IELTS Exam Fees 2025: Complete Fee Structure and Payment Guide

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. Knowing the IELTS exam fee is crucial when applying to top universities in UK or any other country, as it is a mandatory part of the admission process for English proficiency. For instance, prestigious institutions like University of Toronto in Canada, Imperial College London in the UK, and University of Melbourne in Australia require IELTS scores for admissions. 

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: 

IELTS Exam Fees in India 2025:  

Test Type	Fee (INR)	Purpose
IELTS Academic and General Training tests	₹18,000	Required for study abroad, jobs, or migration
IELTS for UKVI	₹18,250	Needed for UK visas and immigration
IELTS Life Skills (A1 & B1)	₹17,000	UK visa applications for family/settlement

 

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IELTS Exam Fee by Test Type 

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

What is the exam fee difference between IELTS Academic and IELTS General?

As of October 2025, the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training exams have similar fees, typically ranging from $215 to $250 USD. Using an exchange rate of ₹87.82 per USD, this equates to approximately Rs.17,738 to Rs.20,625. The exact fee may vary depending on the test center and location.

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. 

Test Type	Fee (INR)	Usage
IELTS for UKVI	₹18,250	UK student visa, work visa

Check out: Find Out Latest IELTS UKVI Test Dates  

IELTS Life Skills (A1 & B1) 

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. 

Planning to study abroad? Explore upGrad’s step-by-step guide on How to Study Abroad from India and start your journey today. 

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: 

Test Type	Rescheduling Fee (INR)	Notes
IELTS on Paper or Computer	₹4,500	Applicable to both Academic and General Training
IELTS for UKVI	₹4,550	Slightly higher due to additional processing
IELTS Life Skills (A1/B1)	₹4,250	For UK visa applicants
One Skill Retake (OSR)	₹3,000	Allows retaking one specific skill section

Also check: How to Postpone IELTS Exam 2024: Detailed Guide 

IELTS Rechecking (Enquiry on Results) Fee 

If you wish to have your test results re-evaluated, you can apply for an Enquiry on Results (EOR). The fee is: 

Test Type	Rechecking Fee (INR)	Notes
IELTS on Paper or Computer	₹13,500	Full re-evaluation of all sections
IELTS for UKVI	₹13,650	Slightly higher due to additional processing
IELTS Life Skills (A1/B1)	₹12,950	For UK visa applicants

Refund Policy: If your band score changes to a higher level after re-evaluation, you will receive a full refund of the rechecking fee. 

Extra Test Report Form (TRF) Fee 

If you need to send your IELTS scores to additional institutions, you can request extra Test Report Forms (TRFs). The fees are: 

Delivery Method	Fee (INR)	Notes
Courier	₹1,500	Fast delivery with tracking
Airmail	₹250	Standard delivery, no tracking
Electronic	₹250	Sent directly to institutions with electronic access

IELTS Cancellation Fee 

If you need to cancel your IELTS exam, the refund policy depends on when you cancel: 

Cancellation Timing	Refund Amount (INR)	Notes
9 or more days before the test	₹13,500	Full refund minus administrative fee
Less than 9 days before the test	₹0	No refund

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

How to Pay IELTS Exam Fees in India? 

Paying your IELTS exam fees in India is straightforward and can be done via multiple channels. Here’s a detailed breakdown: 

 1. Online Payment Methods 

• Debit/Credit Cards: Most test centers accept major international and Indian cards. Ensure your card has online transaction enabled. 
• NetBanking: Direct payment from your bank account. Instant confirmation is sent via email. 
• UPI & Digital Wallets: Some test centers support UPI apps (like PhonePe, Google Pay) and digital wallets for faster transactions. 
• Advantages: Instant confirmation, minimal paperwork, easy tracking of receipts. 

2. Offline Payment Methods 

• Bank Deposit: Some centers accept direct cash deposit at designated banks. Proof of deposit is mandatory. 
• Demand Draft (DD): DD should be made in favor of the test center. Ensure details like the candidate's name and test date are clearly mentioned. 
• Advantages: Useful for students without online banking or card facilities. 

3. Refund and Rescheduling Rules 

• Rescheduling: You can reschedule your exam, usually up to 5 weeks before the test date. Additional charges may apply. 
• Cancellation & Refund: A Partial refund is offered if cancellation is made within the allowed timeline. Late cancellations may not be refunded. 
• Important Tip: Always keep the payment receipt, bank confirmation, or transaction ID for future reference. 

Also check this out: IELTS Test Centres in India: List of Exam Centers  

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. 

Also Check: IELTS Plan for 1 Month - How to Prepare in 30 Days, Daily Schedule  

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. 

Also Read: Master IELTS Preparation Online: Study Plans, Practice & Tips  

Conclusion 

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. 

Boost your IELTS score with upGrad’s free course, expert lessons, practice tests, and strategies at no cost. Enroll now for free and start your preparation today!