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IELTS Exam Fee India 2023: Check Updated IELTS Fee Details Now!

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IELTS is the doorway to some of the top universities globally, and millions of students take the exam every year. In India, IELTS is conducted multiple times throughout the year, and there is no limit to the number of attempts. Understanding the amount of the IELTS exam fee in India can help you manage your finances and prepare accordingly.

The cost of the IELTS exam varies in India depending on the IELTS test type. If you have been wondering about the price of the IELTS exam and other expenses associated with it, be sure to read this blog and explore everything regarding the IELTS exam fees. Let’s dive in to know about IELTS Exam Fees in 2023.

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IELTS Exam Fee in India 2023

According to official IDP India website the updated test fees for IELTS Academic and General Training is ₹16,250.

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IELTS Exam Fee India 2023: Check Updated IELTS Fee Details Now!

But there’s a good news, the test fees for IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1) remain unchanged.

So, if that’s the test you’re taking, you won’t be affected by the updated fee.

Check out the following table for updated IELTS fees in 2023:

Test Type Cost (INR)
Computer-delivered IELTS16,250
Pen and paper based IELTS16,250
Computer-delivered IELTS for UKVI16,250
IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration16,250
IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1)14,600


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Modes of Payment for IELTS Exam Fee

There are various methods using which one can register for the IELTS test. Candidates can employ either online or offline methods for IELTS test registration. The mode for payment of IELTS exam fee will depend on the method one uses for the registration process. IDP India allows the following payment methods:

Net banking & Credit or Debit card payment

One has to mandatorily pay the IELTS exam fee using Net banking, credit or debit cards while registering online. Students cannot use any other payment modes if they choose to register via the online method. 

Bank Deposit

Candidates opting to register offline can pay the registration fee through bank deposits. This bank deposit slip can be downloaded from the official IELTS IDP India website. Alternatively, one can obtain this slip from the nearest IDP India branch office.

Once obtained, candidates have to deposit the IELTS exam fee in cash at the nearest ICICI Bank branch. It is compulsory to attach the customer copy of this slip while submitting the IELTS application form at the IDP branch office. 

Demand Draft

Demand draft is another alternative payment mode candidates can employ for IELTS exam fee payment. However, the demand draft has to be drawn in favour of IDP and it should be payable in New Delhi. Candidates have to make the demand draft payment only from approved banks. The list of IDP-approved banks can be found on the official website of IDP Education India. 

Cancellation Fees

Sometimes candidates might have to cancel their IELTS exam dates due to certain unavoidable reasons. In such situations, they need to be aware of the refund policy for exam date cancellation. You can be eligible for a refund in case of exam date cancellation if you fulfil certain criteria. Students who cancel their IELTS exam dates more than five weeks before the scheduled date can be eligible for a refund. However, there will be a 25% administrative fee deduction.

In case candidates cancel the exam less than five weeks before the scheduled test, they will not receive any refund. If a student fails to sit for the IELTS test on the prescribed test date, they will not be eligible for any refund. 

Candidates who cancel their test dates due to medical reasons can produce an authentic medical certificate 5 days before the scheduled date to receive a refund minus the local administrative fees.

Rechecking IELTS Exam Fee 

If test takers feel that they are not satisfied with the score they have received, they can opt for rechecking. They need to pay a remarking fee of ₹11,625.

To avail of the remarking facility in IELTS, one has to submit an EOR (Enquiry on Results) form. Students can opt for remarking either only one section of the test or all the sections together. 

IELTS Exam Fee: Rescheduling Cost

In case you wish to reschedule or postpone your IELTS test date, you have to request a rescheduling at least 5 weeks before the scheduled date. Candidates opting to postpone their dates have to pay a rescheduling charge of ₹3,300.

However, a cancellation fee will be deducted. Students willing to transfer their IELTS test date has to choose a fresh date that is within 3 months of the original test date. Notably, one can reschedule or postpone an IELTS test date only once. In case candidates fail to appear for their tests even on the second date, they will not be eligible for refunds or further rescheduling. 

IELTS Exam Fee: Additional TRF

Students are required to send their electronic TRF (Test Report Form) to the desired international institutions for admission. IELTS IDP usually sends five TRF for free to each of the candidates. However, those willing to send their TRFs to more than five foreign universities can request additional Test Report Forms. For this, they need to pay a certain charge. Test takers can receive the additional TRFs in any of the following ways:

  • Airmail: Candidates need to pay ₹ 250 for each address to receive additional TRFs. It might take up to 2 weeks for the test report to reach the destinations. However, additional TRFs sent through airmail do not come with a tracking ID.
  • Courier: To receive additional TRFs via courier, one has to pay a charge of ₹1,500 for each address. TRFs send via courier usually take four days to reach their destinations. Candidates can track the TRFs with the tracking IDs. 
  • Electronic: Test takers can send an electronic TRF for ₹ 250 for every foreign university or college. But electronic TRFs can be sent to institutions that accept electronic IELTS scores. 

In order to send TRFs to more educational institutions, one has to fill up the application for issuing additional Test Report Forms. Once completed, candidates need to fill up the Payments Authorisation Form and send it along with the application form to the nearest IELTS test centre. Notably, each Test Report Form is valid only up to two years from the date of examination. 

About IELTS Exam Fee Reduction

IELTS test conducting bodies usually do not provide any specific provision for the reduction of IELTS exam fee. However, there are several scholarships that waive off the entire IELTS registration fee for meritorious students. Candidates need to fulfil several eligibility criteria to receive a waiver in the IELTS exam fee.

Scholarships for IELTS Exam Fee Waiver 

As mentioned earlier, there aren’t any provisions for IELTS test fee reduction. However, test takers can avail of various scholarships that would enable them to waive off their IELTS exam fee entirely. The test fee scholarships for IELTS are usually provided by both the British Council and IDP Education India.

This test fee scholarship will provide a cover for the IELTS exam fee of ₹14,700. Students receiving test fee waiver scholarships would be eligible for a full refund of the registration fee, which they will receive within 45 days of the test. Here are the eligibility criteria that candidates are required to fulfil in order to receive an IELTS test fee waiver scholarship:

  • Students should have a minimum high school score of 75%.
  • Candidates have to be below the age of 32 years for applying for the said scholarship.
  • Candidates should not have appeared for the IELTS test before. 
  • Students who belong to families with monthly income lower than $250
  • Students should have completed their undergraduate studies with a minimum of 3.0 GPA. 

In order to be eligible for scholarships you need to get a very good IELTS score. Only right preparation can get you there. It’s right time to join the preparation journey with LeapScholar. Our customized IELTS courses includes daily IELTS live classes with experts. The course allows you lifetime access to pre-recorded sessions, free mock tests, and IELTS practice materials.

IELTS: Special Handling Requests

In an effort to ensure that IELTS is conducted in a fair and objective manner, the conducting body provides various special requirements for individuals with hearing, learning, visual or other disabilities and difficulties. Special arrangements provided for the test takers on requests include:

  • Availability of Braille papers
  • Extra time for candidates with medical conditions
  • Lip-reading facility for the Listening test
  • Speaking task cards for visually impaired candidates in Braille

Candidates have to inform the local test centre at least 6 weeks before the test date to avail of any special assistance. Since it is of critical importance to fulfil the IELTS band score requirement of the different universities, it is a good idea to prepare for the exam by taking the help of professionals in advance rather than having to retake the test in case a student fails to get their desired band score.

Additionally, students looking to finance their study abroad dream can also opt for assistance from Leap Finance. Get hassle-free educational loans at lower interest with instant approval and minimal paperwork to allow students to fulfil their study abroad dreams. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Has the IELTS exam fee increased in 2023?

    The registration fee for the IELTS exam in India has been updated from April. The new fee for the IELTS exam in India for both paper-based and computer-delivered tests is16,250.

  • From when will the IELTS Fee hike be effective?

    IELTS fee hike will be effective from April 1, 2023. The IELTS fee will be increased to ₹16,250.

  • Is the IELTS fee hike applicable for all IELTS exam types?

    No, The IELTS fee hike is not applied to IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1). Those who are writing the IELTS Life Skills Test you won’t be affected by the fee hike.

  • Can I reschedule the IELTS exam after paying the fee?

    Yes, you can reschedule the IELTS exam after paying the fee. However, you must do so at least five weeks before the test date, and you may have to pay an additional fee for the rescheduling.

  • Why is the IELTS exam so expensive?

    The IELTS fee is high as the test uses the latest scientific research, advanced tools and technologies in order to assess your language skills as accurately as possible.

  • Can I retake IELTS if I don’t clear it in first attempt?

    You can attempt the IELTS test as many times as you like. You need to just make sure that you do it at least from the date on which you are applying for transfer.

  • How can I reduce my IELTS exam fee?

    Candidates who cannot afford the cost can apply for IELTS Fee Waiver Scholarships. This allows them to get a full refund of their IELTS fees.

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Manisha Angre

Experienced IELTS prep trainer and education management industry veteran. Specializes in public speaking, international education, market research, mentoring, and management.

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