Why have my IELTS results been delayed?

Knowing the reasons on why your IELTS score has been withheld can help you in avoiding the common mistakes. As, IELTS results may be withheld or delayed for various reasons. Candidates are advised to contact their test center for updates in case of any IELTS result discrepancies. 

If you have given IELTS then you must be waiting for the IELTS Result. Usually, for online mode, IELTS Scores are declared within 2-3 days, whereas, in the offline mode, the test results are declared within 13 calendar days from taking the exam. In general, candidates receive their IELTS Result within 13 calendar days of taking the test. Once you receive the mail your scores are available. You need to log into your IELTS account on the IELTS Results IDP website to see your scores. However, in certain cases, IDP does not release IELTS score within this time or the IDP IELTS result get delayed. In certain cases, candidates receive an email that their scores have been withheld.

Waiting for IELTS results can be a stressful experience, especially when the expected results are delayed or withheld. Understanding the reasons behind these delays is crucial for candidates who are eager to move forward with their study or immigration plans. If your IELTS result is not showing online, you need not panic and the first thing you should do is to contact the IDP. You can reach out to them through email or phone.

In this article, we will inform you why your IDP IELTS Result have been delayed or withheld and what you should do in this case. IELT is a popular exam given by millions of students to go to their dream study abroad destination for studying abroad. If you have taken the IELTS and it is more than 13 days but you haven't received your scores yet then it is time to contact the IDP and go back to the time of IELTS Registration apart from contacting the test center. At the time of filling out the application form for IELTS Registration, terms and conditions were given. There are three points that explained why IDP withheld or canceled your results or why IELTS result delayed.

First Term & Condition

Your result may not be issued 13 days after the test if the IELTS Test Partners decide that it is necessary to review any matter associated with your test or the administration of your test. To assist any investigation, you may be required to provide writing and speaking samples. In exceptional circumstances, you may be required to re-take one or more IELTS components.

This means that the candidate has not received his/her results even after 13 days because IELTS wants to check the results in more detail. Two popular reasons are: (1) IELTS needs to check your test again or (2) IELTS is going for quality control on how the IELTS test was managed.

Second Term & Condition

Your result may be canceled after it has been issued if any irregularity is identified. You may be required to re-take one or more IELTS components.

This means if in case there is any problem with your test then your result might be canceled and you may need to take your test again or you have to take part in your exam again. The term 'irregularity' refers to something that happened regarding your test or how it was managed that is not usual or acceptable.

Third Term & Condition

If any of the data on the Test Report Form provided by you or your agent to Recognising Organisations has been altered in any way, your original test result may be canceled.

This means that if any of the information shared by you or your agent gets modified then your IELTS Results might be canceled. Make sure to take service from an authentic or recognized agent and provide correct information.

IELTS holds the right to cancel or withhold your results for quality check or analyzing. When a candidate signs his/her application then he/she confirms to agree to the terms and conditions and accepts the possible delay in the test result. 

IELTS will inform you through email if your results are canceled or withheld. If you cannot access your scores and do not receive an email check your spam or contact the IELTS test center.

Common Reasons for Withholding or Delaying Results

• Quality Control Checks: One of the primary reasons for delays is that IELTS may need to conduct quality control checks on the test. This process ensures that the test was administered fairly and that the scoring is accurate. If there are any concerns about how the test was managed, results may be withheld while these checks are carried out.
• Reviewing Test Performance: If there are discrepancies in your test performance or if something unusual is noted during scoring, IELTS may decide to review your test further. This could involve checking your writing and speaking samples again to ensure they meet the required standards. In some cases, you might even be asked to retake one or more components of the test.
• Irregularities Identified: If any irregularities are detected—such as suspicions of cheating or breaches of test-day protocols—your results may be canceled even after they have been issued. This means that if something unusual occurred during your test, you could be required to retake parts of it.
• Altered Information: Providing incorrect or altered information on your application can also lead to cancellation of your results. It is essential to ensure that all data submitted is accurate and truthful, as any discrepancies can raise red flags during the verification process.

What to do if your IELTS Results are delayed?

You need to be patient and wait if your IELTS results are delayed. You will get your result, however, there is no fixed time limit for getting it. Some test takers receive the result within just one week or in few weeks. While for some it can take one month or 3 months. Then als, if you find yourself in a situation where your IELTS results have been delayed or withheld, here are some steps you can take:

• Contact Your Test Center: The first step is to reach out to the test center where you took your exam. They can provide updates on your situation and inform you about any specific actions you may need to take.
• Check Your Email: Make sure to check your email (including the spam folder) for any communication from IELTS regarding your results. They typically inform candidates via email if there are issues with their results.
• Be Patient: Understand that investigations and quality checks can take time. While it can be frustrating, it’s important to remain patient as IELTS works through any issues related to your test.
• Consider Retaking the Test: If you cannot wait for your results or if they remain unresolved for an extended period, you might choose to retake the IELTS exam. You can then select which result to use for your applications.

Can you take the IELTS exam again?

Yes! You can give the IELTS test again. For those who do not want to wait or have the urgency to submit IELTS Results can take the IELTS test? In case you take more than one test, you can choose to take your exam again. Also, if you have two sets of results, you can pick the highest test result.

Make sure to take the IELTS with months left in the application process as unseen delays can occur anytime. It is always better to take the IELTS test while leaving some days for back up or any uncertain events like this, so, even if your IDP IELTS result get delayed, you need not worry about the application deadline.