IELTS tests run almost every week of the year. The problem is not finding a test date. The problem is finding one that gives you enough preparation time, at a test centre close enough to be practical, with seats still available. Book too late and your preferred date is full. Book too early without enough preparation and you waste the test fee.
This page covers everything you need to know before you book: which organisation to book through, what documents you need, how far in advance to register, and the key differences between Academic, General Training and UKVI IELTS.
There are two official organisations that run IELTS. Both deliver exactly the same test, marked to exactly the same standards. The results are accepted identically by universities, governments and employers worldwide. The only differences are practical - which centres are available near you, and sometimes small differences in test dates and fees.
IDP IELTS
idp.com/ielts
Available in 50+ countries
Large network of test centres globally
Online booking with centre and date selection
Computer-delivered IELTS widely available
Results typically 3-5 days for computer test
British Council
britishcouncil.org/exam/ielts
Available in 140+ countries
Extensive network particularly in Asia and Middle East
Online booking with centre and date selection
Computer-delivered, with dates almost daily
Results typically 3-5 days for computer test
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Which organisation should you choose?
Choose based on which has a more convenient test centre near you, or which has your preferred date available. Both deliver identical tests. Your band score is the same regardless of which organisation you booked through.
Which IELTS test type do you need?
This is the most important decision before you book. Getting it wrong means your results may not be accepted, and you will need to retake.
1
IELTS Academic
Required for undergraduate and postgraduate university admission in English-speaking countries, and for professional registration in healthcare and other regulated professions.
2
IELTS General Training
Required for immigration visas (UK skilled worker, Australia PR, Canada Express Entry), secondary education applications, and work experience programmes.
3
IELTS for UKVI
A specific version required for UK visa applications (except student visas). The test content is identical but must be taken at an approved UKVI test centre. See our UKVI IELTS guide.
4
Not sure which one you need?
Check the exact requirements of your university, visa application or employer directly. The wrong test type means wasted time and money regardless of your band score.
Important 2026 update: IELTS is moving to computer-only
The biggest change to IELTS in years is now under way. From mid 2026 the IELTS partners (British Council, IDP and Cambridge) no longer offer IELTS on paper. All tests are moving to computer. The change is rolling out market by market over the coming months, so in a few places paper may still be available for a very short time. Here is what is changing and what stays the same.
What is changing
What stays the same
Paper tests are being withdrawn. Computer delivery only from mid 2026.
The test content, the question types and the timing.
Results come faster, in 1 to 5 days, not 13.
The 9 band scale and the way your test is marked.
More test dates, and you can often book up to a day before.
How universities and visa bodies accept your score.
A "Writing on Paper" option in some markets lets you handwrite the essay only, with Listening and Reading still on computer.
Speaking stays face to face with a real examiner.
IELTS for UKVI has been computer-only worldwide since 22 March 2026.
Paper results you already hold stay valid for 2 years.
How far in advance should you book?
1
Check your deadline first
Work backwards from when results are needed
2
Add time for results
Computer-delivered: 3 to 5 days
3
Add your preparation time
Typically 6-12 weeks for meaningful improvement
4
Book that date now
Popular dates fill 6-8 weeks ahead
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The booking deadline trap
University portals have a results submission deadline - not a test date. That is the date your institution needs to have received your results. Work backwards from that date. Computer results arrive in 3 to 5 days. Many candidates miss the window by booking too close to the submission deadline.
What you need to book
Valid photo ID. Passport for international students. The ID you use to book must match the ID you bring on test day exactly.
Test fee payment. Varies by country, typically USD 220-260 or equivalent. Non-refundable in most circumstances.
Decision on test type. Academic or General Training. You cannot change after payment.
Can you reschedule or cancel?
Yes, with restrictions. Most centres allow rescheduling up to 5 weeks before the test date for a fee (typically 25% of the test fee). Cancellations within 5 weeks usually forfeit the full fee.
Frequently asked questions
How often can I take IELTS?
As many times as you like. There is no limit on retakes and no mandatory waiting period. Most candidates who retake do so after 4-6 weeks of targeted preparation.
How long are IELTS results valid?
Two years from the test date. After two years the Test Report Form is no longer accepted by most institutions and visa bodies.
Can I take Academic and General Training on the same day?
No. You register for one test type per booking. If you need results for both purposes, you need two separate test bookings.
Is the IELTS Speaking test on the same day?
Usually yes. With computer-delivered IELTS, Speaking is typically on the same day as the other parts. In some centres it may be a day or two before or after. Your booking confirmation shows your exact Speaking time.
What happens if I miss my test date?
You forfeit the test fee in most cases. Only genuine medical emergencies with documented evidence are typically eligible for a partial refund or free rescheduling.
How much does IELTS cost?
The IELTS fee is set locally and varies by country, but within a country it is the same for Academic and General Training, and for both IDP and the British Council. There is no single global price. See the entries below for the current fee in your country, and always confirm it on the official site before booking, as fees change.
How much does IELTS cost in India?
As of mid 2026 the IELTS fee in India is ₹19,000, increased from ₹18,000 on 1 April 2026. It is the same for Academic and General Training, and identical across all cities. IELTS in India is run by IDP, and you can pay by card, net banking or UPI.
How much does IELTS cost in Pakistan?
As of 2026 the IELTS fee in Pakistan is about PKR 71,000 to 72,000 for IELTS on Computer (Academic or General Training), with IELTS for UKVI around PKR 72,000. Fees vary slightly by city and test partner. IELTS is offered by both the British Council and IDP; confirm the current fee when you book.
How much does IELTS cost in Bangladesh?
As of 2026 the IELTS fee in Bangladesh is around BDT 24,950 for IELTS on Computer (Academic or General Training). The Enquiry on Results, or remark, fee is about BDT 10,500. IELTS in Bangladesh is delivered by the British Council and IDP; always check the latest fee on the official site before booking.
How much does IELTS cost in Nepal?
As of 2026 the IELTS fee in Nepal is about NPR 19,500 for Academic or General Training, with IELTS for UKVI around NPR 29,800. Fees are set locally and can change, so confirm the current price with the British Council or IDP before you register.
How much does IELTS cost in the UAE?
As of 2026 the IELTS test fee in the UAE is roughly AED 1,300 to 1,475 per attempt for Academic or General Training, and is similar across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Note that this is the test fee only; coaching courses are charged separately.
How much does IELTS cost in Vietnam?
As of 2026 the IELTS fee in Vietnam is about VND 4,750,000 for Academic or General Training, with IELTS for UKVI around VND 6,600,000. Confirm the current price with the British Council or IDP in Vietnam before booking, as fees are reviewed periodically.
Why is IELTS so expensive?
IELTS is costly because every test includes a face to face Speaking exam with a certified examiner, secure delivery at an approved test centre, and double human marking of your Writing and Speaking against detailed criteria. The fee also covers identity checks, results verification and sending your scores to institutions. It is a one time cost per attempt, not a subscription.
Continue your IELTS preparation
Explore more free guides, practice tests and model answers across the four IELTS modules.
