Is IELTS pen and paper test still available, or is it discontinued by British Council or IDP in Australia/Canada for a Master's?
13 Jul 2026 · Answered by Kavya M P · 1 min read
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.
Do you even need IELTS for Australia?
Which test, what band, or whether you can skip it. Sorted in one free session.
4.7/5 Google
🎓 25K+ admits
Get My Test PlanMore IELTS questions
- Will I be able to pass the English proficiency exam given my concerns about language skills?
- What are the chances of getting a conditional offer letter requiring IELTS even if I have a good 12th standard score?
- Can I study in the UK without IELTS, and which universities accept other English tests?
- Would you suggest me to give IELTS first before starting the application process in Germany/Italy for a Master's?
- Do I need to score well in GRE, GMAT, or IELTS to get good scholarships in top business schools for a MBA?
- Is it possible to get an IELTS exemption if my transcript states that my medium of instruction was English?
- Can I still take IELTS as a paper-based test?
- Will you help with the IELTS application process and provide guidance on the required documents and deposits?
More Australia questions
- What is the lowest undergraduate tuition fee I can expect to pay at a Canadian university for the 2026 academic year?
- How much would I pay in first-year tuition for the International MBA program at York University, Toronto?
- Other than Canada and Netherlands, are there better countries to study science and technology in Germany/Singapore?
- How long will it take me to complete the MS program at Queensland University of Technology?
- Which master's course suits a Supply Chain Management graduate planning to study in Canada?
- What are the options for pursuing a master's in psychology or clinical psychology given my bachelor's background in biology in Australia/Canada?
- How long would it take me to complete the PG Certificate program at the University of Queensland?
- Will there be any problems if I do my studies offline abroad given the education structure is different from India in Ireland/Canada?
🎓 Do you need IELTS for Australia? Get My Test Plan