IELTS exam dates in 2026 are available throughout the year with no fixed annual registration window. Paper-based IELTS tests are held 48 times annually, approximately 4 dates every month, typically on Thursdays and Saturdays. Computer-based IELTS tests run on far more dates, with up to 3 sessions per day, 7 days a week, at select test centres across India and globally.
Both IDP and the British Council conduct IELTS tests. The exam content, scoring, and global recognition are identical regardless of which provider you book through. There is no "better" provider to choose based on which offers the most convenient date and location for you.
IELTS exam dates in 2026 are available throughout the year with no fixed annual registration window. Paper-based IELTS tests are held 48 times annually, approximately 4 dates every month, typically on Thursdays and Saturdays. Computer-based IELTS tests run on far more dates, with up to 3 sessions per day, 7 days a week, at select test centres across India and globally.
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The table below lists the 2026 paper-based IELTS exam dates, including Academic and General Training availability, registration deadlines, and result release dates.
| Test Date | Test Type | Registration Deadline | Result Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 Feb 2026 | Academic + GT | 30 Jan 2026 | 5 Mar 2026 |
| 6 Mar 2026 | Academic + GT | 13 Feb 2026 | 19 Mar 2026 |
| 13 Mar 2026 | Academic | 20 Feb 2026 | 26 Mar 2026 |
| 20 Mar 2026 | Academic + GT | 27 Feb 2026 | 2 Apr 2026 |
| 27 Mar 2026 | Academic + GT | 6 Mar 2026 | 9 Apr 2026 |
| 10 Apr 2026 | Academic | 20 Mar 2026 | 23 Apr 2026 |
| 24 Apr 2026 | Academic + GT | 3 Apr 2026 | 7 May 2026 |
| 6 May 2026 | Academic + GT | 16 Apr 2026 | 19 May 2026 |
| 15 May 2026 | Academic | 24 Apr 2026 | 28 May 2026 |
| 22 May 2026 | Academic + GT | 1 May 2026 | 4 Jun 2026 |
| 5 Jun 2026 | Academic + GT | 15 May 2026 | 18 Jun 2026 |
| 19 Jun 2026 | Academic + GT | 29 May 2026 | 2 Jul 2026 |
| 9 Jul 2026 | Academic + GT | 18 Jun 2026 | 22 Jul 2026 |
| 23 Jul 2026 | Academic | 2 Jul 2026 | 5 Aug 2026 |
GT = General Training. Academic + GT = Both test types available on that date. Dates are globally standardised; local availability varies by city. Always verify on ieltsidpindia.com or the British Council site before booking.
Computer-Based IELTS Exam Dates 2026
Computer-based IELTS (CD-IELTS) operates on a near-daily schedule far more flexible than the paper-based format. If you need your IELTS results quickly or cannot find a suitable paper-based test slot, the IELTS paper-based vs computer comparison can help you decide whether the computer-based format is the better option.
| Feature | Paper-Based IELTS | Computer-Based IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| Number of test dates/year | 48 (fixed global schedule) | 350+ (varies by centre) |
| Frequency | 4 dates per month | Up to 3 sessions per day |
| Days available | Thursdays & Saturdays | 7 days a week |
| Result release time | 13 days | 3–5 days ✓ Faster |
| Academic test | ✓ Available | ✓ Available |
| General Training | ✓ Available | ✓ Available |
| IELTS for UKVI | ✓ Select centres | ✓ Select centres |
| Speaking test timing | Same day or ±7 days | Same day or ±7 days |
| Registration deadline | Minimum 3 weeks before | As late as 48 hours before |
| Best for | Candidates who prefer writing by hand | Candidates on tight deadlines |
Computer-based IELTS is available in most major Indian cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, and Kochi. In Tier 2 cities, availability is limited. Check your nearest IDP or British Council centre directly for local computer-based slots.
IELTS Exam Dates in India: City-Wise Schedule
IELTS Exam Dates in Hyderabad 2026
Hyderabad has multiple IDP and British Council IELTS test centres in Banjara Hills, Secunderabad, and Kukatpally. Both Academic and General Training formats are available in paper and computer formats. Computer-based IELTS in Hyderabad runs almost daily at major centres. It has a paper-based format.
| Test Date | Test Type | Centre Area |
|---|---|---|
| 6 Mar 2026 | Academic + GT | Banjara Hills |
| 20 Mar 2026 | Academic + GT | Kukatpally |
| 24 Apr 2026 | Academic + GT | Banjara Hills |
| 22 May 2026 | Academic + GT | Secunderabad |
| 5 Jun 2026 | Academic + GT | Banjara Hills |
| 9 Jul 2026 | Academic + GT | Kukatpally |
| 7 Aug 2026 | Academic + GT | Banjara Hills |
| 5 Sep 2026 | Academic + GT | Secunderabad |
| 1 Oct 2026 | Academic + GT | Banjara Hills |
| 7 Nov 2026 | Academic + GT | Secunderabad |
IELTS Exam Dates in Kerala 2026
Kerala is among the highest-volume IELTS states in India, driven by emigration to the Gulf countries and Europe. Test centres are active in Kochi (Ernakulam), Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode (Calicut), and Thrissur.
| Test Date | Test Type | Format | City |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 Jan 2026 | Academic + GT | Paper + CBT | Kochi |
| 6 Feb 2026 | Academic + GT | Paper + CBT | Thiruvananthapuram |
| 20 Feb 2026 | Academic | Paper + CBT | Kozhikode |
| 6 Mar 2026 | Academic + GT | Paper + CBT | Kochi |
| 27 Mar 2026 | Academic + GT | Paper + CBT | Thrissur |
| 6 May 2026 | Academic + GT | Paper + CBT | Kochi |
| 5 Jun 2026 | Academic + GT | Paper + CBT | Thiruvananthapuram |
| 7 Aug 2026 | Academic + GT | Paper + CBT | Kochi |
| 5 Sep 2026 | Academic + GT | Paper + CBT | Kozhikode |
| 1 Oct 2026 | Academic + GT | Paper + CBT | Kochi |
| 7 Nov 2026 | Academic + GT | Paper + CBT | Thiruvananthapuram |
| 5 Dec 2026 | Academic + GT | Paper + CBT | Kochi |
IELTS Exam Dates in Kolkata 2026
Kolkata has well-established IELTS test centres run by both IDP and British Council in Park Street, Salt Lake, and Jadavpur. Computer-based IELTS is available daily at major centres in Kolkata.
| Test Date | Test Type | Format | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 Jan 2026 | Academic + GT | Paper + CBT | Park Street |
| 20 Feb 2026 | Academic + GT | Paper + CBT | Salt Lake |
| 6 Mar 2026 | Academic + GT | Paper + CBT | Park Street |
| 24 Apr 2026 | Academic + GT | Paper + CBT | Salt Lake |
| 22 May 2026 | Academic + GT | Paper + CBT | Park Street |
| 19 Jun 2026 | Academic + GT | Paper + CBT | Jadavpur |
| 7 Aug 2026 | Academic + GT | Paper + CBT | Park Street |
| 1 Oct 2026 | Academic + GT | Paper + CBT | Salt Lake |
| 7 Nov 2026 | Academic + GT | Paper + CBT | Park Street |
| 5 Dec 2026 | Academic + GT | Paper + CBT | Park Street |
Note: City-wise dates are based on IDP and British Council historical scheduling patterns. Always confirm the exact IELTS exam date in your city at ieltsidpindia.com or the British Council. in before completing your IELTS exam date booking.
IELTS Exam Fees 2026
IELTS exam fees in India are consistent across IDP and the British Council for standard tests. The table below covers all test types, including IELTS for UKVI and One Skill Retake.
| Test Type | IDP Fee (India) | Format |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic — Paper | ₹19,000 | Paper-based |
| IELTS Academic — Computer | ₹19,000 | Computer-based |
| IELTS General Training — Paper | ₹19,000 | Paper-based |
| IELTS General Training — Computer | ₹19,000 | Computer-based |
| IELTS for UKVI — Academic | ₹19,250 | Paper + Computer |
| IELTS for UKVI — GT / Life Skills | ₹18,000 | Computer-based |
| IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) | ₹12,650 | Computer-based only |
Fees are revised periodically. Confirm the exact fee at the time of booking the IELTS exam date on the official IDP or British Council website.
At the official IELTS fee of ₹19,000 per attempt in India, an unnecessary retake can be expensive. Before booking, read our IELTS exam guide to understand the fee, test format, dates and other details that can help you prepare the first time properly.
How to Book an IELTS Exam: Step-by-Step
Booking your IELTS exam date takes approximately 15–20 minutes online. Here is the complete process for both providers.
The IELTS exam booking takes about 15–20 minutes online through IDP or British Council.
Steps:
- Visit the official website and click Book a Test.
- Choose test type (Academic or General Training) and format (Paper or Computer-based).
- Select your city and available test date.
- Register with passport details and upload a valid passport copy.
- Pay online via card, net banking, or UPI.
- Receive confirmation via email and SMS.
Documents Required:
• Valid passport (mandatory)
• Passport-size photo (if required)
• Payment receipt
• Special accommodation letter (apply 6 weeks in advance if needed)
Can You Reschedule or Change Your IELTS Exam Date?
Yes, you can reschedule your IELTS exam date, but the fee depends entirely on how far in advance you make the request. Here is the complete rescheduling and cancellation policy for India:
| Time Before Test Date | Action | Fee / Refund Policy (India) |
|---|---|---|
| More than 5 weeks (35+ days) before | Reschedule | ₹3,000 rescheduling fee |
| More than 5 weeks before | Cancellation | 75% refund of exam fee |
| Between 5 weeks and 2 weeks before | Reschedule | ₹5,000 – ₹7,000 rescheduling fee |
| Between 5 weeks and 2 weeks before | Cancellation | 25% refund of exam fee |
| Less than 2 weeks before | Reschedule | Not permitted |
| Less than 2 weeks before | Cancellation | No refund |
| Medical/compassionate grounds | Reschedule or Cancel | Full refund with documentation |
To change your IELTS exam date, log in to your IDP or British Council account online and select 'Reschedule Test.' For medical emergencies, submit a doctor's certificate within 5 days of your missed test to apply for a full refund or free rescheduling.
Can I change my IELTS exam date more than once? Yes, but each change incurs a fresh fee. It is far more cost-effective to plan your date correctly from the start. Use the backward planning guide below before confirming your IELTS exam registration date.
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Get IELTS Coupon Code →When Should You Book Your IELTS Exam? Intake-Based Backwards Planning
Choosing the right IELTS exam date is not just about availability; it is about aligning your score delivery with university admission deadlines, visa windows, and retake buffers. Here is a ready-to-use planning calendar:
| Target Intake / Goal | Score Needed By | Latest IELTS Date to Book | Allow Retake Buffer? |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 2026 Intake (Most Countries) | June – July 2026 | April – May 2026 | Yes, book March |
| January [next_year] Intake | November 2026 | September – October 2026 | Yes, book August |
| Canada PR / Work Permit 2026 | As per the NOI / IRCC deadline | 4–6 months before the deadline | Yes, book early |
| UK Visa (IELTS for UKVI) | Before the visa application | 3–4 months before visa filing | Yes |
| Australia Student Visa (COE) | Before the offer letter deadline | 4–5 months before intake | Yes, book early |
Rule of thumb: Book your IELTS exam date at least 3 months before your university's application deadline. This gives you results time (3–13 days, depending on format), a retake window if needed (minimum 2 weeks between attempts), and a buffer for score reporting to institutions.
IELTS Exam Registration Date — Key Deadlines
The IELTS exam registration date is the last day you must complete your booking and payment for a specific test date. Missing it means losing your slot to the next candidate in the queue.
| Registration Window | Paper-Based IELTS | Computer-Based IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| Recommended booking window | 4–6 weeks before test date | 1–2 weeks before test date |
| Minimum/last date to register | 3 weeks (21 days) before | 48 hours before |
| When do seats fill up? (peak season) | 6–8 weeks before (Mar–May, Aug–Oct) | 2–3 weeks before (same peak seasons) |
| Off-peak flexibility | 3–4 weeks before is usually fine | 3–5 days before is usually fine |
| Registration method | Online (IDP/BC) or in-person | Online only |
Peak Season Warning: March–May and August–October are the busiest IELTS booking periods globally. Slots in metro cities fill 6–8 weeks in advance. In Tier 2 cities, Nagpur, Coimbatore, Mysore, and Amritsar, book at least 6 weeks ahead, regardless of the season.
Conclusion: Planning the Right IELTS Exam Date Makes All the Difference
Choosing the right IELTS exam date is not just about availability; it is about strategy. With 48 paper-based test dates per year and 350+ computer-based slots, IELTS offers unmatched flexibility, but smart candidates book based on university deadlines, visa timelines, and retake buffers, not convenience alone.
If you are applying for a September 2026 intake, aim to book your IELTS exam by April or May 2026. If you are on a tight deadline, computer-based IELTS is the faster option, with results in 3–5 days. General Training and UKVI candidates should book even earlier, as seats fill quickly during peak seasons.
