Students and job applicants take the IELTS test conducted by IDP India for abroad university admissions and jobs. The test is conducted multiple times a month, and an applicant can choose from the IELTS Exam slots released on the official website of IDP. This helps students focus on their preparation and avoid the last-minute rush wherein the chances of getting desired test dates at a preferred test location are scarce. There are lakhs of applicants from India, and any delay in IELTS slot booking might affect your performance if you don't get your desired test date or location.

IELTS Exam Slot Booking

For IDP IELTS Slot Booking in 2026, candidates can choose the IELTS on Computer test, available across multiple slots throughout the month. The paper-based test is being phased out from mid-2026 globally.

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  Computer-based test: Test takers who opt for the computer-delivered test will complete the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections on a computer. The Speaking test will still be conducted face-to-face or through a video call with a trained IELTS examiner. For IELTS on Computer, the Speaking test is conducted on the same day as the LRW test, with the slot shared 2 days prior.

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  Paper-based test: IDP and the British Council have officially announced that the paper-based IELTS will be discontinued from mid-2026 globally, with all tests moving to computer-based delivery. Candidates who prefer handwriting should note that a "Writing on Paper" hybrid option may be introduced in selected markets. Existing paper-based IELTS scores remain valid for the standard two-year period.

When it comes to IELTS score delivery, results for the computer-based IELTS test are available within 1–5 days of the test date. Paper-based results, where still applicable, are available after 13 calendar days.

Candidates have the flexibility to schedule IELTS Computer-based tests throughout the month, with multiple slots available up to three times a day. To book a slot, candidates need to visit the official IELTS IDP India website and complete the registration process.

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How to Book an IELTS Slot?

Online IELTS Slot Booking for 2026:

Step 1: Visit the official IDP IELTS India website at ieltsidpindia.com.

Step 2: Create an account: Create your profile and log in to your account on the website.

Step 3: Register for the test: Choose the "Register for Test" option.

Step 4: Select test type: Pick your preferred test type — IELTS on Computer (recommended; paper-based being phased out from mid-2026).

Step 5: Choose test category: Specify whether you're taking IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training.

Step 6: Select test center and date: Choose your preferred IELTS test center, exam date, and specific slot for your exam.

Step 7: Provide passport copy: Upload a scanned color copy of your passport.

Step 8: Pay the IELTS Test Fee: Complete the payment of INR 19,000 for the IELTS test using a credit card, debit card, net banking, or e-wallet.

Step 9: Check confirmation: Confirm the IELTS test fee payment confirmation, which will be sent to your registered email address.

Once you have successfully booked your IDP IELTS test, you'll receive an acknowledgment on your registered email or phone number. You can also book your Speaking test slot online on your preferred date and time.

To book an IELTS slot offline, follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the Official IELTS IDP India Website: Begin by visiting ieltsidpindia.com to gather information about the test and locate your nearest IDP branch.

Step 2: Visit the Nearest IELTS Test Center: Locate and visit the nearest IELTS test center or IDP branch in your area.

Step 3: Registration and Payment:

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  At the test center, you can register on the IELTS website and make the online registration fee payment of INR 19,000.
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  Alternatively, you can download the registration form and submit it along with the IELTS exam fee of INR 19,000 at the nearest IELTS test center via Demand Draft or bank deposit.

Step 4: Confirmation: Once you've completed the registration and payment, the IELTS test center will send you confirmation regarding the date and time of your test.

Step 5: Speaking Test: Keep in mind that for IELTS on Computer, the Speaking test is conducted on the same day as the LRW test. The slot will be shared with you 2 days prior to the test.

Key Points to remember when booking an IELTS slot offline:

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  The candidate must be at least 16 years of age to take the IELTS exam.
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  It is crucial to have a valid passport when entering the test center, as it serves as the primary identification document.
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  Ensure that the information provided during registration matches the details in your passport to avoid any discrepancies.

IELTS Exam Registration

When deciding when to start preparing for the IELTS exam in 2026, it's advisable to choose a date that is at least three to four months ahead of your college application deadline. This time frame allows for ample preparation and the possibility of retaking the exam if your initial attempt doesn't meet your expectations. To register for the IELTS exam, aspiring candidates should be aware that IDP operates computer-delivered IELTS test centers across India, offering a high number of slots each month. This provides candidates with flexibility in selecting a convenient time slot for their exam through IDP.

IELTS Home Testing

IELTS Academic Online is the platform that enables students to take the exam from the comfort of their homes. However, candidates must comply with the technical and environmental requirements specified by IDP. Please note that not all universities and countries accept online IELTS scores, always verify with your target institution before booking the online test. The IELTS online slot booking process is the same as the standard process, except that you do not need to select a physical test center.

IELTS Exam Dates

In 2026, the IELTS Computer-based test is available seven days a week and can be taken up to three times a day, offering candidates maximum flexibility in choosing a slot that suits their schedule. The paper-based IELTS, which was previously available on approximately 48 fixed dates per year (Thursdays and Saturdays), is being phased out globally from mid-2026. To find specific available IELTS exam dates, candidates should refer to the official IDP IELTS India website, as dates are updated regularly.

IELTS Centers in India

IDP offers multiple IELTS test centers across India, ensuring a smooth testing experience for candidates planning to take the IELTS exam in 2026. The IELTS exam can be scheduled throughout the year at various test centers, including locations such as Patiala, Pune, Raipur, Rajkot, Coimbatore, Delhi, Hyderabad, Ludhiana, Madurai, Mumbai, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, Trichy, Vijayawada, Kottayam, Lucknow, Kochi, Kolkata, Navi Mumbai, Surat, Chandigarh, Chennai, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Bhatinda, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Calicut, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, and Bengaluru.

Frequently Asked Questions