IELTS Registration 2023 – IELTS Test Booking In India Guide

The IELTS is an English proficiency test that you need to undertake in order to move to any English-speaking country. The IELTS examination is accepted by 10000 education institutions world-wide. It is an important test for your eligibility for higher education in universities abroad. In this article we will give you a round up of how to apply for the IELTS examination, eligibility criteria for IELTS exam, registration process, types of IELTS etc. 

Find every detail about the fees, pattern, eligibility, etc. We also have some valuable insights on the IELTS examination tips by experts that will help you crack the examination. 

Why is the IELTS Examination Necessary?

Whether you are a student or a working professional, or simply moving to settle in an English-speaking country, you need to take the IELTS examination. The classes in all the schools and colleges are all conducted in English. Hence, schools and colleges need to ensure that the students will comprehend the lessons and be able to communicate with fellow students, and teachers appropriately.

For working professionals, all the directives and instructions are given in English. This would be helpful as all emails, training, schedules and meetings would be in English and understanding the language will let you complete your task effectively. Even your company wants to ensure that your output would not suffer due to a lack of understanding in the language.

If you’re moving to settle or start your business abroad, then you need to communicate with the locals who usually speak English. The IELTS examination evaluates your comprehensive reading, writing, listening and speaking capabilities. The exam is mandated so you can easily blend in an English-speaking country. 

Who Conducts the IELTS Exam?

The examination is jointly owned and conducted by three entities. These are:

• International Development Program (IDP)
• British Council
• Cambridge English for Speakers of Other languages (ESOL)

The IDP and the British council are widely used by Indians for IELTS exam registrations. After you crack your IELTS exam you get eligible to study, work, or migrate to an English-speaking country.

Types of IELTS Exams

The IELTS examinations are divided into 2 categories:

IELTS Academic Training

As the name suggests, this examination is mostly chosen by the students applying for higher education. If you want to study abroad, then you must opt for the Academic examination. The reading and writing sections of the test will focus on your academic needs. This examination is also sometimes opted by the professionals.

IELTS General Training

This training program is mostly opted by the professionals, immigrants, students of general courses, etc. General Training focuses more on the fundamental understanding of the English language.

The reading and writing sections for these two types of examinations differ. However, the listening and speaking portions are pretty much the same for both. There would be a reading test followed by a writing test and finally a listening test. All the three tests would be conducted one after another, on the same day. However, you can opt to appear for the speaking test at an interval of a week before or after the other sections.

IELTS Mode of Examination

IELTS is delivered in two different ways and the candidate can choose their preferred mode at the time of registration. These two modes are Computer-delivered and paper-based test. Both the tests have similar structure as well as assessment system. The only difference is in the medium of delivering the test. Here is a brief overview on each mode for better understanding.

Paper-based Test

The pen and paper IELTS test is offered for upto 48 days per year. Candidates are required to book their tests way in advance to ensure that they get their desired test centres as well as time slots. The results of the paper-based test is generally declared within 13 days of the test taken.

Computer-based Test

The computer based IELTS test is available on all days of the week and is offered three times daily. So the candidates can book their preferred time slots. The results of a computer delivered tests are usually declared within three to five days. Hence, this is more suitable for students who have upcoming college application deadlines. Another important distinction is that in this test, the listening section is 10 minutes shorter than the paper-based one. The reason being that the 10 minute extra time is allotted to candidates after the listening section so they can transfer their answers to the official answer transcript. The computer-based test however provides the option of selecting and marking answers right on the screen at the time of the test therefore there is no need for transferring answers to a seperate sheet.

IELTS Registration 2021- Requirements

Before registering for the IELTS exam, candidates need to keep a few things in mind. Here is a brief checklist before starting the registration process.

• The candidate must be over 16 years of age and possess a valid passport.
• The information given on the application must match the details of the passport.
• The passport needs to be carried by the candidate on the test day as well as ID proof.
• The candidate needs to keep their debit/credit cards handy during registration.

How to Apply for IELTS Exam?

There are 2 options for you to choose for your IELTS registration process:

Online IELTS Registration –

This process is fairly easy. You can follow the steps below:

1. Open the official IELTS IDP Website or British Council Website 
2. Select your preferred mode of examination from the options.
3. Select the type of test (Academic or General).
4. Select the city where you want to take the examination.
5. Select the date of the examination and your preferred time slot.
6. Accept the terms and conditions set by the council.
7. Fill out the online form and create your account.
8. Once you have completed the form, select a mode of payment.
9. Make the payment online and complete the IELTS registration process.
10. Make sure to note down the ID, Password, and registration number.

Offline IELTS Registration –

This process of registration follows similar steps. However, the entire process of filling out the details, and selecting the preferred date and time are processed manually. You must follow the steps below:

1. Download the IELTS registration form from the official website
2. Select your preferred test date and time
3. Manually fill out the registration form. Remember to add an address that is courier serviceable.
4. To make the payment:

• Create a Demand Draft (DD) in favor of the British Council in New Delhi
• Pay by cash to the nearest ICICI bank and acquire the proof of payment.

    5. Courier the DD or payment slip along with the filled-out registration form to the British Council.

The online mode of registration is certainly the easiest and most preferred choice. However, if you do not have access to an internet connection, you can opt for the offline mode of IELTS registration.

IELTS Registration Fees

From April 2020, the IELTS registration fees in India is regulated at INR 14,700 for both paper as well as the computer-delivered test. 

Type of IELTS Test	Cost (in INR)
Computer-delivered IELTS	₹15,500
Computer-delivered IELTS for UKVI	15,750
IELTS for UK Visa & Immigration	₹15,750
IELTS Life Skills A1 & B1	₹14,600
Pen & paper IELTS	₹15,500

IELTS Cancellation and Refund Fee

Considering the shutdowns post COVID 19 crisis, many students were unable to reach the test centres for their respective examinations. In such cases or others where the candidates are unable to appear for the test, they can be eligible for partial refunds provided they have valid documentations to support their claims. Here is a detailed list of how to cancel or apply for refund in the

• You are still allowed to change the preferred exam date or cancel the examination after you make the payment.
• You can change the date or file for cancellation through an email, an official letter, or visit the council in person.
• If you change the exam date before 5 weeks or more from the date of culmination, you will be required to pay an additional fee of INR 5530.
• You can choose a new date within the next 3 months of the original date chosen. 
• In case you wish to take the IELTS examination after several months, you would be required to cancel the exam and re-register for a future date. 
• In order to get a refund, you need to cancel the exam before 5 weeks from the date of the examination of INR 5530.
• If you cancel your examination in the last 5 weeks, then no refund will be paid.

Also, remember that late arrival to the examination might be considered a cancellation without a refund. Hence, try to reach the examination hall well on time for the IELTS examination so that there is no delay whatsoever.

IELTS 2021 Test Centres in India

The IELTS exam in India is conducted at various centres to ensure the greatest convenience for the candidates. This is an updated list for all the centres that will conduct the IELTS exam.

[table id=189 /]

In order to qualify for studying, working, or migrating to an English-speaking country, you must prepare well for your IELTS examination.How to Prepare for IELTS 2021?

The reading and writing sections of the examinations are description-based. It is ideal to either join an IELTS training program or hire an IELTS coach to guide you through the process. The listening and speaking sections require fluency to comprehend the language and speak easily. When you join an IELTS coaching, the mentor will help you understand different accents and acquire fluency in English which is required for this exam. 

The score of each of the 4 sections contributes to your overall IELTS score. Leap Scholar provides end-to-end IELTS training for making your study abroad successful.  Their study program is powered by India’s Top educators with 20+ years of experience. You can even reserve a free masterclass with them for a live session. Or you can directly apply to their IELTS Plus Programme at just Rs. 499/-  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)