Registering for the IELTS Exam

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam is a standardized test that assesses English language proficiency across listening, reading, writing and speaking skills. IELTS offers both computer-delivered and paper-based testing formats.

Computer-delivered IELTS is available for registration on-demand, with testing opportunities 3 times per day, 7 days a week, accommodating high volumes of test-takers. In contrast, paper-based IELTS is only administered on 48 fixed dates throughout the year, up to 4 times per month, depending on local demand. Test-takers can select and register for their choice of either format.

Online Registration Process with IDP

IDP Education is an authorized IELTS test registration center in India. Candidates can register for IELTS through the following steps on IDP’s website:

Step 1: Create an IDP account and login

Step 2: Select “Register for IELTS” to begin a new registration

Step 3: Choose the preferred format – computer-delivered or paper-based

Step 4: Select the test module – Academic or General Training

Academic assesses whether test-takers are ready to study or train in an English-speaking environment. General Training evaluates everyday English skills for working or living contexts.

Step 5: Pick the desired test location from available IELTS test centers across India

Step 6: View and select convenient test dates with open slots based on earlier selections

Step 7a: Fill in candidate details and upload a clear, color passport copy to complete online registration

Step 7b: Provide registration and contact information

Step 7c: Upload passport identification pages

Step 8: Select recipient institutions for sending score reports

Step 9: Review all registration details before payment

Step 10: Pay the test fee of INR 16,250 online through credit/debit card, net banking etc.

Step 11: Download/print the payment acknowledgement receipt

An email or SMS confirmation is sent once registered. Paper-based test takers may not get their first date/slot choice if slots are filled, in which case an automatic assignment will be made.

In-Person Registration at IDP Centers

While online registration is most common, IELTS test registration can also done in person at IDP centers through:

Method 1) Use the center’s computer to register online onsite and pay fees to get instant confirmation

Additionally provide:

• Passport photocopies (first, last & observation pages)
• Signed Terms & Conditions document

Method 2) Fill out a paper application form available at the center

Additionally provide:

• Signed Terms & Conditions document
• Passport photocopies
• Test fees

Request staff to input the application online and provide an acknowledgement slip confirming registration/tentative slot.

Registration via Mail

As another alternative, candidates can register by mail by:

• Obtaining and filling up the application form through print/in-person
• Signing the Terms & Conditions document
• Attaching passport photocopies
• Paying test fees
• Mailing the completed application package to IDP’s office address

Applications will be processed upon receipt subject to availability for the selected test date.

Booking an IELTS Test Slot

To book a test slot, candidates should:

• Identify a convenient test center location
• Check available test dates at the center (varies by location & volume)
• Reserve a preferred date well in advance for sufficient preparation time
• Fill the online application form with personal info, passport details etc.
• Pay test fee (INR 16,250) via online payment mode
• Download the confirmation receipt containing test date/time/venue details

Since popular test dates get filled early, advance booking maximizes location and date preferences.

Preparing for the Exam

Using reputable IELTS preparation materials to get familiar with test format & content before the exam is strongly recommended.

Required Identity and Fees

A valid passport is the only document required for IELTS registration, to be presented on exam day. The current test fee is INR 16,250. Debit/credit cards or equivalent are needed for online payment.

Availability of Test Dates

IDP administers paper-based IELTS only on 48 fixed dates per year. In comparison, computer-delivered IELTS has year-round on-demand testing availability about 3 times daily. Test-takers should strategically choose test date timing.

Choosing Ideal Test Date Timing

Registration 3-4 months prior to application deadlines is advised, allowing sufficient retake attempts if necessary.

IELTS Test Center Locations

IELTS exams are conducted on-demand, year-round at authorized test centers across 31 locations in India including:

Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bangalore, Bhatinda, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Calicut, Chandigarh, Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Kochi, Kolkata, Kottayam, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Madurai, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Patiala, Pune, Raipur, Rajkot, Surat, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, Tiruchirappalli and Vijayawada.

Additional Online Options

Due to COVID-19, IELTS indicators can be taken online from home to assess English proficiency levels in all 4 parameters. This serves test-takers unable to reach test centres.

Rescheduling and Cancellations

Test dates can be rescheduled by submitting date-change requests at least 5 weeks before the booked slot, with new dates within 3 months of the original schedule. This incurs a rescheduling fee of INR 3,300. Cancellations up to 5 weeks before test dates get partial refunds, minus 25% administrative fees. Later cancellations forfeit the full fee unless medical emergencies can be documented for refunds after deducting administrative charges. Missed tests without prior cancellation are also fully non-refundable.

Attempting IELTS Multiple Times: IELTS Re-Take

Candidates can take IELTS exams as many times as desired without limits, either to improve scores or achieve target band requirements. However, re-attempts require full repayment of test fees and re-registration via IDP.

Computer Delivered vs Paper-Based IELTS

While both test formats have identical exam content, structure and assessment criteria, they differ in terms of:

1. Test Delivery Mode:

Computer-delivered allows typed responses and has a quicker results turnaround time (3-5 days). Paper-based requires handwritten responses on paper and results take up to 13 days.

2. Availability Frequency:

Computer-delivered has on-demand testing slots almost daily, with slots about 3 times per day. In contrast, paper-based dates are limited to 48 fixed administrations per year.

3. Registration Method

While registration was previously possible through channels like the British Council, all candidates must now register for either format only via IDP.

IELTS Eligibility Criteria

IELTS has no specific minimum eligibility criteria set by IDP regarding candidate age or qualifications. The exam is open to all individuals requiring English proficiency scores for academic admissions or immigration purposes.

However, certain receiving institutions or organizations may stipulate their own eligibility rules. The test is recommended for those above 16 years, though not mandatory. Candidates under 16 registering should check if age requirements are imposed by their target programs.

In summary, the IELTS exam serves as an English language proficiency test for higher education overseas admissions or immigration to English-speaking countries. Registration, test format selections and preparation strategies can be optimized for successful outcomes and desired band targets.