IDP IELTS releases the IELTS exam dates 2026 in India for prospective candidates every year on the official website. Candidates must be aware of the IELTS 2026 exam dates to plan preparation and applications for study abroad or work visas in advance. The latest IELTS exam dates 2026 in India for Advance test are February 28, March 7, 14, 21, 28 and April 4 & 11, 2026 for paper-based tests. The IELTS next exam date for General Training is March 7, 21 & April 11, 2026. The IELTS exam dates will vary from city to city and are available throughout the year.
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The computer-delivered IELTS exam dates India are 7 days a week and up to 3 times a day. In contrast, the paper-based IELTS test is available 4 times a month or 48 times a year for candidates. Also, the IELTS exam slots fill up quickly; it is always advised that candidates book their IELTS test dates 2026 well in advance. We have mentioned complete details on the IELTS 2026 monthly calendar, as well as city-wise dates for test centres pan-India in this article. Read further to check the relevant IDP IELTS test dates in India, then select a nearby IELTS test centre with available dates.
The IDP, the official IELTS exam-conducting body, has released dates for paper-delivered tests in 2026. Applicants have multiple opportunities to take the IELTS 2026 exam throughout the year. Here is a detailed month-by-month breakdown of the IELTS exam dates 2026.
IELTS Exam Dates | IELTS Exam Fees (INR) |
February 28, 2026 | 18,000 |
March 7, 2026 | 18,000 |
March 14, 2026 | 18,000 |
March 21, 2026 | 18,000 |
| April 4, 2026 | 18,000 |
| April 11, 2026 | 18,000 |
IELTS Exam Dates | IELTS Fees (INR) |
March 7, 2026 | 18,000 |
March 21, 2026 | 18,000 |
April 11, 2026 | 18,000 |
Check out the IELTS exam dates in India for computer-delivered tests. Also, most of the IELTS exam centres have available time slots, which include:
Months | IELTS Test Dates 2026 |
|---|---|
| IELTS Exam Dates February 2026 | All days (Except government holidays) |
Note: Students must note that computer based IELTS is conducted all 7 days a week throughout the year except on public holidays and with few exceptions. So, students must check the relevant exam dates as per the IELTS test centre selected by them.
The IELTS exam fee in India 2026 is Rs. 18,000 for both computer-based and paper-based formats. The fee must be paid at the time of IELTS test registration to complete the registration process. However, there are additional IELTS fee charges applied in conditional cases. These cases include rescheduling the IELTS exam, rechecking the test, and cancellation refunds. In addition, IDP offers various payment methods to complete the test fee payment process.
| IELTS Test Type | IELTS Test Fee in Rs. |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic Test | 18,000 |
| IELTS General Training Test | 18,000 |
| Computer-delivered IELTS | 18,000 |
| Computer-delivered IELTS for UKVI | 18,250 |
| Pen and paper-based IELTS | 18,000 |
| IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1) | 17,000 |
| IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration | 18,250 |
| One Skill Retake | 12,000 |
Steps to complete your IELTS test booking.
Step 1: Visit the IDP IELTS official website.
Step 2: Select "Register for IELTS" from the header.
Step 3: Select "Book Now from the drop-down box in the section.
Step 4: Select the test mode: Computer-Delivered IELTS, Computer-Delivered IELTS for UKVI, Paper-Based IELTS, Paper-Based IELTS for UKVI.
Step 5: Choose an IELTS test centre near your location.
Step 6: Select one IELTS exam date and time from the list.
Step 7: Fill out the required details to complete the IELTS application form and upload valid passport details like ID number, validity, and DOB.
Step 8: Upload scanned copies of your passport.
Step 9: Select the list of colleges to send the IELTS score report.
Step 10: Review all the details carefully and pay the IELTS exam fees.
Also Read: How Long is the Validity of IELTS Score
Students seeking to appear for the IELTS exam in 2026 must note that IELTS is conducted and administered by IDP IELTS India, as it has acquired 100% of the stakes from the British Council. Hence, the British Council has no right to conduct the IELTS for Indian applicants. Students can only check the IELTS dates in India as mentioned on the official IDP website.
There are two types of IELTS - Academic and General Training. Usually, students choose IELTS Academic when applying to universities abroad to prove their English language proficiency. The Listening and Speaking sections are the same for both types of tests; the subject matter of the Reading and Writing sections differs in the tests. For IELTS Speaking test, you need to book an online slot at your convenience. In case you do not choose a slot, a time slot is automatically allocated to you.
Section | Format |
IELTS Reading Test (60 minutes) | IELTS Reading Test includes 40 questions and is designed to test an array of reading skills. The test taker would have to read it to get the main ideas, details, gist, logical arguments from the text, and figure out the writer's intentions, opinions and attitudes. |
IELTS Writing test (60 minutes) | The IELTS Writing test requires the test taker to complete two tasks and covers topics of general interest based on the type of test you are giving. |
IELTS Listening test (30 minutes) | The IELTS Listening test lasts 30 minutes, and the test taker has to listen to four recordings and then answer the questions based on the recordings. The recordings are of native English speakers to get the real-world feel. |
IELTS Speaking Test (11-14 minutes) | The IELTS Speaking Test analyses the spoken English of the test takers. The Listening test is recorded and conducted in three parts. |
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There are many things to consider before booking the IELTS exam date in India for candidates. It includes everything from considering the university application deadlines and test choices and preferences to financial budgeting and exam requirements. Let us discuss some of the major considerations while booking an IELTS date for Indian students through the information mentioned below:
Now that we know the IELTS exam dates India, candidates need to prepare in advance to reach their targeted score. Using official preparation materials and practice tests, including thorough and consistent practice, is a key to IELTS prep. Let us now check some of the tips to prepare for IELTS in 2026:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The IELTS exam dates in 2026 for computer-based tests are available for all days of the month except on major holidays. Whereas, IELTS test dates for paper-based exams are available for 48 days a year. Interested applicants can apply for the IELTS exam 2026 anytime at their own convenience.
The best time to write IELTS for fall 2026 is before the end of June. Applicants will get enough time to prepare for the test. Also, it will offer enough time for aspiring students to send their IELTS scores to study abroad colleges after the test results are announced.
Yes, you can complete IELTS preparation in 3 months. Although it is challenging for students with a non-English-speaking background to prepare for all the sections in 3 months. However, with proper preparation tips and study materials, it is possible to complete IELTS in 3 months.
There are no easy months for IELTS. The difficulty of the IELTS exam is based on the level of preparation of the candidate. It is advised that the applicants plan the IELTS test keeping in mind the deadline of the study abroad universities. However, the IELTS computer-based test is conducted every day of the week, and the paper-based IELST is conducted 48 times in a year. Hence, students can plan for the desired IELTS date based on the time it will take for them to prepare for the test.
No, applicants cannot take the IELTS test for free. All candidates need to complete the IELTS exam fee as a crucial part of the test registration process. However, students can take various IELTS mock tests on the official IDP website free of charge to practice for the actual test. The IELTS exam fee in 2026 is INR 18,000 for both paper-based and computer-delivered tests.
According to the previous IELTS test takers, the IELTS exam is considered to be moderately difficult. However, it is subjective to each individual. If the applicant is dedicated, focused and prepared for the IELTS, then the exam might go smoothly. In addition, the applicant must prepare for the IELTS by practicing mock exam papers, preparation material and solving sample test papers while tracking time.
There are no restrictions on the number of attempts one gives for the IELTS. However, if a candidate feels the need to reappear for the IELTS exam, then they must pay the additional exam fee. Hence, applicants are advised to strategically plan their IELTS preparation.
On Question asked by student community
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The national test dates are September 6, 13, 18, and 27 for ielts academic exam.
Test centers and their addresses are decided by IDP Education and are available in major cities across the country.
You can get address here IELTS TEST CENTRES
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