IELTS Paper-Based Test to End from Mid-2026; Computer-Based Test Only Allowed

The IELTS paper-based test will not be offerred from mid-2026, as confirmed by the IELTS partners. All IELTS tests will be conducted on a computer going forward. This update puts an end to any confusion about the future of the paper-based IELTS exam.

IELTS will no longer be offered as a paper-based test from mid-2026. The IELTS partners (British Council, IDP, and Cambridge Assessment English) have confirmed through an official announcement. All IELTS tests will now be delivered on computer. 

The paper-based IELTS test dates have been announced only till June 2026. The shift to a fully computer-based IELTS is expected to begin after June 2026. However, an official update on these changes is still awaited from IDP India. The exact dates for this shift will be announced later, and it will vary by market.

The IELTS partners have stated, "After careful review, from mid-2026, we will no longer offer IELTS as a paper-based test. All IELTS tests will be delivered on computer."

The decision comes after the IELTS partners found higher satisfaction among test takers who chose the computer-based test, citing faster results, more convenience, and the availability of One Skill Retake as key reasons.

What is the 'Writing on Paper' Option?

For test takers who prefer handwriting their answers, IELTS is introducing a new option called 'Writing on Paper'. In selected markets, test takers will be able to handwrite their answers to the Writing component on paper, even while giving the rest of the test on computer.

Research conducted by the IELTS partners confirms that scores from 'Writing on Paper' are fully comparable to scores from the regular computer-based Writing test, both overall and within each score band.

Does This Change IELTS Scoring or Recognition?

No. The IELTS partners have made it clear that this update does not change the skills assessed, the IELTS test pattern, or how results are interpreted by institutions. IELTS scores will continue to be recognised and accepted by universities and immigration bodies across the world in the same way as before.

One Skill Retake for Writing on Paper

One Skill Retake is now available for Writing on Paper as well. However, there is an important condition: the retake must be taken in the same delivery mode as the original test. If a test taker chose Writing on Paper for their original test, their One Skill Retake must also be done with Writing on Paper, not on computer.

Are Existing Paper-Based IELTS Results Still Valid?

Yes. All current paper-based IELTS results are not affected by this change and will remain valid until the end of the standard two-year period.

IELTS has not yet announced the exact dates or markets where the Writing on Paper option will be rolled out. Further details are expected to be shared by the IELTS partners in due course.