For most Indian students planning to study, work, or migrate abroad in 2026, IELTS is not just another exam it’s a gateway.
And before you even open a preparation book, one of the first questions that comes up is simple but important:
“How much is the IELTS Exam Fee In India, and what happens if I reschedule or cancel?”
Understanding the IELTS Exam Fee In India early helps you plan your budget properly, especially if you are applying for multiple intakes or countries.
This guide answers that clearly. No assumptions. No confusion.
Just everything Indian students need to know about the IELTS Exam Fee In India in 2026, based on how the process actually works on the ground.
IELTS Exam Fee in India 2026
The current IELTS Exam Fee In India for standard Academic and General Training tests is INR 18,000, and this remains consistent across cities and test formats.
This fee applies uniformly across the country, regardless of the city or test centre you choose.
Whether you take :
- IELTS Academic or General Training
IELTS on Computer or IELTS on Paper
…the fee remains the same.
If you are applying for a UK visa, or a family/settlement route, the fee structure changes slightly, which is explained below.
| Test Type | Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| IELTS on Computer (Academic & General) | INR 18,000 |
| IELTS on Paper (Academic & General) | INR 18,000 |
| IELTS for UKVI (Paper & Computer) | INR 18,250 |
| IELTS Life Skills (A1 & B1) | INR 17,000 |
| IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) | INR 12,000 |
Important to note : There is no separate tax added later. What you see here is the final payable amount during registration.
Types of IELTS Exams & Who Should Take Which One
Many students end up paying the wrong fee simply because they booked the wrong test. Here’s how to avoid that mistake.
IELTS Academic & General Training – INR 18,000
- IELTS Academic is meant for students applying to universities and colleges abroad.
IELTS General Training is used mainly for work visas and PR applications.
The exam fee is the same, and the format choice (computer or paper) does not change the cost.
IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) – INR 18,250
If you are applying for a UK student visa, work visa, or PR, many cases require IELTS for UKVI.
The test content is similar to normal IELTS, but :
- Security checks are stricter
- The test is recorded
Results are directly reported for UKVI compliance
IELTS Life Skills (A1 & B1) – INR 17,000
This is a shorter test that only checks :
- Speaking
Listening
It is mainly used for :
- UK spouse visa
Family settlement routes
Academic aspirants do not need this test.
IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) – INR 12,000
If you missed your required band in just one section, this option can save you time and money.
Instead of paying ₹18,000 again, you can :
- Retake only one module (Listening / Reading / Writing / Speaking)
Pay ₹12,000
This is available only for computer-delivered IELTS.
IELTS Exam Fees by Indian Cities
A common myth is that IELTS costs more in metro cities. That’s not true.
The IELTS exam fee is fixed nationally.
| City | IELTS Exam Fee |
|---|---|
| Delhi | INR 18,000 |
| Mumbai | INR 18,000 |
| Bangalore | INR 18,000 |
| Chennai | INR 18,000 |
| Hyderabad | INR 18,000 |
| Pune | INR 18,000 |
| Kolkata | INR 18,000 |
| Ahmedabad | INR 18,000 |
| Kochi | INR 18,000 |
| Chandigarh | INR 18,000 |
Your location does not affect the price.
IELTS Exam Fee Payment Methods in India
IELTS registration in India is handled by IDP, and payment can be made in multiple ways.
Online Payment
- Debit card
- Credit card
Net banking
This is the fastest and most commonly used option.
Offline Payment
- Bank deposit (ICICI / HDFC)
Demand draft in favour of IDP Education India Private Limited
Offline payment is still allowed, but most students now prefer online booking for quicker confirmation.
IELTS Cancellation Fees (India)
Life happens. Plans change. But IELTS refunds follow strict rules.
If you cancel more than 5 weeks before the test date :
You receive a refund minus 25% administrative fee
If you cancel within 5 weeks of the test date :
No refund
If you miss the test :
- Treated as a cancellation
No refund
Medical emergency :
- Medical certificate must be submitted within 5 days
Refund issued after deducting local administrative charges
IELTS Rescheduling Fees in India 2026
If you want to change your test date, the rescheduling fee applies.
| IELTS Test Type | Rescheduling Fee |
|---|---|
| IELTS on Computer | INR 4,500 |
| IELTS on Paper | INR 4,500 |
| IELTS for UKVI | INR 4,550 |
| IELTS Life Skills (A1 & B1) | INR 4,250 |
| One Skill Retake (OSR) | INR 3,000 |
Rescheduling within 5 weeks of the test date usually leads to full fee loss, unless supported by valid medical proof.
IELTS Rechecking Fees (EOR – Enquiry on Results)
If you believe your score does not reflect your performance, you can apply for rechecking.
| IELTS Test Type | EOR Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| IELTS on Paper | INR 13,500 |
| IELTS on Computer | INR 13,500 |
| IELTS for UKVI | INR 13,650 |
| IELTS Life Skills | INR 12,000 |
| One Skill Retake | INR 8,475 |
If your score improves after rechecking, the entire EOR fee is refunded.
Additional TRF Fees (Sending Scores to Universities)
You get 5 electronic TRFs free with your IELTS registration.
After that:
- Courier : ₹1,500 per address
- Airmail : ₹250 per address
Electronic TRF : ₹250 per university
IELTS scores are valid for 2 years from the test date.
IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE Fees in India (2026)
| Exam | Fee (Approx.) | Result Time |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | INR 18,000 | 5-7 days |
| TOEFL | INR 18,000 | ~3 days |
| PTE | INR 17,999 | 2-5 days |
Choose the test based on university acceptance, not just the fee.
Final Words
IELTS is an investment – of money, time, and effort.
Understanding the fees, refund rules, and retake options beforehand can save you stress later.
If you’re planning your study abroad journey for 2026, make sure IELTS fits into your timeline and budget, not the other way around.
If you want guidance on IELTS prep, test selection, or university requirements, you can always speak to an experienced study abroad counsellor before booking your test.
Students Also Ask
The IELTS exam fee in India for 2026 is INR 18,000 for both Academic and General Training tests.
Yes, but only if you cancel more than 5 weeks before the test date. A 25% administrative fee is deducted.
Yes. With IELTS One Skill Retake, you can retake just one module by paying INR 12,000.
No. IELTS fees are same across all cities in India.
