| 2-14 days before the test date | 50% | E.g. 9,000 INR refund on 18,000 INR. |
| Within 2 days of the test date | 25% | E.g., 4,500 INR refund on 18,000 INR. |
| On the test day | No refund | Full fee forfeited. |
| Special Circumstances (e.g., illness, disaster) | A full or partial refund is possible |
Submit proof (medical certificate). Approved case-by-case. |
Ques. Will I get a refund if I cancel due to a medical emergency?
Ans. In genuine medical emergencies, you may be eligible for a partial refund upon providing valid documents, but this is subject to approval by the test center.
Ques. Do I have to pay the IELTS fee again if I miss my test date?
Ans. Yes, if you miss your test without cancelling or rescheduling in time, you forfeit the full fee and must register again with a fresh payment.
IELTS Rescheduling Fee 2026
As per the official IELTS policy:
- Rescheduling can only be done at least 14 days before the test date.
- Only 1 rescheduling per test is allowed.
- The new date has to be within 3 months of the original date, or it will be treated as a cancellation.
- You can only postpone the date; no option to advance (prepone) dates.
- Contact your test center to reschedule.
The table below shows the rescheduling fee for the different IELTS exams.
| IELTS Test Type | Rescheduling Fee |
|---|---|
| IELTS UKVI | 4,550 INR |
| IELTS Academic | 4,550 INR |
| IELTS General Training | 4,550 INR |
| IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1) | 4,250 INR |
| One Skill Retake (OSR) | 3,000 INR |
IELTS Rechecking Fee 2026
You can request a recheck of your IELTS score if you are unsatisfied with your results. To make a recheck request, you need to submit an Enquiry on Results (EOR) form within 6 weeks of receiving the result. If your score changes after re-evaluation, you will receive a full refund.
| IELTS Test Type | Rechecking Fee |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 13,500 INR |
| IELTS General Training | 13,500 INR |
| IELTS UKVI | 13,700 INR |
| IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1) | 12,750 INR |
| One Skill Retake (OSR) | 9,000 INR |
Note: You can collect the Enquiry on Results Form from your test center.
IELTS Exam Fee 2026 for Additional Test Report
You can send your IELTS score to as many universities as you wish. The details for the test report costs and sending conditions are given below.
- The first 5 score reports are free.
- For more than 5 score cards, ₹300 per report is charged.
- You can only send a maximum of 5 reports per day.
- You can add more universities to send score reports after 24 hours if the day’s limit is exhausted.
Check
Top IELTS Accepted Universities Abroad in 2026IELTS Exam Fee Payment Methods
Pay during online registration or at a center. Listed below are the payment methods:
- Online: Credit/debit cards (Visa or Mastercard), net banking, UPI (e.g., Google Pay, PhonePe).
- Offline: Demand Draft (in favour of "IDP Education India Private Limited," payable at New Delhi, from approved banks like ICICI or HDFC); or bank deposit using custom slips from the IDP or British Council site.
- No instalments allowed; full payment has to be made upfront. Keep receipts for refunds or queries.
IELTS Free Mock Tests 2026
Check out some free IELTS sample papers below:
Tips to Save on IELTS Exam Fee
Although the IELTS exam fee in India for 2026 is fixed by IDP, you can still cut down on additional costs. Here are some practical tips to save money on the test:
- Register Early: Booking your IELTS test date in advance helps you avoid travel hassles, last-minute costs, and possible fee revisions.
- Avoid rescheduling or cancelling: These changes can cost around ₹5,000. Choose your test date carefully and ensure your passport is valid.
- Prepare well to avoid retakes: Each attempt costs over ₹18,000, so make use of free resources from IDP, British Council, or Collegedunia, or free IELTS books.
- Check for discounts: Check IDP’s website and partner institutions for occasional offers or promo codes.
- Use Free Practice Materials: Access free mock tests, IELTS preparation apps, and sample papers instead of buying costly books. Use YouTube channels offering speaking practice.
- Explore IELTS Fee Waivers or Scholarships: Some universities and government programs reimburse IELTS fees for eligible students.
- Use free TRFs wisely: You can send up to 5 test reports for free, so finalise your university list beforehand to minimise extra charges.
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IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE vs Duolingo Exam Fees in India 2026
IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and DET are all standardised tests used to assess English language proficiency. The table below compares the exam fees in India in 2026 for these 4 tests.
| Exam | Fee in India 2026 | Results Time |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 18,000 INR | 2-7 days |
| TOEFL iBT | 18,000 INR | Up to 10 days |
| PTE | 18,000 INR | Within 2 working days |
| DET | 5,300 INR | Within 48 hours |
In 2026, the IELTS exam fee in India is 18,000 INR, with additional costs for services like rescheduling, cancellation, and rechecking. Understanding all fee components helps you plan your budget better and avoid unnecessary expenses. By preparing well, registering early, and utilising free study resources, you can minimise additional costs and make your IELTS process more affordable.
FAQs
Ques. Are there any additional charges for late registration?
Ans. No, there are no late registration fees for IELTS, but last-minute booking may limit your choice of test centers and dates, potentially increasing your overall travel costs.
Ques. How much is the IELTS test charges in Canada?
Ans. In Canada, the IELTS examination fee ranges from $322 to $352 CAD (before tax), depending on the test center and location. The price is the same for Academic and General Training, whether paper-based or computer-delivered. Final costs may be higher due to taxes, so it’s best to check the official IELTS website, IDP, or your local test center for exact pricing.
Ques. Why is IELTS expensive?
Ans. IELTS is expensive because it’s a globally recognised, high-quality test with high costs for exam development, trained examiners, security, venues, and administration.
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