How To Register For IELTS Exam With IDP or British Council?

IELTS exam measures the English proficiency of the candidate. This exam is taken into consideration for the candidates migrating abroad for study or work purposes. IELTS bands are accepted for admission in the universities of the UK, Australia, Canada, the USA, and New Zealand. The skills of students and proficiency with the English language are measured on the basis of four factors- Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing.

In India, the IELTS exam is conducted by IDP (International Development Program), British Council, and Cambridge English Language Assessment. It is accepted in every university in UK & Australia + in more than 3500 institutions in the US.

Prepare for IELTS either with IELTS Online Course then read this complete guide to make yourself aware of the IELTS exam registration by both online and offline methods from different IELTS exam application bodies. Also, get to know about the fee structure and the latest updates in the IELTS exam application.

IELTS Exam Highlights

Exam Name IELTS
IELTS full form International English Language Testing System
Official Website https://www.ielts.org/
Most popular for Study, Work & Migration to English speaking countries like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA and the UK
Conducted by British Council and IDP Education Ltd
Mode of Exam Computer and Paper – delivered test
IELTS Fee Rs. 14,000 for registrations from 1st-Apr-2020
Score Range On a scale of 1 (the lowest) to 9 (the highest)

IELTS Exam Fees:

The fees of the IELTS exam have been revised to 14,000 INR from 1st April 2020. 

Coronavirus Update for IELTS Candidates:

IELTS indicatory has been launched by IELTS partners for those who are affected by Coronavirus and are not able to attend the IELTS exam at the test center. In this, the students can give their exam of all 4 modules i.e., Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking online.

IELTS Exam Eligibility Criteria

Anyone who is more than 16 years old, irrespective of their caste, age, race, religion and nationality is eligible for IELTS exam. 

Educational Eligibility

There is no such kind of educational eligibility criteria set by IELTS exam conducting bodies. Anyone who want to pursue higher education in abroad or want to work abroad can attempt both types of IELTS exam- Academic or General Training. However, the educational institute or universities for which the candidates are applying for education may have some sort of educational eligibility criteria. 

IELTS Exam Conducting Bodies

IELTS exam is jointly conducted by 

      • British Council
      • IDP- International Development Program
      • Cambridge ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)

    Candidates often get into dilemma while choosing best agency for IELTS exam. From where they can crack their exam easily? However, there is no such difference with both the agencies one can choose any one from both IDP or British council.

    How To register for IELTS Exam With IDP? 

    There are two ways of registering for your IELTS exam with IDP: 

    1. Register Online

    • Log on to our IDP IELTS India Website 
    • Choose “Register For Test”.
    • Select for preferred option- computer-delivered IELTS/ paper-based (IELTS, IELTS for UKVI or Life Skills).
    • Select your test type– Academic or General Training for IELTS, IELTS for UKVI, A1 and B1 for Life Skills (be extremely careful while choosing the module you wish to take).
    • Choose your desired test location or city from the available test location in India.
    • Now choose from the available list of dates as per your preference.
    • Choose your desired date and time slot as per the availability.

    • Fill the application form with the required details.
    • Upload a clear and colored copy of your passport to complete the application process.


    • Now proceed with the IELTS exam fees. Once your test date is booked you will receive test confirmation on your registered email/phone.

    For the speaking test, book an online date and time slot as per your preference because if you fail to choose a slot within a specified period of time, a time slot will be automatically allocated to you.

    2. Register Offline

    You can also select offline method for IELTS exam application by visiting your nearest IDP branch or Referral partner.

    Documents required for offline IELTS exam registration with IDP are a photocopy of your passport ID and a signed and dated declaration document.

    How To Register For IELTS Exam With British Council?

    Online Method

    • Visit the British Council Official IELTS website.
    • Select the “Register For Test” Option.
    • Now select test type, available dates, test location, and so on as per your preference.
    • A form asking for your personal details will appear in front of you. Fill up with accurate information.
    • Give your registration details.
    • Upload a clear and colored copy of your passport.
    • Select the list of colleges where you want to send your Score Report.
    • Review your given details before making payment.
    • Pay IELTS exam test fees.
    • After payment, candidates can take the printout of acknowledgment.

    Offline Method

    An alternative method for applying for IELTS Exam is by directly visiting nearest British Council Office. You can download the online form or fill the application directly at the office. Just make sure to bring all the required documents for the IELTS exam application.

    Payment Mode Accepted For IELTS Exam Fees Payment

    Following payment modes are accepted for IELTS Exam Fee Clearance:

    • Demand Draft/Pay Order from nationalized or scheduled bank in favor of test conducting IELTS Institution

    • HDFC & ICICI Cash Deposit Slips
    • Debit & Credit Cards
    • Net Banking
    • Card Swipe Facility

    IELTS Exam Dates

    Candidates are allowed to give IELTS exam once a week i.e., students can give IELTS exam four times a month. Annually, there are 48 days for the Academic section and 24 days for the General Training section. It is advisable for all candidates that book for your IELTS exam date at least 3-to 4 months prior to getting your desired date and time slot to avoid the last-minute hassle of applying. One can register for the IELTS exam through 3 different online or offline portals- British Council, IDP, or IELTS (official website).

    What Is Cancellation Fees For IELTS Exam?

    Cancellation Refund Policy
    Five Weeks Before the Test Date 25% Administrative Fee Will Be Deducted, Rest Will Be Refunded
    Five Weeks Ahead of the Test Date No Refund
    You Don’t Appear On Exam Day No Refund
    Medical Certificate Within 5 Days Of Test Date Refund After Deducting Local Administrative Cost   
      ·

    What is IELTS Rescheduling Fees?

    In case you want to change the date of the IELTS Exam then at least you have to make this action five weeks before the exam date by deducting your cancellation/postponement fees. Candidates are required to pay an administrative charge of 3,300 INR (including taxes) in order to transfer the test date.

    Points To Remember

    • The candidate must be above the age of 16 years for applying IELTS exam.
    • The information provided while registering for the IELTS exam must match with the information on the candidate’s passport.
    • Candidates need to carry a passport with them while appearing for the IELTS exam. 
    • The candidate must have a valid payment mode while registering for the IELTS exam along with all required documents.

    Dr. Roma

    @Content Writer