IELTS exam fee in India 2026: every charge, in one place

IELTS fees in India by test type

The fee depends on which IELTS you sit, not on where you sit it. IDP India charges the same amount in Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad and every other centre.

IELTS on Paper has been discontinued by IDP India. In its place, "IELTS Writing on Paper" runs Listening and Reading on a computer and lets you handwrite the Writing component. The IELTS partners have published research finding scores comparable across the two delivery modes, and results already held from paper tests stay valid for their full two years.

What the fee includes

• Your test on the date and in the format you booked, at an authorised centre.
• All four sections marked — Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking — and an overall band.
• One Test Report Form, issued once results are released.
• Five electronic score reports sent to universities or institutions at no extra charge.
• Online access to your result through the candidate portal.

Rescheduling (transfer) fees

Moving your test date is a transfer, and it is charged separately from the test itself.

Cancellation and refunds

The refund depends on which test you booked and how close to the date you cancel. Requests go through the candidate login or the centre, and they are approved rather than automatic.

IELTS on Computer and IELTS Writing on Paper. You can apply to cancel if the test date is at least nine days away. Cancel with less than nine days to go and 25% of the fee is charged; the balance, including taxes, is refunded within 7 to 10 working days of the application. Supporting documents are required and the request is subject to approval.

IELTS for UKVI and IELTS Life Skills. The refund is banded:

One Skill Retake. Cancel at least four days before and 25% is deducted as a processing charge, with the balance refunded in 7 to 10 working days. Less than four days before, there is no refund.

For a test taker under 18, IDP India must receive a valid identity document for the parent or lawful guardian on or before test day. Without it the candidate is not permitted to sit the test, and 75% of the fee is refunded.

Rechecking: the Enquiry on Results fee

If you believe a section was marked below your performance, you can apply for an Enquiry on Results and have it re-marked by certified examiners. It is the most expensive thing on this page after the test itself — and it is refunded in full if your band goes up.

Before paying for a remark, compare it with One Skill Retake at INR 12,650: a remark argues that your existing answer deserved more, a retake gives you a fresh attempt at the one section that let you down. For most students whose weak section is Writing or Speaking, the retake is the better bet.

Sending extra score reports

• The first five electronic score reports are free.
• Each university beyond five costs INR 350 for electronic delivery.
• You can request a maximum of five universities per day through the candidate portal — revisit after 24 hours to add more.

How to pay

• Credit card, debit card or net banking during online booking.
• Demand draft payable to "IDP EDUCATION INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED", New Delhi.
• Bank deposit at ICICI or HDFC branches using the customised deposit slip.

What IELTS really costs, end to end

A first attempt that goes to plan costs INR 19,000. The budget worth planning for is the one where it does not: a transfer (INR 4,750) because a date clashes, or a One Skill Retake (INR 12,650) because Writing came back half a band short. Preparing properly for the first attempt is cheaper than either, which is the whole argument for using a free practice test before you book.