IELTS Test Booking 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

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How to Register for the IELTS Exam 2026?

Indian candidates can register for IELTS only through the official website, which manages IELTS registrations and test bookings in India. For registration, go to the IELTS Candidate login:

Step 1: Visit the official IDP IELTS India website.

Step 2: Click Book IELTS Test.

Step 3: Select the IELTS test type (Academic, General Training, UKVI, Life Skills, or One Skill Retake).

Step 4: Choose your preferred test format (Computer-delivered or Paper-based, where available).

Step 5: Select your preferred city and available test centre.

Step 6: Pick an available test date and time slot.

Step 7: Create an IELTS account or log in to your existing account.

Step 8: Fill in your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport.

Step 9: Upload a valid passport copy if requested.

Step 10: Review all entered details carefully before proceeding.

Step 11: Pay the IELTS registration fee using an available payment method.

Step 12: Receive your booking confirmation via email after successful payment.

Note: IELTS Paper-based is no longer available in India. The last date for the paper-based test is 22nd August 2026.

Also read: IELTS Timeline for Fall Intake 2027

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How to Register for IELTS Offline 2026?

You can book an IELTS test offline in 2 ways, either by visiting an IDP branch or head office, or through a courier. Follow the steps below to register offline:

Step 1: Register at an IDP Branch or Head Office:

Step 2: Visit any IDP Branch or Head Office.

Step 3: Use the branch computer for test booking online.

Step 4: Pay the exam fee for instant confirmation.

Step 5: Submit a photocopy of your passport.

Step 6: Sign the terms and conditions document.

Step 7: Receive an acknowledgment letter confirming your test seat.

IELTS Test Booking by Courier:

Step 1: Download the application form from the official IDP website or collect it from an IDP branch.

Step 2: Fill out the form and sign the terms and conditions.

Step 3: Submit a photocopy of your passport.

Step 4: Pay the exam fee.

Step 5: Send the completed form, a copy of your passport, and payment to the IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd. Head Office.

Below is the IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd. Head Office address:

IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd.

Global Gateway Towers, Tower B, 5th Floor

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

Gurugram - 122002, Haryana, India

Contact: +91-124-4445999

Also read: IELTS Eligibility Criteria 2026

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IELTS Registration Fees in 2026

The IELTS registration fee varies by test type, but it remains the same across all test centres in India. The fee for IELTS Academic is ₹19,000, including GST. The registration fee for IELTS UKVI is ₹19,250. The UKVI costs ₹250 more due to security protocols, and the data is shared directly with UK Home Affairs.

IELTS registration fees in India are:

Quick Tips

• The registration fee includes applicable taxes.
• Fees are the same across all cities in India.
• Always pay through the official IDP booking portal.

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Documents Required For IELTS Registration

The primary document required for IELTS registration is a valid passport. Applicants must have a valid passport as the registration details must match it.

Keeping your documents ready before starting the registration process can save time and prevent booking errors. The most common reason for registration issues is incorrect passport information.

Other requirements for registering are:

• Active Email ID: All the information regarding the exam will be delivered through email. Applicants must have their own proper mail ID for registration.
• Mobile Number: In case of emergency or any other case, the IPD requires the contact details of the applicants.

Also read: How Many Times Can I Take IELTS in 2026

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How to Choose the Right IELTS Test

Choosing the correct IELTS test is the first step towards a successful application. Registering for the wrong test may require you to book and pay again. Applicants must know that IELTS has different variations, who have a different purpose of examination.

For example, IELTS Academic is for those who are planning to study abroad. Likewise, IELTS General Training is for those who want to travel abroad for PR or job purposes.

The table below shows the purpose of the IELTS test type. Applicants must check the purpose and test as per their needs:

Also read: IELTS Academic vs General Training

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IELTS Login & Account

After selecting your preferred IELTS test, you'll need to create an account on the official IDP IELTS India website. New users must register using a valid email address and mobile number, while existing candidates can simply log in using their registered credentials.

Once logged in, you can:

• Book a new IELTS test.
• View your upcoming test details.
• Check your registration status.
• Download your eTRF (where applicable).
• View your IELTS results.
• Update certain account information or contact IDP for assistance.

If you forget your password, click the 'Forgot Password' option on the login page and follow the instructions sent to your registered email address to reset it securely.

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IELTS Registrations Payment Methods

After reviewing your registration details, you'll be redirected to the payment page to complete your booking. IDP accepts several payment methods, allowing candidates to choose the option that is most convenient for them.

You can pay your IELTS registration fee using:

• Credit Card
• Debit Card
• Net Banking
• Demand Draft (where applicable)
• Bank Deposit at selected partner banks

Once the payment is successful, you'll receive a confirmation email and your booking details will be updated in your IELTS account.

If your payment fails or the amount is deducted but your booking isn't confirmed, wait for the transaction to be processed. If the issue persists, contact the IDP support team with your transaction details for assistance.

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IELTS Test Centre Selection

IELTS has around 75+ test centers in India, including tier 1 and tier 2 cities. The metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai have IELTS test centers. The applicants should book their test in advance in peak season as the slots can be unavailable due to high demand.

Insight: If you’re from any metropolitan city and want to take the IELTS test immediately, you can book an early slot in any nearby tier 2 city if there are no slots available in your city.

Confirmation After IELTS Registration

After completing your payment, IDP sends a booking confirmation to your registered email and mobile number. This confirms that your seat has been reserved. Here is an overview of the details you’ll get after registration for confirmation:

Once you get the confirmation mail check the following details in the email. These details must be there in your confirmation mail:

• Test type
• Test date
• Test centre
• Candidate details
• Passport number

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How to Edit IELTS Registration Details?

If you have entered incorrect information during registration, some details may be updated, while others require assistance from IDP before your test date. The table below lists the details that can be updated through IDP assistance and which need to be done through your portal after paying some fees:

Note: Always contact IDP as soon as you notice an error to avoid issues on test day.

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IELTS Rescheduling Policy 2026

The rescheduling process for the IELTS exam can be done only on certain days before the exam. Applicants can reschedule their exam by paying a fee of ₹4,750 - ₹4,850. Follow the table below to know the rescheduling fees and how many days before the exam you can apply for it:

Note: IELTS One Skill Retake can be applied for only once.

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IELTS Cancellation & Refund Policy

If due to any emergency, you need to cancel the scheduled test, you must do it in due time. The closer the exam date is, the less refund you get. Applicants can cancel the test 14 days before the test date. 25% of the cost is deducted from the total fees paid for administrative reasons.

Here’s a breakdown of the cancellation policy:

Also read: IELTS Rescheduling and Cancellation Policy 2026

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IELTS Special Arrangements

IELTS provides special arrangements for candidates who are differently abled or have medical conditions. Eligible candidates should request these accommodations while registering and submit supporting documents.

The available special arrangements are:

• Extra time
• Braille Question Papers
• Enlarged Print
• Hearing Assistance
• Computer Use (eligible cases)
• Scribe

Note: Apply for special arrangements during registration and upload the required medical documents. IDP generally responds within 2 working days.

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Common IELTS Registration Errors

Small registration mistakes can lead to delays, additional charges, or even denial of entry on the test day. Reviewing these common errors can help ensure a smooth booking experience. Here are some common mistakes and their solutions:

Tip: Spend two minutes reviewing your application before clicking "Pay Now". it can save time and prevent unnecessary changes later.

Also read: Top Universities and Colleges Abroad Accepting IELTS in 2026

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What After IELTS Registration?

There are a few important steps to complete before test day to ensure a hassle-free experience. Next steps after registration are:

• Check your booking confirmation email.
• Log in to your IELTS account to review your booking.
• Download your test-related documents when available.
• Check your Speaking test schedule (if applicable).
• Prepare the original passport for test day.
• Reach the test centre on time with the required documents.

Tip: Log in to your IELTS account a few days before the exam to check for any updates to your Speaking schedule or test-day instructions.

IELTS registration in 2026 is a simple process if you choose the right test, keep your passport details ready, and book through the official IDP website. With 22–24 test dates available annually and IELTS fees starting from ₹19,000 in India, registering early can help you secure your preferred test date and centre while avoiding last-minute hassles.