If you are a study abroad aspirant, you need to apply for the IELTS exam through the official IDP website. IELTS is the English-language test that enables students to gain admission to universities abroad, and it is taken by students and job seekers alike. To sit the test, you complete the IDP IELTS online registration, or opt for offline registration. Let us first understand how to apply for IELTS.

How to Register for the IELTS Exam?

IELTS registration is a simple process and can be completed on the official IDP IELTS India website. A few things to keep in mind before you apply for the IELTS exam:

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  Choose a test centre that is convenient from your residence, and check the available dates before booking.
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  With computer-delivered IELTS, slots are available almost daily at major centres, so you have plenty of flexibility in how to book your IELTS exam date.
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  Register early, especially during peak months like July and August when demand is highest, to secure your preferred slot.
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  Both online and offline registration methods are available, so you can choose whichever suits you.

Note on test format: IDP currently offers IELTS on Computer, IELTS on Paper, IELTS for UKVI, and IELTS Life Skills. However, following the IELTS Partners' official announcement, IELTS on Paper is being withdrawn from mid-2026 as the test moves to computer-delivered only, so computer-delivered IELTS is the recommended choice when you register.

Documents Required for IELTS Exam Registration

The IELTS documents required for registration are minimal. The following are the documents required for IELTS exam registration:

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  Valid Passport (mandatory): A clear, scanned colour copy of your passport's first and last pages (plus any observation pages) is the ID required at registration. Upload it as a JPG, JPEG, PNG, or PDF file under 1 MB. You must carry the same original passport on test day.
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  Signed Declaration / Terms & Conditions document: A signed and dated declaration is required to complete registration.
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  Minor Consent Form: Candidates under 18 must submit a parental/guardian consent form.
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  Payment Proof: A demand draft or ICICI/HDFC deposit slip, if you are paying through an offline method.

Now let us look at the online and offline modes of IELTS registration.

IELTS Exam Online Registration: Step-by-Step

Here are the step-by-step instructions for IELTS exam registration India through the online mode:

Step 1: Log on to the official IDP IELTS India website and click on "Register for IELTS" / "Book Now."

Step 2: Select your test format — IELTS on Computer (recommended), or Computer-delivered IELTS for UKVI.

Step 3: Select your test module: Academic or General Training.

Step 4: Select your test city, then choose your nearest available test centre (you will see seat availability status).

Step 5: Pick your preferred test date and time slot.

Step 6: Complete the online application form, filling in your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport such as name, date of birth, gender, nationality, passport number, and validity.

Step 7: Add your contact and address details, first language, level of education, reason for taking the test, and the organisations you want your results sent to.

Step 8: Upload a clear, scanned colour copy of your passport (first and last pages), under 1 MB.

Step 9: Read and accept the declaration / Terms & Conditions.

Step 10: Pay the IELTS exam fee online using a credit card, debit card (Mastercard, Visa, Visa Electron), net banking, or payment wallet.

Step 11: Once payment is complete, you will receive an acknowledgement on your registered email and phone. For IELTS on Computer, your Speaking slot is shared 2 days before the test; if no slot is selected for a paper-based test, one is allocated automatically.

IELTS Registration: Offline Mode

If you prefer not to register online, IDP offers two offline routes in person or by courier.

Option 1: Register in person at any IDP branch or Authorised Registration Partner

Walk into any IDP branch/head office or your nearest Authorised Registration Partner and register using either method:

Method 1: Using the office computer: Register online using the computer at the office and pay the test fee by valid credit card. You get an immediate confirmation of your seat (identical to online registration).

Method 2: Using a paper application form:

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  Fill out the application form available at the IDP office/Authorised Registration Partner.
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  Sign the Terms & Conditions document (read it carefully before signing).
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  Attach a photocopy of your passport (first and last pages), plus observation pages, if any.
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  Pay the test fee.

Option 2: Register by courier (pay by Demand Draft or ICICI/HDFC deposit slip)

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  Download the application form from the IDP IELTS India website, or collect it from your nearest IDP branch office or Authorised Registration Partner.
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  Fill out the form and sign the Terms & Conditions document.
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  Attach a photocopy of your passport's first and last pages.
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  Attach a Demand Draft for the test fee, drawn in favour of "IDP Education India Private Limited, payable at New Delhi," or the original ICICI/HDFC cash deposit slip.
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  Courier the completed form and documents to: IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd., Global Gateway Towers, Tower-B, 5th Floor, Sikanderpur Ghosi, Sector-26, M.G. Road, Gurugram – 122002, Haryana, India.
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  Your application is processed once your documents are received and the test fee is paid. (Note: if you pay by ICICI/HDFC deposit slip, you must courier the documents.)

For any help, IDP's IELTS support is available at 922-8053-999 or ielts.india@idp.com.

Cancellation or Rescheduling of the IELTS Exam

Due to various reasons, you may need to cancel or reschedule your IELTS exam. IDP applies different rules depending on which test you booked, standard IELTS, IELTS for UKVI / Life Skills, or One Skill Retake. You can manage transfers and cancellations online through your IDP Candidate Login. The terms below are based on IDP's official policy.

Standard IELTS (IELTS on Paper / IELTS on Computer)

Rescheduling (Transfer):

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  You can reschedule your IELTS test only if the test date is at least 9 days away from the date you apply for the transfer.
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  You must provide supporting documents, and the transfer is confirmed only once your request is approved.

Cancellation:

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  You can apply for cancellation only if the test date is at least 9 days away from the date you apply.
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  Cancellation requires supporting documents and is subject to approval.
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  Once approved, your refund is processed within 7–10 business days, after deducting administrative charges.

IELTS for UKVI / IELTS for Life Skills

Rescheduling (Transfer):

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  Transfer requests (to postpone or prepone) must be submitted at least 14 days before the original test date.
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  A new date is subject to availability and at the centre's discretion.

Cancellation & Refund:

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  More than 14 days before the test: 75% refund of the total test fee.
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  Within 14 days but more than 2 days before the test: 50% refund.
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  Within 2 days of the test date: 25% refund.
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  On the test day or after: No refund.
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  Approved refunds are processed within 7–10 working days.

One Skill Retake (OSR / OSR-UKVI)

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  Each OSR booking is eligible for only one transfer request.
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  To postpone or prepone, submit your request at least 4 days before the test date; 25% of the test fee is charged as a transfer fee.
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  Requests made less than 4 days before the test date result in cancellation with no refund.
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  For cancellation, if requested at least 4 days before the test, 25% of the test fee is deducted and the balance is refunded within 7–10 working days; less than 4 days before, no refund is issued.

Payment Methods for Transfer or Cancellation

You can download the official Transfer/Cancellation/Refund Application Form from the IDP IELTS India website. For any help, contact IDP at 922-8053-999 or ielts.india@idp.com.

Frequently Asked Questions