What is the price and procedure for the IELTS exam registration?
In India, the IELTS Academic and General Training exam costs approximately Rs. 19,000. Register online through IDP India or the British Council, select a test centre and date, pay the fee, and receive your results in 3 to 5 days for computer-based or 13 days for paper-based format.
Registering for IELTS in India is a straightforward online process, but knowing the exact fee structure, format options, and what to expect during and after your test helps you plan your timeline without surprises. Here is everything you need to know to register and sit your IELTS confidently.
IELTS Fee Structure in India (2026/2027)
| IELTS Format | Registration Fee (India) | Who Takes It |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic (Computer or Paper) | Rs. 19,000 | For university admissions - Master's, Bachelor's, PhD programs abroad |
| IELTS General Training (Computer or Paper) | Rs. 19,000 | For immigration to UK, Canada, Australia or work visa purposes |
| IELTS for UKVI (Academic or General) | Rs. 19,250 | Mandatory for UK student and settlement visa applicants |
| IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1) | Rs. 18,000 | For UK family visa and citizenship applications only |
IELTS Registration Process - Step by Step
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Step 1 - Choose Your Format | Decide between IELTS on Computer (results in 3 to 5 days) or IELTS on Paper (results in 13 days). |
| Step 2 - Choose Your Test Centre | Select from IDP India (idp.com/india) or British Council (britishcouncil.in) portals. Both are official providers. |
| Step 3 - Pick Your Test Date and Location | Hundreds of test centres across India. Popular cities offer daily computer-based slots. Book 4 to 6 weeks in advance. |
| Step 4 - Complete Registration and Pay | Fill in personal details matching your passport exactly. Pay online via credit card, debit card, or net banking. |
| Step 5 - Prepare and Attend | Receive your admit card by email. Bring original passport on test day - no other ID is accepted. |
| Step 6 - Receive Results | Results sent to your email and available on the provider portal. You can send official results to up to 5 institutions for free. |
My Advice
Book the computer-based format if it is available at your preferred centre - the 3 to 5 day result turnaround versus 13 days for paper-based is a significant advantage when you are working against university application deadlines. Also remember that you can send your IELTS results to up to 5 universities for free on test registration day - decide your shortlist before you sit so you can nominate them immediately and avoid paying the additional reporting fee later.
Do you even need IELTS?
Which test, what band, or whether you can skip it. Sorted in one free session.
More 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?