How early should I register for the IELTS exam?

It's recommended to register at least 2 to 3 months in advance to secure your preferred IELTS exam date and location.

Can I change my IELTS exam date after booking?

Yes, you can transfer your IELTS test date. You need to apply at least 9 days before your original date and pay an applicable fee.

What is the minimum gap between two IELTS attempts?

There is no minimum waiting period between IELTS attempts. You can book your next test as soon as a slot is available.

When should I take IELTS for Fall 2027 intake?

Aim to take the IELTS test by March or April, so you have your score in hand well before Fall 2027 intake application deadlines.

When is the right time to take the IELTS?

You should take the IELTS at least 6 months before your intended university intake. This gives you enough time to receive your scores, meet application deadlines, and retake the test if you need a higher band score.

Are IELTS dates different for Academic and General Training?

For computer-delivered IELTS, both modules run on the same dates. Under the paper-based format, Academic is offered on more dates than General Training.

Is a computer-based IELTS exam date available on weekends?

Yes, computer-delivered IELTS exam dates are available on weekdays and weekends.

Which cities conduct IELTS exams in India?

IELTS is conducted in over 100 cities across India, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, and Ahmedabad.

How many attempts are allowed in the IELTS exam?

There's no cap on the number of attempts. You can retake IELTS as many times as needed, paying the full fee each time.

IELTS Exam Dates 2026 for Indian Students (Monthly Calendar)

IELTS exam dates are available throughout the year, with monthly schedules released for both computer-delivered and paper-based test formats. Choosing the right IELTS test date is important as it gives you enough time to complete your university applications before the deadlines. Paper-based IELTS is conducted on select dates, while computer-delivered IELTS is available almost daily, including weekends, depending on test centre capacity.

This guide covers monthly and city-wise IELTS exam dates 2026 schedule from August to December, along with the latest registration schedule, score release, and planning tips.

Key Highlights:

The upcoming IELTS exam dates for computer-delivered slots are available almost daily, while the final paper-based IELTS date in India is August 22, 2026, before the format retires permanently.
IELTS Academic test dates are available on all 48 official test dates in 2026, while IELTS General Training test dates are available on 24 test dates across the year.
Computer-delivered IELTS exam dates are available throughout the week across major test centres in India, except on national and regional holidays.
From September 2026, you can choose between a fully computer-delivered IELTS exam or IELTS (Writing on Paper), where Listening, Speaking, and Reading sections are computer-based while the Writing section is handwritten.

IELTS Exam Dates 2026 in India

IELTS in India is available in both paper-based and computer-delivered modes, and the exam dates vary based on test format and centre. While paper-based IELTS is being phased out by August 2026, computer-delivered IELTS exam dates are available up to 7 days a week, with up to 3 slots per day.

Typically, the available time slots are as follows:

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: Computer-based IELTS exam dates are not available on national holidays and regional festivals.

IELTS Exam Dates for August 2026

August marks the final scheduled cycle for standard global paper-based IELTS test dates in major regions before digital migration. It is highly recommended to finalise your booking well in advance if you prefer handwriting.

IELTS Format	IELTS Exam Dates in August 2026
Computer-Based	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31
Paper-Based	August 6 (Academic and General Training) August 22 (Academic and General Training)

IELTS Exam Dates for September 2026

From September 2026, IELTS offers two test formats, giving you more flexibility based on your writing preference. You can choose a fully computer-based IELTS, where all sections are completed on a computer, or a hybrid IELTS, where Listening and Reading are computer-based, while Writing is completed by hand on paper.

IELTS Format	IELTS Exam Dates in September 2026
Computer-Based	1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29

IELTS Exam Dates for October 2026

October is ideal for taking the IELTS exam if you are preparing for winter intake deadlines or planning early applications for the next academic year. Booking your IELTS exam early can help you secure your preferred test centre and avoid last-minute scheduling issues.

IELTS Format	IELTS Exam Dates in October 2026
Computer-Based	Not yet released

IELTS Exam Dates for November 2026

November is one of the busiest months for IELTS test takers, as many students are finalising their university applications and visa requirements for winter intake. You should book your preferred IELTS test date well in advance, as popular weekend slots tend to fill up quickly.

IELTS Format	IELTS Exam Dates in November 2026
Computer-Based	Not yet released

IELTS Exam Dates for December 2026

December provides several IELTS testing dates before year-end. If you are working towards upcoming application deadlines, early booking will help you secure your preferred test date and location.

IELTS Format	IELTS Exam Dates in December 2026
Computer-Based	Not yet released

IELTS Test Dates by City (2026)

IELTS exam dates in India are available across major cities throughout the year. The availability of IELTS exam dates may vary slightly by city and test centre, so you should check and book your preferred slot well in advance.

IELTS Exam Dates 2026 in Mumbai

Here are the latest IELTS exam dates in Mumbai for 2026, including both computer-delivered and paper-based test schedules.

Months	Computer-Delivered IELTS Exam Dates	Paper-Delivered IELTS Exam Dates
August 2026	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16,17, 18,19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30	6 August 2026 (Academic and General Training) 22 August 2026 (Academic and General Training)
September 2026	1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29	Discontinued nationwide
October 2026	Not released yet	Discontinued nationwide
November 2026	Not released yet	Discontinued nationwide
December 2026	Not released yet	Discontinued nationwide

IELTS Exam Dates 2026 in Delhi

Here are the latest IELTS exam dates in Delhi for 2026, including both computer-delivered and paper-based test schedules.

Months	Computer-Delivered IELTS Exam Dates	Paper-Delivered IELTS Exam Dates
August 2026	7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 29, 30, 31	6 August 2026 (Academic and General Training) 22 August 2026 (Academic and General Training)
September 2026	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28	Discontinued nationwide
October 2026	Not released yet	Discontinued nationwide
November 2026	Not released yet	Discontinued nationwide
December 2026	Not released yet	Discontinued nationwide

IELTS Exam Dates 2026 in Bengaluru

Here are the latest IELTS exam dates in Bengaluru for 2026, including both computer-delivered and paper-based test schedules.

Months	Computer-Delivered IELTS Exam Dates	Paper-Delivered IELTS Exam Dates
August 2026	7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31	6 August 2026 (Academic and General Training) 22 August 2026 (Academic and General Training)
September 2026	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28	Discontinued nationwide
October 2026	Not released yet	Discontinued nationwide
November 2026	Not released yet	Discontinued nationwide
December 2026	Not released yet	Discontinued nationwide

IELTS Exam Dates 2026 in Chennai

Here are the latest IELTS exam dates in Chennai for 2026, including both computer-delivered and paper-based test schedules.

Months	Computer-Delivered IELTS Exam Dates	Paper-Delivered IELTS Exam Dates
August 2026	7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31	6 August 2026 (Academic and General Training) 22 August 2026 (Academic and General Training)
September 2026	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28	Discontinued nationwide
October 2026	Not released yet	Discontinued nationwide
November 2026	Not released yet	Discontinued nationwide
December 2026	Not released yet	Discontinued nationwide

IELTS Exam Dates 2026 in Kolkata

Here are the latest IELTS exam dates in Kolkata for 2026, including both computer-delivered and paper-based test schedules.

Months	Computer-Delivered IELTS Exam Dates	Paper-Delivered IELTS Exam Dates
August 2026	6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 29, 30, 31	6 August 2026 (Academic and General Training) 22 August 2026 (Academic and General Training)
September 2026	1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29	Discontinued nationwide
October 2026	Not released yet	Discontinued nationwide
November 2026	Not released yet	Discontinued nationwide
December 2026	Not released yet	Discontinued nationwide

IELTS Exam Dates 2026 in Hyderabad

Here are the latest IELTS exam dates in Hyderabad for 2026, including both computer-delivered and paper-based test schedules.

Months	Computer-Delivered IELTS Exam Dates	Paper-Delivered IELTS Exam Dates
August 2026	7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 29, 30, 31	6 August 2026 (Academic and General Training) 22 August 2026 (Academic and General Training)
September 2026	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28	Discontinued nationwide
October 2026	Not released yet	Discontinued nationwide
November 2026	Not released yet	Discontinued nationwide
December 2026	Not released yet	Discontinued nationwide

IELTS Exam Dates 2026 in Ahmedabad

Here are the latest IELTS exam dates in Ahmedabad for 2026, including both computer-delivered and paper-based test schedules.

Months	Computer-Delivered IELTS Exam Dates	Paper-Delivered IELTS Exam Dates
August 2026	6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 30	6 August 2026 (Academic and General Training) 22 August 2026 (Academic and General Training)
September 2026	1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29	Discontinued nationwide
October 2026	Not released yet	Discontinued nationwide
November 2026	Not released yet	Discontinued nationwide
December 2026	Not released yet	Discontinued nationwide

IELTS Exam Dates 2026 in Pune

Here are the latest IELTS exam dates in Pune for 2026, including both computer-delivered and paper-based test schedules.

Months	Computer-Delivered IELTS Exam Dates	Paper-Delivered IELTS Exam Dates
August 2026	6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 30	6 August 2026 (Academic and General Training) 22 August 2026 (Academic and General Training)
September 2026	1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29	Discontinued nationwide
October 2026	Not released yet	Discontinued nationwide
November 2026	Not released yet	Discontinued nationwide
December 2026	Not released yet	Discontinued nationwide

How to Check IELTS Exam Date Availability?

You can check the latest IELTS exam date availability through the official IDP India registration portal before booking your test. The portal shows the available dates and time slots for your selected test format, city, and module. Here is a step-by-step guide to check IELTS exam date availability online:

Step 1: Select Your Test Format: Go to the IDP India registration portal and choose either IELTS on Computer, IELTS (Writing on Paper), or IELTS on paper, as available test dates vary by format.
Step 2: Pick Your Module: Choose IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training, as General Training is available on fewer test dates.
Step3: Choose Your Test City: Select your preferred city to view the available test centres, exam dates, and time slots.
Step 4: Book Your Preferred Slot: Select your preferred IELTS exam test date and time slot, enter your details, and make payment to complete your registration.

How to Choose the Right IELTS Exam Date?

Choosing the right IELTS exam date is essential to ensure you have enough time to prepare, receive your scores, and meet your university application deadlines. Instead of booking the earliest available slot, choose a test date that fits your overall study abroad timeline.

Allow enough preparation time: Choose a test date that gives you 6-8 weeks of focused preparation, depending on your current English proficiency and target band score.
Plan around application deadlines: Work backwards from your university or visa submission deadline and factor in the IELTS result timeline. Computer-delivered IELTS results are usually available within 1-5 days, while paper-based results take around 13 days.
Book early during peak seasons: Test centres in cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad can fill up quickly during major admission cycles. Booking 2-4 weeks in advance improves your chances of getting your preferred date and time.
Keep a retake buffer: If possible, schedule your first IELTS attempt well before your final application deadline so that you have enough time to retake the exam if you need to improve your score.

IELTS Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy

IELTS exam dates can be cancelled or rescheduled with a partial refund depending on how far in advance you make the request.

Standard IELTS transfer window: You can request an IELTS test date transfer only if your test date is at least 9 days away from the date of your request.
Standard IELTS cancellation: If you cancel your IELTS test within the permitted 9-day window and submit the required supporting documents, your refund will typically be processed within 7-10 business days after the applicable administrative charges are deducted.
Refund Policy: Refunds depend on when you cancel: receive 75% if you cancel more than 14 days before the test, 50% if you cancel 14-2 days before, 25% within 2 days, and no refund on or after the test date.
No-show policy: If you miss your IELTS test without cancelling in advance, you will be treated as a no-show and will not receive any refund of the test fee.

From the Desk of Yocket

Choosing the right IELTS exam date is as important as preparing for the test itself. Booking your exam early and aligning it with your university deadlines gives you enough time to receive your scores and, if necessary, retake the exam without affecting your study abroad plans.

Yocket Prep gives you structured study plans and IELTS sample papers built around the current exam pattern, so your preparation stays on track right up to test day. Start your preparation early, stay consistent, and give yourself enough time to achieve your target IELTS band score.