Abhyank Srinet 
Table of Contents
The IELTS exam fee in India is ₹19,000 in 2026 for both Academic and General Training tests, according to IDP IELTS India. IELTS for UKVI costs ₹19,250, IELTS Life Skills costs ₹18,000, and One Skill Retake costs ₹12,650. Indian applicants should also budget for rescheduling, cancellation, rechecking and additional score-report charges, as these services can increase the total IELTS cost.
Introduction
The IELTS exam fee in India is ₹19,000 in 2026, but the final cost can be higher if you reschedule the test, request rechecking or send additional score reports. IELTS exam fees are the official charges candidates pay to register for Academic, General Training, UKVI, Life Skills or One Skill Retake. Based on the latest fee structure published by IDP IELTS India, each test type and service has a different charge.
Understanding these costs before booking can help Indian applicants avoid unexpected expenses and plan their study-abroad budget accurately. In this blog, we will explain the latest IELTS exam fees in India, payment methods, rescheduling and cancellation rules, rechecking costs and additional score-report charges.
How Much Does the IELTS Exam Cost in India?
The IELTS exam fee in India is ₹19,000 in 2026 for both IELTS Academic and General Training.
This standard fee applies to IELTS on Computer and IELTS on Paper, where the paper format is available. The price is also the same across Indian test cities, so candidates can choose their preferred location and test format without paying a higher registration fee. According to the official IDP IELTS India fee structure, the amount shown on the booking portal should always be checked before making payment.
Candidates taking IELTS for UK visa or immigration purposes must pay ₹19,250 for IELTS for UKVI. IELTS Life Skills A1 and B1 costs ₹18,000, while One Skill Retake costs ₹12,650 for eligible candidates who want to retake only Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking instead of the complete exam
| Fee Type | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic – Computer or Paper | ₹19,000 |
| IELTS General Training – Computer or Paper | ₹19,000 |
| IELTS for UKVI | ₹19,250 |
| IELTS Life Skills A1 and B1 | ₹18,000 |
| IELTS One Skill Retake | ₹12,650 |
What is Included in the IELTS Fee?
The IELTS exam fee in India includes the full test, evaluation of all four sections, an official result and five free electronic score reports.
The fee covers Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, along with your overall band score and section-wise scores. Candidates can access their electronic Test Report Form, or eTRF, through the IELTS candidate portal.
You can send your IELTS score to up to five universities or organisations free of cost. After that, each additional electronic score report costs ₹350 per university.
| Service Included | Details |
|---|---|
| Complete IELTS test | Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking |
| Score evaluation | Overall band score and section-wise scores |
| Test Report Form | Official eTRF available online |
| Free score reports | Up to five institutions |
| Additional score reports | ₹350 per university |
IELTS Rescheduling and Cancellation Fees
IELTS rescheduling fees in India range from ₹3,200 to ₹4,850, while cancellation refunds depend on the test type and how early the request is submitted.
For IELTS Academic and General Training on Paper or Computer, candidates can request a transfer or cancellation at least nine days before the test. Supporting documents are required, and approval is subject to IDP. Approved cancellations are refunded within 7–10 business days after administrative charges are deducted.
IELTS for UKVI, Life Skills and One Skill Retake follow separate refund rules. Rescheduling is subject to test-date availability, while candidates who cancel on the test day, miss the exam or submit an ineligible request may lose the full IELTS exam fee.
| Test type or action | Official rule | Fee or refund |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic or General rescheduling | Request at least 9 days before the test | ₹4,750 |
| IELTS for UKVI rescheduling | Request at least 14 days before the test | ₹4,850 |
| IELTS Life Skills rescheduling | Request at least 14 days before the test | ₹4,500 |
| One Skill Retake rescheduling | Request at least 4 days before the test | ₹3,200 |
| UKVI or Life Skills cancellation | More than 14 days before the test | 75% refund |
| UKVI or Life Skills cancellation | 2–14 days before the test | 50% refund |
| UKVI or Life Skills cancellation | Within 2 days of the test | 25% refund |
| One Skill Retake cancellation | At least 4 days before the test | 75% refund |
| No-show or late OSR cancellation | Candidate misses the test or cancels too late | No refund |
How Do You Register for IELTS in India?
Indian candidates can register for IELTS online through the official IDP IELTS India portal by selecting a test, uploading their passport copy and paying the applicable exam fee.
Online registration is the fastest option, although candidates can also book at an authorised IDP IELTS branch. Your booking is confirmed only after the required information, documents and payment have been successfully submitted.
Step 1: Choose Your IELTS Test
Select the test that matches your purpose:
- IELTS Academic for university admission
- IELTS General Training for work or migration
- IELTS for UKVI for specific UK visa routes
- IELTS Life Skills for eligible UK visa categories
Choose IELTS on Computer or IELTS on Paper based on availability in your city.
Step 2: Select Your City, Date and Time
Choose your preferred test city and check the available dates and time slots. Seat availability is displayed live on the IDP booking portal, and popular dates may fill early.
Step 3: Enter Your Personal Details
Complete the application form using the same name, date of birth and passport details shown on your valid passport. Also provide an active email address and mobile number to receive booking updates.
Step 4: Upload Your Passport Copy
Upload a clear copy of your passport’s first and last pages, along with any observation pages where applicable. You must carry the same original, valid passport to the test centre on exam day.
Step 5: Pay the IELTS Exam Fees
Pay the applicable IELTS registration fee through the secure booking portal. Current online payment methods include UPI, debit or credit cards, net banking and digital wallets. After successful payment, you will receive confirmation by email and SMS, and the booking will appear in your IELTS candidate dashboard.
Can You Register for IELTS Offline?
Yes, you can register for the IELTS exam offline if you prefer not to book online. As per official guidelines from IDP Education and the British Council, you can visit your nearest authorized test centre or branch to complete the process. This option is helpful for students who want personal assistance or are not comfortable with online payments, especially when managing IELTS exam fees in person.
To register offline, you need to carry the required documents and fill out the application form at the test centre. The staff will guide you through selecting your test type, date, and location. Once you submit your documents and pay the IELTS exam fees, your registration will be successfully confirmed.
Documents required for offline IELTS registration:
- Valid passport (original and photocopy)
- Passport-size photographs
- Completed application form (provided at the centre)
- Payment proof (cash, demand draft, or bank deposit as accepted)
Payment Methods Accepted for IELTS Fee
The IELTS exam fee in India can be paid online using a debit or credit card, net banking or PayTM wallet. Offline applicants can pay by card, Demand Draft or an approved ICICI/HDFC bank deposit slip.
Online payment is the fastest option and can be completed through the official IDP IELTS India booking portal. Candidates registering at an IDP branch can use a valid debit, credit or ATM card, while Demand Draft and approved bank-deposit options are available for offline applications.
| Method | Online | Offline |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Card (Visa/Mastercard) | Yes | Yes (swipe at centre) |
| Debit Card | Yes | Yes |
| UPI (GPay, PhonePe) | Yes | No |
| Net Banking | Yes | No |
| Demand Draft | No | Yes (in favour of IDP Education India Pvt Ltd) |
| Cash Deposit | No | Yes (ICICI/HDFC approved branches) |
How Does the IELTS Fee Compare to Other English Tests?
When choosing between English proficiency exams, understanding how IELTS exam fees compare to other tests can help you make a better decision. In India, the IELTS exam fee is ₹19,000 as of 2026, which places it slightly higher than some alternatives but still within a similar range. Other popular tests like TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic have comparable pricing, while the Duolingo English Test is significantly cheaper due to its fully online format.
However, cost should not be the only factor when selecting a test. IELTS exam fees may be slightly higher, but the test is widely accepted across universities in the UK, Canada, and Europe. TOEFL and PTE are also accepted globally, while Duolingo is gaining popularity but still has limited acceptance in some countries. Choosing the right exam depends on your target universities, test format preference, and overall application strategy.
| Test | Fee in India (2026) |
|---|---|
| IELTS | ₹19,000 |
| TOEFL iBT | ₹15,254 |
| PTE Academic | ₹18,000 |
| Duolingo English Test | Approximately ₹6,000 ($70) |
Which English Test Is Best for Indian Students?
IELTS is usually the safest option for Indian students because it is widely accepted by universities, visa authorities and employers across major study destinations.
Students applying to the UK, Canada, Australia or New Zealand often choose IELTS, while TOEFL is commonly accepted by US universities. PTE Academic is suitable for students who prefer a fully computer-based test, and the Duolingo English Test is the most affordable option where accepted.
Indian applicants should compare more than just the exam fee. Before booking, check:
- Whether the test is accepted by every shortlisted university
- Minimum overall and section-wise score requirements
- Test-centre availability in your city
- Result-processing time
- Rescheduling and retake costs
For most students applying to multiple countries, IELTS offers the broadest flexibility. However, the best test depends on the university, programme and visa requirements.
Related Blogs
- ELTS Free Resources
- What is IELTS Exam
- Best Ways to Prepare for IELTS at Home
- IELTS Speaking Section
Conclusion
The IELTS exam fee in India is ₹19,000 in 2026 for both Academic and General Training tests, while IELTS for UKVI, Life Skills and One Skill Retake have separate fees. Indian applicants should also include possible rescheduling, cancellation, rechecking and additional score-report charges in their total budget. Before registering, compare IELTS with TOEFL, PTE and Duolingo based on university acceptance, visa eligibility, test format and overall cost, and always confirm the latest fee on the official IDP IELTS India website.
