IELTS Exam Dates in India 2026: January to December Dates List

As the dream of living and studying abroad in an English-speaking country is shared by countless people around the world, students and working professionals know that it can have a profound impact on their personal, professional, and academic growth. With these aspirations in mind, millions of students and working professionals apply for the IELTS in India each year, aiming to make their way to the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and other countries. While applying for IELTS, choosing the right exam date is a pivotal decision. The date you select for your IELTS exam in India not only influences your migration process but also shapes the trajectory of your success. Managed and administered by IDP India, the IELTS exam is conducted 48 times a year, with four test dates every month. By carefully selecting a date based on key criteria, you can set yourself up for the best possible performance and a smoother application journey.

If you are planning to appear for IELTS 2026, this helpful guide is for you. In the following sections, we will cover all the key details about IELTS exam dates in India—from important factors to consider while booking a slot to the registration procedure and exam fees. Let’s get started.

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Next IELTS Exam Dates in India – January to December 2026

Knowing and understanding the IELTS exam dates is essential for anyone planning to appear for the test. In December 2025, the IELTS Academic and General Training tests were conducted on three Saturdays—6th, 20th, and 27th—while the Academic-only test was held on 11th (Thursday). In contrast, the computer-based IELTS was conducted every day throughout the month of December. Applicants who value time and early preparation should stay informed about the upcoming IELTS exam dates in India for 2026.

The IELTS exam, managed and administered by IDP India, is conducted 48 times a year across a 12-month period in 75+ cities, making it accessible and convenient for a large number of candidates in India. To help students identify the upcoming IELTS exam dates, create an effective study timetable, set clear goals, and prepare systematically, we have compiled the next IELTS exam dates in India below.

Month 2026	Test Dates (Paper-based)	Test Dates (Computer-based)	Cities
January	10, 24, 31	Jan 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 29, 30, 31	75+ cities Across India
February	07, 14, 21, 28	Feb 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28	75+ cities Across India
March	07, 14, 21	Mar 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31	75+ cities Across India
April	04, 11, 25	Most of the Days	75+ cities Across India
May	02, 07, 16, 23	Most of the Days	75+ cities Across India
June	06, 13, 20, 27	Most of the Days	75+ cities Across India
July	Typically 3–4 Saturdays	Most of the Days	75+ cities Across India
August	Typically 3–4 Saturdays	Most of the Days	75+ cities Across India
September	Typically 3–4 Saturdays	Most of the Days	75+ cities Across India
October	Typically 3–4 Saturdays	Most of the Days	75+ cities Across India
November	Typically 3–4 Saturdays	Most of the Days	75+ cities Across India
December	Typically 3–4 Saturdays	Most of the Days	75+ cities Across India

IELTS Exam Dates 2026 – Last Date to Apply for Study or Work Abroad

Most exams come with strict deadlines and requirements, and missing them can be a nightmare for many applicants. Thankfully, this is not the case with the IELTS exam. The paper-based IELTS is conducted three to four times each month, while the computer-based IELTS is available on most days of the month, making the test highly accessible and convenient for candidates. Although there is no strict last date for IELTS, students and working professionals aspiring to migrate to an English-speaking country are strongly advised to select a test date that aligns with their preparation level, application timelines, and overall study plan.

How to Book IELTS Exam Date Online? Steps to Book IELTS Exam Dates

If you are looking for a hassle-free and cost-effective way to book your IELTS exam date, it is best to rely only on the official IELTS website and avoid third-party platforms. The slot booking process is simple and straightforward, it involves selecting a suitable time, date, and test centre. However, the wide range of available IELTS dates can sometimes overwhelm candidates.

Don’t worry—there’s an easy solution. Keep in mind how soon you need your IELTS score for your study or immigration process. Since each type of IELTS exam has its own purpose and result timeline, understanding these differences can help you make the right choice before booking your IELTS exam date online in India.

Key differences in IELTS result timelines:

Computer-Based IELTS:
Offers more test slots and is available on most days of the month. Additionally, results are declared faster—usually within 2–5 days—helping applicants speed up their application or immigration process.
Paper-Based IELTS:
Has fewer test slots and is conducted only 3–4 days a month. The result declaration time is longer, typically 12–14 days from the date of examination.

Here are the steps to book a IELTS Slot in India

Go to the official website of IELTS, for India the official website of IELTS is –
Go to the “Register” option and create an account using your email, phone number, and other personal details.
Now simple login to your newly created account using your login credential.
Select the type of IELTS you want to book a slot for – Academic or General Training.
Now select your preferred city and test centre near you.
From the calendar, select your preferred date for the IELTS exam.
To complete the slot booking enter your passport details along with its photo (first and last page).
In the end, pay the fee using the online method of payment and get the confirmation for successful IELTS slot booking.

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IETLS Exam Date Availability and Seat Booking Tips

Whether you are applying for IELTS Academic (for study abroad) or IELTS General Training (for working professionals), it is important to consider the best tips for slot booking based on the available exam dates. While the IELTS slot booking and examination process is fully transparent and fair, evaluating your own writing and typing skills can be especially beneficial. Once you decide which type of IELTS exam to take, you can choose the test mode based on your comfort with writing or typing speed.

If you can write quickly and comfortably using a pen or pencil, the paper-based IELTS may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are confident typing on a keyboard, opting for the computer-based IELTS could be more suitable. While making a choice between the two formats, do not forget to consider the result timelines, results for the paper-based IELTS generally take longer to be declared than those for the computer-based IELTS.

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Rescheduling or Cancelling IELTS Exam Dates and Fee in India

While planning to study or work abroad, the need to cancel or change an already booked IELTS slot can be stressful but it doesn’t have to be. Don’t worry! You can approach changes to your plans with confidence, as IDP India (the IELTS conducting body) allows applicants to reschedule or cancel their IELTS test booking easily by following a simple and transparent process.

Action / Test Type	Timing Requirement	Fee / Refund	Notes
Reschedule — Computer / Paper IELTS	—	~₹4,500–₹4,550	Fee to transfer test date; new date must be within allowed window.
Reschedule — UKVI (Paper/Computer)	—	~₹4,550	Slightly higher due to processing.
Reschedule — Life Skills (A1/B1)	—	~₹4,250	For Life Skills test.
Reschedule — One Skill Retake (OSR)	—	~₹3,000	Single‑skill retake transfer.
Cancel — Computer / Paper (Refund available)	≥ 9 days before test	Refund minus 25% admin fee	Partial refund based on timing.
Cancel — Computer / Paper	< 9 days before test	No refund	No refund if cancellation late.
Cancel — UKVI / Life Skills	≥ 14 days before test	Refund minus 25% fee	Refund policy differs slightly.
Cancel — UKVI / Life Skills	Within 14 days	Refund reduces (50–25%)	Less refund closer to test.
Cancel — One Skill Retake	≥ 4 days before test	Refund minus 25% fee	Refund rules vary by retake type.
Cancel — One Skill Retake	< 4 days before test	No refund	Late cancellation yields no refund.

FAQs

Can I change my IELTS exam date?

Yes. Changing or cancelling your IELTS exam date is possible, subject to the applicable terms and conditions set by IDP India.

How many times is the IELTS exam conducted in a year?

The paper-based IELTS exam is conducted 3–4 times every month, while the computer-based IELTS test is conducted on most days of each month throughout the year.

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Where are IELTS exams conducted in India?

Both paper-based and computer-based IELTS exams are conducted by IDP India at authorised test centres across the country. There are approximately 500 IELTS test centres equipped with computers and trained staff. Applicants can choose a test centre near their location, especially in most metro cities.

How can I check the official IELTS exam dates in India for 2026?

All official information regarding IELTS exam dates, fees, test centres, and slot booking is available on the official IELTS website managed by IDP India.

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Writen By:

Pawan Rawat

Pawan Rawat is a full-stack content writer with expertise in crafting research-based educational blogs and articles, paying close attention to detail. He has mastered the art of creating SEO-optimized content for websites. When he's not working to pay the bills, he spends his time lifting weights at the gym, clicking random photos, reading books, or planning his next adventure.