IELTS Exam Fees in India 2025: Complete Cost Breakdown & Registration Guide

Planning to take the IELTS exam but confused about the costs involved? You're not alone. Understanding IELTS exam fees is crucial for budgeting your study abroad journey. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about IELTS fees, registration costs, refund policies, and how to save money while preparing for this important English proficiency test.

What are the Fees for the IELTS Exam in India?

The IELTS exam fee in India varies depending on the test type and the organisation conducting it. As of 2025, here's what you need to know:

Current IELTS Exam Fees

Important Note: Fees are subject to change. Always verify current pricing on the official IDP or British Council websites before registering.

Understanding Different IELTS Test Types

IELTS Academic: Required for undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at universities worldwide. This version tests academic English proficiency.

IELTS General Training: Needed for immigration purposes (Canada, Australia, UK), work experience programs, and secondary education. Focuses on everyday English skills.

IELTS UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration): Specifically designed for UK visa applications, including student visas, work visas, and settlement purposes. Accepted by UK Visas and Immigration.

IELTS Life Skills: Required only for specific UK visa categories (family, spouse visas). Tests only speaking and listening skills.

How Much Are the Fees for the IELTS Exam: Additional Costs to Consider

While the base exam fee is ₹18,000, your total investment in IELTS preparation involves several other expenses:

1. Registration Fee: ₹87,000 - ₹18,250 (base cost)

2. Preparation Materials:

• Official IELTS practice books: ₹1,500 - ₹3,000
• Online practice tests: ₹2,000 - ₹5,000
• Mobile apps (premium): ₹500 - ₹2,000

3. Coaching Classes (Optional but Recommended):

• Online courses: ₹5,000 - ₹15,000
• Classroom coaching: ₹15,000 - ₹40,000
• One-on-one tutoring: ₹20,000 - ₹60,000

4. Additional Test Attempts:

• Rescheduling fee: ₹4,500 (if needed)
• Additional test if retaking: ₹18,000

5. Score Reporting:

• Additional Test Report Forms (TRF): ₹1,250 per copy
• Express delivery of results: ₹1,000 - ₹2,000

Total Estimated Cost: ₹25,000 - ₹90,000 (depending on preparation approach)

When the IELTS Exam is Conducted: Test Dates and Availability

IELTS Test Frequency

Unlike exams like CAT that occur once a year, IELTS offers exceptional flexibility:

Computer-Delivered IELTS:

• Available up to 7 days a week (varies by test centre)
• Results in 3-5 days
• More slots available throughout the month
• Same fee as paper-based test

Paper-Based IELTS:

• Available up to 4 times a month
• Typically held on Thursdays and Saturdays
• Results in 13 days
• Traditional format preferred by some test-takers

How to Register for IELTS Exam: Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Choose Your Test Type. Determine whether you need Academic, General Training, or UKVI based on your purpose (university admission, immigration, or work permit).

Step 2: Select Test Format. Decide between computer-delivered or paper-based IELTS. Computer-delivered offers faster results and more flexible scheduling.

Step 3: Create an Account

• Go to the IDP or British Council website
• Click "Register for IELTS"
• Create an account with a valid email ID
• Complete personal information accurately

Step 4: Choose Test Date and Location

• Select your city and preferred test centre
• View available dates
• Choose a convenient date (consider preparation time and application deadlines)

Step 5: Complete Registration Form

• Fill in personal details (must match passport)
• Provide valid identification (passport recommended)
• Upload a recent passport-sized photograph
• Enter contact information

Step 6: Make Payment

• Total fee: ₹18,000 or ₹18,250 (depending on test type)
• Payment methods accepted:
• Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express)
• Debit card
• Net banking
• UPI payments
• Demand draft (for offline registration)

Step 7: Receive Confirmation

• Confirmation email sent immediately
• Registration number provided
• Test date, time, and venue details included
• Keep this email safe for future reference

Step 8: Receive Admit Card

• Downloadable 7-10 days before test date
• Contains important instructions
• Venue address and reporting time
• ID requirements and allowed items

Documents Required for IELTS Registration

Mandatory Documents:

1. Valid passport (recommended and accepted globally)
2. National ID card (accepted in some countries)
3. Recent passport-sized photograph (white background)
4. Payment method

Important: Your ID document must be valid on the test date. The name on your ID must exactly match the name on your registration.

How to Cancel an IELTS Exam and Get a Refund

Life happens, and sometimes you need to cancel or reschedule your IELTS test. Here's what you need to know about the refund and cancellation policy.

IELTS Cancellation Policy

More than 5 Weeks Before Test Date:

• Full refund minus administrative fee (₹4,500)
• Refund amount: ₹14,500 (if fee was ₹18,000)
• Processing time: 4-6 weeks

Between 5 Weeks and 2 Weeks Before Test Date:

• 50% refund of exam fee
• Refund amount: ₹4,500 (approximately)
• Processing time: 4-6 weeks

Less than 2 Weeks Before Test Date:

• No refund available
• Full exam fee forfeited
• Cannot transfer to another person

Medical Emergency or Serious Circumstances:

• May be eligible for a refund with supporting documents
• Must provide a medical certificate or official documentation
• Decision at the discretion of IDP/British Council
• Apply within 5 days of the test date with proof

How to Cancel an IELTS Exam: Process

Online Cancellation (Recommended):

1. Log in to your IELTS account (IDP or British Council)
2. Go to "My Applications" or "My Tests"
3. Select the test you want to cancel
4. Click "Cancel Test" or "Withdraw"
5. Confirm cancellation
6. Receive confirmation email
7. Refund processed automatically (if eligible)

Offline Cancellation:

1. Visit the test centre where you registered
2. Bring registration confirmation and ID
3. Fill out the cancellation form
4. Submit a written cancellation request
5. Receive an acknowledgement receipt
6. Refund processed within 4-6 weeks

Via Email/Phone:

1. Contact IDP/British Council customer support
2. Provide registration number and personal details
3. Request cancellation in writing
4. Receive confirmation email
5. Track refund status

Important Deadline: Calculate 5 weeks from your test date carefully. If your test is on March 15, you must cancel by February 8 to receive the maximum refund.

Is the IELTS Exam Fee Refundable?

Yes, but with conditions. The IELTS exam fee is partially refundable if you cancel more than 5 weeks before your test date. The refund structure is designed to compensate test centres for administrative costs while providing some flexibility to candidates.

Key Points About Refunds:

• Refunds are processed to the original payment method
• Takes 4-6 weeks from the cancellation date
• Administrative fee is non-refundable
• No refund for no-shows (absent on test day)
• Transfer to another test date is considered rescheduling, not cancellation

How to Reschedule an IELTS Exam

If you need to change your test date rather than cancel completely, rescheduling is a better option.

IELTS Rescheduling Policy

More than 5 Weeks Before Test Date:

• Rescheduling fee: ₹4,500
• Can choose any available future date
• One-time rescheduling per registration

Between 5 Weeks and 2 Weeks Before Test Date:

• Must cancel and re-register (loses 50% of fee)
• Not eligible for simple rescheduling
• Pay the new full exam fee

Less than 2 Weeks Before Test Date:

• Cannot reschedule
• Must take the test or forfeit the full fee

Reschedule Your IELTS Test Process

Online Rescheduling:

1. Log in to your IELTS account
2. Navigate to your booked test
3. Click "Reschedule"
4. View available alternative dates
5. Select a new preferred date
6. Pay the rescheduling fee
7. Receive updated confirmation

Offline Rescheduling:

• Visit the test centre with ID and registration confirmation
• Fill the rescheduling form
• Pay the ₹4,500 fee
• Receive new test date confirmation

Pro Tip: To avoid rescheduling fees, ensure you're fully prepared before booking your test date. Give yourself 2-3 months of preparation time before selecting a test date.

IELTS vs Other English Proficiency Tests: Fee Comparison

Understanding how IELTS fees compare to alternatives helps you make an informed decision.

Why Choose IELTS Despite?

• Most widely accepted test globally
• Required by all UK universities
• Preferred for Canadian immigration
• Accepted by Australian institutions
• Paper-based option available (some prefer traditional format)
• Speaking test with a human examiner (not AI)

Why Consider Alternatives?

• Duolingo: Much cheaper, faster results, take at home
• PTE: Faster results (2 days), fully computer-based
• TOEFL: Preferred by some US universities

Maximising Your IELTS Investment: Preparation Strategies

With ₹18,000 on the line, you want to succeed on your first attempt. Here's how to prepare effectively.

Common IELTS Mistakes That Cost You Money

Avoid these costly errors that lead to retaking the test:

1. Registering Without Adequate Preparation

2. Not understanding the Test Format Surprises on test day leads to poor performance.

3. Ignoring Time Management

4. Poor Writing Task Response

5. Speaking Too Fast or Too Slow.

6. Not Practising All Four Modules Equally.

7. Skipping Mock Tests

IELTS Payment & Financial Planning

1. Accepted Payment Methods

2. Financial Planning for IELTS

3. Money-Saving Strategies

Conclusion: Investing Wisely in Your Future

The IELTS exam fee of ₹18,000 is more than just a cost; it's an investment in your future. Whether you're pursuing higher education abroad, immigrating to an English-speaking country, or advancing your career, IELTS opens doors to countless opportunities.