The IELTS exam is a well-known test for English skills, organized by the British Council, IDP Education, and Cambridge Assessment English. It’s unique because it’s the only test that all four countries—Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom—accept for migration purposes. Due to this, there’s a high demand for the test, and slots fill up quickly.
It’s a good idea to book your spot early and start preparing for the IELTS exam. However, make sure to choose a test date that fits your plans, especially if you’re thinking about moving or studying abroad. Remember, your IELTS score is only valid for a certain period.
Also, be cautious when selecting your test date. Make sure you’re aware of the preferred test types and modules for the IELTS exam.
IELTS exam dates and its different types
IELTS has five preferred test types:
· Computer-delivered IELTS
· Computer-delivered IELTS for UKVI
· Paper-based IELTS
· Paper-based IELTS for UKVI
· Life Skills
Computer-delivered IELTS exams are available almost year-round, except on certain national and general holidays like New Year’s and Republic Day. Paper-based IELTS exams, IELTS for UKVI, and Life Skills tests have fixed dates at various centers in India.
Once you choose your IELTS preference, you’ll need to pick a test type or module from General Training and Academic. If you’re taking the IELTS Life Skills test, you’ll choose between Level 1 and Level 2.
To make the right choice, consider your needs and understand the IELTS syllabus. Keep in mind that the test date might change based on your preferred exam type and test center.
Below is the schedule for paper-based exam dates in the first half of 2024.
January IELTS exam dates 2024
| IELTS Test Date | IELTS Test Type |
| Saturday, 6 January 2024 | Academic and General Training |
| Saturday, 13 January 2024 | Academic |
| Thursday, 18 January 2024 | Academic and General Training |
| Saturday, 27 January 2024 | Academic |
February IELTS exam dates 2024
| IELTS Test Date | IELTS Test Type |
| Saturday, 3 February 2024 | Academic and General Training |
| Thursday, 8 February 2024 | Academic |
| Saturday, 17 February 2024 | Academic and General Training |
| Saturday, 24 February 2024 | Academic |
March IELTS exam dates 2024
| IELTS Test Date | IELTS Test Type |
| Thursday, 7 March 2024 | Academic |
| Saturday, 9 March 2024 | Academic and General Training |
| Saturday, 16 March 2024 | Academic |
| Saturday, 23 March 2024 | Academic and General Training |
April IELTS exam dates 2024
| IELTS Test Date | IELTS Test Type |
| Saturday, 6 April 2024 | Academic and General Training |
| Saturday, 13 April 2024 | Academic |
| Thursday, 18 April 2024 | Academic |
| Saturday, 27 April 2024 | Academic and General Training |
May IELTS exam dates 2024
| IELTS Test Date | IELTS Test Type |
| Saturday, 4 May 2024 | Academic and General Training |
| Thursday, 9 May 2024 | Academic |
| Saturday, 18 May 2024 | Academic |
| Saturday, 25 May 2024 | Academic and General Training |
June IELTS exam dates 2024
| IELTS Test Date | IELTS Test Type |
| Saturday, 1 June 2024 | Academic and General Training |
| Saturday, 8 June 2024 | Academic |
| Thursday, 13 June 2024 | Academic |
| Saturday, 22 June 2024 | Academic and General Training |
Important Things You Should Know about IELTS test & its dates
Here are some important points to know about the IELTS test and its dates:
· IDP typically schedules around 4 tests per month.
· Test dates usually include one Thursday and three Saturdays.
· In India, there are 82 centers across 75 cities.
· There are 48 fixed dates available for IELTS in India, with General Training tests held on 24 of those dates.
· To secure your preferred location, it’s essential to book your test well in advance.
· IELTS on Computer offers testing three times a day, seven days a week.
· On test day, both computer-based and paper-based exams include reading, listening, and writing sections. The speaking test is done face-to-face or via video call with an examiner.
· For the paper test, you can schedule the speaking test within 7 days before or after the other sections.
· For the computer test, schedule the speaking segment 5 days prior to the exam date.
· The sequence for computer-based IELTS is listening, reading, and writing, while paper-based tests follow writing, reading, and listening.
· Headphones are provided for the listening segment at the exam center.
· Results for the computer test are available in 3 to 5 days, while paper-based test results come after 13 days.
· The test fee for all types is Rs. 16,250, except for the Life Skills test, which costs Rs. 15,350.
Choosing an IELTS Test Date in India
Here’s how you can register for the IELTS exam and check available slots:
Step 1: Go to ieltsidpindia.com or ielts.org and find the “register for IELTS” option.
Step 2: Click on “IELTS exam dates” to see available slots. If you want to filter by test type, follow the next steps.
Step 3: Choose your test type, test module, and test city, then click on “book now”. The available test types comprise Computer-delivered IELTS, Computer-delivered IELTS for UKVI, Paper-based IELTS, Paper-based IELTS for UKVI, and Life Skills.
Step 4: Note down the available slots and dates for the upcoming months. You can navigate to the next or previous month slots using the arrows (>) and (<).
Once you’ve chosen your preferred slot, register for the test with the necessary information. It’s recommended to book your IELTS test in advance to secure your spot.
Can we reschedule the IELTS exam date?
Yes, you can reschedule your IELTS exam, but there are some rules to keep in mind:
· The ability to reschedule depends on how close it is to the test day. If you try to change the date just a few days before the exam, it might be considered a cancellation instead of a reschedule.
· When you request a reschedule, you’ll need to choose another preferred test date within three months from the original test date. If the new date is more than three months after the original date, it will be treated as a cancellation instead of a reschedule.
· You’re allowed to change your IELTS test date only once within the same booking. Make sure to choose your new date carefully.
How to change IELTS test date
To change your IELTS test date, you should visit your test center and speak with the appropriate person in charge. Here’s what you need to know about rescheduling or canceling your application:
· If you make the change more than five (5) weeks before the test date, you’ll get a refund, but there will be an administration charge deducted.
· If you make the change within five (5) weeks of the test date, you’ll be charged the full fee unless you have a serious medical reason.
· If you submit a medical certificate within five (5) days of the test date, you may receive a refund, but it will be deducted by the local administrative cost.
In cases of unforeseen circumstances, the staff at the test center will assist you in rescheduling your test.
Final Word
IELTS holds significant importance as a standard English language test, especially for obtaining a UK visa, pursuing studies overseas, or settling in another country. Given its reputation, thorough preparation is crucial for success.
It’s important to set your IELTS exam date early so you can plan your studies accordingly and aim for a high score.
Quickenrols, a study abroad center, offers specialized IELTS preparation courses tailored to your needs. By enrolling in their program, you can give yourself the best chance to achieve your dream score. Additionally, the institute provides assistance with education loans, expert guidance, and the college selection process, further supporting your journey towards studying abroad.