IELTS 2026 Exam Details

The full form of IELTS is International English Language Testing System. It was developed during the 1980s and first administered to students in 1989. It is an international standard test to judge the proficiency in the English language for non-native English speakers who want to migrate for study or work in those countries where English is the primary language of communication.
IELTS is acknowledged by universities and employers in many countries, such as Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA. It is also granted by Professional bodies, immigration authorities and other government agencies. The validity of the test is for 2 years max.

IELTS Test Dates 2026

IDP offers the same and fixed Test date Calendar for a year. Generally, there exist 4 dates in a month for Academic IELTS whereas the GT IELTS Exam is conducted twice a month.

A candidate can choose any date from the listed dates. Given below is the link for the complete IELTS exam date calendar.

Click here for IELTS EXAM DATES 2026

Why IELTS test required?

Everyone has this question in their mind: why is IELTS the first requirement for moving to overseas countries? An Answer is this: As English is the first Dialect to communicate there. So that by taking this exam, a person shows their knowledge in this language in four modules, such as Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. In other words, the English language is important for an educational career and life goals in English-speaking nations, as well as for permanent residence purposes.IELTS is designed and developed by experts after conducting extensive research and validating it. It is one of the most trusted tests of the English Language. It is held four times a month on different dates at different test locations. One can opt according to one’s convenience and availability. The examiners for IELTS are trained and monitored by IELTS makers regularly to maintain the standard of testing to match the world standards. IELTS offers a choice according to the purpose of your application, i.e., for study, work, or permanent migration. One never fails in IELTS as the results are based on bands from 0 – 9, which are allotted to measure all levels of communication skills of the English language

IELTS TEST TEST TYPES

There are two types of IELTS :
1. Academic IELTS
2. General training IELTS

There are two options for giving these IELTS :
1. Paper-Based
2. Computer-based

Earlier, students didn't have many options. They had to take a paper-based exam but now the identical choice is computer-delivered or based IELTS is in practice.

In either form of the IELTS Exam, one has the same sections, the test report content, timing, and structure of the test everything is similar. The only difference is that on the computer-based exam, three sections are completed on a computer rather than on paper. The last module is always face to face with a certified Examiner for both forms.

CD-IELTS Vs. Paper IELTS

Difference between computer-based and paper-based IELTS:

Although, all other aspects of the IELTS test are the same such as content scoring level of difficulty and question types in every module. The only difference is in the computer-based person will get a keyboard and in the paper-based, he needs to write with a pencil.
Secondly, the admission timeline
To book the test person requires his ID [valid passport]. If he does not hold the correct identification document, one will not be able to take the test.
After submitting ID proof, students are charged, that is the examination fee. Each center sets its fee. Most IELTS testing centers now charge around Rs.19000 to sit for the exam which is paid by credit [, master. Visa]. A person gets an instant message of seat booking and acknowledgment.
Candidates can choose their speaking test date for IELTS, however, the test center has the right to change the date.
An email is sent to you 7 days before the test to notify you of your schedule and venue. The person has to carry his original ID proof along with a test confirmation print out to the test venue.

IELTS keypoints:

TEST NAME	IELTS
FULL FORM OF IELTS	INTERNATIONAL ENGLISH LANGUAGE TESTING SYSTEM
OFFICIAL WEBSITE	https://www.ielts.org/
MAIN PURPOSE	STUDYING AND WORKING IN ABROAD LIKE AUSTRALIA, NEWZEALAND, ETC.
COUNTRIES WHO ACCEPT IELTS	UK, CANADA, USA, ETC.
CONDUCTED BY	IDP
TEST OPTIONS	PAPER-BASED AND COMPUTER-BASED
IELTS FEE	Rs. 19,000
BANDS SYSTEM	FROM 0 TO 9
CONTACT INFO.	IDP Head Office +91-124-4445999/ 1800-102-4544 Email: ielts.india@idp.com

IELTS ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Age Eligibility:

As per the norms and conditions, those who are under 16 years of age are not eligible for the IELTS test except this person of any race, nationality and religion can take the exam.

Educational Eligibility:

What is the educational eligibility to give the IELTS test?

Well, there is also no such thing in IELTS but where the candidates are applying for higher education and work such as college and university, there they should check their eligibility criteria. As any candidate can apply if he/she is not under the age of 16

How many times can I take the IELTS Test?

There is no such thing, you can give IELTS Test as many times as you want. Just remember that you need to pay the entrance fee every time.

IELTS EXAM REGISTRATION:(TEST BOOKING)

There are five steps for the registration of the IELTS test:

1. Check that the IELTS test dates are available according to your preference as IELTS test dates are limited to IDP.

2. Download and read the information for candidates who have important information related to the IELTS test format, the question types and the test result. NOTE under the age of 16 candidates cannot conduct the IELTS test.

3. At the time of registration, you need your passport number with you. A passport is the only proof of valid ID (identity document) used during registration of the IELTS test. You also need to carry your passport and a colored copy of it on the test day.

4. Pay the exact amount of the IELTS test. You can pay by the following methods:

Through Net Banking, eWallets or cards ( visa, visa electron, master card )
Through cash also.

5. After the booking of the IELTS test, you will receive a confirmation E-Mail or SMS to your registered Mail ID or mobile phone number.

IELTS TEST BOOKING FEES (Exam Registration Fees)

BELOW ARE THE REGISTRATION FEES FOR THE IELTS TEST BY IDP:

TEST TYPE	FEE
IELTS Academic and General Training: paper-based test	INR 19,000
IELTS Academic and General Training: computer-based test	INR 19,000

What if I need to postpone or cancel my IELTS test?

The candidate needs to inform five weeks before their test date, then they can get their refund back but 25% of the administrative fee will be deducted from the refund.
But if they don’t cancel the test in less than 5 weeks then no refund will be granted to the candidates.
If you are unable to give the exam and don’t show up on the test date then it will also be considered as cancelation of the test because of this no refund will be issued to the candidate.
In case of medical issue, a refund is allowed after deducting the local administrative fee but if the medical certificate within 5 days of the test date.

What is IELTS Rescheduling Fees?

In this case, you can postpone the IELTS test but before the 5 weeks of the test date. The date will be changed but the administrative fee will be deducted from it. But make sure that the next test date should be in 3 months.

IELTS Exam Syllabus:

As it is a language proficiency assessment test so there is no specified curriculum or course of studies but candidates have an option for example old tests of the IELTS exam for the practice, from those students can take ideas about topics and types of modules.

IELTS Exam Pattern:

The LRW Test time duration is 2 hours and 45 minutes. These abilities of the candidate are assessed in the English dialect by 4 modules test. Those are listening, Reading, Writing, and speaking. These all are graded to the 9 band scale. The exam of IELTS of two types Academic and General Training. Listening and speaking part is the same for both the test, but the Reading and Writing Sections are unalike. Three modules are completed on the same day after one alternative day or before these three sections.

IELTS Exam Preparation:

This test is the first requirement for every candidate to pursue his/her studies and/or career in English speaking countries. So, there are countless Institutions that not only offer offline classes but also provide online classes. Besides, a person can do self-preparation as old tests and preparation material is available on online sites. And some books are also designed by Cambridge. That’s how a person can prepare himself to write his exam.

HERE ARE THE IELTS MODULES:

There are four modules in IELTS on the bases of which the IELTS test is conducted. Those are listening, writing, reading, and listening.

IELTS MODULES

LISTENING- listening is the first module of the IELTS exam. This student listens to a recording and writes answers those are given on the question sheet. The IELTS listening test is divided into four parts. Students hear each section one time only. The total time for the test is 40 minutes. The audio or recording is about 30 minutes, afterward, an extra ten minutes are given to transfer answers to an answer sheet. There are 40 questions altogether as each section has 10 questions.
READING- It is the second part of the test. To complete all the sections students will be allowed 1 hour or 60 minutes. In general reading, there are 3 main passages but part 2. Is divided into 2 parts So, in total there are 5 passages while in Academic there are only 3 passages. The Texts are authentic and are taken from books, Journals, Magazines and newspapers in both general and Academic Section. In both Reading 40 Questions are given to answers.
WRITING- Writing is the third module of IELTS. It has 2 sections for a total of 60 minutes. In both types of tests, students get Task 1 and Task 2. Task 2 questions are the same as an essay but the subject is changed. IELTS Writing Task 1 is worth only about 33% of your total writing marks, on the other hand, 67% is held by Task 2.
SPEAKING- This is the fourth module for students speaking module might be conducted 7 days after and before of Reading, Listening, and Writing. The test is 11 to 14 minutes long with three parts. The Format is the same for both test-takers.

IELTS BAND SCORE, RESULT, REVALUATION

The overall band score is the average of the scores from all the four modules, rounded to the nearest whole or half band. All four modules are calculated out of 9 Bands. If the average of the scores ends up with 0.25 then the overall band score is rounded up to the next half band. If the average of the scores ends up with 0.75 then the overall IELTS Band Score is rounded up to the next whole band.

For instance-

LISTENING – 6.5

READING – 6.5

WRITING – 5

SPEAKING – 7

25.0

Divide by 4 = 25/4 = 6.25

Round off to the next half band

Overall – 6.5

IELTS BANDS SCORE BOARD:

The nine bands and their descriptive statements are as follows:

9 Bands	The expert user has fully operational command over the language. He/She is accurate and fluent with complete understanding.
8 Bands	Very good user has fully operational command over the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. He/She can handle complex detailed argumentation well.
7 Bands	Good user has operational command over the language with occasional inaccuracies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally, he/she handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.
6 Bands	Competent users has, generally, effective command over the language despite some inaccuracies and misunderstandings. He/She can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
5 Bands	Modest user has partial command over the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. He/She is able to handle basic communication.
4 Bands	Limited user is limited to familiar situations. He/She has frequent problems in understanding and expressing. He/She is not able to use complex language.
3 Bands	Extremely limited user conveys and understands the general meaning in very familiar situations.
2 Bands	Intermittent users can face no real communication except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations. He/She has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.
1 Band	Non-user essentially has no ability to use the language beyond using the words in isolation.
0 Bands	Did not attempt the test — No assessable information.

Most universities and colleges in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada accept an Overall IELTS Band Score of 6.0 or 6.5 for entry to academic programs. IELTS scores are increasingly being recognized by universities in the USA.

IELTS Reading/Listening Bands Table

Reading Bands Table			Listening Bands Table
Academic	General Training	Band Scores		Academic/General	Band Scores
13 - 14	19 - 22	4.5		13 - 15	4.5
15 - 18	23 - 26	5.0		16 - 17	5.0
19 - 22	27 - 29	5.5		18 - 22	5.5
23 - 26	30 - 31	6.0		23 - 25	6.0
27 - 29	32 - 33	6.5		26 - 29	6.5
30 - 32	34 - 35	7.0		30 - 31	7.0
33 - 34	36	7.5		32 - 34	7.5
35 - 36	37-38	8.0		35 - 36	8.0
37 - 38	39	8.5		37 - 38	8.5
39 - 40	40	9.0		39 - 40	9.0

IELTS RESULT:

If you have taken a paper-based IELTS test, you can view your test results online after 13 days and if you have taken a computer-based IELTS test, you can view your test results online within 2-5 days after the test. When your result declared, your IELTS center will inform you about it. To check your result you need a passport number, candidate number, and test date to check your result. Your result will only last for 28 days online. This valid for two years.

OTHER WAYS TO CHECK YOUR RESULT:

RESULT THROUGH SMS
RESULT VIA MAIL
TEST BOOKING CENTER

IELTS REVALUATION:

After receiving the result of the IELTS Exam, if you felt disappointed with the scores you have got and you feel that you deserve better scores than this, then DEMANDING FOR THE REVALUATION is the way to rescue yourself from this trauma.

You can ask for the revaluation of either of any single module or the complete test and of course, there is a fee to do so which is approximately more than half of the normal TEST FEE.

NOTE: Should only ask for the REVOLUTION if you are pretty much sure about your performance in the test. Otherwise, taking the IELTS test again would be a wiser choice.

Generally, if after revaluation the student gets the higher scores then the revaluation fee is refunded to the student.

Conditions for revaluation:

The students have to submit the original TRF that one has received previously.
The verdict of this revaluation is final and no appeal would be taken after this.
During the revaluation period, a student cannot apply for a student visa basis on this IELTS result.
For those whose scores do not change then in that situation, the same TRF will be returned to the student.
Within six weeks of the test date, a student can apply for revaluation by filling the Enquiry on Results form.
The result of revaluation is generally released within 6 weeks on the Maximum side.

IELTS TEST CENTERS:

IELTS was invented by UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE, and IDP altogether. The IDP conduct the IELTS Test and also prepare for these tests. All tests are compiled by English Language Assessment which is one of the joint owners of IELTS. IDP has 37 branches in India. The total IELTS fee is Rs.19,000.

IDP EDUCATION:

Head Office: 610-616, 6th Floor, International Trade Tower, Nehru Place, New Delhi

Contact: 1800 102 4544

Email: ielts.india@idp.com

Website: www.ieltsidpindia.com

BRANCHES	LOCATION
Jalandhar, Punjab	SCO-39, Ladowali Road, Opposite DC Office, Jalandhar–144001 Tel: +91 1814411888
Ludhiana, Punjab	SCO-41, 2nd Floor, Feroze Gandhi Market, Bhai Bala Chowk, Ludhiana Tel: +91 1614211800/4411888
Bathinda, Punjab	SCF 12-13, Above Domino’s, 100 Ft Road, Near Bhagu Road, Bathinda Tel: +91 1645211888
Amritsar, Punjab	SCO 54, 1st floor, VK Tower, DSC, Ranjit Avenue, Block -B, Amritsar Tel: +91 1835020240
Chandigarh	SCO 162-163, Second and third floor, Sec 9C, Chandigarh 160009, Above Omara Jewelers Tel: +91 1724411888
Ahmedabad, Gujarat	102 and 103 First floor, Palak Prime, Iskcon - Ambili Road, opp. Double Tree by Hilton, Sanidhya, Ahmedabad Tel: +91 7944118888
Surat, Gujarat	Office No. 3/4, (Above Burger King) Higher Ground Floor International Business Center Dumas Road, Piplod,Surat - 395007 Tel: +91 2614411888
Vadodara, Gujarat	205 Ocean 2nd Floor, Opp Vadodara Central Mall, Dr. Sarabhai Road, Near Genda Circle, Vadodara
Kolkata, West Bengal	1st Floor, Corporate House, 3A Shakespeare Sarani, Beside A C Market, Kolkata - 700071, West Bengal - 7000071 Tel: +91 3344118888
Pune, Maharashtra	Office No.1, Ground Floor and Mezzanine Floor, Dnyanesh Complex 103, CTS No. 1179/3, Shivaji Nagar, Pune Tel: +91 2044118888
Mumbai, Maharashtra	Jeevan Jyoti Arcade Unit No. 201/202, 2nd Floor, B cabin Road, Thane west, Mumbai - 400602 Tel: +91 2244118888
Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh	2nd Floor, D No 40-1-62, Naga’s Hafeez Plaza, Above Taruni, Opp Grand Modern Supermarket, Between Benz Circle to NTR Circle, MG Road, Vijayawada Tel: +91 8662454888
Hyderabad, Telangana	3rd Floor North Wing, Challa Chambers, Kapadia Lane Raj Bhavan Road, Somajiguda, Hyderabad Tel: +91 4044118888
Bengaluru, Karnataka	No 8, Excellency Building, 1st Floor, Papanna Street, Off St Mark's Road, Bangalore Tel: +91 8044118888
Kochi, Kerala	Coastal Chambers, Opp Mercy estate Hotel M G Road, Cochin - 682016 Tel: +91 4844411888
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu	1st Floor, 1050, Avinashi Road, Srinivas Bhavan, Nr. Anna Statue, Gopalapuram, Coimbatore Tel: +91 4224411888
Chennai, Tamil Nadu	1st Floor, KPR Tower, New No 2/1 Subba Rao Avenue, 1st Street, College Road, Opposite Good Shepherd School, Nungambakkam Tel: +91 4433018888

IELTS BAND REQUIREMENT

After 10+2 - Canada

IELTS BAND REQUIREMENT FOR CANADA AFTER 10+2

As far as the CANADA Study Permit is concerned, 10+2 Candidate needs to have at least Overall 6 Bands and not less than 6 bands in each module. This is only in the case if a student is seeking admission to SDS Colleges, Institution, or universities in CANADA. There are a few private colleges that issue letters and take admissions even if a candidate is having overall 6 bands but in 1 or 2 modules he is having 5.5 bands.

After Graduation - Canada

IELTS BAND REQUIREMENT FOR CANADA AFTER GRADUATION

For the Graduate candidates candidate needs to have a minimum of 5.5 bands in all modules with an overall of 6 bands and maximum it should be 6.5 bands.

After Post Graduation - Canada

IELTS BAND REQUIREMENT FOR CANADA AFTER POST GRADUATION

The same goes for the post-graduation too but in post-graduation, the candidate needs to have at least overall 6.5 bands with a minimum of 6 bands in all four IELTS modules.

After 10+2 - UK

IELTS BAND REQUIREMENT FOR UK AFTER POST 10+2

In the case of a UK student visa, the bands depend on the colleges and universities candidates choose for further education as some of them require 6. Bands some of 7 and some 7.5 bands. But not less than the 6.5 bands file is accepted in the study visa for the UK.

IELTS FAQS

TEST BOOKING FAQs

Where can I take IELTS?

There are over 1600 IELTS test locations in 140 countries. You can take your IELTS test near you on all the possible dates.

How much does it cost?

Both IELTS academic and general training have the same fee structure. That is RS.19,000/- only.

How do I book/register for my test?

To book the IELTS test you can visit the official site of IDP and book the test online through credit card.

What if I need to postpone or cancel my application?

For this Candidate needs to inform five weeks before their test date, they will receive their refund but the administration fee will be deducted from their refund.

What if I am absent or sick on the day of the test?

If you are not present on test day without any notice then you will not be able to have any refund as you will lose all your test fees. However, if you are unable to give the test because of health issues then you have to submit a medical certificate within 5 days of the test day. Then you can receive your refund.

TEST DAY FAQS

What are the test rules?

All test rules and guidelines are given on the notice to candidates in the IELTS application. You can also read the information for candidates booklet carefully so that you can get familiar with the test format.

Do I take all parts of the test on the same day?

In paper-based IELTS test listening, reading and writing modules are done on the same day while speaking is conducted after or before these modules test day. But in computer-based IELTS test speaking module is also conducted on the same day with listening, reading, and writing module.

What if I am delayed by circumstances beyond my control (e.g. a transport strike)?

In this case, the test center will allocate you the next available test date.

What can I take into the examination room?

You need to bring a valid passport with you on the test day. If you are giving a paper-based test then you only need to bring a pencil, pen, and eraser. Whereas, in the computer-based test you don,t need to bring anything they will provide you with a pencil and eraser.

Which part do I take first?

Well, there is nothing like this, listening, reading and writing module test is held on the same day. While the speaking module is held before or after the test date in the paper-based. While in computer-based the speaking is held on the same date of LRW.

What is the speaking test?

Speaking test is the part of the IELTS test which checks the language understanding through discussion. This test is recorded and it is divided into 3 parts.

What do I need for the Speaking test?

You need to bring your valid id proof (passport) with a colored photocopy of it. Your id will be checked before the test on the registration day.

What kinds of accents can be heard in the Listening and Speaking tests?

There’s nothing like this, as there are many accents of international language so it depends upon the examiner.

Do I have to write in pencil? (Paper-based IELTS only)

Well, yes in IELTS pencil is more recommended than the pen because it makes it easier to check the answer sheet for the examiner and there will be clarity also.

Can I make notes on the Listening and Reading question papers? (Paper-based IELTS only)

yes, you can make notes on the question paper as there are no such restrictions.

Can I make notes if I take the computer-delivered IELTS?

Yes, in computer-based also you can make notes as they will provide you paper and pencil for that.

Can I write in capital letters?

Yes, you can use capital letters for the answers in all modules.

How can I improve my Writing score?

To improve your writing skill you make sure to complete all task requirements. If a person responds to all the parts of the task then he/she can score more then 6 bands but if not then the examiner will give him less then 6 bands. Other than this vocabulary, grammar, and sentence is also important and linking ideas as well. These few things will help you to improve your writing score.

TEST RESULT FAQs

How are the tests marked?

In IELTS a total of 9 bands are there out of which scores are given to every module. Every module has an individual band from which the overall band is calculated and given to the candidates.

Is it normal to be stronger in some communication skills than others?

Well, this depends upon people some are stronger in communication skills such as listening and speaking, while some are stronger in the other modules.

Who sets the 'pass mark' for the IELTS test?

In IELTS there is no pass mark, every module is scored from the 9 bands system.

Why is my score higher the second time I have sat the test, although I haven't done anything differently?

This happens because you become more familiar with the IELTS format so without any more preparation you can easily score more the second time. As you know how to find the reading answers or how to do the writing tasks.

When will I receive my test results?

In the paper-based IELTS test, you will receive your result after the 13 days of the test date. Whereas, in the computer-based IELTS test you will receive your result within the 5 days after the test date.

How many Test Report Forms (TRFs) am I entitled to?

You will receive only one original TRF from which you can use five copies of it. If you lost your TRF, in this case, you can contact the test center. They will issue you TRF but an administrative fee will be charged for it.

How soon can I re-sit the test?

There are no restrictions in the IELTS test-taking, you can take as many retakes of IELTS test as much you want but it will be good if you give your test fully prepared.

What if I am not happy with my result?

In this case, you can request for revaluation within the period of six weeks and if your bands increased then all the fees will be refunded to you

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