IELTS Test Booking 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

IELTS Test Booking in India 2026: Check Fees, Dates, Test Centers

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Anisha Agarwal

| Updated On - Jun 10, 2026

What's New?

  • IDP has increased the IELTS exam fee for 2026 as follows:
    • ​IELTS Academic: INR 19,000
    • IELTS General Training: INR 19,000
    • IELTS for UKVI: INR 19,250
    • IELTS Life Skills: INR 18,000
    • IELTS One Skill Retake: INR 12,650

You can book an IELTS test both online and offline. For online booking, you will be required to provide your details, select your test type, preferred test date, center, and slot. There is no strict eligibility requirement for taking the exam. The only requirement is a passport number, which you have to enter during registration. To book the IELTS exam offline, you will have to visit a nearby IDP branch.

There are around 22-24 IELTS exam dates available in a year for the computer-based test, and around 3-4 for the paper-based test. The IELTS exam fee in India in 2026 is INR 19,000 for both Academic and General Training tests. The computer-based tests are available in 3 slots of morning, afternoon, and evening, providing flexibility for test-takers.

IELTS Test Booking 2026

If you are planning to take the IELTS test, check out the full IELTS syllabus and practice papers for 2026.


IELTS Online Registration 2026

IELTS online test booking is the most convenient and quick way. Follow the steps below to successfully book your exam online.

Step 1: Visit the official IDP IELTS India website (www.ieltsidpindia.com). Here you will have the options to first create an account, directly book an exam, or check the available dates first.

IELTS Test Booking

Step 2: Select your test format (Computer or Paper), test type (Academic or General), test city, and click on Check Availability.

IELTS Test Booking

News: The IELTS paper-based test is set to discontinue from mid-2026. However, the Writing section will still have the option to be taken on paper. Read More

Step 3: After you select a city, you will see the IELTS exam calendar. Select your preferred test date and slot. Click on ‘Proceed’.

IELTS Test Booking

Step 4: Provide your personal details, like name, email, mobile number, date of birth, and passport number.

IELTS Test Booking

Step 5: Before making the payment, review your details and correct any mistakes

Step 6: After filling in the details and completing the payment, you'll receive a confirmation receipt at your registered email.

Step 7: Courier a photocopy of your passport (first and last page along with observation pages) to the IDP head office as instructed.

Address: IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd.,

               Global Gateway Towers, Tower B, 5th Floor,

               Sikanderpur Ghosi, Sector-26,

               M.G. Road, Gurugram - 122002, Haryana

Check the IELTS exam calendar 2026 here

Can I change my IELTS test format after booking, like from paper to computer-based?

No, once the IELTS test is booked, you cannot change the format. You would need to cancel and rebook, which may involve cancellation fees depending on the timeline.


IELTS Registration Offline 2026

You can book an IELTS test offline in 2 ways: by visiting an IDP branch or head office, or through a courier. Below is the step-by-step process..

Register at an IDP Branch or Head Office:

  • Visit any IDP Branch or Head Office.
  • Use the branch computer for test booking online.
  • Pay the exam fee for instant confirmation.
  • Submit a photocopy of your passport.
  • Sign the terms and conditions document.
  • Receive an acknowledgment letter confirming your test seat.

IELTS Test Booking by Courier:

  • Download the application form from the official IDP website or collect it from an IDP branch.
  • Fill out the form and sign the terms and conditions.
  • Submit a photocopy of your passport.
  • Pay the exam fee.
  • 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

Is a passport mandatory for IELTS registration?

Yes, a valid passport is the only mandatory document for IELTS registration. A scanned copy must be uploaded online or submitted offline.


IELTS Test Mode Available in India 2026

 IDP offers 2 modes for the IELTS test, which are computer-based IELTS and Paper-based. The IELTS on computer is frequently available with up to 3 times a day and 7 days a week. While IELTS on paper has less availability compared to IELTS on computer.

The Paper-based IELTS test mode will not be available from mid-2026 in India. The IDP has not announced any specific date of discontinuation as of now. The IELTS organising body has decided to shift to computer-based test mode completely after mid-2026.

Also Read


IELTS 2026 Exam Eligibility Criteria 2026

The IELTS eligibility criteria are given in the table below:

Critation Requirements
Age No strict age limit.Candidates below 16 need to have the Parental Consent Form signed and submitted to IDP.
Education No specific qualification is required.
ID A valid passport is the only primary requirement, as it is mandatory

Documents Required for IELTS Registration in India

Documents required for IELTS registration are:

  • A valid original passport. The details entered on the application form should match exactly with the passport, or else the application will be deleted.
  • A photocopy of the passport’s first and last page, along with the observation page, if any. The observation page is the section in a passport that contains additional information or corrections about the holder.
  • If applying offline, applicants need to have a signed copy of the application form along with the terms and conditions of the IELTS test.

Payment proof of the IELTS registration fees needs to be sent if applying offline.


IELTS Exam Fee in India 2026

The IELTS exam fees for the different types of exams are given in the table below.

IELTS Test Type Fee Test Formats
IELTS Academic INR 19,000 Computer-delivered and Paper-based.
IELTS General Training INR 19,000 Computer-delivered and Paper-based.
UKVI IELTS INR 19,250 Computer-delivered and Paper-based.
IELTS Life Skills (A1 & B1) INR 18,000 Face-to-face or video call interview with examiners.
IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) INR 12,650 Computer-delivered only.

You can pay the exam fees online via net banking, UPI, or credit cards, debit cards, or offline through a bank draft payable at ICICI Bank or HDFC Bank.


IELTS Exam Dates in India 2026

IELTS exam dates for the upcoming months in major Indian cities are shown in the table below.

Note: The above dates are for IDP IELTS, Nehru Place, New Delhi test center. Since test dates vary by city across India, you are advised to check the dates for your preferred test center and then book.

Check the application deadlines for top study abroad destinations to help you complete your IELTS booking in time.


IELTS Test Centers in India 2026

There are around 75 IDP IELTS test centers in India. Some of them are listed in the table below:

State City Test Center
Karnataka Mangalore IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd.
Telangana Hyderabad IDP IELTS, Kukatpally, Begumpet, Jubilee Hills
Delhi Delhi IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd., Nehru Place
Punjab Amritsar IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd., Amritsar
Uttar Pradesh Bathinda IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd., Bathinda
Haryana Jalandhar IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd., Jalandhar
Chandigarh Ludhiana IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd., Ludhiana
Andhra Pradesh Patiala IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd., Patiala
Maharashtra Mumbai IDP IELTS, Andheri East
Gujarat Ahmedabad IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd., Ahmedabad
Kerala Trivandrum IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd., Trivandrum
Rajasthan Jaipur IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd., Jaipur
Madhya Pradesh Bhopal IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd., Bhopal
West Bengal Kolkata IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd., Kolkata

Common IELTS Registration Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Applicants should mind these common IELTS registration mistakes and should avoid them:

  • Mismatched passport details: Use the exact name and date of birth as in the passport, any minor mistake can lead to rejection of the application. Double-check all the details filled in the form.
  • Late booking: If the IELTS scores are required for admission or work visa reasons, applicants should not delay the registration.
  • Delaying documents: Submit documents immediately while registering, and book early for the desired date and slots.
  • Wrong test module or mode: Confirm the score requirements with the target institution before booking the module, such as IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training, or the mode of the examination.
  • Ignoring deadlines for rescheduling or cancelling: Apply well in advance, 9-14 days before the exam, for maximum refund.
  • Payment issues: Keep the proof of the payment, as this is an important receipt.
  • Not verifying centre availability: Check live dates on the official portal. Always use the official IDP site, read Terms & Conditions, and confirm email acknowledgements.

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

IELTS registration in 2026 is simple if you follow the right steps. Whether you choose online or offline registration, make sure you pick your preferred date, center, and test type early. As long as you have a valid passport and plan ahead, the entire process becomes smooth and stress-free.


FAQs

Ques. When should I book the IELTS test for university admissions in 2026?

Ans. It’s recommended to book your IELTS test at least 2-3 months before your university application deadline to ensure timely results.

Ques. Is there any age or qualification requirement for IELTS?

Ans. There are no strict eligibility criteria; anyone with a valid passport can register for the IELTS.

Ques. Can I choose between British and American English in the IELTS test?

Ans. IELTS accepts both British and American English. You can use either in your responses, but you should stay consistent throughout the test.

Ques. What is the One Skill Retake in IELTS?

Ans. The IELTS OSR allows candidates to retake just one section (Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking) instead of the full test, available for computer-based formats.

Ques. Are there any special accommodations for IELTS test-takers with disabilities?

Ans. Yes, IELTS offers special arrangements like extra time, Braille papers, or a separate room. You must request accommodations in advance during registration.

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