IELTS exams are mostly held on Saturdays and Thursdays, up to 4 times a month. Hence, IELTS test dates are available 48 times throughout the year. However, candidates must note that IELTS test dates may differ for the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training exam. Speaking about IELTS Academic exam in particular, it is available on all 48 dates of the year.
Because of the wide availability of test dates, candidates have the choice to opt the timing of their IELTS exam, as per their convenience. However, it is important for the aspirants to book their dates as soon as possible since the IELTS test centres operate on a first-come-first-serve basis. The computer-delivered IELTS test is available for up to 3 times a day on all 7 days of the week. Candidates can expect to receive their test results within 3-5 days of taking the test. On the other hand, the paper-based IELTS test is available up to 4 times a month.
It is important to note that while the IELTS listening, reading and writing tests happen on the same day, the speaking test might be held either on the same day or seven days before or after that, based on the local scheduling. The IELTS test dates may also differ from one test location to another.
Important News: IELTS Partners have recently launched the IELTS Indicator. IELTS Indicator is an online English language test for the students who have been unduly affected by the coronavirus and are not able to visit an IELTS test centre. Through IELTS Indicator, students can assess and prove their English language skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking while applying to an educational institution. Students can take this online test from the comfort of their homes.
In this article, you will know about the upcoming IELTS exam dates in India. Also, know how to book a test via the British Council or IDP, test fees, etc.
IELTS Exam Dates in India – What is IELTS?
IELTS or International English Language Testing System is the most popular English proficiency test for study, work and migration. There are two versions of the exam: Academic and General Training.
IELTS Academic is taken by candidates who wish to go for higher education or professional registration abroad. IELTS General Test is taken by those who wish to migrate to major English speaking countries like Canada, Australia, and the UK. This test is also taken by those who want to enrol in training programs, secondary education or want to gain work experience in a country where the English language is native.
The students registering for the exam can select their IELTS exam dates as per their convenience and availability of slots.
IELTS Exam Dates in India - How to find IELTS exam dates 2020 in India?
Paper-based IELTS exam can be taken in 60 cities in India. Special arrangements are made available to students in need to take the test if the test provider is British Council (BC). Students can contact the provider three months in advance of the test date to find out how they can get these special arrangements.
IELTS Test Date Booking Process
The process to find out the exam dates for IELTS exam involves the following steps:
- Check the availability here and select test date (select a separate test date for the Speaking test).
- Create an account with the British Council.
- Book and pay.
IELTS Exam Dates in India – How to book the IELTS test through the British Council?
For booking computer-based test dates for IELTS Academic or General Training, UKVI or IELTS skills through British Council – click here.
Current paper-based IELTS exam dates via BC in the following top cities are:
Ahmedabad
| IELTS Exam Dates | Module | Registration Last Date |
| 23/11/2019 | IELTS Academic | 16/11/2019 |
| 30/11/2019 | IELTS Academic | 23/11/2019 |
| 7/12/2019 | IELTS Academic | 30/11/2019 |
| 12/12/2019 | IELTS Academic | 5/12/2019 |
| 14/12/2019 | IELTS Academic | 07/12/2019 |
| 4/1/2020 | IELTS Academic | 28/12/2019 |
| 11/1/2020 | IELTS Academic | 4/1/2020 |
| 16/1/2020 | IELTS Academic | 9/1/2020 |
| 18/1/2020 | IELTS Academic | 11/1/2020 |
Bengaluru
| IELTS Exam Dates | Module | Registration Last Date |
| 23/11/2019 | IELTS Academic | 16/11/2019 |
| 30/11/2019 | IELTS Academic | 23/11/2019 |
| 7/12/2019 | IELTS Academic | 30/11/2019 |
| 12/12/2019 | IELTS Academic | 5/12/2019 |
| 14/12/2019 | IELTS Academic | 07/12/2019 |
| 4/1/2020 | IELTS Academic | 28/12/2019 |
| 11/1/2020 | IELTS Academic | 4/1/2020 |
| 16/1/2020 | IELTS Academic | 9/1/2020 |
Delhi
| IELTS Exam Dates | Module | Registration Last Date |
| 23/11/2019 | IELTS Academic | 18/11/2019 |
| 30/11/2019 | IELTS Academic | 21/11/2019 |
| 7/12/2019 | IELTS Academic | 28/11/2019 |
| 12/12/2019 | IELTS Academic | 3/12/2019 |
| 14/12/2019 | IELTS Academic | 5/12/2019 |
| 4/1/2020 | IELTS Academic | 26/12/2019 |
| 11/1/2020 | IELTS Academic | 2/1/2020 |
| 16/1/2020 | IELTS Academic | 7/1/2020 |
| 18/1/2020 | IELTS Academic | 11/1/2020 |
Hyderabad
| IELTS Exam Dates | Module | Registration Last Date |
| 23/11/2019 | IELTS Academic | 16/11/2019 |
| 30/11/2019 | IELTS Academic | 23/11/2019 |
| 7/12/2019 | IELTS Academic | 30/11/2019 |
| 12/12/2019 | IELTS Academic | 5/12/2019 |
| 14/12/2019 | IELTS Academic | 07/12/2019 |
| 4/1/2020 | IELTS Academic | 28/12/2019 |
| 11/1/2020 | IELTS Academic | 4/1/2020 |
| 16/1/2020 | IELTS Academic | 9/1/2020 |
Mumbai
| IELTS Exam Dates | Module | Registration Last Date |
| 23/11/2019 | IELTS Academic | 18/11/2019 |
| 30/11/2019 | IELTS Academic | 21/11/2019 |
| 7/12/2019 | IELTS Academic | 28/11/2019 |
| 12/12/2019 | IELTS Academic | 3/12/2019 |
| 14/12/2019 | IELTS Academic | 5/12/2019 |
| 4/1/2020 | IELTS Academic | 26/12/2019 |
| 11/1/2020 | IELTS Academic | 2/1/2020 |
| 16/1/2020 | IELTS Academic | 7/1/2020 |
| 18/1/2020 | IELTS Academic | 11/1/2020 |
Computer-delivered IELTS test via BC is available in India in the following cities:
- Delhi
- Mumbai
- Chennai
- Hyderabad
- Pune
- Vijayawada
- Ahmedabad
If you apply for the computer-based test via BC there are currently 31 test dates available to book for. Computer-based IELTS dates for the above cities are given in the table below:
| Month | Dates |
| November |
19/11/2019
20/11/2019 21/11/2019 22/11/2019 23/11/2019 24/11/2019 26/11/2019 27/11/2019 28/11/2019 29/11/2019 30/11/2019 31/11/2019 |
| December |
1/12/2019
3/12/2019 4/12/2019 5/12/2019 6/12/2019 7/12/2019 8/12/2019 10/12/2019 11/12/2019 12/12/2019 13/12/2019 14/12/2019 15/12/2019 17/12/2019 18/12/2019 19/12/2019 20/12/2019 21/12/2019 22/12/2019 |
| January | 2/1/2020 |
Benefits of taking the Computer-based IELTS:
- More test dates to choose from
- More venue options
- Exam results are available in 5-7 days
Students selecting the computer-delivered IELTS have to attempt Listening, Reading and Writing sections on a computer. The speaking test will remain face to face with a trained IELTS examiner.
For paper-based IELTS, the test dates can be booked through British Council – click here.
IELTS Exam Dates in India – How much does IELTS cost in India?
The test fee for regular IELTS (Book Paper-based and Computer-delivered IELTS – Academic and General Training) has been revised to INR 14,000. On the other hand, the test fee for IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (Academic and General Training) is INR 15,050 and for IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1) is INR 10,950.
Candidates can deposit the fee via various online and offline modes of payment like Debit/Credit Card (Master/Visa), Net Banking, DD or direct bank deposit in ICICI/Allahabad bank branches via a customized deposit slip.
Do you want to know how to check IELTS scores and send to universities abroad for admission? Read “IELTS results” article here.
IELTS Exam Dates – What are the IDP IELTS Dates?
For computer based IELTS academic or general training test booking via IDP, there are multiple dates available from 19 November 2019 until end of February 2020, except holidays. Individuals can book test slots via IDP in 20 cities in India. For paper-based, selected dates are available for upcoming months. Students can visit this link and select the city and test type (computer or paper; academic or general) and book for a test date.
IELTS Exam Dates – FAQs
Q. Is IELTS exam difficult?
A. It is as difficult as any other English proficiency test. Although straightforward questions are asked in the test, you need to prepare well for different components of the test. It is designed to assess how well a student can use English and not trick or test their opinions.
Q. What is the fees for the IELTS exam in India?
A. It costs 13,250 for IELTS academic paper-based or computer-based test.
Q. How many times a student can take the IELTS test?
A. IELTS test can be taken as many times as the applicant wants. Each time they have to pay fees for the test.
Q. How long is the IELTS score valid?
A. IELTS results are valid for two full years from the date of the test.
Q. When can the IELTS slot be booked?
A. The slot for IELTS exam can be booked in two ways, online and in person. Check the British Council or IDP website for the next dates.
Q. Which score will be used by University to assess me, if I have taken IELTS multiple times?
A. Instituitions are not interested or look for how many attempts have you made for IELTS exam. They recieve and analyse score report which you send them. You can apply for IELTS as many a times you want and decide on yourself which one is better for sending to universities abroad for admission.
Q. Should I join any IELTS offline coaching course? Are there any online options available for IELTS training?
A. British Council offers online IELTS course which can give confidence to application as they have methodical training. It can enhance all-rounded development of applicants in the four assessed skills. There are four course levels: Elementary, pre-intermediate, intermediate and upper-intermediate. The weekday courses is 50 hours course across 3 weeks and the weekend courses is about 50 hours across 5 weeks. Applicants from New Delhi, Chennai and Kolkta can apply for the course. Course fee for applicants from New Delhi is 16,000, Chennai -13,500 and for Kolkata -13,500. To apply for the course, first book English level consultation.
Q. What is the difference in IELTS for UK Visas?
A. People who want to apply for Tier 4 Student Visa to study a bachelor or postgraduate degree at a Tier 4 Sponsor university are required to meet the English language level set by the institution. All British universities and colleges accept IELTS results. Both Academic and General Training versions are accepted and the CEFR requirement for each skill must be met.
Q. What is IELTS Lifeskills? When should I appear for the same?
A. IELTS Life Skills is a test of Speaking and Listening and is available at CEFR Levels A1, A2 and B2. It is designed to meet the requirements of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for certain visa categories and other immigration purposes. IELTS Life Skills tests are available throughout the world, as specified by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). The UKVI will not accept results from other testing locations. Test dates are available within 28 days at permanent locations.
Q. Is there any difference in IELTS conducted by IDP and British Council?
A. There is no difference between IELTS test conducted by the IDP and British Council. Also, there is no difference between examiners and marking system between the two. Both of them are part owners of IELTS along with Cambridge English Language Assessment. All the tests used at BC and IDP are compiled by Cambridge English Language Assessment who is joint owner of IELTS.
