Planning to book IELTS in India? The exam fee is ₹19,000 for both Academic and General Training, updated on 1 April 2026. This guide breaks down every cost, from UKVI and Life Skills to rescheduling, cancellation and rechecking charges, and shows how to save up to ₹500 on your booking.
Pay ₹11, Save upto ₹500
About to book your IELTS exam?
Unlock a verified IELTS discount code for just ₹11 and get upto ₹500 off. This works on every IELTS type, including UKVI.
Get Your IELTS Discount Code →Instant delivery · Valid for online booking · Trusted by 13.5K+ Students
What is the IELTS Exam Fee in India?
The IELTS exam fee in India is ₹19,000 for both Academic and General Training, as of 1 April 2026. It is the same for computer-delivered and (until 22 August 2026) paper-based tests, and identical across every city and test centre. IELTS for UKVI is ₹19,250, Life Skills is ₹18,000, and the One Skill Retake is ₹12,650.
Here’s a complete breakdown:
| Exam Variant | Updated Fee (From 1st April 2026) | Old Fee |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | ₹19,000 | ₹18,000 |
| IELTS General | ₹19,000 | ₹18,000 |
| IELTS UKVI | ₹19,250 | ₹18,250 |
| IELTS Life Skills | ₹18,000 | ₹17,000 |
| IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) | ₹12,650 | ₹12,000 |
Understanding Different Types of IELTS Exams
IELTS comes in a few versions, and the one you need depends on whether you're studying, working, or applying for a UK visa. Here's how they compare, with the current India fee for each:
1. IELTS Academic (Computer or Paper):
IELTS Academic is mainly for students applying for undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral courses abroad. It is also used by professional bodies for registration in fields such as medicine, nursing, and healthcare. The Listening and Speaking sections are the same as IELTS General Training, but the Reading and Writing sections are based on academic-style content.
2. IELTS General Training (Computer or Paper):
IELTS General Training is mainly for migration, work visas, and below-degree-level study or training in countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK. Its Reading and Writing sections focus on practical English used in daily life and workplace situations, while Listening and Speaking are the same as IELTS Academic.
3. IELTS for UKVI (Academic or General):
IELTS for UKVI is the UK Visas and Immigration approved version of IELTS for people who need English proof for UK visa purposes. The test content is similar to standard IELTS, but it must be taken under UKVI-approved security conditions at an authorised test centre.
4. IELTS Life Skills:
IELTS Life Skills is a shorter UKVI test that assesses only Speaking and Listening. It is available at A1 and B1 levels and is commonly used for specific UK visa routes such as family, spouse, settlement, or citizenship-related applications. If you pass IELTS Life Skills at a certain level, you cannot retake the same level for two years.
5. One Skill Retake (OSR):
IELTS One Skill Retake lets you retake only one section, Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking, instead of repeating the full IELTS test. It is available for IELTS on a computer and must be booked within 60 days of your original test date. Only one skill retake is allowed per full IELTS test, and you receive a new Test Report Form with the updated skill score.
From 22nd August 2026, IELTS in India is fully computer-delivered as IDP phases out paper-based testing. Academic and General were previously available in both computer and paper formats.
When the IELTS Exam is Conducted: Test Dates and Availability
Unlike exams like CAT that run once a year, IELTS offers exceptional flexibility, and from September 2026 it is fully computer-delivered in India as IDP phases out paper-based testing.
Computer-Delivered IELTS:
- Available up to 7 days a week (varies by test centre)
- Results in 3-5 days
- Multiple slots throughout the month, including weekends
- The standard format for all IELTS bookings in India
Paper-Based IELTS:
- Held up to 4 times a month, usually on Thursdays and Saturdays
- Results in about 13 days
- Traditional format preferred by some test-takers
How to Register for the IELTS Exam?
-
Go to the official IDP IELTS India booking page
-
Choose your test type (Academic, General Training, UKVI, or Life Skills) and test module based on your study, work, or visa purpose.
- Pick your city, test centre, and date that fits your preparation timeline and application deadline.
- Fill in your details carefully so they match your passport or accepted ID exactly, and upload a recent photograph if required.
- Pay the exam fee (₹19,000 for Academic and General, ₹19,250 for UKVI). Using an EduVouchers IELTS coupon will let you save upto ₹500 on your exam fee.
- Check your confirmation email for your registration number, test date, time, and venue.
For a full walkthrough with screenshots of every screen, common mistakes to avoid, and the exact fields you will fill in, see our step-by-step IELTS exam booking guide.
Documents required: a valid, unexpired passport (Aadhaar and PAN are not accepted), a recent passport-sized photograph on a white background, and a payment method. Your ID must be valid on the test date, and the name on it must match your registration exactly.
IELTS Cancellation Policy by Test Type
1. IELTS Academic / General Training
For IELTS on Paper and IELTS on Computer, IDP allows cancellation only if the test date is at least 9 days or more from the date of your cancellation request. Please provide supporting documents, and we will process the cancellation only after IDP approves the request. Once approved, the refund is processed within 7 to 10 business days after deducting administrative charges.
| Cancellation Window | Refund Status | Important Point |
|---|---|---|
| At least 9 days before the test | Balance refunded after a 25% administrative charge | Supporting documents required; IDP approval is mandatory |
| Less than 9 days before the test | Generally not refundable under the standard policy (medical or exceptional cases only) | Contact IDP or the test centre only for a serious, documented case |
| Test day or no-show | No refund | The full test fee is lost |
2. IELTS for UKVI/IELTS Life Skills
IELTS for UKVI and IELTS Life Skills follow a percentage-based refund system. Candidates can apply for cancellation through the Candidate Login section or by submitting the Test Date Transfer & Cancellation/Refund Application Form to the test centre.
| Cancellation Window | Refund Amount | Deduction |
|---|---|---|
| More than 14 days before the test | 75% refund | 25% deducted |
| Within 14 days, but more than 2 days before the test | 50% refund | 50% deducted |
| Within 2 days of the test date | 25% refund | 75% deducted |
| On the test day or after the test | No refund | 100% loss |
IDP processes refunds within 7 to 10 working days from the date of the request or approval.
3. IELTS One Skill Retake: OSR/OSR UKVI
IELTS One Skill Retake has a shorter cancellation window. Candidates can apply for cancellation through the Candidate Login section. If the request is made at least 4 days before the OSR test date, IDP deducts 25% as a processing charge and refunds the remaining amount within 7 to 10 working days.
| Cancellation Window | Refund Status |
|---|---|
| At least 4 days before the OSR test | Balance refunded after a 25% processing charge |
| Less than 4 days before the OSR test | No refund |
Important Rule for Minor Test Takers: If a minor candidate does not submit a valid parent or guardian ID on or before the test day, IDP will not allow the candidate to take the test. In such cases, IDP refunds 75% of the test fee.
Medical Emergency or Serious Circumstances: If you cannot attend the test due to a genuine medical emergency or serious situation, IDP may consider your case only if you provide valid supporting documents. Approval is not automatic. The test centre or IDP reviews each case individually and decides whether to approve a refund or a test date transfer.
Key Points to Remember Before Cancelling IELTS
- Cancellation requests must be raised through the Candidate Login section or the official Test Date Transfer & Cancellation/Refund Application Form.
- Supporting documents are required for cancellation requests.
- Refunds are usually processed within 7 to 10 working days after approval.
- No refund is given for no-shows or cancellations made on or after the test day.
- Refunds are made after the applicable deduction and include applicable taxes, where mentioned by IDP.
- The final approval depends on the IDP or the test centre.
Book your IELTS exam at a discounted price and save on your test booking.
How to Cancel Your IELTS Exam
There are two options based on your preference. Select either of them and move forward.
Option 1: Online Through Candidate Login
- Log in to your IELTS Candidate Account on the IDP IELTS India website.
- Open your booked test details.
- Select the cancellation or withdrawal option.
- Upload the required supporting documents.
- Submit the cancellation request.
- Wait for IDP’s approval.
- Once approved, the refund is processed to the original payment method within 7 to 10 working days.
Option 2: Offline Through Test Centre
- Download the Test Date Transfer & Cancellation/Refund Application Form from the IDP IELTS India website.
- Fill in the form carefully.
- Submit it to the test centre where you registered.
- Attach your registration confirmation, ID, and supporting documents.
- The test centre forwards the request for approval.
- Once approved, the refund is processed within 7 to 10 working days.
IDP’s downloads page provides the official Transfer Cancellation Refund Application Forms for IELTS on Paper, IELTS on Computer, UKVI, and Life Skills.
IELTS Rescheduling Policy by Test Type
| Test Type | When to Request Rescheduling | If You Miss the Window |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic / General Training (Paper or Computer) | At least 9 days before the test date | Rescheduling is not allowed under the standard policy |
| IELTS for UKVI / IELTS Life Skills | At least 14 days before the test date | Rescheduling is not allowed |
| IELTS One Skill Retake / OSR UKVI | At least 4 days before the test date | Less than 4 days before: no transfer and no refund |
For OSR and OSR UKVI, only one transfer request is allowed, and IDP charges 25% of the test fee as the transfer fee.
IELTS Rescheduling Fees 2026
| IELTS Test Type | Rescheduling / Transfer Fee |
|---|---|
| IELTS on Computer for UKVI | ₹4,850 |
| IELTS on Paper for UKVI | ₹4,850 |
| IELTS on Computer | ₹4,750 |
| IELTS on Paper | ₹4,750 |
| IELTS Life Skills A1 and B1 | ₹4,500 |
| One Skill Retake | ₹3,200 |
How to Reschedule Your IELTS Exam
There are two options based on your preference. Select either of them and move forward.
Option 1: Online
- Log in to your IELTS Candidate Account on the IDP IELTS India website.
- Open your booked test details.
- Select the reschedule or transfer option.
- Check the available alternative dates at your selected test centre.
- Choose your preferred new date.
- Pay the applicable transfer fee.
- Wait for the updated confirmation email.
Option 2: Offline
- Visit the test centre where you registered.
- Carry your ID and booking confirmation.
- Fill in the Test Date Transfer & Cancellation/Refund Application Form.
- Pay the applicable transfer fee.
- The test centre confirms the new date based on availability.
Book your IELTS test only when you are confident about your preparation and availability. Cancelling, rescheduling, or applying for rechecking can cost thousands of rupees, so it is better to choose your test date carefully instead of booking too early.
IELTS Rechecking: Enquiry on Results Fee 2026
If you are not satisfied with your IELTS score, you can apply for Enquiry on Results, also called EOR. IDP says EOR applications must be submitted online through the Candidate Login section, and physical offline applications are no longer accepted. If your result changes to a higher band score, the EOR fee is fully refunded.
| IELTS Test Type | EOR Fee 2026 |
|---|---|
| IELTS on Paper | ₹14,250 |
| IELTS on Computer | ₹14,250 |
| IELTS on Paper for UKVI | ₹14,400 |
| IELTS on Computer for UKVI | ₹14,400 |
| IELTS Life Skills A1 and B1 | ₹13,500 |
| One Skill Retake | ₹9,450 |
IELTS vs Other English Proficiency Tests: Fee Comparison
Understanding how IELTS fees compare to alternatives helps you make an informed decision.
| Test | Fee (INR) | Validity | Score Range | Acceptance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | ₹19,000 | 2 years | 0–9 bands | 12,500+ organisations globally |
| TOEFL iBT | ₹17,999 | 2 years | 0–120 | 13,000+ institutions |
| PTE Academic | ₹18,900 | 2 years | 10–90 | 3,300+ institutions |
| Duolingo | ₹6,442 | 2 years | 10–160 | 6,000+ institutions |
Why Choose IELTS Despite the Higher Fee?
- 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
Common IELTS Mistakes That Cost You Money
Every IELTS retake costs another ₹19,000, along with possible rescheduling, rechecking, and preparation expenses. Avoid these common mistakes to improve your chances of clearing IELTS in one attempt.
- Booking before you are ready. Set your target band and prepare for 6 to 8 weeks first, then pick a date. Booking early and rescheduling later costs ₹4,750 each time.
- Cancelling or rescheduling late. Miss the 9-day window and you lose most or all of the fee. Choose a realistic date from the start.
- Name or ID mismatch. Your name must match your passport exactly, and only a valid, unexpired passport is accepted (not Aadhaar or PAN). A mismatch can mean being turned away with no refund.
- Rushing rechecking (EOR). An Enquiry on Results costs ₹14,250, only ₹4,750 less than a full retake. Weigh it carefully before applying.
- Underpreparing and needing a second attempt. The most expensive mistake of all. Give equal time to Writing and Speaking, take full-length mock tests, and go in ready the first time.
For section-by-section strategy, see our IELTS preparation tips. Prepare well so you can score the band you need in one attempt and avoid paying ₹19,000 for a retake.
IELTS Payment & Financial Planning
1. Accepted Payment Methods
| Category | Options |
|---|---|
| Online Payment (Recommended) |
|
| Payment Confirmation |
|
2. Financial Planning for IELTS
| Budget Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Exam Fee | ₹19,000 |
| Preparation | ₹5,000–₹40,000 (varies by resources) |
| Retake Buffer (optional) | ₹19,000 |
| Additional TRF (per institution) | ₹350 (beyond the first 5 free) |
| Total Estimated Budget | ₹40,000–₹75,000 |
Pay ₹11, Save upto ₹500
About to book your IELTS exam?
Unlock a verified IELTS discount code for just ₹11 and get upto ₹500 off. This works on every IELTS type, including UKVI.
Unlock Your IELTS Discount →Instant delivery · Valid for online booking · Trusted by 50,000+ test-takers
3. Money-Saving Strategies
| Strategy | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| EduVouchers IELTS Coupon (₹11) |
|
| Early Bird Planning |
|
| Group Study |
|
| Use Library Resources |
|
| Leverage Free Trials |
|
Conclusion: Investing Wisely in Your Future
The IELTS exam fee is an important part of your study abroad, migration, or career planning budget. In India, the IELTS fee is ₹19,000 for Academic and General Training, with UKVI at ₹19,250, Life Skills at ₹18,000, and the One Skill Retake at ₹12,650, all fixed by IDP and uniform across every city. Before booking, factor in the extras too: rescheduling from ₹4,750, rechecking (EOR) at ₹14,250, and the cancellation windows that decide your refund. Choosing a realistic date and preparing fully is what keeps a single ₹19,000 booking from becoming two.
You cannot change the exam fee, but you can pay less at checkout. Booking through EduVouchers gives you a flat ₹300 discount plus a ₹200 card-fee waiver on Academic and General bookings, up to ₹500 off for a one-time ₹11.
