IELTS exam fees in India: Step-by-step IELTS registration guide

Education

Planning to study abroad requires careful attention to language proficiency requirements, and the IELTS exam is an important step for students aiming to pursue international education. Understanding IELTS exam fees is an important part of this process, as the cost of the test influences application timelines, budgeting, and overall preparation strategy.

Alongside fee awareness, completing IELTS registration accurately ensures candidates secure suitable test dates and avoid delays that could affect university or visa applications. Structured guidance from platforms such as Leverage Edu helps students explore these early steps with clarity and confidence. 

For many first-time test takers, IELTS registration involves more than selecting a test centre and making a payment. Candidates must choose the correct test type, meet identification requirements, and follow official booking guidelines to prevent errors or cancellations. This guide explains how IELTS exam fees are structured in India, how the IELTS registration process works step by step, and what students should consider before booking the test. With the right information and support, students can align their IELTS planning with broader study abroad goals.

Key takeaways

Before completing IELTS registration, the following points help students understand how IELTS exam fees and booking requirements function in practice:

• IELTS exam fees vary depending on the test type, including Academic, General Training, UKVI, and Life Skills.
• IELTS registration must be completed through authorised platforms using a valid passport as identification.
• Exam fees are non-transferable, and cancellation or rescheduling is governed by specific timelines and policies.
• Early registration improves the chances of securing a preferred test date and test centre.
• Reliable guidance from platforms such as LeverageEdu supports informed planning and reduces common registration errors.

IELTS exam fees in India

IELTS exam fees are an important part of planning the test, as the cost remains fixed but varies slightly depending on the test type and related services. In India, IELTS exam fees are standardised across locations, which means candidates pay the same amount regardless of the city or test centre chosen during IELTS registration. 

For 2026, the standard IELTS exam fee in India is INR 18,000. This fee applies to both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training tests. Whether a candidate opts for IELTS on Paper or IELTS on Computer, the base IELTS exam fees remain unchanged across all centres.

IELTS exam fee in India 2026 by test type

The table below outlines IELTS exam fees based on different test formats and purposes.

State and city-wide IELTS exam fees in India

The IELTS exam fees in India do not change by city. Candidates registering in metropolitan or regional centres pay the same amount.

Note: The IELTS exam fee is identical for IELTS on Computer and IELTS on Paper, irrespective of location.

IELTS exam cancellation fees

Cancellation policies of IELTS exam fees in India depend on the test type and the time of request. Refunds are processed only after approval and submission of valid supporting documents.

IELTS on paper and IELTS on computer

• Cancellation is allowed if requested 9 days or more before the test date.
• If you cancel within nine days of the test date, 25% of the IELTS fee will be withheld, and the balance will be returned within 7–10 business days.
• days.

IELTS for UKVI & IELTS Life Skills

Note: For minor test takers, failure to submit a valid parent or guardian ID before the test day results in denial of entry, with 75% of the IELTS exam fees refunded.

IELTS One Skill Retake

• Cancellation 4 days or more before the test date results in a 25% deduction, with the balance refunded.
• Requests made less than 4 days before the test date are not eligible for a refund.

IELTS rescheduling or transfer fees

After completing IELTS registration, candidates may need to change their test date due to unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, a rescheduling or transfer fee applies, depending on the test type. Understanding these charges in advance helps candidates manage IELTS exam fees more effectively and avoid last-minute confusion.

IELTS rechecking fee (enquiry on results)

If candidates believe their scores do not reflect performance, they may request a re-evaluation.

IELTS Additional Test Report Form (ATRF) fees

After completing IELTS registration, candidates may need to send their scores to multiple universities or institutions. The IELTS Additional Test Report Form allows applicants to share official score reports beyond the initial limit, with charges applied only after the free quota is used.

• The first five electronic score reports are provided free of charge.
• Each additional institution beyond the initial five requires a fee of INR 300 per university.
• Candidates can send score reports to a maximum of five universities per day.
• To add more institutions, requests can be submitted again after 24 hours through the candidate login portal.

Payment methods for IELTS exam fees in India

During IELTS registration, candidates can pay IELTS exam fees using multiple secure and convenient payment options in India.

• Debit Card or Card Credit
• Net Banking
• Demand Draft(DD) payable to IDP Education India Private Limited, New Delhi
• Bank Deposit at HDFC or ICICI branches using a customised deposit slip

Selecting the appropriate payment method ensures a smooth and successful IELTS registration process without delays or payment-related issues.

Building on the detailed breakdown of IELTS exam fees and related charges, it is useful to understand what influences these costs and how candidates can move smoothly into the booking stage. While IELTS exam fees in India are largely standardised, certain factors and service choices can affect the final amount paid during IELTS registration.

Factors that affect IELTS exam fees

Although the base IELTS exam fees remain consistent across India, variations occur due to the type of test selected and optional services. Different IELTS formats, such as Academic, General Training, UKVI, or Life Skills, have slightly different fee structures based on their purpose and regulatory requirements.

Additional services, including rescheduling, rechecking results, or requesting extra score reports, also add to the overall cost. Understanding these factors in advance allows candidates to plan IELTS registration more effectively and avoid unexpected expenses.

Step-by-step IELTS registration process in India

Once candidates are clear about IELTS exam fees and related costs, the next step is completing the IELTS registration process accurately. Following the correct sequence ensures a smooth booking experience and avoids errors that could delay the test.

• Choose the correct IELTS test type based on academic, work, or migration requirements.
• Select a test date and location that aligns with application deadlines and availability.
• Create an IELTS profile on the official registration platform.
• Fill in personal and academic details carefully, ensuring accuracy.
• Upload the required identification documents, usually a valid passport.
• Pay IELTS exam fees online using the available payment methods.
• Receive confirmation of IELTS registration with test details and instructions.

Continuing from the step-by-step IELTS registration process, candidates must also be prepared with the correct documentation, understand payment options, and be aware of policies related to cancellations or changes. These aspects are essential for completing IELTS registration smoothly and managing IELTS exam fees responsibly.

Documents required for IELTS registration

To complete IELTS registration in India, candidates must submit valid and accurate identification details. The documentation requirements are strict, as they are used to verify identity on the test day.

• A valid passport is mandatory for IELTS registration in India.
• The passport must be current and unexpired at the time of registration and on the test day.
• Passport details entered during registration must exactly match the document presented at the test centre.
• No other form of identification is accepted in place of a passport.

IELTS exam fee payment methods

During IELTS registration, candidates can pay IELTS exam fees using multiple secure payment options available in India. These methods ensure flexibility and convenience for test takers.

• Credit Card or Debit Card
• Net Banking
• Demand Draft(DD) payable to IDP Education India Private Limited, New Delhi
• Bank Deposit at HDFC or ICICI branches using a customised deposit slip

Selecting the appropriate payment method helps ensure that IELTS registration is completed without delays or payment issues.

IELTS Cancellation, rescheduling, and refund policy

After completing IELTS registration, candidates should be aware of the policies related to changes or cancellations, as these directly impact IELTS exam fees.

• Test cancellation is allowed only within specified timelines, and refunds are subject to deductions.
• Date rescheduling requires payment of a transfer fee and must be requested within permitted time limits.
• Refund eligibility depends on how close the cancellation request is to the test date, with lower refunds available for late requests.

How LeverageEdu helps with IELTS registration

After understanding IELTS exam fees and the registration process, many students look for structured guidance to prepare effectively and avoid common mistakes. Leverage Edusupports students not only with IELTS registration assistance but also with focused preparation that aligns with individual learning needs.

• Small batch size of fewer than 20 students ensures personalised attention and active participation in every session.
• Diagnostic tests and periodic evaluations are conducted to identify individual strengths and improvement areas at an early stage.
• Based on performance analysis, additional academic support is provided to help students overcome specific challenges.
• Multiple mock tests and structured practice sets allow students to practise all IELTS concepts thoroughly and build exam confidence.

IELTS exam fees and completing IELTS registration correctly are essential steps in planning a successful study abroad journey. Being aware of the fee structure, payment methods, and policies related to cancellation or rescheduling helps students avoid unexpected costs and delays.

When combined with timely preparation and informed decision-making, this clarity allows candidates to focus more confidently on achieving their target scores. With structured guidance and exam-focused support from platforms such as Leverage Edu, students can explore IELTS registration smoothly and align their language testing process with broader academic goals.

FAQs

Q1. What are the current IELTS exam fees in India?

Ans. The standard IELTS exam fees in India are INR 18,000 for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training tests. Fees may vary slightly for UKVI and Life Skills test formats.

Q2. How can I complete IELTS registration in India?

Ans. IELTS registration can be completed online by selecting the test type, choosing a test date and centre, uploading passport details, and paying the IELTS exam fees through approved payment methods.

Q3. Does the IELTS exam fee change based on the test centre location?

Ans. No, IELTS exam fees remain the same across all test centres in India, ensuring uniform pricing regardless of city or state.

Q4. Can IELTS exam fees be refunded after registration?

Ans. Refund eligibility depends on the cancellation timeline and test type. Partial refunds are available if cancellation is requested within the permitted time frame.