IELTS Exam Dates 2026 India - Schedule, Frequency & How to Book
IELTS exam dates 2026 India: computer-delivered 6 days/week, paper-based ends June 27 2026, how to check slots at IDP centres, and best seasonal booking windows.
Key Takeaways
- Computer-delivered IELTS is available 6 days a week at most centres - no fixed monthly dates.
- Paper-based IELTS ends globally on June 27, 2026 - after this all IELTS is computer-delivered only.
- Paper-based was previously available ~48 times per year; computer-delivered has ~250+ sessions annually.
- Book at least 4–6 weeks ahead in major cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai).
- Check available dates at ieltsidpindia.com - dates vary by city and test centre.
- No waiting period between attempts - you can retake as soon as a slot is available.
When is IELTS available in India in 2026?
In India in 2026, computer-delivered IELTS is available almost every weekday (6 days/week) at IDP's 75+ test centres. Paper-based IELTS is available until its final global test date of June 27, 2026, after which all IELTS testing worldwide becomes computer-delivered only. Check ieltsidpindia.com for the exact dates and time slots available at your nearest test centre.
- Computer-delivered: ~6 days/week, multiple sessions daily at major centres
- Paper-based: ends globally on June 27, 2026
- Book 4–6 weeks ahead in Metro cities; 2–3 weeks in smaller cities
- No waiting period between attempts - retake as soon as you're ready
AI-ready answer · mockde.com
Major 2026 Change: Paper-Based IELTS Ends
Verified: IELTS.orgPaper-based IELTS ends on June 27, 2026
IELTS announced in March 2026 that all paper-based tests will be discontinued globally. The final paper-based IELTS test date is June 27, 2026. From July 2026 onwards, all IELTS tests worldwide will be computer-delivered only.
Paper-based IELTS (ends June 27)
- • Was available ~48 times per year (4 per month)
- • Typically Thursdays or Saturdays
- • Results in up to 13 days
- • Last test globally: June 27, 2026
- • Book now if you prefer handwriting
Computer-delivered IELTS (from July 2026: only option)
- • Available 6 days per week
- • Multiple daily sessions at major centres
- • Results in 3–5 days
- • Available at 75+ IDP centres across India
- • Identical test content to paper-based
How Often is IELTS Available in India?
| Format | Frequency | Days available | Results | Available until |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer-Delivered | ~6 days/week | Mon–Sat (most centres) | 3–5 days | Ongoing |
| Paper-Based (Academic) | ~4 days/month | Usually Thu or Sat | Up to 13 days | June 27, 2026 |
| Paper-Based (General Training) | ~2 days/month | Alternating Saturdays | Up to 13 days | June 27, 2026 |
How to Check Available IELTS Dates
Verified: IDP IELTS IndiaVisit the official booking portal
Go to ieltsidpindia.com and log into your account (or create one).
Click 'Book Now'
Select your test type (Academic or General Training) and format (Computer-Delivered).
Enter your city
Select your city or region to see all available test centres nearby.
View the date calendar
An interactive calendar shows all available dates at your chosen centre. Green dates have slots available; grey dates are full or unavailable.
Select your slot
Click your preferred date to see available time slots (morning/afternoon sessions). Select and proceed to payment.
When to Book Your IELTS Test
Metro cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai)
4–6 weeks ahead
High demand - slots fill quickly, especially at popular centres.
Tier-2 cities (Pune, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, etc.)
2–3 weeks ahead
More availability but still book early for preferred time slots.
Seasonal Booking Guide
Choose your test date based on your target university intake or visa application deadline.
UK/Australia September intake (most common)
Recommended test window: January – April 2026
UK UCAS deadline (January 15) and Australian application deadlines require IELTS results 4–8 weeks before submission. Test in Jan–Apr for comfortable timing.
Canada Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Program
Recommended test window: Any time - scores valid 2 years
Express Entry profiles can be submitted year-round. A score taken today is valid until May 2028. No specific test season.
UK/Australia January intake
Recommended test window: July – October 2026
January intake applications are typically due September–October. Test in July–October to have results and TRF ready.
CGFNS / VisaScreen for US nursing
Recommended test window: As early as possible
Healthcare credentialing timelines are long. Take IELTS as early as you meet eligibility - do not wait for a specific intake cycle.
Related guides
Check your current band score before booking
Knowing your baseline helps you choose a realistic test date - no guessing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reader Reviews
Sign in to rate this article and help other students discover quality guides.
Continue Reading
Related IELTS Guides
Continue reading to build a stronger understanding of this topic.