IELTS 2026 Exam Dates: Month & City-wise IELTS Dates

IELTS exam dates for 2026 are available across major Indian cities. Applicants can select an IELTS test centre, preferred date and available time slot while booking the exam. IELTS on Computer is conducted more frequently and has more date options than IELTS on Paper in most cities. To get a preferred IELTS exam centre and dates, applicants must register for IELTS in advance. The table shows city-wise IELTS exam dates 2026 in India for computer mode:

IELTS Exam Date 2026 - New Delhi & NCR (Noida, Gurugram)

IELTS Exam Date 2026 - Chandigarh

IELTS Exam Date 2026 - Bengaluru

IELTS Exam Date 2026 - Mumbai

IELTS Exam Date 2026 - Chennai

IELTS Exam Date 2026 - Hyderabad

IELTS Exam Date 2026 - Kolkata

IELTS Exam Date 2026 - Pune

IELTS Exam Date 2026 - Ahmedabad

IELTS exam dates in India are not the same for every test centre. The dates shown above are based on current test calendar availability and can change at any time when seats are booked. Applicants must select their city first and then check the available IELTS exam dates before making payment.

In order to book an IELTS exam slot, it is important to choose an IELTS exam date in advance. IELTS on Computer dates are generally available on more days, but preferred morning or afternoon slots may fill up quickly. It is recommended to book IELTS at least 1 to 2 months before the preferred test date so that applicants can get their preferred city, date and test slot.

The IELTS exam dates 2026 are available throughout the year for both paper-based and computer-based tests. The IELTS test schedule may vary by test centre and format, with many paper-based exams commonly held on weekends. Candidates should check the official calendar below to view available dates and plan their IELTS slot booking accordingly.

Candidates can reschedule the IELTS test only if the exam date is at least 9 days away from the day they submit the transfer request. To change the IELTS test date, candidates must submit a request through their test portal and provide valid supporting documents. The request will be reviewed, and the new test date will be confirmed only after approval. You can cancel or change (reschedule) your IELTS test date, but there are some rules and fees. The process is easy if you do it early.

Main Rules You Should Know

• Contact your test centre (IDP India) as soon as possible.
• The earlier you ask, the more money you get back (refund).
• Most centres allow you to change the date only once.
• New date must usually be within 3 months of your old date.
• If you are very sick or have a serious problem, you may get special help (show proof like a medical report).

Refund Rules (very common)

• More than 5 weeks before the test: Full refund minus small fee (around INR 2,000-INR 5,000) or free change.
• 2–5 weeks before: Partial refund (maybe 50%) or higher fee to change.
• Less than 1–2 weeks before: Usually no refund and no change (unless emergency).

Simple Steps to Cancel or Reschedule

Candidates can cancel the IELTS exam if the test date is 9 days or more away from the date of cancellation request. To cancel the IELTS test, candidates must submit a request along with supporting documents. The cancellation will be processed only after the request is approved.

1. Find your test centre contact: Check your booking email or go to the official website (British Council or IDP India).
2. Call or email them quickly: Tell them:
   • Your full name
   • Passport number
   • Test date
   • Booking number
3. Say what you want
   • “I want to reschedule / change my test date”
   • OR “I want to cancel and get refund”
4. Fill the form if they ask: Many centres have a simple “Transfer / Cancellation Form”. Download it from their website or ask them to send it.
5. Wait for reply: They will tell you:
   • New date (if changing)
   • How much refund you get
   • When you will receive the money (usually 15–30 days)

Once the IELTS cancellation request is approved, the refund amount will be processed within 7–10 business days after deducting the applicable administrative charges.

Candidates can easily check IELTS exam date availability online before booking the test. Visit the official IELTS booking website and choose your country, city, and preferred test type (IELTS on Computer or IELTS on Paper). After selecting these details, the system will show the available IELTS test dates and nearby test centres.

You can then select the date that suits your schedule and continue with the IELTS test registration process. It is recommended to check and book your IELTS exam date early, as popular test dates and centres may fill up quickly, especially during peak admission seasons.

You should take the IELTS test when you are fully prepared and close to your university application deadlines. Most universities accept IELTS scores that are valid for two years, so it is best to take the test about 6 to 12 months before applying to universities.

This gives you enough time to retake the IELTS exam if your score is lower than the required band score. Students planning to study abroad should also check the IELTS score requirements of their chosen universities before booking the exam date. Taking the test early helps avoid last-minute stress during the admission and visa process.

The IELTS exam dates in India are available throughout the year, but certain months see higher demand due to global admission cycles and study abroad intakes. Understanding these IELTS peak months can help you plan your test better.

• January to March: This is a high-demand period, as many students take the test to meet deadlines for the Fall (September) intake at international universities.
• June to August: Demand rises again as students complete their IELTS requirement before final admission and visa deadlines.
• September to November: Moderate demand is seen from students targeting Spring intake programs.

During these peak periods, IELTS test slots may fill quickly, especially in major cities. It is recommended to book your test date in advance. You should also plan your timeline alongside student visa application deadlines to avoid last-minute delays in your study abroad journey.

Choosing the right IELTS exam date is important for proper preparation and meeting university deadlines. First, check the application deadlines of your chosen universities and plan to take the IELTS test at least 2-3 months before the deadline. This gives you enough time to receive your results and retake the test if needed.

You should also select a date when you feel fully prepared with IELTS practice tests and mock exams. Avoid booking the test during busy academic schedules or important personal commitments. Booking your IELTS exam date early also helps you get your preferred test centre and time slot.