The IELTS fee is one of the first costs of studying abroad, and in 2026 it is higher than many students expect once you add rescheduling, rechecks or extra score reports. In India, IELTS is booked through IDP. This guide lists every IELTS fee for 2026 from IDP India's official pages, plus the rules for rescheduling, cancelling and refunds, checked on 28 October 2026.
- IDP India lists the IELTS exam fee at 19,000 rupees for Academic and General Training, on computer or with Writing on Paper
- IELTS for UKVI costs 19,250 rupees, Life Skills 18,000 rupees and One Skill Retake 12,650 rupees
- IELTS on Paper has been discontinued, replaced by IELTS Writing on Paper.
What Are the IELTS Test Fees in India in 2026?
IELTS test fees in India for 2026 are 19,000 rupees for IELTS Academic and General Training, whether you take IELTS on Computer or IELTS Writing on Paper. IELTS for UKVI costs 19,250 rupees, IELTS Life Skills A1 and B1 costs 18,000 rupees, and a One Skill Retake costs 12,650 rupees, according to IDP India.
| IELTS fee in India 2026 | Test fee | Transfer fee |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS on Computer (Academic or General) | 19,000 rupees | 4,750 rupees |
| IELTS Writing on Paper | 19,000 rupees | 4,750 rupees |
| IELTS for UKVI (computer) | 19,250 rupees | 4,850 rupees |
| IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1) | 18,000 rupees | 4,500 rupees |
| One Skill Retake | 12,650 rupees | 3,200 rupees |
The fee is the same at every IDP test centre in India, from Delhi and Mumbai to Chennai, Hyderabad and Punjab. You can pay by card or net banking, by demand draft or through a bank deposit at listed ICICI or HDFC branches.
IELTS Booking 2026: Dates, Fees and Slot GuideRead →Which IELTS Test Should You Pay For?
Most university applicants need IELTS Academic, at 19,000 rupees. General Training is for work or migration routes. IELTS for UKVI, at 19,250 rupees, is only needed for some UK visa routes, such as courses below degree level. Check what your university and visa route ask for before paying, so you do not book the wrong test.
For a UK Student visa at degree level, universities usually assess your English themselves and accept IELTS Academic. Some pre-sessional English courses and below-degree courses need a Secure English Language Test such as IELTS for UKVI. Our IELTS for UKVI guide explains when you need it.
IELTS for UKVI 2026: Scores, Fees and Visa LevelsRead →How Much Does It Cost to Reschedule IELTS?
Transferring your IELTS date is free if you request it 15 or more days before the test. Between 5 and 14 days before, an administration fee of up to 25 percent applies, which IDP lists as 4,750 rupees for IELTS on Computer. Within 4 days of the test, a transfer is not allowed and is treated as a cancellation.
For IELTS for UKVI and Life Skills, you can transfer more than 14 days before the test to a date within three months, once per booking, with an administration fee of up to 25 percent. Requests within 14 days of a UKVI test are treated as cancellations.
Can You Get a Refund if You Cancel IELTS?
Yes, partly. IDP's transfer and cancellation policy says cancelling 15 or more days before IELTS on Computer or Writing on Paper refunds the fee minus an administration fee of up to 25 percent. Within 14 days the fee is non-refundable. For UKVI and Life Skills, refunds fall from 75 percent to 25 percent as the test approaches.
| IELTS for UKVI and Life Skills refunds 2026 | Refund |
|---|---|
| More than 14 days before the test | 75 percent |
| Within 14 days but more than 2 days before | 50 percent |
| Within 2 days of the test | 25 percent |
| On or after the test day | No refund |
IDP's fee page words the Academic and General Training cancellation rule slightly differently, mentioning a 9-day cut-off, so check the current policy in your candidate login before cancelling. Refunds are paid within 7 to 10 working days of approval.
What Other IELTS Costs Should You Budget For?
Beyond the test fee, budget for an Enquiry on Results if you want a re-mark, which costs 14,250 rupees for IELTS on Computer and 14,400 rupees for UKVI. The first five electronic Test Report Forms to universities are free; each extra one costs 350 rupees. Preparation material and travel to the test centre add to the total.
A One Skill Retake can save money if you missed your target in only one section: at 12,650 rupees it costs less than a full retest, and you can retake Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking within 60 days of your original test, where your institution accepts it.
IELTS Accepted Countries ListRead →What Do You Need When You Book and Pay for IELTS?
You need a valid passport, which is the identity document IDP India asks for, an email address and phone number, and a payment method such as a card, net banking, demand draft or bank deposit. Use exactly the passport details you will bring on test day, because a mismatch can stop you from taking the test.
Book through IDP's official website or app, choose the test type, city, date and format, then pay to confirm your slot. Popular dates before university deadlines fill quickly, so book four to six weeks ahead. Minors also need a valid identity document from a parent or guardian, or IDP says they will not be allowed to sit the test.
Keep your booking confirmation and payment receipt. You will need the booking reference if you transfer, cancel or request a refund later.
How Can You Save Money on IELTS?
Book the right test type the first time, prepare well enough to avoid a retake, and schedule your test early so you have time to resit before application deadlines without paying transfer fees. Use free official practice materials and consider a One Skill Retake instead of a full retest if only one band falls short.
IELTS scores are generally accepted for two years, so time your test to cover your application and visa dates. Check whether your universities accept other tests too, such as PTE or TOEFL, and compare their fees and your strengths before booking.