How to Apply for IELTS Exam: Process, Slot Bookings & Documents

IELTS Registration Details

This section will let you know about the IELTS registration process in detail. However, IELTS aspirants must know that they can appear for the exam in two ways. One is the IELTS Paper-delivered test, and the second is the IELTS Computer-delivered test. Below are the IELTS registration details for both types of formats.

• The IELTS Paper-delivered test is available on 48 fixed dates per year, that is, up to four times a month, depending on the demand. So, in this candidates would have the full freedom of taking the exam on any of the 48 days at their convenience.
• Candidates who are willing to take the IELTS Computer-delivered test would know that the test is available all seven days a week and up to 3 times a day, able to accommodate the large number of IELTS registrations.

These are the IELTS registration details for both types of formats. The next part will let you know about the registration process for IELTS through online and offline methods.

1. IELTS Online Registration Process 2026

IELTS online registration is a simple and popular option for test-takers, as it is easily accessible in remote areas. The online process generally takes up to 15 to 20 minutes to complete. However, check out the below-given steps and learn how to apply for IELTS exam through the online method.

Image Source from this step to the last step: IDP IELTS Registration

Step 1: Candidates are required to log into their official IDP registration page.

Step 2: Select the option ‘Register for IELTS’ to create an IDP IELTS login account, and then select the preferred test type i.e. computer-delivered or paper-based. After that, they need to select the module i.e. Academic or General along with the test city.

Step 3: On completion of the above steps, candidates will find a series of dates available for their preferences. Select your desired date and time slot.

Step 4(a): Candidates are then required to fill up their personal details and complete their online application form. Also, you need to upload a clearly scanned colour copy of your passport to complete the process.

Step 4(b): Enter your registration details

Step 4(c): Upload the copies of your passport

Step 5: Now Select the colleges/universities you wish to send your IELTS score to (Optional)

Step 6: Review all your details carefully before making the final payment.

Step 7: Make the payment through a debit/credit card.

Step 8: Once the IELTS exam fee payment is made, candidates can take a printout of their acknowledgement receipt.

Overall, this is the process for online IELTS registration for both paper-based and computer-based delivered tests. The next part will let you know the process for registering for the IELTS exam by offline method.

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2. IELTS Offline Registration Process 2026

IELTS offline registration is straightforward. You can register for the exam at any IDP branch or head office by using any of the three methods. However, before understanding how to apply for IELTS exam through offline mode you need to keep a few things in mind that are as follows:

• You must be over 16 years of age and have a valid passport
• The information provided on the application must match with your passport
• You must carry a passport on the test day as ID proof
• You must keep debit/credit cards with you during your registration.

Now given below are the three modes for offline IELTS registration that students can follow.

1. Register at an IDP Branch/Head Office

Here are the IELTS registration details of this method.

• Go to any IDP branch/head office and use their computer to register online for the IELTS exam.
• Submit a photocopy of your passport and any observation pages if applicable.
• Sign the terms and conditions document and hand it over.
• Pay the test fee and get on-the-spot confirmation of your seat.
• Receive your acknowledgment letter confirming your test seat.

2. Register at an IDP Office/Input Node

One such method of offline IELTS registration is mentioned below.

• Fill out your application form available at the IDP office.
• Submit a photocopy of your passport and any observation pages if applicable.
• Sign the terms and conditions provided with your application form.
• Pay the test fee and request the staff to complete your form, providing you with a tentative seat reservation.

3. Register By Courier

One such method on how to apply for IELTS exam is in the offline category.

• Download the application form from the official website or get it from the nearest IDP branch office/Input node.
• Fill out the application form and sign the terms and conditions document.
• Submit a photocopy of your passport and any observation pages if applicable.
• Pay the IELTS exam fee
• Send the complete application form along with the mandatory documents and test fee to the IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd. Head office at the given address.

Overall, this is the process that students can follow for offline IELTS registration. The next section will let you know about the IELTS slot booking 2026.

IELTS Slot Booking 2026

Booking a slot for the IELTS exam is an essential step in the registration process, where you can confirm your preferred exam slot. This would make sure that you have a reserved place for the test on the selected date. However, it is always advisable that you book your slot for the IELTS exam at least 3-4 weeks before the test date, as spots may fill up fast. Furthermore, in this section, you will get to know the step-by-step process of IELTS slot booking for 2026.

• Test-takers must find the IELTS test centre in their preferred city.
• Check available IELTS exam dates in India 2026 at test centres, and select a date that allows you a lot of time for preparation.
• Fill out the online registration form on the official IELTS website, by providing personal and IELTS registration details, and select the test type (Academic or General training).
• Pay the IELTS exam fee of INR 17,000 using several payment methods, such as credit/debit cards or net banking.
• After completing your IELTS registration, you will notified with an email with the details like: test date, time, and venue. You must keep this information secured for future reference.

Overall, this is the procedure for IELTS slot booking in 2026. Now our next section will cover some important documents that you will need for the IELTS exam.

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Documents Required for IELTS Registration

While registering for the IELTS exam, you need some essential documents with you and need to carry them on the test day. Thus, given below are the documents required for IELTS exam registration for your preference.

• Valid Indian Passport
• National ID Card
• Passport-sized photo
• Proof of payment
• Supporting medical documents
• Contact details

Overall, these are the documents required for IELTS exam registration that students need to carry with them. In the next section, you will find out about the registration fees for the IELTS exam.

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Conclusion

To sum up, we discussed how to apply for IELTS exam, online and offline, and the necessary registration details. Further, we also had a brief look at the IELTS slot booking, documents, fees, eligibility, and test centres. Before appearing for the IELTS, you need to understand the procedure to go for it. Thus, if you are facing issues in knowing the IELTS exam and what it is, then you are at the right place! Join our offline or online IELTS coaching at affordable prices.

FAQs

1. How to Register for the IELTS Exam?

Candidates can register for the IELTS exam offline or online. Through these two methods, students can book their IELTS exam by paying the fees of INR 18,000.

2. Can I See My IELTS Result Before 13 days?

If you have taken the IELTS exam on paper, your IELTS results will be available 13 days after your test date and in 1-2 days if you have taken the IELTS exam on a computer.

3. How Long Is IELTS Scores Valid?

The IELTS score validity is for two years from the test of the date. After the two years, the scores may not be considered as official for some purposes.

4. How Many Attempts Are There for IELTS?

There is no specific limit on the number of attempts for the IELTS exam.