Planning to take the IELTS exam soon? The exam schedule of the IELTS paper-based test 2024 has been released. Make sure to book your spot early to kickstart your preparation.
If you choose to take the IELTS Academic, General Training, or UKVI test, it’s crucial to give yourself enough preparation time. Experts recommend 6-8 weeks to prepare sufficiently for the exam. It’s essential to stay up-to-date on the latest IELTS exam dates and top locations to maximise your preparation time.
Reserving your test date in advance can increase your chances of achieving a higher band score.
In this blog, we’ll provide all the information you need about the latest IELTS exam dates and top locations in India for 2024.
Whether you’re a student or a working professional, this IELTS exam dates guide will help you plan your exam journey with ease. So, let’s dive in!
IELTS Exam Dates: Availability of Slots
The IELTS exam is available throughout the year with 48 fixed test dates annually and up to 4 times per month.
These IELTS exam dates are divided between the Academic and General Training modules, with the Academic version available for all 48 test dates and the General Training version offered on 24 dates.
Test dates are typically scheduled on Saturdays and Thursdays to make the exams more convenient for students.
Please note that the reading, writing, and listening tests are all conducted on the test date, while the speaking test is typically scheduled a few days before or after the other tests.
Let’s take a look at the available IELTS exam dates for 2024.
Also read: Book IELTS Slot In 2024: IELTS Slot Booking Process Online & Offline
Current IELTS Exam Dates
It’s important to note that only IDP IELTS currently organises the IELTS test in India.
To book the test, you need to visit the IDP IELTS website or check the IELTS exam dates to select the most convenient date and location.
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IELTS Academic Test Dates 2024
The IELTS Academic test is for those planning to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies in English-speaking countries such as the UK, US, Canada, and more.
The availability of exam dates for the IELTS Academic test depends on the test format you choose: computer-based or paper-based.
Here are some things to know before you register for the test.
- The IELTS paper-based test is available 4 times a month.
- The IELTS computer-based test is available 7 days a week, except for public holidays. For each test day, there are 3 time slots available, allowing you to choose the most convenient time.
- The usual slots for IELTS Academic Exam Dates is as follows:
- 09:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM
- 05:00 PM to 08:00 PM
To effectively plan and register for the IELTS academic exam, make sure to check the available test dates regularly.
IELTS Academic Test Dates 2024: Paper Based
| Month | Dates |
| July | 6, 11, 20,27 |
| August | 3,8,17,24 |
| September | 7,14,19,28 |
| October | 5,10,19,26 |
| November | 2,7,16,23,30 |
| December | 5,7,14,21 |
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IELTS General Test Dates 2024
The IELTS General Test assesses your everyday English language skills in social situations and workplace environments.
You should opt for this test if you plan to migrate to English-speaking countries for work purposes or training programs. Generally, it is used for immigration purposes.
The availability of exam dates for the IELTS General test depends on the test format you choose:computer-based or paper-based.
Here are some things to know before you register for the test.
- The IELTS paper-based test is available twice a month.
- The IELTS computer-based test is available 7 days a week, except for public holidays. For each test day, there are 3 time slots available, allowing you to choose the most convenient time.
- The usual slots for IELTS General Exam Dates is as follows:
- 09:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM
- 05:00 PM to 08:00 PM
IELTS General Training Test Dates 2024: Paper Based
| Month | Dates |
| July | 6,27 |
| August | 8,24 |
| September | 14,28 |
| October | 5,26 |
| November | 16,30 |
| December | 7,14 |
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UKVI IELTS Exam Date 2024
If you wish to live, work, or study in the UK as an international student, you might need to take a specialised version of the IELTS test known as IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
It is a Secure English Language Test (SELT) accepted by the UK home office for visa applications. This test assesses your English language skills to ensure you meet the required level for your course.
Note: While IELTS for UKVI is commonly used for studying at a UK university, it can also be used for other purposes via Student Route (Tier 4) Sponsor.
The IELTS for UKVI is available in three versions, i.e. academic, general training, and life skills.
Let’s discuss the available exam dates for each version.
Read more about UKVI IELTS For 2022 – IELTS Requirement For UK Visa & Immigration
IELTS Exam Dates for UKVI Academic 2024
The IELTS Academic for UKVI is intended for those wishing to study at higher education levels in UK universities, as well as for professional registration purposes. It is also required for various visa categories, including the Skilled Worker and Student visas.
The IELTS Academic for UKVI and IELTS Academic are the same in terms of pattern, content, and marking criteria. However, IELTS Academic for UKVI is only available at UKVI-approved test centres that meet the specific administrative requirements set by the UK Home Office.
Additionally, the exam date for IELTS Academic for UKVI may vary based on the centre you choose, with many centres offering both paper-based and computer-based testing options. You can check the official IDP website for the exam dates of specific test centres.
Also Read: UK Visa Fees For Indians in 2024: Visa Charges Explained!
IELTS Academic for UKVI Test Dates 2024: Paper Based
| Month | Dates |
| July | 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 |
| August | 5,19,12,26 |
| September | 2,9, 16, 23, 30 |
| October | 7, 14, 21, 28 |
| November | 4, 11, 18, 25 |
| December | 2,9, 16, 23, 30 |
IELTS Exam Dates for UKVI General 2024
The IELTS General Training for UKVI is intended for those planning to migrate to the UK or apply for work visas. It focuses on English language skills necessary to survive in a workplace environment.
The IELTS General Training for UKVI and IELTS General Training are the same in terms of pattern, content, and marking criteria. However, IELTS Academic for UKVI is only available at UKVI-approved test centres that meet the specific administrative requirements set by the UK Home Office.
Additionally, the exam date for IELTS General Training for UKVI may vary depending on the centre you choose. Many centres offer both paper-based and computer-based testing options. You can check the official IDP website for the exam dates of specific test centres.
IELTS General Training for UKVI Test Dates 2024: Paper Based
| Month | Dates |
| July | 27 |
| August | 8, 24 |
| September | 14, 28 |
| October | 5, 26 |
| November | 16, 30 |
IELTS Exam Dates for Life Skills 2024
The IELTS for UKVI Life Skills is intended for those who want to prove their English speaking and listening abilities to acquire a UK Visa.
You’re assessed on the basis of A1 and B1 levels for certain visa categories and other immigration purposes.
- IELTS Life Skills A1: For visas related to the ‘family of a settled person’.
- IELTS Life Skills B1: For visas related to ‘citizenship or indefinite leave to remain’.
According to IDP, the IELTS Life Skills A1 & B1 dates in India for this year are as follows:
IELTS Life Skills Test Dates 2024: Paper Based
| Month | Dates |
| August | 8, 22, 29 |
| September | 5, 19 |
| October | 3, 10, 17, 31 |
| November | 7, 21 |
Note: You can take the IELTS Life Skills test as many times as you like. However, if you pass the test, you won’t be able to retake it at the same level for a period of two years.
Also Read: IELTS One Skill Retake 2024: How Will It Help Study Abroad Aspirants?
IELTS Test Centres in India
IDP IELTS has exam centres all over India. The centres are spread across 50+ locations in 75 cities.
You should book the test in the nearest location considering your travel on the exam day. With so many locations, you would find it easy to find a test centre near your residential place.
Here is the list of the available IELTS Test Centres in India:
| Ahmedabad | Calicut | Gurdaspur | Karnal |
| Ambala | Chandigarh | Gurgaon | Kapurthala |
| Amritsar | Chengannur | Guwahati | Kannur |
| Anand | Chennai | Hoshiarpur | Khanna |
| Angamaly | Coimbatore | Hyderabad | Kochi |
| Bangalore | Dehradun | Indore | Kolkata |
| Barnala | Faridkot | Jagraon | Kollam |
| Bathinda | Firozpur | Jaipur | Kothamangalam |
| Bhopal | Gandhinagar | Jalandhar | Kottayam |
| Bhubaneshwar | Goa | Jammu | Kurukshetra |
| Lucknow | Ludhiana | Madurai | Mangalore |
| Mehsana | Moga | Mumbai | Nadiad |
| Nagpur | Nasik | Navi Mumbai | Navsari |
| Nawanshahr | New Delhi | Noida | Patiala |
| Patna | Pune | Raipur | Rajkot |
| Raikot | Ranchi | Rudrapur | Sangrur |
| Siliguri | Sri Ganganagar | Sri Muktsar Sahib | Surat |
| Thane | Tiruchirapalli | Tirupati | Thrissur |
| Trivandrum | Thimphu | Vapi | Vijayawada |
| Visakhapatnam | Vadodara |
Note: IELTS exam dates and locations are subject to availability and may vary depending on the centre. Therefore, planning and booking your test in advance is required to secure your preferred date and location.
Also Read: IELTS Exam Dates 2024: Find City-wise Test Dates in India
IELTS Exam Fees for 2024
In January 2024, the administering authority for the IELTS exam raised the fee to INR 17,000.
Here is a list of IELTS exam fees for different tests if you want to take the IELTS test in the coming year.
| IELTS Test Type | Fee(INR) |
| Computer-based IELTS for UKVI | 17,250 |
| Computer-based IELTS | 17,000 |
| IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1) | 16,050 |
| IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration | 17,250 |
| Pen and Paper-based IELTS | 17,000 |
| One Skill Retake | 11,300 |
Also Read: IELTS Exam Fee 2024: Registration & Cancellation IELTS Fee in India
Steps to Register for IELTS Exam Dates
You can appear for the IELTS test as many times as you wish. The registration process for the IELTS exam is easy.
You have the option to register for IELTS exams either online or offline. To register in person, you need to go to the nearest IDP IELTS centre and book your slot.
To register online, you can follow the steps given below.
Online Registration
Here’s a step-by-step guide to registering for the IELTS exam dates using the online process:
- Log in to the IDP IELTS official website (https://www.ieltsidpindia.com/)
- Choose the ‘Register for IELTS’ option
- Select the preferred test: computer-based IELTS/ paper-based IELTs
- Book the test type: Academic or General Training
- Choose the nearest test date, centre location and time slot.
- Provide personal and academic details
- Review the entered details before proceeding with the payment
- Book the test by paying the registration fee (Credit or debit card)
Note: You can print the acknowledgement slip for future reference.
Things to Remember While Registering for IELTS Exam Dates
IELTS registration is one of the most crucial steps that must be done accurately. Any error in the registration process can potentially lead to the cancellation of the online application.
Here are some important points that students need to remember while registering for IELTS tests:
- Have a Valid Passport:
You need to upload a scanned copy of your passport while filling out the registration form, and you must also carry the original passport to the test centre on the day of the exam.
- Provide Accurate Information:
Providing accurate and authentic information is crucial while filling out the application form. Any discrepancy in the information provided can lead to complications in the future.
- Register Early:
It is recommended to register for the IELTS exam at least 3 months before the desired test date. This ensures that you have a better chance of getting the test date and time slot that you prefer.
- Registration Fee:
The registration fee for the IELTS exam in India is INR 17,000, which can be paid through net banking, debit card, or credit card payment during online registration.
Once you register, the next step is preparation.
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IELTS Exam Dates: Reschedule/Transfer
To reschedule or transfer your IELTS exam dates, follow these steps:
- Log in to your account on the IELTS IDP India website(https://www.ieltsidpindia.com/)
- Download the “Transfer, Cancellation Application Form” from the IELTS website.
- Select the “transfer” option in the “Request for Transfer/Cancellation” section.
- Fill out the form with all the necessary information.
- Upload relevant supporting documents such as a medical certificate, death/cremation certificate or letter from a doctor, police FIR, and passport renewal receipt or receipt from the immigration department.
- Once submitted, check for the acknowledgement.
- Your new date will be confirmed within 3 days. You will be informed via email and SMS if your request is not accepted.
- Once your request is verified, you can book the test dates and location.
Things to remember while rescheduling your IELTS exam dates:
- You can reschedule your IELTS test if the test date is a minimum of 15 days away from the date of your transfer application.
- For test dates that are 34 days or more in the future, you can reschedule without stating any reason.
- You can transfer your test date only once. The refund policy depends on when you transfer:
- At least 5 weeks ahead of your test date: Full refund minus an administration charge.
- Within 5 weeks of your test date: Full fee charged(INR 3,300) unless you have a serious medical reason.
IELTS Exam Dates: Cancellation
You can apply for cancellation only if the test date is at least 15 days away.
If the IELTS exam dates are between 15-34 days or in case of payment through offline channels, you can make a request for cancellation by providing supporting documents.
After cancellation is approved, the refund will be processed within 8-10 business days after deducting administrative charges.
Here are some steps to cancel the IELTS exam:
- Go to IELTS main website and login to your ID
- You need to select the option of cancellation from the row
- Submit all required documents along with valid reasons for cancellation of the test
Things to remember while cancelling your IELTS exam dates:
You can cancel your IELTS exam at any time before the test by notifying your test centre. The refund policy depends on when you cancel:
- At least 5 weeks ahead of your test date: Full refund minus an administration charge.
- Within 5 weeks of your test date: Fees will be refunded with a 25% deduction unless you have a serious medical reason.
Also Read: IELTS Slot Booking 2024
Wrapping up
If you are looking to take the IELTS exam, you have a range of options available to you. With test dates available in multiple cities across the country, you can choose a location that is convenient for you.
You can keep in mind the steps and considerations when registering, rescheduling or cancelling your IELTS exam.
After you book the test or reschedule it, it’s best to start your preparation early for better results. Go for professional coaching for a well-planned preparation.
Download the IELTS Prep app, where you can access specially crafted lessons by experts accredited by IDP, the British Council, and Cambridge.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: What if I have a medical emergency on the IELTS exam day?
A: If you face a medical emergency that stops you from attending the IELTS exam, it is important to notify the test centre as soon as possible. In order to receive a refund, you will need to provide a valid medical certificate within 5 days before your scheduled test date. The medical certificate should clearly state the nature of the emergency and confirm your inability to attend the exam. Keep in mind that the refund will exclude any administrative costs associated with the registration process.
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Q: How many times can I appear for the IELTS exam?
A: There is no specific limit to how many times you can take the IELTS exam. You can book the test as many times as you wish. In India, there are usually up to 48 test dates available each year, providing ample opportunities for individuals to attempt the exam and achieve their desired scores. This flexibility allows test takers to retake the test if they are not satisfied with their previous results or if they aim to improve their scores for specific academic or immigration purposes.
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Q: Do I have to appear for all the IELTS tests on the same day?
A: The IELTS exam consists of 4 sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The Listening, Reading, and Writing sections are typically conducted on the same day, with no breaks in between. However, the Speaking test may be scheduled either on the same day as the other sections or within 7 days before or after the Listening, Reading, and Writing test date. The exact arrangement may vary depending on the test centre and the availability of speaking test slots. It is important to check your test confirmation details or contact the test centre for the specific schedule of your speaking test.
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Q: Do I need a valid passport to take the IELTS exam?
A: Yes, a valid passport is a mandatory requirement for taking the IELTS exam. The passport serves as the primary identification document and is used to verify your identity throughout the registration and test-taking process. It is important to ensure that your passport is valid and will remain valid for the duration of the exam and any subsequent requirements, such as university admissions or visa applications.
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Q: How can I get access to resources for IELTS preparation?
A: There are various resources available for IELTS preparation in India. One option is to download the IELTS Prep by LeapScholar app, which provides access to the latest resources and tutorials from top IELTS trainers in India. Additionally, you can consider registering for online IELTS masterclasses and crash courses offered by reputable institutions or coaching centres. These courses are designed to provide comprehensive preparation strategies, practice materials, and guidance to help you achieve your target score in the IELTS exam. It is advisable to explore different resources and choose the ones that align with your learning style and specific areas of improvement.
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Q: How to cancel the IELTS exam dates?
A: If you need to cancel your IELTS exam, the process can typically be done through the test center or the official IELTS website of IDP. Generally, you can request a reschedule if the test date is at least 15 days away.
Here’s how you can cancel your IELTS exam dates:
-Go to IELTS main website and login to your ID
-You need to select the option of cancellation from the row
-Submit all required documents along with valid reasons for cancellation of the test -
Q: How can I apply for the IELTS exam 2023?
A: Here’s a step-by-step guide to registering for the IELTS exam dates using the online process:
-Log in to IDP IELTS official website (https://www.ieltsidpindia.com/)
-Choose the ‘Register for IELTS’ option
-Select the preferred test – computer-delivered IELTS/ paper-based
-Book the test type – Academic or General Training
-Choose the nearest test date, centre location and time slot
-Provide personal and academic details
-Review the entered details before proceeding with the payment
-Book the test by paying the registration fee (Credit or debit card) -
Q: Which month is best for IELTS?
A: The best time to take the IELTS is right before the topics change, namely in the months of December, April, and August. IELTS speaking topics are added in January, May, and September. It’s important to plan ahead and choose a test date that allows you enough time to prepare thoroughly. Remember, the IELTS exam is a crucial step in your journey towards higher education or employment opportunities, so be sure to give it your best shot.
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Q: When can I receive the IELTS results?
A: After completing the exam, candidates receive the test results within 5 to 7 days. However, for the offline method, this can stretch up to 13 days. Further, IELTS Validity lasts two years after the candidate receives the result. Therefore, if you are planning to use your IELTS score for higher education or work purposes, it’s important to keep in mind that you will need to retake the exam if your score expires.
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Q: Which all countries need IELTS?
A: IELTS is accepted in several English-speaking countries, such as Australia, the United States of America, Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Ireland. These countries use IELTS as a standard test for higher education and work purposes.
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Q: What is IELTS eligibility?
A: The only eligibility for the IELTS exam across the globe is that you needs to be at least 16 years. Anybody aged 16 or above can take this exam, irrespective of their gender, or nationality.
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