IELTS Exam Dates in India (2026): Monthly & City-wise IELTS Dates

In India, IELTS is provided in both paper and computer formats, with test dates scheduled across various urban centers to help candidates organize according to their study plans. Below are several insights regarding the 2026 IELTS schedule:

• Paper-based IELTS: Held up to 4 times monthly, culminating in a yearly total of 48 test dates.
• Computer-delivered IELTS: Accessible nearly every day, subject to testing facility capacity.

IELTS Exam Dates for June 2026

Computer-delivered IELTS sessions are available seven days a week, offering up to three daily time slots, which allows a high volume of participants to find a suitable appointment.

The majority of IELTS testing locations provide several time blocks daily, enabling applicants to pick an option that matches their routine. Generally, the available time slots include the following:

• Slot 1: 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• Slot 2: 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM
• Slot 3: 05:00 PM - 08:00 PM

NOTE: Please note that IELTS test centres may be closed on national holidays or regional festivals.

Administered by IDP India, the paper-based IELTS will be accessible on 48 designated dates in 2026, with exams taking place up to four times each month. Most of these paper tests are planned for Thursdays and Saturdays across testing facilities in India.

Since these schedules are standardized nationwide, seats in prominent hubs like Delhi, Hyderabad, and Punjab tend to fill up rapidly. Reserving the exam 3 to 4 weeks early helps guarantee your preferred date and location.

Key Points to Know:

• Total test dates: 48 fixed paper-based IELTS dates in 2026
• Test days: Mostly Thursdays and Saturdays
• Availability: Same dates across all Indian test centres
• Booking advice: Register at least 3–4 weeks in advance

Test Format and Results:

• Exam format: Physical question paper and answer sheet
• Speaking test: Conducted separately, up to 7 days before or after the main test
• Result timeline: Paper-delivered IELTS results are released 13 calendar days after the test date

Note: Paper-Based Tests will officially end after June 27, 2026.

IELTS schedules fluctuate by city, and openings vary between individual testing facilities. Your chosen city might not provide the exact same test dates as others. The Listening, Reading, and Writing components take place on the same day, whereas the Speaking portion may be arranged up to 7 days prior to or following the primary exam.

Below are the available IELTS exam dates for 2026, listed city-wise:

IELTS Exam Dates 2026 for Hyderabad

IELTS Exam Dates 2026 for Chennai

IELTS Exam Dates 2026 for Delhi

IELTS Exam Dates 2026 for Gurgaon

IELTS Exam Dates 2026 for Noida

IELTS Exam Dates 2026 for Mumbai

IELTS Exam Dates 2026 for Kolkata

IELTS Exam Dates 2026 for Bengaluru

IELTS Exam Dates 2026 for Pune

IELTS Exam Dates 2026 for Lucknow

IELTS Exam Dates 2026 for Ahmedabad

IELTS Exam Dates 2026 for Indore

IELTS Exam Dates 2026 for Chandigarh

The IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) represents a recent update to the examination system. Essentially, OSR permits you to retake just a single component of the test—such as Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking—rather than sitting for the entire examination again.

Here are some important points about IELTS One Skill Retake that you should know:

• Who can take OSR: You should have already completed the full IELTS on Computer test at a test centre that offers One Skill Retake.
• Time limit: You should book and take the One Skill Retake within 60 days of your original IELTS test date.
• Test types covered: One Skill Retake is available for IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training tests.
• Test pattern: The retaken section follows the same format and timing as a normal IELTS test.
• Score report: You will receive a new Test Report Form (TRF) that shows your updated score for the retaken skill, along with your original scores for the other three sections.
• Where it is not available: One Skill Retake is not available for paper-based IELTS or IELTS Online tests.
• Acceptance: One Skill Retake scores are accepted for many purposes, including most Australian visa categories. You should always check if your university or organisation accepts it.

Selecting the ideal test date is vital to grant yourself sufficient preparation time and coordinate with your admission deadlines.

Here are some key factors to consider when making your decision:

• Preparation Time: Choose a date that gives you enough time to thoroughly prepare for the test. Consider your current schedule, study load, and other commitments.
• Application Deadlines: When submitting applications to academic institutions, verify that your test date aligns with their submission closing dates. Remember to account for the processing time required to obtain your results.
• Availability of Slots: Look up open examination dates ahead of time, since high-demand slots tend to fill up fast. Booking early is recommended to lock in your desired appointment.
• Personal Schedule: Select a date that avoids conflicts with personal milestones or major obligations. Make sure you have a calm period dedicated entirely to your test preparation.

Candidates who cannot attend their IELTS exam in 2026 have the option to cancel or postpone the test in accordance with IDP and British Council regulations in India. Eligibility for a refund or transfer relies on the timing of the request and the grounds for cancellation.

IELTS Cancellation Rules 2026

• More than 5 weeks before the test date: A refund is granted after a 25% administrative charge is subtracted
• Less than 5 weeks before the test date: No refund is granted
• No-show on test day: Handled as a cancellation with zero refund

Exceptional Circumstances (Post-Test Requests):

Test-takers dealing with severe medical issues, family bereavement, or mandatory military duties may request a cancellation or transfer up to 5 calendar days following the test date.

• Verifiable documentation is strictly required
• Acceptance is not assured and rests on the final ruling of the test centre

IELTS Rescheduling (Test Date Transfer) Policy

• Requests to shift the test date must be submitted at least 5 weeks prior to the initial test date.
• A relevant transfer fee applies depending on the specific test format.
• The newly chosen test date must fall within 3 months of the original test date.
• Modifications requested within 5 weeks of the test date are prohibited, barring approvals granted under extraordinary situations.

IELTS Transfer Fees in India (2026)

From the Desk of Ashiraj

Choosing the appropriate IELTS test date can greatly impact your readiness. It is crucial to weigh your study duration, school obligations, and personal schedule. A thoughtfully scheduled date lets you face the test feeling assured, free from the pressure of rushing your preparation at the eleventh hour.

Ashiraj Prep provides resources crafted to support you throughout your IELTS process. Featuring study schedules, practice content, IELTS sample papers, and professional advice, we supply the tools necessary to tackle the IELTS with proper readiness and achieve success.