IELTS Exam Dates

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This page gives you the complete, updated 2026 IELTS exam date schedule — month-wise paper-based dates, how to find computer-delivered slots, city-wise availability, and strategic tips on when to book based on your intake goal.

IELTS Exam Dates 2026 — Quick Overview

The IELTS exam is conducted year-round in India and globally. The number of available dates depends on the format and test type you choose.

FormatAvailabilityAcademicGeneral Training
Computer-DeliveredUp to 7 days a week; 3 sessions per day at major centresAvailable almost daily throughout the yearAvailable almost daily throughout the year
Paper-Based48 fixed dates per year (up to 4 per month); Thursdays & SaturdaysAll 48 dates in 202624 dates in 2026 (fewer than Academic)
IELTS OnlineMost days of the week (subject to invigilation availability)Available in 60+ countries (not India)Available in select countries only

City-wise IELTS Test Centre Availability

The IELTS exam is available across 75+ cities in India. Below is an overview of major cities, the formats available, and how frequently dates are offered. For exact upcoming dates at your nearest centre, visit ieltsidpindia.com.

CityComputer-DeliveredPaper-BasedSessions Per Day
Delhi / New Delhi✅ Daily✅ Fixed datesUp to 3 per day
Mumbai✅ Daily✅ Fixed datesUp to 3 per day
Bengaluru✅ Daily✅ Fixed datesUp to 3 per day
Hyderabad✅ Daily✅ Fixed datesUp to 2–3 per day
Chennai✅ Daily✅ Fixed datesUp to 2–3 per day
Kolkata✅ Daily✅ Fixed datesUp to 2 per day
Pune✅ Daily✅ Fixed datesUp to 2 per day
Ahmedabad✅ Most days✅ Fixed dates1–2 per day
Chandigarh✅ Most days✅ Fixed dates1–2 per day
Jaipur✅ Most days✅ Fixed dates1–2 per day
Lucknow✅ Most days✅ Fixed dates1–2 per day
Kochi✅ Most days✅ Fixed dates1–2 per day
Gurugram✅ Daily✅ Fixed datesUp to 2–3 per day
Noida✅ Daily✅ Fixed datesUp to 2 per day
Other Cities (75+)✅ Varies⚡ Select centresCheck ieltsidpindia.com

Computer-Delivered IELTS Dates 2026

Unlike paper-based tests with fixed dates, the IELTS computer-delivered test is available almost every day of the year at major centres. Availability depends on your chosen centre and city.

DetailInformation
FrequencyUp to 7 days a week; up to 3 sessions per day at major centres in India
Time SlotsMorning (~9:00 AM), Afternoon (~1:00 PM), Evening (~4:00 PM) — varies by centre
Results3–5 days after the test (significantly faster than paper-based)
Advance BookingOff-peak: 3–4 weeks ahead. Peak season (Jun–Aug, Dec–Jan): 6–8 weeks ahead
Eligible for OSR?Yes — One Skill Retake is available only for computer-delivered tests
Closed DatesNational holidays and regional festivals — check your specific centre for closures
How to Check AvailabilityLog in to ieltsidpindia.com → Book Now → Select "Computer" → Choose city → View live date/slot availability

How to Check Available IELTS Dates Online

Finding and booking your preferred IELTS date is straightforward through the official portal. Here’s how to check real-time availability:

  • Visit ieltsidpindia.com (India) or ielts.idp.com (international)
  • Click “Book Now” on the homepage
  • Select your test type — Academic or General Training
  • Choose your format — Computer or Paper
  • Select your city from the dropdown or interactive map
  • A live calendar will display all available dates and time slots for that centre
  • Click on your preferred date to see session times and confirm availability
  • Proceed to registration and payment to secure your slot


    Note: Do not rely solely on third-party websites for IELTS date listings — dates and slots shown on unofficial pages may be outdated. Always check live availability on the official IDP or British Council portal before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between computer-delivered and paper-based IELTS?
Computer-delivered IELTS runs up to 7 days a week with 3 sessions per day, and results arrive in just 3–5 days. Paper-based is limited to 48 fixed dates a year (mostly Thursdays & Saturdays) with longer result wait times. Choose computer-delivered for flexibility and speed; paper-based if you’re not comfortable typing.
 
Gurugram offers computer-delivered IELTS daily with up to 2–3 sessions per day, and paper-based on fixed dates. For live slot availability, visit ieltsidpindia.com, select your city, and check the real-time calendar.
 
Book 3–4 weeks ahead during off-peak periods. During peak seasons (Jun–Aug and Dec–Jan), slots fill fast — book 6–8 weeks in advance. Always work backwards from your university intake deadline to pick the right date.
 
No — IELTS Online (home-based) is available in 60+ countries but not in India. Indian test-takers should opt for computer-delivered IELTS at a local centre, which offers nearly the same flexibility with daily availability.
 
Visit ieltsidpindia.com → click “Book Now” → select test type (Academic or General Training) → choose format → pick your city. A live calendar will show all available dates and slots. Avoid third-party sites — they may show outdated information.
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