
So you are planning to go abroad for study or job? The IELTS exam is among the mandatory exams to be taken for study abroad. But before you start studying, you must finish your IELTS exam slot booking. Many students get confused here. They don't know how to pick the right exam date or which test center is best for them.
It is very important to book your seat early because the slots get full very fast. If you wait for last minute, you might not get your preferred location. In this article, we will explain everything about IELTS registration. We will help you choose between IELTS Academic and General Training and show you how to book your test with IDP easily without making any mistake. Better you book your IELTS exam slot early to get test date and exam centre you like because seats are limited and depend real-time availability. The fees to book IELTS slot is INR 18,000.
- What is IELTS Slot Booking in India?
- Step-by-Step Process for IELTS Exam Slot Booking
- Book an IELTS Slot Offline
- IELTS Slot Booking by Courier (Offline Method)
- IELTS Exam Slot Booking in Major Indian Cities
- How to Check IELTS Slot Booking Confirmation
- Common Mistakes During IELTS Slot Booking
- IELTS Test Fee Payment
- Documents Required for IELTS Slot Booking
- IELTS Slot Booking: Rescheduling & Cancellation
What is IELTS Slot Booking in India?
IELTS Slot Booking is just like booking a movie ticket. You pick the IELTS test date, the time, and the place where you want to write your exam. In India, IDP manages everything. You cannot give exam without booking this slot first.
You have two main choices when you book your seat during IELTS registration:
1. Computer-Delivered IELTS
This is good for people who like typing.
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More Slots: You can find dates almost every day.
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Faster Results: You get your score in just 2 to 5 days.
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Comfort: You sit in a quiet computer lab to give the test.
2. Paper-Based IELTS
This is the old style (traditional way).
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Fewer Slots: Dates are available only 4 times a month (mostly Thursdays and Saturdays).
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Slower Results: You have to wait 13 days for your marks.
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Writing: You use pencil or pen to write answers on paper sheet.
Important Details
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The Speaking Test: Sometimes this test happens on same day, sometimes on different day. For Paper-based, you can choose your IELTS Speaking slot separately online. If you forget, IDP will give you any random time.
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Passport is Must: You cannot book anything without a valid Passport. If your passport is expired, you cannot register.
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Payment: You have to pay IELTS fees around INR 18,000 online to confirm your seat.
Commonly asked questions
Candidates can reschedule their IELTS test only if the test date is at least 15 days from the date on which they are applying for transfer. IELTS exam dates that are 34 days and beyond can be rescheduled without stating any reason. Candidates would be required to pay a fee for the same.
Yes, you can change IELTS test date after booking. But there are some rules. If you ask to change the date more than 5 weeks before the test, it is free. If you ask less than 5 weeks before the test, then you need to pay 10% of IELTS test fee. So, always try to plan early to save money.
To check IELTS exam slots, you can do it like this:
Go to the official IDP IELTS India website. Here you get the latest info about IELTS test dates and slots.
Select your test type – Academic or General Training.
- Choose your test center or city.
- Then you will see the IELTS slot availability on a calendar:
- Green = slot available
- White = not available
- Red = already full
- Black = you selected this slot
This way you can quickly find and book your IELTS exam date.
Step-by-Step Process for IELTS Exam Slot Booking
Booking your IELTS test slot with IDP India is very simple. When you do IELTS registration, you will get a confirmation email and also a message on your phone.
If you are giving IELTS on Paper, you can also choose your Speaking test slot online. This option opens 15 days before your main test (IELTS Listening, Reading, Writing) and closes 9 days before. If you not book in this time, the system will give you a time slot automatic.
If you don’t like online, you can also register in person at the nearest IDP IELTS branch or with a Referral Partner. For this you must bring passport copy (front and back) and a signed form.
How to Book IELTS Exam Date Online?
The best way is to book online because it is fast. You can do it from your mobile or laptop. Just follow these steps:
- Go to the official IDP IELTS website.
- Click on "Register" and make a new account with your name and email.
- Now you have to login to book IELTS exam.
- Select which test you want – Academic (for study) or General Training (for work/PR).
- Choose your city and test center near your house.
- Look at the calendar. Green dates are available. Pick your date for IELTS Exam Slot Booking.
- Fill your passport details. Be very careful here! Name and number must match your passport exactly.
- Upload photo of your passport (first page and last page).
- Pay the fees online using card or net banking.
- After payment, you will get message on phone and email that your IELTS slot booking is done.
IELTS Exam Slot Booking for Computer-Based vs. Paper-Based Tests
Before you book, you must decide which type of test is good for you.
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Computer-Based IELTS: This is good if you type fast. The exam happen almost every day. The best part is you get result very fast, in just 3 to 5 days. This is good for IELTS Exam Slot Booking if you are in hurry.
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Paper-Based IELTS: This is like old school exam. You write answers with black ball pen on paper. This exam happen only on some dates (mostly Thursday and Saturday). Result come late, usually after 13 days.
If you want result quick choose computer one. If you like writing on paper, choose paper one.
Commonly asked questions
You must have a valid passport. While booking, you have to upload passport photo page. On test day, you must carry same passport with you.
Yes, if you book paper-based IELTS, you can pick your Speaking test slot 5 to 7 days before the exam. If you don't pick, IDP will allott it for you. For computer-based test, speaking is on same day or close to your main test.
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.
Book an IELTS Slot Offline
To book IELTS exam in offline mode one have to follow below mentioned steps.
- Candidates are required to visit the nearest IELTS test centre/ branch
- At the branch register on the IELTS website and pay the registration fee of INR 18,000 online OR
- Candidates can also download the registration form and submit it to the nearest IELTS test centre along with the IELTS exam fee of INR 18,000
- The confirmation of the date and time will be sent by the IELTS test centre.
- Also, note that the speaking test will be conducted on a separate date and within 7 days of registering for the IELTS test.
This is how applicants can follow steps to book their IELTS exam slots in offline mode.
Commonly asked questions
Visit official IELTS 2026 registration website. You can select your country and nearest IELTS test center to view a live calendar. It shows every available date and time slot for test. Choose IELTS dates that fit you.
Yes. Once the candidate has selected his preferred test centre. He would get the unfilled test dates and the time slots existing for his selected IELTS test centre. Test takers will have to select from the time slot available at the test centre.
Yes, you can go to IDP office or partner centre and do booking there. They will help you fill the form and pay the fee. But most students prefer online booking, it is faster.
IELTS Slot Booking by Courier (Offline Method)
For those who can't go online or even visit in person, they can send your details and payment through courier.
Steps to book an IELTS slot by courier:
- Download the IELTS application form from the official IDP website
- Fill all the details clearly
- Attach the following:
- Photocopy of passport
- Demand Draft (DD) or Deposit Slip from ICICI/HDFC bank
- Demand Draft must be in favour of "IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd.", payable at New Delhi
- Courier all the documents to the nearest IDP office
- Once they receive it, you will get a confirmation for your IELTS slot
Check the complete list of IELTS test centres in India here!
Commonly asked questions
You must bring a hard copy of your valid passport at the time of IELTS booking. This is a mandatory document. Other than this, filled IELTS application form and fee payment.
The demand draft should be made in favour of "IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd.", payable at New Delhi. Double-check the spelling and bank details before making the DD.
Yes, you can choose a new test city when filling the form. Just make sure to mention your preferred test city and test date clearly in the application.
IELTS Exam Slot Booking in Major Indian Cities
India has many test centers for IELTS. You don't have to worry, you will official IELTS exam centres near you. Most big cities have both IELTS computer-based and paper-based exams centres. But in some small cities, maybe only paper-based is available. Here is the list of main cities where you can do IELTS Exam Slot Booking easily:
| City | Available Formats | IDP IELTS Test Centers | Average Test Dates (Per Month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyderabad | Computer & Paper |
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20–25 dates (High Demand) |
| Delhi NCR | Computer & Paper | Nehru Place, Rajouri Garden, Noida, Gurgaon | 25–30 dates |
| Mumbai | Computer & Paper | IDP IELTS Andheri Unit No. 003, Ground Floor, A-wing, Kanakia Wall Street, Next to Western Express Highway, Chakala Andheri-Kurla Road, Hanuman Nagar, Andheri East, Mumbai - 400093 |
20–25 dates |
| Bangalore | Computer & Paper | St. Marks Road, Whitefield, Kasturba Road | 20–25 dates |
| Chennai | Computer & Paper | Egmore, Adyar | 20–22 dates |
| Pune | Computer & Paper | Boat Club Road, Shivajinagar | 18–20 dates |
| Kolkata | Computer & Paper | Park Street, Camac Street | 15–18 dates |
| Ahmedabad | Computer & Paper | CG Road, Gujarat University Area | 15–18 dates |
| Chandigarh | Computer & Paper | Sector 17, Sector 34 | 15–20 dates |
| Jaipur | Computer & Paper | Tonk Road, Raja Park | 12–15 dates |
Important Note: These numbers are just idea. In busy months like August or September (before college start), slots finish very quick. For cities like Hyderabad and Delhi, please try to book at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance if you want specific date.
Commonly asked questions
Mostly the IELTS exam starts morning around 9 am. You must arrive early because of checking. IELTS Speaking test sometimes afternoon or maybe even another day. Always check your email.
The IELTS exam fess will remain INR 18,000 for any of the test centres near you.
No. A valid passport is mandatory for IELTS registration and on the test day. So, one cannot register for IELTS without a passport.
How to Check IELTS Slot Booking Confirmation
After you finish the payment, you might worry thinking, "Is my seat really confirmed?" Don't panic, it is very easy to check your status. You will receive the confirmation details for your IELTS Exam Slot Booking in three simple ways immediately. Here is how to check the confirmation of IELTS slot booking:
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Check your email inbox. You will get email from IDP instantly.
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Check your mobile SMS.
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Login to website again. Go to "My Tests" section. It will show "Paid" or "Confirmed".
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Venue address (exact location) usually come in email 2-3 days before exam. So don't worry if you don't see address immediately after IELTS slot booking.
Soon after confirmation, know the IELTS exam pattern in detail to start your preparation well!
Commonly asked questions
After your documents reach the IDP office and are processed, you will get a confirmation email or message about your updated slot. Keep checking your email regularly after sending the courier.
The IELTS registration deadline for the computer test is 72 hrs before the test date. On the other hand, for paper IELTS test, it is 3 to 7 days before. This generally depends upon the availability of the test date and centre.
To apply for IELTS registration, candidates need to keep the documents mentioned below handy.
- A valid passport
- A recent passport-sized photograph
- Payment method
Common Mistakes During IELTS Slot Booking
Many students make simple mistakes and their money gets wasted. The biggest error is entering wrong passport number; if details don't match exactly, entry is denied. Also, many people choose General Training instead of Academic by mistake, so please check twice. Lastly, don't do IELTS Exam Slot Booking at the last minute or you might get a center very far away. Please be careful of this:
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Wrong Passport Number: If you write wrong number in form, they will not let you enter exam hall. Your money will go waste.
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Wrong Module: Some students want Academic but mistake book General Training. Check twice before paying.
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Waiting till Last Minute: Seats fill very fast. Don't wait. Do your IELTS Exam Slot Booking as soon as you decide.
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Not checking Speaking Slot: Sometimes Speaking test is on different date. You have to book that also. Don't forget it.
Also Check: Common Mistakes in IELTS Speaking and How to Fix Them!
Commonly asked questions
Yes, you can change or cancel IELTS exam in both methods. But you must do it before deadline, and a small admin charge may be cut from your fee.
Online IELTS registration is faster and easy. You can book from home in 10–15 mins. But if you don't have internet or need help, then offline method is also good.
Yes, IDP has a helpline and email support. If you have issue in online or offline booking, just call or email them. They reply fast and guide you in every scenario.
IELTS Test Fee Payment
Commonly asked questions
The IELTS test fees are INR 18,000. This is same for both IELTS on computer and paper based test. Any latest changes on IELTS test fees will be updated here soon after availabilty.
IELTS Test Type | IELTS Test Fee 2026 |
|---|---|
IELTS on Computer for UKVI | INR 18,250 |
IELTS on Computer | INR 18,000 |
IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1) | INR 17,000 |
IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration | INR 18,250 |
IELTS on Paper | INR 18,000 |
One Skill Retake | INR 12,000 |
No, you can't book IELTS exam date without paying the IELTS booking fees. Candidates have to pay the IELTS exam fees of Rs. 18,000 for successful booking of test.
You can pay your IELTS fee online by credit card, debit card, net banking, or UPI. If you are booking offline, then you can pay by demand draft (DD) or cash at some IDP offices.
Documents Required for IELTS Slot Booking
Commonly asked questions
Yes, after you finish payment, you will get an email with payment receipt. Save it safe. You may need it for checking or proof later.
To book an IELTS slot, you need to have:
- Valid passport the main ID for the test registration.
- You'll need a valid credit or debit card for online bookings. Cash payments are not accepted.
- IELTS Application Form and Payment proof for Offline registrations.
IDP - the conducting body of the IELTS exam gives a list of test centers across India. To find the available centers in your city, visit the official website or our IELTS Test Centre page.
No, only a passport is accepted for IELTS registration. Aadhaar, PAN, or other Indian ID cards are not valid for booking the IELTS exam.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
IELTS Slot Booking: Rescheduling & Cancellation
Commonly asked questions
No, there are no additional charges for booking IELTS 2026 slots through official IDP website. Displayed fee during the booking process is only and final amount you will have to pay.
Yes, the IELTS test fee is same for both Academic and General Training. Only the test questions are different, fee is not.
You can book your IELTS slot by downloading the application form from ieltsidpindia.com, filling it correctly, and sending it with your payment and passport copy to the nearest IDP office by courier.
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