Is IELTS pen and paper test still available, or is it discontinued by British Council or IDP in Australia/Canada for a Master's?

As of July 2026, the IELTS pen-and-paper test is still available in India. However, from mid-2026, the IELTS on paper test will be discontinued, and all IELTS tests will move to computer delivery.

IDP India will introduce the IELTS (Writing on Paper) option from 1st September 2026, where you can complete the Writing section by hand but take Listening and Reading on a computer.

Since you plan to apply for a Master's in Canada or Australia for September 2026, you should prepare for either the computer-based IELTS or the new IELTS (Writing on Paper) format, as the traditional paper test will no longer be offered.