Last Updated on September 3, 2024
Booking your IELTS Slot Booking is a crucial step towards reaching your study, work, or migration goals in an English-speaking country. The process is simple and can be done online, allowing you to choose the test date, center, and exam type that best suits your needs. Early booking ensures you have enough time to prepare and perform your best on this important English proficiency test.
How to Book the IELTS Exam Slot in 2024
Booking the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam slot is the first step to taking the test and getting your IELTS score. With computer-delivered IELTS available frequently and IELTS on paper 48 times a year, there are plenty of test dates to choose from.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to successfully book your IELTS test date including:
- IELTS Computer vs Paper-Based Test Differences
- Step-by-Step Process for IELTS Slot Booking
- Booking IELTS Slot Online vs Offline
- Required Documents for Registration
- Available IELTS Test Centers and Dates
- IELTS Exam Fees and Cancellation Policies
Understanding Computer-based vs Paper-based IELTS
IELTS is offered in two formats – computer-delivered IELTS and IELTS on paper. While the Speaking test is identical for both, the Listening, Reading, and Writing tests differ:
Computer-delivered IELTS: Done on a computer for Listening, Reading, and Writing. Available frequently, up to 3 sessions per day. Results in 3-5 days.
IELTS on Paper: Pen and paper-based for Writing, Listening, and Reading. Available 48 times per year. Results in 13 days.
Know the format you need and test availability before booking your slot.
Step-by-Step Guide for Booking Your IELTS Slot
Follow these 10 Easy Steps to Book your IELTS Test Slot
- Visit the official IELTS website
- Create or log in to your IELTS account
- Select “Register for test”
- Choose computer-delivered or paper-based IELTS
- Select the test type – Academic or General Training
- Pick your test center, test date, and exam slot
- Upload passport copy for ID verification
- Pay the exam fees online using a credit card
- Check the registered email for booking confirmation
- Schedule your Speaking test slot separately
You will receive an acknowledgement by email/phone after slot booking. It will be auto-allotted if you don’t book a speaking slot within the window.
Booking IELTS Slot Online vs Offline
You can book your IELTS slot both online and by visiting the test center offline.
Online IELTS Slot Booking:
- Visit the IELTS website
- Register online and pay ₹16,250 exam fees
- Receive booking confirmation over email
Offline IELTS Slot Booking:
- Visit the nearest test center
- Fill out the registration form and submit it with the fees
- Confirmation will be sent by the test center
Speaking test slots need separate bookings within 7 days of registration.
Documents Needed for Booking IELTS
When booking your IELTS slot online or offline, keep these documents handy:
Online Registration:
- Payment proof
- Booking acknowledgement
Offline Registration:
- Filled application form
- Exam fee payment proof
- Passport photocopy
You must be over 16 years old with a valid passport. The information provided must match passport details.
Available IELTS Test Centers and Dates in India
IDP administers IELTS tests across India in over 75 test centers in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Kochi, Trivandrum, and many more.
Computer-delivered IELTS: Available year-round, frequently, up to 3 sessions per day
Paper-based IELTS: Available 48 fixed dates per year, mostly Thursdays and Saturdays
Check the test center and test dates before slot booking.
IELTS Exam Fees and Cancellation Policies
The IELTS exam fees in India for computer-delivered and paper-based tests is ₹16,250.
Additional charges apply for:
- IELTS for UK Visas: ₹16,500
- IELTS Life Skills: ₹15,350
Cancellation and rescheduling also carry charges:
- IELTS Cancellation Fee: Check with the test center
- IELTS Reschedule Fee: ₹3,300
So book your slot carefully after checking your availability.
Key Takeaways
Follow this definitive guide for a smooth IELTS slot booking experience:
- Understand computer vs paper-based test formats
- Book online or offline at per convenience
- Keep documents and passports ready
- Choose the test center and date wisely
- Pay exam fee; check policies for cancellations
- Get booking confirmation and schedule a speaking test
With these steps, you can complete your IELTS slot booking and take the first step towards achieving your desired band score.
FAQs
Here are some FAQS related to IELTS slot booking:
How do I book an IELTS exam slot?
You can book your IELTS exam slot online through the official IELTS website by creating an account, selecting your test type, date, and center, and making payment. You can also visit your nearest test center to book a slot offline.
What is the IELTS slot booking fee?
The IELTS exam fee for booking a slot is INR 16,250 for paper-based and computer-delivered tests. Additional fees apply for UKVI IELTS (INR 16,500) and IELTS Life Skills (INR 15,350).
Can I reschedule my booked IELTS test date?
Yes, you can request a date change by paying the rescheduling fees of INR 3,300. This request should be made at least 7 days before your test date.
Is slot booking possible on short notice?
While computer-delivered IELTS has good slot availability, paper-based IELTS slots get filled well in advance. Last-minute slot booking is difficult for paper-based tests.
How do I get an IELTS speaking test slot?
Speaking test slots need to be booked separately within a week of your main IELTS exam slot booking. Choose your preferred date and time for the speaking test.
Can I get a refund if I cancel my booked slot?
IELTS cancellation policies vary across test centers. Few may allow 50-80% refunds if the request is raised well in advance, while some offer no refund. Check with your test center.
What documents do I need while booking a slot?
Keep your passport copy, booking confirmation email, address proof, and payment confirmation handy while booking the slot online or offline.
When will I get my IELTS slot booking confirmation?
You will receive an acknowledgement over email and SMS within 24 hours of slot booking through the official website for your chosen test date.
Manan is a graduate of the esteemed University of Delhi where he cultivated a taste for writing and research. His degree in Bachelor of Management Studies helps him guide students in their academic endeavours. Manan strives to spread excellent study abroad tips that can prove to be helpful.
