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 for 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.

Candidates can reschedule the IELTS test online, subject to the time remaining before the test date and the applicable transfer fee. For IELTS on Computer, IELTS on Computer (Writing on Paper), and One Skill Retake (OSR), a free transfer is allowed if the request is made 15 or more days before the test. Requests made 5–14 days before the test may incur an administrative fee of up to 25% of the test fee. Transfer requests made within 4 days of the test are treated as cancellations. Candidates can submit transfer or cancellation requests through the IDP IELTS India Candidate Login or by submitting the required form to the test centre. Approval and refund eligibility depend on the applicable test type and policy.

Main Rules You Should Know

• Apply online: Candidates can submit test date transfer or cancellation requests through the Candidate Login section or by sending the relevant application form to the test centre.
• Check the deadline: Transfer and cancellation rules depend on how many days remain before the test date.
• Transfer fees: For IELTS on Computer, IELTS on Computer (Writing on Paper), and OSR, a transfer requested 15 or more days before the test is free. A request made 5-14 days before the test may attract a fee of up to 25% of the test fee.
• Cancellation charges: For IELTS on Computer, IELTS on Computer (Writing on Paper), and OSR, cancellations made 15 or more days before the test may incur an administrative fee of up to 25% of the test fee. Cancellations made within 14 days are non-refundable.
• UKVI and Life Skills tests: Different transfer and refund rules apply to IELTS on Computer for UKVI, IELTS for Life Skills, and OSR - UKVI.
• Approval is not guaranteed: Incomplete, illegible, or unsupported requests may be delayed or declined. Centre approval may also be required.

Refund Rules for IELTS

The cancellation and refund rules vary by test type. Candidates should check the policy that applies to their booking before submitting a request.

• IELTS on Computer, IELTS on Computer (Writing on Paper), and OSR: Cancellations made 15 or more days before the Listening, Reading, and Writing test date may be approved with an administrative fee of up to 25% of the total test fee. Cancellations made within 14 days are non-refundable.
• IELTS on Computer for UKVI, IELTS for Life Skills, and OSR - UKVI: If the cancellation request is received more than 14 days before the test, 75% of the total test fee is refundable. Requests made within 14 days but more than 2 days before the test qualify for a 50% refund. Requests made within 2 days of the test qualify for a 25% refund. No refund is issued on or after the test day.
• UKVI refund processing: Eligible refunds, after applicable deductions, are processed within 7-10 working days from the date of the request.

Steps to Cancel or Reschedule the IELTS Test

Candidates can cancel the IELTS exam or request a test date transfer through the IDP IELTS India online process. The applicable deadlines, charges, and refund conditions depend on the test type. Follow these steps to submit a request:

1. Log in to your account: Open the IDP IELTS India Candidate Login section and check your test booking details.
2. Select the required request: Choose the option to transfer or reschedule your test date, or to cancel your booking.
3. Submit the request: Complete the online process or submit the Test Date Transfer & Cancellation/Refund Application Form to your test centre, as applicable.
4. Check the applicable policy: Confirm the deadline, transfer fee, cancellation charge, and refund conditions for your test type before submitting the request.
5. Wait for confirmation: The test centre will process your request according to the applicable policy. A new test date is subject to availability and centre approval where required.

For IELTS on Computer for UKVI, IELTS for Life Skills, and OSR - UKVI, eligible refunds are processed within 7–10 working days from the date of the request. For other IELTS test types, check the applicable policy or confirm the processing timeline with your test centre. Submitting a request does not guarantee approval of a transfer, cancellation, or refund.

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.

Check the FAQs related to IELTS test dates.