IELTS Exam dates

Upcoming dates for August 2023

There are 36 to 48 paper-based IELTS test dates available annually in India. The allocation of slots at IELTS test centres follows a first-come, first-serve policy. 
 

These test dates are scheduled in various cities, allowing you to choose a convenient location and time for examination. 
 

IDP provides a fixed IELTS test date calendar for a full year. Four monthly test dates are typically available for the IELTS Academic, while the IELTS General Training is conducted twice a month.
 

It means there are 48 paper-based Academic tests conducted annually and 24 General Training tests. The Computer-delivered IELTS Test is conducted 7 days a week, with three daily test sessions.

IELTS Academic Dates

The IELTS Academic test evaluates your English language skills if you are a student planning to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies.     
 

It is also required if you need to apply for a Student Route visa, also known as the Tier 4 visa, to study at a university in the UK.

Computer-based Exam Dates for the IELTS Academic Test in India

The IELTS computer-based test is available on all days of the week except for public holidays. Within a given test day, three-time slots are available, allowing you to choose a time that works best for you.     
 

The usual schedule for these slots is as follows:

• Slot 1: 09:00 am to 12:00 pm 
• Slot 2: 01:00 pm to 04:00 pm 
• Slot 3: 05:00 pm to 08:00 pm

Paper-based Exam dates for the IELTS Academic test in India

Now that you’re aware of the upcoming IELTS Academic dates check out the step-by-step guide to the registration process. 

Rescheduling IELTS Academic test dates

To make changes to your IELTS test, it's important to know the following information:

If you want to reschedule, you must choose a new test date within 3 months of your original date.

You can also change your test date anytime before the test, but this may be treated as a cancellation if it's close to the test day.

Cancelling IELTS Academic test dates

If you want to cancel your IELTS test, inform your test centre before the test date. The refund you receive will depend on when you cancel and if there are any exceptional circumstances.

Cancelling your IELTS test more than 5 weeks before the scheduled test date can make you eligible for a refund

Remember, you can only change your booking once.

You can contact your specific test centre for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the rescheduling or cancellation process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are the IELTS Academic exam 2023 dates?

A. Four monthly test dates are typically available for the IELTS Academic. This means there are 48 paper-based Academic tests conducted annually. At the same time, a Computer-based test is conducted 7 days a week in 3 slots, excluding holidays. 

You can find the upcoming dates here:

Q. How often are IELTS Academic exams held?

A. IELTS Academic exams are usually held 4 times a month. It's best to check the official IELTS website or contact your local test centre for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the frequency of IELTS Academic exams in your area.

Q. Can I change my IELTS Academic test date?

A. Yes, it is possible to change your IELTS Academic test date, but it depends on the policies of the test centre and the availability of alternative dates. Generally, you can request a test date change by contacting the test centre directly. However, a fee may be associated with changing your test date, subject to availability.

IELTS General Training Test Dates

You should opt for the IELTS General Training test to migrate to English-speaking countries for work experience, training programs, or non-academic purposes. It is also commonly used for immigration purposes.

Computer-based Exam dates for the IELTS General Training test in India

The IELTS computer-based test is available on all days of the week except for public holidays. 

Within a given test day, three-time slots are available, allowing you to choose a time that works best for you.

The usual schedule for these slots is as follows:

• Slot 1: 09:00 am to 12:00 pm 
• Slot 2: 01:00 pm to 04:00 pm 
• Slot 3: 05:00 pm to 08:00 pm

Paper-based Exam dates for the IELTS General Training test in India

Rescheduling IELTS General Training test dates

To make changes to your IELTS test, it's important to know the following information:

If you want to reschedule, you must choose a new test date within three months of your original date. It will be treated as a cancellation if it's more than three months.

You can also change your test date anytime before the test, but this may be treated as a cancellation if it's close to the test day.

Cancelling IELTS General Training test dates

If you want to cancel your IELTS test, inform your test centre before the test date. The refund you receive will depend on when you cancel and if there are any exceptional circumstances.

Cancelling your IELTS test more than five weeks before the scheduled test date can make you eligible for a refund.

Remember, you can only change your booking once.

You can contact your specific test centre for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the rescheduling or cancellation process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How early should I book my IELTS General Training exam?    
A. The recommended time to book your IELTS General Training exam is at least 2-3 months in advance. This allows you to secure your preferred test date and location and provide ample time for preparation.

Q. What if I have to cancel the exam before five days due to an emergency?

A. If you can provide a medical certificate within five days of the test date, you may be eligible for a refund. But, the local administrative cost (25% of your test fee) will be deducted from the amount refunded.

Q. How often are the IELTS General Training tests conducted?

A. The frequency of IELTS General Training tests can vary depending on the test centre and demand. In many locations, IELTS General Training tests are conducted multiple times per month, while in others, they may be available less frequently.   
 

Q. Is IELTS General Training difficult?   
A. No. IELTS General Training serves a different purpose and is much simpler than IELTS Academic. IELTS General Training is designed to test your English language skills at a general level. However, both types of IELTS test requires enough practice and preparation.

IELTS UKVI Dates

To study or work in the UK as an international student, you must prove that your English language skills are at the level required for your course.   
 

For that, you might need to take the IELTS for the UKVI test. It is a Secure English Language Test (SELT) approved by the UK home office for visa applications to the United Kingdom.

IELTS for the UKVI test can be used for purposes other than studying at a UK university via Student Route (Tier 4) Sponsor. You need to take a specialised version of the IELTS test known as IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

The IELTS for UKVI is available in three versions, i.e. academic, general training, and life skills:

IELTS for UKVI Academic Dates

The IELTS UKVI Academic test’s main objective is to provide student visas to international students and evaluate whether the candidate is suitable to pursue higher studies in UK universities.   
 

The IELTS Academic for UKVI test is the same as the IELTS Academic test in terms of the pattern, content, and scoring criteria. However, the IELTS for the UKVI test is only available at test centres that meet the administrative requirements defined by the UK Home Office.

The IELTS UKVI Academic Dates vary based on the centre you choose for the examination. You can check the official website of IDP to check the dates based on the location of your choice.

IELTS for UKVI General Training Dates

IELTS for UKVI General Training test is suitable for candidates looking for a work visa in the UK and planning for migration,  focusing on basic survival skills in a broad workplace environment.   
 

The IELTS General Training for UKVI test is the same as the IELTS General Training test regarding the pattern, content, and scoring criteria. However, the IELTS for the UKVI test is only available at test centres that meet the administrative requirements defined by the UK Home Office.

The IELTS UKVI General  Dates vary based on the centre you choose for the examination. You can check the official website of IDP to check the dates based on the location of your choice.

IELTS Life Skills Dates

The IELTS Life Skills was recently launched by the Secure English Language Test (SELT) version. This test is for candidates who want to prove their English speaking and listening skills to acquire a UK visa. 

Your skills will be assessed on levels A1 and B1. If you’ve cleared the test, you can’t re-apply for the same in two years.

IELTS Life Skills A1- English speaking and listening abilities for executives, business people, multinational corporation owners & athletes    
 

IELTS Life Skills B1- English speaking and listening abilities to be granted the indefinite right to remain.

According to IDP, the IELTS Life Skills A1 & B1 dates in India for this year is as follows:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How often are IELTS UKVI exams held?

A. IELTS UKVI exams are offered regularly throughout the year, similar to the regular IELTS exams. You can check the availability on the official IELTS website or by contacting the test centres in your region. It's advisable to book the exam well in advance to secure a preferred date and location that aligns with your schedule.

Q. What are the available dates for IELTS UKVI exams?

A. The availability of IELTS UKVI exam dates varies depending on the test centre and location. You should visit the official IELTS website or contact your local test centre to check the available dates for IELTS UKVI exams in your area. They will provide the most up-to-date information regarding exam dates and registration.

Q. Which visa applications require IELTS UKVI? 

A. Generally, IELTS UKVI is required for visa applications related to studying, working, or living in the UK, excluding studying at a UK university under the Student Route (Tier 4) Sponsor.   
 

Q. Can I change my IELTS UKVI test date?  
A. It is usually possible to request a change in your IELTS UKVI test date, but it depends on the policies of the test centre and the availability of alternative dates. Generally, you can request a test date change by contacting the test centre directly. However, a fee may be associated with changing your test date, and it is subject to availability  
 

Q. Can I use my IELTS UKVI scores for other purposes, such as university admission? 

A. While IELTS UKVI is primarily designed for visa applications, some universities or educational institutions may accept IELTS UKVI scores for admission. Please check with the universities or institutions to determine if they accept IELTS UKVI scores for admission or require the regular IELTS Academic test.

Rescheduling and cancelling IELTS for UKVI

• If you wish to change your test date and it is more than 14 days before the scheduled test, you can do so.
• When selecting a new test date, ensure it falls within the next three to months. If you choose a test date more than three months after your original date, it will be considered a cancellation rather than a transfer.
• Your test centre may require an administration fee, which could amount to up to 25% of the total test fee.
• If you request to transfer your test date within 14 days of the scheduled test, it will be treated as a cancellation.

Note: you are allowed to transfer your booking only once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How can you find the available dates for the IELTS Life Skills exams?  
A. To find out the available dates for IELTS Life Skills exams, you can visit the official IELTS website or contact your local test centre. They will have information regarding the upcoming exam dates for IELTS Life Skills. It is recommended to check the availability well in advance and plan accordingly to secure a suitable date for your exam.

Q. How can you book the IELTS Life Skills test?

A. There are three steps to booking your IELTS test:

• Check the availability and select your test date.
• Create an account with the British Council.
• Book and pay.  
   

Q. How long is IELTS Life Skills valid?

A. IELTS Life Skills A1 English language test is valid for two years. The validity is determined based on the assumption that language proficiency may change over time. The two-year validity allows institutions or organisations to have recent and relevant information about an individual's language skills when considering applications or assessing eligibility for certain purposes. 

Q. How often are the IELTS Life Skills tests conducted?

A. The frequency of IELTS Life Skills tests can vary depending on the test centre and demand. In many locations, IELTS Life Skills tests are conducted multiple times per month, while in others, they may be available less frequently. It is best to check with the test centre or the official IELTS website for the most current information on test dates and availability in your area.