IELTS Eligibility 2026: Minimum Age Limit, Scores & Qualification Required

IELTS IDP has not set any 12th score requirements for taking the IELTS. You can take the IELTS irrespective of the marks you scored in the 12th standard. So, one can attempt the IELTS exam without worrying about their class 12th score.

Mostly Canada, UK, Australia and USA requires IELTS for admission purposes. Even European countries like Germany ask for IELTS if your course is in English medium. It is valid almost everywhere.

A valid passport is mandatory for both IELTS registration and on the test day. Other documents, like an Aadhar card, driver's license, or PAN card, are not accepted.

No, there is no upper age limit. The official conducting body suggests a minimum IELTS age limit of 16 years, but you are free to take the test even if you are younger. It is allowed.

Passport is mandatory. A valid original passport is the main IELTS requirement, and you cannot enter the IELTS test centres without showing this document to the security guards. Do not forget.

The IELTS eligibility requirements are simple, meaning any student or worker planning to move abroad can book a seat for the exam anytime they want. The IELTS booking links are open always on IDP website. 

Mostly Canada, UK, Australia and USA requires IELTS for admission purposes. Even European countries like Germany ask for IELTS if your course is in English medium. It is valid almost everywhere.

IELTS IDP has not set any 12th score requirements for taking the IELTS. You can take the IELTS irrespective of the marks you scored in the 12th standard. So, one can attempt the IELTS exam without worrying about their class 12th score.

Yes, you first go to website and create account. You must have your original Passport with you. Without passport number, you cannot book the date. Make sure name spelling is exactly same as passport.

If you go to IDP office to book IELTS slot in offline mode, soon after the payment of IELTS fees, they will give you a confirmation letter right away. If you send by courier, you will get SMS or email confirmation once IDP checks your documents.

The total test time for IELTS exam is 2 hours and 45 minutes.

The Listening is 30 minutes. Reading and Writing are exactly 60 minutes each without any break. The Speaking is very fast, it takes only 11 to 14 minutes to finish.

If you give exam on computer, result comes very fast in 3 to 5 days. If you give on paper, you have to wait for 13 days. So if you are in hurry, take computer test.

IELTS Band Scores are widely accepted across universities in USA, Canada and other English speaking countries. Check: IELTS Scores at the Best Universities in US IELTS scores across popular universities in the US:

You do not need to go to the center to see your marks. Check these steps to check result.

• Visit official website of IDP India.
• Login to your IELTS IDP account
• Enter your Passport Number, Date of Birth, and Candidate Number.
• Click "Submit" to see your Band Scores.

There are no strict IELTS eligblity criteria. So, any candidates with 16 plus years of age can apply for IELTS and with better preparation can easily qualify for the test. 

Some universities accept you if you have very good marks in Class 12th English. They might ask for a letter from your college called MOI (Medium of Instruction). But for top rank colleges, IELTS score is usually compulsory.

Over 140 countries accept IELTS 2026 scores. More than 11,500 institutions recognize IELTS exam globally. This includes universities, colleges, businesses, and government agencies. In short IELTS is a popular exam that helps you to proof of English language proficiency.

The next date of IELTS exam will vary with the month you are looking for. The updated IELTS exam dates with monthly calendar can be checked regularly on the IDP official website. 

Indian students should note that most English speaking universities abroad would require you to prove your English language skills through one of the many English proficiency tests available such as your TOEFL, IELTS, PTE and Duolingo to name a few. So candidates might not have to go ahead with the IELTS exam however, they would have to appear for some other English language proficiency exam as part of the admission process. Read: Which exam to give for which course to study abroad

You should try to register for IELTS at least 1 or 2 months early. Test dates get booked fast, especially during busy times. The advance booking of IELTS exam also gives you more time to prepare for IELTS properly.

IELTS is accepted by immigration authorities in the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand for migration and work visa applications.

The IELTS exam is offered multiple times a month. The IELTS test dates vary by test center. The IELTS exam dates for computer are available on almsot every date on the basis of availabilty. While, the IELTS Paper-delivered test are available up to 4 times a month.

IELTS test dates are conducted throughout the year in India. The IELTS computer-based test is conducted on all days of the month excluding national holidays and major festivals. The IELTS paper-based test is conducted 4 times a month or 48 times a year on Thursdays and Saturdays. Candidates can check out the available IELTS test dates on our website or IDP IELTS India.

The IELTS computer-delivered test is conducted on all days of the week including weekends. However, national holidays and major festivals are days when no IELTS test is held. When we talk about the IELTS paper-delivered test. The IELTS on paper is held four times a month and 48 times a year. They are mainly held on Saturdays and Thursdays. 

Yes, the IELTS exam fees in refundable but only if you cancel more than 5 weeks before your test date. Cancellation of IELTS exam dates after this period will not be refunded unless due to serious reasons with supporting documents.

The IELTS fees are still the same, INR 18,000. Any official confirmation on the increase in IELTS exam fees 2026 will be updated here. 

Reducing the IELTS fees is not possible as IDP does not offer any concession or discounts in IELTS fees.