Did you know? The IELTS Exam fees are consistent across all major cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Chandigarh.
The IELTS exam is one of the most popular English language proficiency tests, taken by over 3.5 million candidates annually across 140+ countries. For Indian students and professionals aiming to study, work, or migrate abroad, knowing the IELTS exam fees is crucial before booking.
In 2025, the IELTS exam fee in India is ₹18,000 for both IELTS Academic and General Training tests. The IELTS exam fee structure also includes specialized options such as IELTS for UKVI at ₹18,250 and IELTS Life Skills at ₹17,000. Candidates should also be aware of IELTS exam fee refund policies, due dates, and possible waivers before registration. Since the IELTS exam fee in Indian Rupees is revised annually, keeping track of IELTS exam fee changes helps avoid surprises.
This guide explains everything you need to know about IELTS pricing in 2025, including structure, policies, and updates.
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What is the IELTS exam fee in India?
As of August 2025, the IELTS exam fee in India is ₹18,000 for both the Academic and General Training tests. This applies to computer-delivered and paper-based formats alike. The IELTS exam fee structure is set and updated by IDP India, the official test administrator.
Note: The IELTS exam fee in India 2025 is ₹18,000 (Academic/General Training).
Besides the standard IELTS, there are other versions such as IELTS for UKVI and IELTS Life Skills, each with slightly different fee amounts depending on their purpose. The table below highlights the latest IELTS test fee in Indian rupees:
The IELTS exam fee in India varies according to the purpose of the test and its format. The most common are the IELTS Academic and General Training tests, though there are other tests (such as IELTS UKVI, IELTS Life Skills, and One Skill Retake (OSR)) that are more specific to requirements.
Below is the complete breakdown:
IELTS Academic & General Training
The standard IELTS test is often used to get admissions into universities, professional registration, and to migrate. There is no difference in the Establishment fee between Academic and General Training, whether paper-based or computer-delivered.
Test Type
Fee (INR)
Usage
IELTS Academic/General Training
₹18,000
University admissions, migration, and jobs
IELTS for UKVI
For students or professionals applying for a UK visa, the IELTS for UKVI is mandatory. The test format is similar to the standard IELTS, but it is recognised by the UK Home Office and has a slightly higher fee.
The IELTS Life Skills test is designed for those who need to prove their English speaking and listening skills for UK family or spouse visa applications. Unlike Academic or General Training, this test is shorter and focuses only on communication skills.
Test Type
Fee (INR)
Usage
IELTS Life Skills (A1 & B1)
₹17,000
UK spouse visa, family visa
IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR)
Introduced in 2023, this option allows candidates to retake only one skill section (Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking) instead of reappearing for the full test.
Test Type
Fee (INR)
Usage
IELTS One Skill Retake
₹8,000–9,000*
Retake one section instead of the full test
Note: The OSR fee may vary slightly across centres.
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Additional IELTS Costs in India
Beyond the standard ₹18,000 IELTS exam fee, candidates should be aware of potential additional charges for services such as rescheduling, rechecking, extra Test Report Forms (TRFs), and cancellations. Understanding these costs can help in better planning and avoiding unexpected expenses.
IELTS Rescheduling Fee
If you need to change your test date, a rescheduling fee applies. The cost varies depending on the test format:
IELTS Test Fee for Additional Test Report Forms (ATRF) in India
After sending your first five electronic Test Report Forms (eTRFs) free of charge, additional requests incur a fee. Here's a breakdown:
1. Electronic ATRF (eTRF)
Fee: ₹250 per university.
Processing Time: Typically processed within a few days.
Delivery Method: Sent electronically to the institution.
Note: You can apply for electronic score reporting to a maximum of 5 universities in a day. For additional universities, kindly visit your candidate login section after a day.
2. Physical ATRF (Courier Delivery)
Courier Fee: ₹1,500 per address.
Processing Time: Delivered within 4 days.
Delivery Method: Sent via courier with tracking information.
Note: This option is suitable for institutions that require a hard copy of your IELTS scores.
3. Physical ATRF (Airmail Delivery)
Airmail Fee: ₹250 per address.
Processing Time: Delivery can take up to 2 weeks.
Delivery Method: Sent via airmail without tracking information.
Note: This is a more economical option but lacks tracking capabilities.
How to Apply for an Additional ATRF
Online Application: Visit the official IELTS website or your test center's portal to submit a request.
Required Information: Provide details such as your candidate number, test date, and the institutions you wish to send your scores to.
Payment: Complete the payment process for the applicable fee.
Processing Time: Allow for the specified processing time based on your chosen delivery method.
IELTS Exam Fee for Indian Students Planning to Study Abroad
The IELTS exam fee in India varies depending on the type of test and the destination country. Indian students should be aware of the differences to plan effectively.
1. Regular IELTS vs UKVI IELTS
Regular IELTS: Accepted by most universities worldwide except the UK for visa purposes.
UKVI IELTS: Required for students applying to the UK for visa applications.
2. Fees Based on Study Destination
UK: UKVI IELTS mandatory for visa purposes.
USA, Canada & Europe: Regular IELTS is accepted for admissions.
Tip: Confirm the required version with your target university before registration.
3. Scholarship or Fee Waiver Possibilities
Some universities or scholarship programs may partially reimburse IELTS fees.
Prep courses or study abroad consultancies sometimes provide discounts or reimbursement programs.
Understanding the IELTS exam fee in India is essential for students planning to study abroad. Fees vary depending on the type of IELTS test, Regular or UKVI, and the destination country, with UKVI IELTS costing slightly more due to visa requirements. Additional Test Report Forms (ATRFs) incur extra charges if you wish to send scores to more than five universities, either electronically or via courier.
Online payments are fast and convenient, while offline options are available for students without digital access. Always check refund and rescheduling policies and retain payment receipts for potential reimbursements or scholarship claims. Planning your payment strategy early ensures a smooth registration process and avoids last-minute hassles, helping you focus on preparation and securing your desired score.
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IELTS fees include administrative costs, test development, examiner training, and secure infrastructure. It ensures standardized assessment across multiple countries. Fees also cover digital tools and delivery of results. This makes it more reliable but slightly costly for candidates.
Is 7.5 a good IELTS score?
Yes, a 7.5 band score is considered very good. It meets the requirements for most universities in the US, Canada, UK, and Australia. It indicates a strong command over English in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Many scholarship programs also accept this score.
Is IELTS 6.5 pass or fail?
IELTS doesn’t have a pass or fail. A 6.5 band is considered a competent score for many universities and visa requirements. It shows the candidate can communicate effectively in academic and professional settings.
How many times can I take IELTS in India?
There’s no limit to the number of times you can take IELTS. Many students retake the exam to improve scores. Tests can be booked as per availability in test centers. Preparation between attempts is key to scoring higher.
How long are IELTS scores valid?
IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. After this, universities or immigration authorities may not accept them. Candidates planning to study abroad should align exam dates with application deadlines.
Can I cancel or reschedule IELTS after payment?
Yes, IELTS allows cancellations or rescheduling. Policies vary by test center; usually partial refunds apply if done in advance. Late rescheduling may incur extra fees. Always check the center’s official rules before making changes.
How soon do I get IELTS results after the exam?
For the paper-based IELTS, results are usually released in 13 days. For computer-delivered IELTS, results can arrive within 3–5 days. Speed depends on exam format and test center processing times.
Can universities waive IELTS fees?
Some universities may reimburse or waive IELTS fees under scholarship or early admission programs. However, this is rare and depends on institutional policies. Candidates should inquire directly with the admissions office.
Is IELTS fee refundable if I miss the exam?
Fees are usually non-refundable if a candidate misses the test without prior cancellation. Partial refunds may apply for valid emergencies with documentation. Early cancellation is essential to recover some costs.
Are there discounts for IELTS fees in India?
Occasionally, test centers or prep institutes may offer discounts or bundle packages. Some online courses provide reimbursements after enrollment. Always verify official fees with the British Council or IDP before relying on discounts.
Can I pay IELTS fees in installments?
IELTS fees are generally paid in full at registration. Installments are rarely allowed. Students should plan their budget ahead, considering additional costs like TRFs or rescheduling if required.
Sunita Kadian, co-founder and Academic Head at Yuno Learning is an expert in IELTS and English communication. With a background in competitive exam preparation (IELTS, GMAT, CAT, TOEFL), interview pre...
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