IELTS Exam Dates 2026 in India: Month-wise Dates & Slots
IELTS exams in 2026 are conducted multiple times every month. Paper-based tests are held up to 4 times monthly, while computer-based tests are available almost daily in India.
Plan Your 2026 IELTS Test Date — Get Expert Guidance
What you'll learn in this article
Each year, over 3 million people take the IELTS Academic exam, with dates scheduled to accommodate candidates from more than 140 countries. With numerous test dates throughout the year, candidates like you can choose a time that best fits your preparation and application timelines.
Booking the right test slot is a pivotal step in your study abroad application. As the demand for English proficiency testing surges across India, staying updated on the official IELTS exam dates in India for late 2025 and 2026 is essential to avoid last-minute delays. The administrators of the IELTS exam in both computer-delivered and paper-based formats across 75+ cities offer flexibility to match your preparation timeline. However, high-demand sessions, particularly weekend slots, frequently reach capacity weeks ahead of schedule.
This article details the latest calendar, updated fee structures, and essential booking information, empowering you to align your exam timing perfectly with your university intake deadlines and immigration goals.
Plan Your 2026 IELTS Test Date — Get Expert Guidance
Key IELTS Exam Dates in India 2026 Highlights
Understanding your IELTS exam dates for 2026 and plan your test-taking strategy effectively.
- The computer-delivered IELTS exam is available open almost every day.
- IELTS exam dates for paper-delivered mode are limited and based on test centre availability.
IELTS Exam Fees in India
- Standard Fee: INR 18,000 (Academic & General)
- UKVI Fee: INR 18,250
- One Skill Retake: INR 12,000
For more details, visit IELTS Exam Fees in India.
Looking to learn more about IELTS exam dates in the test centre near you? That is easy.
IELTS Exam Dates 2026: Slot Timings & Availability for Computer-Delivered Tests
IELTS computer-delivered exam dates in 2026 are available almost daily across India, with multiple time slots to choose from. Here are the details of the IELTS test slot available for IELTS computer-delivered tests:
- Slot 1: 09:00 am to 12:00 noon
- Slot 2: 01:00 pm to 04:00 pm
- Slot 3: 05:00 pm to 08:00 pm
And, if you are looking for the IELTS Academic Computer-delivered test across 60+ centres in India, then you will find the following availability:
IELTS Exam Date April 2026: Available all dates except Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Slots are filling up quickly.
IELTS Exam Date May 2026: Available all dates except Tuesdays and Wednesdays. High Demand for IELTS May dates, book early.
IELTS Exam Date June 2026: Available all dates except Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Moderate availability with flexible slots.
Candidates planning to take the IELTS exam dates in April, May, and June should book their preferred date well in advance, nearest to their test, as spots fill up quickly.
Note: IELTS exam dates vary with the availability of test centres.
IELTS Exam Dates 2026: Paper-Delivered
The IELTS paper-based test, conducted by IDP India, is available up to 4 times a month, giving you 48 fixed test dates annually. Held on Thursdays and Saturdays, this format offers the flexibility to choose a date that fits your study and application schedule.
The paper-based test does not include the Speaking Test on the same day (it is scheduled separately), making it a structured option for both academic and immigration purposes.
IELTS Exam Dates for April 2026
| IELTS Test Date | Test Type |
|---|---|
| 4 April 2026 (Saturday) | Academic Only |
| 11 April 2026 (Saturday) | Academic & General Training |
| 23 April 2026 (Thursday) | Academic only |
| 25 April 2026 (Saturday) | Academic and General Training |
IELTS Exam Dates for May 2026
| IELTS Test Date | Test Type |
|---|---|
| 2 May 2026 (Saturday) | Academic Only |
| 7 May 2026 (Thursday) | Academic & General Training |
| 16 May 2026 (Saturday) | Academic Only |
| 23 May 2026 (Saturday) | Academic & General Training |
IELTS Exam Dates for June 2026
| IELTS Test Date | Test Type |
|---|---|
| 6 June 2026 (Saturday) | Academic & General Training |
| 13 June 2026 (Saturday) | Academic Only |
| 18 June 2026 (Saturday) | Academic Only |
| 20 June 2026 (Saturday) | Academic and General Training |
| 27 June 2026 (Saturday) | Academic only |
Looking to find the best date that aligns with your schedule to take your IELTS exam, but are unable to figure it out? Not to worry. Reach out to us, and we will give you all the details you need so you can have a leisure exam in the comfort of your home.
New Feature: IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR)
Crucial Update for 2026: If you didn't get the score you aimed for in one specific module (Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking), you no longer need to retake the full test!
- Eligibility: Available if you have taken the IELTS on Computer test at an eligible centre
- Booking Window: You must book the retake within 60 days of your original test date
- Fee: INR 12,000
- Format: Computer-delivered only
This flexibility is a game-changer for students who miss their target band by a small margin in just one section.
IELTS Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy (2026)
Planning can change, and it is vital to know the costs involved if you need to alter your booking.
- Rescheduling Fee: Approx. INR 4,500 (if requested more than 9 days before the test).
- Cancellation Fee:
- > 9 days before test: Partial refund (approx. INR 13,500 refunded).
- < 9 days before test: No refund (except for medical/exceptional circumstances).
The IELTS exam dates offer crucial opportunities for international students to meet their academic and immigration requirements. With multiple slots available each month, candidates can choose from 48 fixed paper-based test dates annually, providing flexibility and convenience.
Planning to take the IELTS Academic to study abroad? Whether you are aiming for academic excellence or visa requirements, our experts are here to support your journey. Book your slot today and stride confidently towards your goals. Register with AECC now.
IELTS Exam Dates FAQs
IELTS Exam Dates for the paper-based test are scheduled 48 times a year, occurring on Thursdays and Saturdays. In contrast, the computer-delivered IELTS Exam offers significantly more flexibility, with time slots available almost every day of the week in major Indian cities. This high frequency allows candidates to select a date that perfectly aligns with their preparation levels and urgent university application deadlines.
Yes, you can reschedule your IELTS Exam date if necessary. To qualify for a transfer without losing your full payment, you must submit your request at least 9 days before your scheduled test. You will be charged an administrative rescheduling fee of approximately INR 4,500. Requests made fewer than 9 days before the test are generally rejected without a refund, except in proven medical emergencies.
The IELTS One Skill Retake allows you to retake just one module (Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking) to improve your score. The fee for this service is INR 12,000. To be eligible, you must have originally taken the full IELTS Exam on a computer and must book the retake within 60 days of your original test date. Note that this feature is not currently available for paper-based test takers.
The turnaround time for results depends heavily on the test format you choose. For the computer-delivered IELTS Exam, results are released very quickly, typically within 1 to 5 days after the test. However, if you choose the paper-based format, you must wait approximately 13 calendar days to access your scores. Candidates with tight application deadlines are strongly advised to opt for the computer-delivered mode.
The current IELTS Exam fee in India for 2025 is INR 18,000 for both the Academic and General Training modules. This standard rate applies to both computer-delivered and paper-based formats. However, if you are applying specifically for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), the fee is slightly higher at INR 18,250. It is crucial to verify the latest fees on the official website before finalising booking.
Trusted Expertise
About the Author
Published and reviewed by AECC counsellors who guide students through every step of their study-abroad journey.
Published by Payal Chandra Roy
IELTS, Courses and Application Expert | 15 Years Advising Students from India
Payal Chandra Roy has 15 years of experience in international education, writing on three areas that students from India navigate regardless of which destination they are heading to: English proficiency tests, course selection and application documents. She covers IELTS and the Duolingo English Test, writes on standalone course guides across disciplines, and covers the application documents that accompany university applications including Letters of Recommendation, Statements of Purpose, academic essays and CVs.
Her background is practical in a specific way. She began as a student counsellor advising students from India directly, then moved into training and developing counsellors across AECC's network. That progression means she understands not just what Indian students need to know, but where the advice they typically receive falls short. Her articles address the specific challenges students from India face: IELTS band requirements for different destinations, how to approach course selection when the same discipline is available across multiple countries, and how to write an SOP that works for an Indian applicant at an international institution.
With over 1,000 students helped and more than 464,000 article views across the AECC platform, Payal's content covers the questions Indian students ask most consistently when preparing for English proficiency tests, choosing a course and putting together their application documents. She holds an MBA in Marketing and is based at AECC's offices.
