IELTS Exam Dates 2026

The IELTS Exam Dates 2026 in India provide candidates with flexible options across both formats. The computer-delivered IELTS is available multiple times a week, offering convenience for test takers who need faster results. In contrast, the paper-based IELTS is typically scheduled on Saturdays, with separate dates available for IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training, depending on the location. Early 2026 highlights include several computer-based slots throughout January to March, alongside paper-based test dates such as January 10, February 7, February 21, March 7, March 14, and March 21. 

In this page, you will learn about the IELTS 2026 exam schedule, test formats, registration guidelines, and result timelines to help you plan effectively. 

IELTS Test Dates in India 2026:  

Test Mode	Frequency	Ideal Choice
Paper-Based	4 times per month (48 dates/year)	Candidates who prefer pen and paper.
Computer-Delivered	Daily (7 days a week)	Candidates seeking fast results and flexibility.

Check out: IELTS Exam Fees 2026 

IELTS Exam Dates in India 2026: Month-wise List 

The official IELTS exam dates 2026 in India are released by IDP and conducted throughout the year. Paper-based IELTS is usually held on Saturdays, while computer-delivered IELTS runs daily. Below is the monthly schedule for early 2026 to help you plan your test booking. 

January 2026 IELTS Exam Dates: 

Test Date	Test Type
Saturday, 10th January 2026	Academic and General Training
Saturday, 24th January 2026	Academic
Saturday, 31st January 2026	Academic

February 2026 IELTS Exam Dates: 

Test Date	Test Type
Saturday, 7th February 2026	Academic and General Training
Saturday, 14th February 2026	Academic
Saturday, 21st February 2026	Academic and General Training
Saturday, 28th February 2026	Academic

March 2026 IELTS Exam Dates:  

Test Date	Test Type
Saturday, 7th March 2026	Academic and General Training
Saturday, 14th March 2026	Academic
Saturday, 21st March 2026	Academic and General Training

April 2026 IELTS Exam Dates: 

Test Date	Test Type
Saturday, 4th April 2026	Academic
Saturday, 11th April 2026	Academic and General Training
Saturday, 25th April 2026	Academic and General Training

May 2026 IELTS Exam Dates: 

Test Date	Test Type
Saturday, 2nd May 2026	Academic
Thursday, 7th May 2026	Academic and General Training
Saturday, 16th May 2026	Academic
Saturday, 23rd May 2026	Academic and General Training

June 2026 IELTS Exam Dates: 

Test Date	Test Type
Saturday, 6th June 2026	Academic and General Training
Saturday, 13th June 2026	Academic
Saturday, 20th June 2026	Academic and General Training
Saturday, 27th June 2026	Academic

Also check: Complete State/City List of IELTS Test Centres in India 2025  

City-Wise IELTS Exam Dates 2026 in India 

The IELTS exam is conducted across major Indian cities in both computer-delivered and paper-based formats. Below are the verified test dates from IDP India for the first half of 2026 in five key locations. 

IELTS Exam Dates Hyderabad 2026:  

Month	Computer-Based Dates	Paper-Based Dates
January	2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 29, 30, 31	10
February	1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28	7, 21
March	1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31	7, 14, 21

IELTS Exam Dates Delhi 2026: 

Month	Computer-Based Dates	Paper-Based Dates
January	2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 29, 30, 31	10
February	1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28	7, 21
March	1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31	7, 14, 21

IELTS Exam Dates Mumbai 2026: 

Month	Computer-Based Dates	Paper-Based Dates
January	2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 29, 30, 31	10
February	1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28	7, 21
March	1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31	7, 14, 21

IELTS Exam Dates Bangalore 2026 

Month	Computer-Based Dates	Paper-Based Dates
January	2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 29, 30, 31	10
February	1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28	7, 21
March	1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31	7, 14, 21

IELTS Exam Dates Chennai 2026: 

Month	Computer-Based Dates	Paper-Based Dates
January	2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 29, 30, 31	10
February	1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28	7, 21
March	1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31	7, 14, 21

Note: Apart from these five major cities, IELTS exams are also available in other locations across India, such as Chandigarh, Noida, Kolkata, Pune, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, and Bhopal. Candidates can check the official IDP portal for the complete city-wise schedule. 

Computer-Delivered vs Paper-Based IELTS Exam Dates 2026 

Candidates in India can choose between two formats of the IELTS exam in 2026. Each has distinct advantages depending on your preparation style and timeline. 

1. Computer-Delivered IELTS Exam Dates 2026 

The computer-delivered IELTS in India offers maximum flexibility for candidates in 2026. Unlike the paper-based format, which is limited to fixed Saturdays, the computer-delivered test is available daily, seven days a week, with up to three slots per day. This makes it ideal for students and professionals who need faster results and more control over scheduling. 

Key Highlights:  

1. Fast Results: Scores are typically available within 3–5 days, and in some cases as quickly as 2 days. 

2. Daily Availability: Tests run seven days a week in major Indian cities, including Noida, Bangalore, and Mumbai. 

3. Convenient Slots: Most centers provide three sessions each day:  

• Morning: 09:00 AM – 12:00 PM 

• Afternoon: 01:00 PM – 04:00 PM 

• Evening: 05:00 PM – 08:00 PM 

4. Digital Tools: Features like text highlighting, copy-paste, and an automatic word counter make writing tasks easier to manage. 

2. Paper-Based IELTS Exam Dates 2026 

The paper-based IELTS remains a popular choice for candidates who prefer the traditional pen-and-paper format. In 2026, IDP IELTS India will conduct paper-based tests four times per month, usually on Saturdays. Both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training modules are available, though specific dates may vary by location. 

Key Highlights:  

• Frequency: Around 48 test dates annually. 

• Timing: Conducted primarily on Saturdays. 

• Results timeline: Scores are released within 13 days of the test date. 

• Modules offered: Academic and General Training, depending on the test center. 

Also read: IELTS Exam Syllabus 2026 

How to Book IELTS Exam Dates in India 2026 

Booking your IELTS exam date in India is simple if you follow the official IDP process. Registration is done entirely online, and you’ll need to keep your documents ready before starting.  

Here’s a step-by-step guide: 

1. Visit the Official Portal: Go to the IELTS IDP India website (ieltsidpindia.com in Bing) to access the registration page. 

2. Choose Your Test Format: Select either ComputerDelivered IELTS (daily slots, faster results) or Paper-Based IELTS (fixed Saturdays). 

3. Select Your City and Date: Browse the available test centres and pick a convenient city. Then choose your preferred exam date from the calendar. 

4. Pick the Module: Decide whether you’re taking IELTS Academic (for study abroad) or IELTS General Training (for work or migration). 

5. Fill in Personal Details: Enter your name, contact information, and upload a valid passport (mandatory for booking). 

6. Confirm Speaking Test Slot: The Speaking test may be scheduled separately. Choose a time slot if available or accept the one assigned. 

7. Pay the Exam Fee: Complete payment online (₹18,000 in 2026) using debit/credit card, net banking, or UPI. 

8. Receive Confirmation You’ll get an email with your test details and venue information. Keep this safe for exam day. 

Also Read: How to Cancel IELTS Exam: Reschedule & Refund Process   

Conclusion 

Planning for the IELTS exam dates in India 2026 is essential for candidates aiming to study, work, or migrate abroad. With paper-based IELTS available mainly on Saturdays and computer-delivered IELTS offered almost daily, students have flexible options to suit their preparation timeline. Checking the monthly calendar and city-wise schedules helps in booking the right slot early, avoiding last-minute stress. Always keep your passport ready, understand the fee structure, and choose the format that matches your goals. Smart booking ensures you stay focused on preparation and achieving your target IELTS band score. 

If you want clarity on your next steps, you can book a free counseling session with upGrad. Someone from the team will walk you through your options and answer your questions.