| Updated On - Dec 10, 2025
UKVI IELTS Highlights:
- UKVI IELTS: The UKVI IELTS examination is undertaken to avail of the different types of UK visas. It is an approved ELP test by the UK government.
- Fees: The fee for UKVI IELTS is ₹18,250. IELTS Life Skills costs around ₹17,000.
- Types of UKVI IELTS: The types of UKVI IELTS examinations are Academic, General Training, Life Skills A1, and Life Skills B1.
- UKVI Test Results: UKVI test results are out in 2-7 days. However, you can check the results online.
UKVI IELTS (UK Visas and Immigration) is a specialized version of the IELTS, designed specifically to meet the UK government's requirements for visa and immigration applications. It is a Secure English Language Test (SELT) approved by the UK Home Office, ensuring higher security measures for administrative processes like identity verification and result reporting. The UKVI IELTS is broadly of 2 types:
- UKVI IELTS - For UK student visa, work, or settlement
- UKVI Life Skills (A1 and B1) - For certain kinds of UK visas, like family or spouse visa.
UKVI IELTS test assesses your English proficiency in listening, reading, writing, and speaking (or just listening and speaking for Life Skills versions). It's the same in content, format, difficulty, and scoring as the standard IELTS, but it can only be taken at approved UKVI test centers with extra security protocols. Due to these added security measures, the fee is slightly higher at ₹18,250. Apart from this, you also get a special Test Report Form (TRF) with an SELT Reference Number, which the UK government uses for visa processing.
Over 12,000 organizations worldwide, including top UK universities, accept IELTS scores, but for UK visas, UKVI is mandatory. UK visas require the demonstration of a candidate's reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. A minimum score of 4.0 in the UKVI IELTS band score is required for the different types of UK visas. As an Indian student, this test is crucial if you're planning to study, work, or settle in the UK, as regular IELTS scores may not be accepted for UKVI purposes.
Must Read: UK Tightens Visa and English Language Rules
- Difference Between IELTS and UKVI IELTS
- Who Needs to Take UKVI IELTS as an Indian Student?
- Types of UKVI IELTS
- UKVI IELTS Test Format and Syllabus 2026
- UKVI IELTS Exam Fee 2026
- UKVI IELTS Score Requirement for Different Types of Visas
- UKVI IELTS Test Booking 2026
- UKVI IELTS Test Centers in India
- UKVI IELTS Results and Test Report Form (TRF)
- Advantages of UKVI IELTS
- FAQs
Difference Between IELTS and UKVI IELTS
Here are some key differences between the 2 types of IELTS exams:
| Aspect | UKVI IELTS | Regular IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose |
Primarily for UK visa/immigration (study, work, settlement). Secure version with enhanced admin checks. |
General use for study, work, or migration worldwide (non-UK visas). |
| Availability | Only at specific UKVI-approved centers; stricter security (e.g., passport checks). | Available at more centers; standard security. |
| Cost in India |
Slightly higher ₹18,250 for Academic, General on computer or paper ₹17,000 for Life Skills A1, B1 |
₹18,000 for both Academic and General. |
| Results | Same timeline, but Test Report Form (TRF) marked as "For UKVI" for visa use. | Standard score report, not suitable for UKVI. |
Ques. Can I switch from regular IELTS to UKVI IELTS after booking?
Ans. No, you need to cancel and rebook as the UKVI test is conducted only at approved centers with extra security.
Ques. Is the difficulty level different between UKVI IELTS and regular IELTS?
Ans. No, the questions, format, and scoring are the same; only the security and administrative process is stricter.
Who Needs to Take UKVI IELTS as an Indian Student?
As an Indian student, you'll need UKVI IELTS for:
- Student Visa (Tier 4 or Student Route): For undergraduate or postgraduate studies (degree level or above) or below-degree programs (e.g., foundation courses).
- UK Work Visas: Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, Innovator, Founder.
- Settlement and Family Visas: Indefinite Leave to Remain, British Citizenship (Life Skills versions).
- Professional Registration: E.g., nurses, doctors registering in the UK.
Read: UK Student Visa Success Rate for Indians
Note: All universities that accept IELTS will also accept UKVI IELTS. The tests are identical in content, format, difficulty, and scoring; the only difference is administrative. So, you can take UKVI IELTS to meet your university as well as visa requirements.
Ques. Can students applying for short courses in the UK skip the UKVI IELTS?
Ans. It depends on the course provider and visa type. For short courses not requiring a visa, regular IELTS may suffice.
Ques. Do professional exams in the UK require UKVI IELTS?
Ans. Some professional registrations, like nursing or healthcare, require UKVI IELTS for visa purposes.
Types of UKVI IELTS
There are 4 main types of UKVI IELTS, tailored to your goals:
| Type | Description | Suitable for | Skills tested | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | For higher education, academic-style reading and writing (e.g., essays, graphs). | Undergraduate and postgraduate studies in the UK. | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking | 2 hours 45 mins |
| IELTS General Training | For work or migration, everyday English reading and writing (e.g., letters, ads). | Vocational training, high school, and work visas. | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking | 2 hours 45 mins |
| Life Skills A1 | Basic speaking and listening for entry-level visas. | Family and settled person visas, International Sportsperson. | Listening & Speaking only | 16-18 mins |
| Life Skills B1 | Intermediate speaking and listening for settlement. | Indefinite Leave to Remain, citizenship, Skilled Worker. | Listening & Speaking only | 16-18 mins |
Note: Life Skills A2 is only available in the UK, not India. For students, Academic is the most common.
Ques. Can I take Life Skills B1 if I already did Academic IELTS?
Ans. Yes, but Life Skills is only needed for visa or settlement purposes; Academic IELTS won’t replace it.
Ques. Which type is easiest for first-time test-takers?
Ans. Life Skills (A1, B1) is shorter and focuses only on speaking and listening, so it’s easier compared to Academic or General.
UKVI IELTS Test Format and Syllabus 2026
UKVI IELTS has the same exam format and syllabus as regular IELTS.
| Section | Duration | Number of Questions | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Listening | 30 minutes | 40 |
4 recorded monologues and conversations. Tests understanding of main ideas, opinions, and factual information. |
| IELTS Reading | 60 minutes | 40 |
Academic: 3 passages from books, journals, etc. General: Extracts from advertisements, handbooks, newspapers. |
| IELTS Writing | 60 minutes | 2 tasks |
Academic: Describe visual data (Task 1) + essay (Task 2) General: Letter writing (Task 1) + essay (Task 2) |
| IELTS Speaking | 11-14 minutes | 3 tasks | Face-to-face interview with an examiner: Introduction, Cue Card, and Discussion. |
| Life Skills: Short conversation on everyday topics (e.g., family, travel). | |||
Note: Syllabus focuses on real-life English; no specialized knowledge needed. Practice with official materials to handle diverse accents.
Ques. Are there calculators allowed in the UKVI IELTS?
Ans. No, calculators are not allowed; the test focuses on language skills, not math.
UKVI IELTS Exam Fee 2026
The table below gives the UKVI IELTS fees in India in 2026 for the different types of the exam:
| UKVI IELTS Type | Fee in India in 2025 |
|---|---|
| UKVI IELTS (computer-based & paper-based) | ₹18,250 |
| IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1) | ₹17,000 |
Note: The rechecking, rescheduling, and cancellation for the UKVI IELTS exam are the same as the regular IELTS. You can check these fees here: IELTS Exam Fees
Ques. Can I pay in installments for UKVI IELTS?
Ans. No, the full fee must be paid at the time of booking to confirm your slot.
Ques. Is there any extra fee for online test booking?
Ans. No, online booking doesn’t charge extra, but test center change or rescheduling may have a fee.
UKVI IELTS Score Requirement for Different Types of Visas
The minimum score requirement in the UKVI IELTS for the different visa types depends on the CEFR level required for the same. Check the table below to know which visas require what CEFR levels and their corresponding IELTS requirement.
| CEFR Level Required | Visa Purpose | IELTS requirement |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Family route, International Sportsperson visa | Pass in IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1 |
| A2 | Family visa (extension) | Pass in IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A2 |
| B1 | Student Visa (below degree level), British citizenship, Indefinite leave to remain, Health and Care Worker visa, Skilled Worker visa |
Pass in IELTS for UKVI Life Skills B1; Minimum 4.0 in each section |
| B2 | Student Visa (degree level or above), Minister of Religion visa, Innovator Founder visa | Minimum 5.5 in each section |
| C1 | Currently not required for any major UK visa routes | Minimum 7.0 in each section |
Notes:
- UK unis often require 6.5-7.0 overall.
- A 7.5 is excellent for competitive programs.
- Scores are valid for 2 years.
Must Read: CEFR to IELTS Conversion Guide
Ques. Can I apply for a visa if I miss one section of the UKVI IELTS?
Ans. No, you must complete all required sections and meet the minimum band score for your visa type.
Ques. Do UK universities consider only overall scores or section scores too?
Ans. Both matter; universities and visa authorities may have minimum section scores for each skill.
UKVI IELTS Test Booking 2026
The UKVI IELTS registration process is the same as the regular IELTS test booking, as given below:
- Go to the official IDP IELTS India website.
- Click on “Book Now”.
- Choose the type of UKVI IELTS test (Academic, General, Life Skills, Paper-based, Computer-based).
- Check the availability of the test center and dates.
- Book your desired test center, test date, and slot.
- Fill in your personal and passport details.
- Pay the UKVI IELTS cost of ₹18,250.
- After booking, you will receive a confirmation message about the test center and exam time.
Must Check: IELTS Exam Dates 2026
Ques. Can I change my test date after booking?
Ans. Yes, but rescheduling may involve a fee and must be done within the allowed timeframe.
Ques. How early should I book a UKVI IELTS test?
Ans. At least 2-3 months in advance, as approved centers often have limited slots.
UKVI IELTS Test Centers in India
The UKVI IELTS exam is conducted only in approved test centers, which have additional security measures in place. There are 42 UKVI-approved test centers in India, as listed below.
| Test Center Location | Test Center Location | Test Center Location |
|---|---|---|
| Ahmedabad | Dehradun - Ballupur Chowk | Mumbai - Lower Parel |
| Amritsar | Goa - MG Road | Navi Mumbai - CBD Belapur |
| Anand - V V Nagar | Gurugram | New Delhi - Nehru Place |
| Bathinda | Hyderabad - Begumpet | New Delhi - Pitampura |
| Bengaluru - St. Marks Road | Hyderabad - Kukatpally | Noida |
| Bengaluru - Whitefield | Jaipur | Patiala - Leela Bhawan |
| Bhopal - MP Nagar | Jalandhar | Pune - Shivaji Nagar |
| Bhubaneswar - Kharvela Nagar | Karnal - Shyam Nagar | Rajkot - Nana Mauva Circle |
| Calicut - Malaparamba | Kochi | Surat |
| Chandigarh | Kolkata - Park Street | Thane |
| Chandigarh - Sec 34 | Lucknow - Aliganj | Trivandrum - Kumarapuram |
| Chennai | Ludhiana | Vadodara |
| Chennai - Adyar | Mehsana - Radhanpur Road | Vijayawada |
| Coimbatore - Avinashi Main Road | Mumbai | Visakhapatnam - Santhipuram |
UKVI IELTS Results and Test Report Form (TRF)
UKVI IELTS has a similar scoring system and result timeline as regular IELTS, as given below.
- Timeline: 13 days for Paper-based and 2-3 days for Computer-delivered.
- Access: Online via IDP account; The Test Report Form is the score report, specifically marked for UK visa purposes.
- Sending Scores: Free to 5 universities; extra TRF at ₹250 each. For a visa, send it directly to UKVI.
- Enquiry and Retake: If unhappy with your IELTS band score, you can apply for a recheck. (A fee of ₹13,700 applies).
Sample Test Report Form for UKVI:
Ques. Can I use my UKVI IELTS score for countries other than the UK?
Ans. Yes, you can. UKVI IELTS scores are accepted by other countries and institutions that recognize IELTS. However, it's primarily intended for UK visa applications, so confirm with your destination institution.
Advantages of UKVI IELTS
The UKVI IELTS has certain advantages over the regular IELTS examination, as mentioned below:
- Accepted for UK visas: UKVI IELTS is officially recognized by the UK Home Office for visa applications, while regular IELTS is generally not valid for visas unless a university explicitly allows it.
- Accepted by UK universities requiring SELT: Many UK universities are UKVI-approved (e.g., Coventry University) and require a Secure English Language Test (SELT). UKVI IELTS fulfills this requirement, making your test valid for both admission and visa purposes.
Check: IELTS Score 2026 for the UK Universities
UKVI IELTS is an important test for anyone who wants to study, work, or move to the UK. It is officially accepted by the UK government and meets all visa and immigration requirements. Make sure to choose the right test type based on your visa, and book your test early at an approved center to avoid any last-minute problems.
FAQs
Ques. How long does it take to receive the UKVI IELTS results?
Ans. For computer-delivered tests, results are usually available within 3-5 days. For paper-based tests, results take around 13 days from the test date.
Ques. Can I request a re-evaluation of my UKVI IELTS scores?
Ans. Yes, you can apply for an Enquiry on Results (EOR) if you're not satisfied with your scores. You must apply within 6 weeks of the test date, and there's a fee which is refunded if your score improves.
Ques. What happens if I miss my UKVI IELTS test due to an emergency?
Ans. If you miss the test due to a medical or other serious emergency, you may be eligible for a partial refund or free rescheduling, provided you submit valid proof within the required timeframe.
Ques. Can I use the same UKVI IELTS TRF for multiple UK university applications?
Ans. Yes. You can send copies of your Test Report Form (TRF) to multiple UK universities. Some may also accept electronic delivery directly from the test center.
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