If we get shortlisted first, can we apply without the IELTS exam and then fulfill the IELTS requirement later in UK/Singapore?

Yes, for many UK and Singapore universities, you can apply without having taken the IELTS exam initially. They often provide conditional offers that allow you to submit your IELTS score later by a specified deadline before final admission or enrollment.

However, this depends on the specific university and program - some may require IELTS scores upfront.