IELTS Exam Dates 2026: Plan, Prepare, and Secure Your Test Slot
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 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.
Key IELTS Exam Dates 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.
IELTS Exam Dates 2026: Computer-Delivered
The IELTS exam dates for the computer-delivered test are available on most days of the month. Test centres offer multiple IELTS exam time slots for candidates' convenience, which include:
- 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
Candidates planning to take the IELTS exam should book their preferred date well in advance, as spots fill up quickly.
Upcoming Computer-Delivered Dates (Indicative)
While the exam is open on almost all days across major metros, IELTS test centres may be closed on national holidays or during state festivals, so it is important to plan accordingly.
- January 2026: Available daily (example: 01-31 January; closed on January 26, 2026)
- February 2026: Available daily (example: 01-28 February; or 0-29 February in the month with 29 days)
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 December 2025
| IELTS Test Date | Test Type |
|---|---|
| 20 Dec 2025 (Saturday) | Academic & General Training |
| 27 Dec 2025 (Saturday) | Academic & General Training |
IELTS Exam Dates for January 2026
| IELTS Test Date | Test Type |
|---|---|
| 04 Jan 2026 (Saturday) | Academic & General Training |
| 10 Jan 2026 (Saturday) | Academic Only |
| 15 Jan 2026 (Thursday) | Academic & General Training |
| 24 Jan 2026 (Saturday) | Academic Only |
IELTS Exam Dates for February 2026
| IELTS Test Date | Test Type |
|---|---|
| 01 Feb 2026 (Saturday) | Academic Only |
| 07 Feb 2026 (Saturday) | Academic & General Training |
| 12 Feb 2026 (Thursday) | Academic Only |
| 21 Feb 2026 (Saturday) | Academic & General Training |
IELTS Exam Dates for March 2026
| IELTS Test Date | Test Type |
|---|---|
| 07 Mar 2026 (Saturday) | Academic & General Training |
| 14 Mar 2026 (Saturday) | Academic Only |
| 21 Mar 2026 (Saturday) | Academic & General Training |
IELTS Exam Dates for April 2026
| IELTS Test Date | Test Type |
|---|---|
| 04 Apr 2026 (Saturday) | Academic Only |
| 22 Apr 2026 (Saturday) | Academic & General Training |
| 25 Apr 2026 (Saturday) | Academic & General Training |
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.