How to Download IELTS Score Card Online: Step by Step Guide

Understanding how to Download IELTS Score Card quickly is essential for students applying abroad or seeking visas. An IELTS score card, also known as the Test Report Form (TRF), shows your section-wise and overall IELTS band scores for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. With over 3.5 million test-takers annually, knowing the right method of IELTS Score Card Download saves valuable time during applications. Computer-delivered results appear within 1–5 days, paper-based in about 13 days, and IELTS Online e-TRFs in 6–8 days, making it crucial to track your results early. 

This article explains the entire process of how to check and download your IELTS result securely through the IDP IELTS and British Council portals. It also covers offline TRF delivery timelines, sending additional score cards to universities, and troubleshooting common login issues. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to access your score card download quickly, forward it to institutions, and avoid missing crucial deadlines.

Check out: IELTS Exam Pattern: Test Format, Sections, Duration & Question Types 

How to Download an IELTS Score Card Online 

Once a candidate has taken the IELTS test, it is very easy to log in and print their scorecard online at the IELTS official portals, that is, the IDP IELTS portal or the British Council portal. Access online: online access to computer-delivered tests is available in 3-5 days, and in paper-based tests after approximately 13 days. 

You will require your login details (like Passport/ID number, Candidate number, and the Test Date) to get your result. The provisional IELTS score card is downloadable but is supposed to be used until the official Test Report Form (TRF) is received; it is normally used by the universities during admissions, job requirements, and immigration services. 

How can I download my IELTS score card step by step? 

Here’s a step-by-step process to download IELTS score card online: 

1. Visit the official result portal: 

• IDP IELTS Result Page (for IDP test-takers) 

• British Council IELTS Result Page (for British Council test-takers) 

1. Enter your details: 

• Test Date 

• Passport/ID number (used at registration) 

• Candidate number / Reference number 

• Date of Birth 

1. Submit and view scores: Once you click Submit, your IELTS band scores for each section (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) will appear. 

2. Download or print: Save the provisional score card as a PDF or take a printout for reference. 

Note: Online results are provisional and remain accessible for only 28 days. The official TRF is mailed to you by IDP/British Council after the results are declared. 

Is the digital IELTS score card valid for universities? 

The digital IELTS score card is acceptable in first applications as well. The downloaded PDF copy is treated as sufficient evidence of your English proficiency by most universities, employers, and visa authorities while they process your documents. 

To conclude the admission and to receive a visa, the institutions normally need the official Test Report Form (TRF) sent by IDP or the British Council. This avoids cheating or faking of scores. 

Here’s a quick comparison for clarity: 

Also Check: IELTS Exam Eligibility for 2025: Age, Education, and Other Key Factors 

How to Get an IELTS Score Card Offline 

Each applicant of the IELTS receives by default the original copy of the Test Report Form (TRF) by postal mail to the address upon application after the results have been announced. This TRF is the accepted scorecard used by the university admissions, immigration, and visas. 

• Timeline: 

• Paper-based test → TRF dispatched within 5–10 days. 

• Computer-delivered test → TRF dispatched faster, usually within 3–5 days. 

• Number of TRFs Provided: 

• Academic candidates can request multiple TRFs to be sent directly to universities (up to 5 copies free of charge). 

• General Training candidates usually receive only one TRF copy for personal/official use. 

How long does it take to receive the IELTS TRF by courier? 

On average, IELTS candidates in India receive their TRF within 7–10 days from the result declaration date. For international delivery, it may take longer depending on the postal and courier services in that region. 

• Paper-based → 7–10 days. 

• Computer-delivered → 3–5 days (sometimes faster in metro cities). 

• Overseas delivery → 2–3 weeks, depending on country and courier service. 

Note: Delays may occur due to incorrect addresses, postal backlogs, or regional holidays. Candidates are advised to track the dispatch through the IDP/British Council portals if possible. 

Can I request a duplicate IELTS score card offline? 

Yes, you can apply for a duplicate TRF, but only in specific situations such as loss, damage, or non-delivery of the original. The process involves: 

1. Filling a TRF request form (available on IDP/British Council websites). 

2. Submitting ID proof (passport used during registration). 

3. Providing test details (candidate number, test date, test center). 

4. Paying processing charges (fees vary by test body and location). 

Important: The duplicate TRF is issued only under strict verification to prevent misuse. Universities or visa authorities may still prefer the TRF sent directly by the testing body rather than a duplicate provided to the candidate. 

Also Read: IELTS Exam Dates 2025: Computer-Delivered & Paper-Based Test Schedule 

How to Request Additional IELTS Score Cards for Universities 

After your IELTS results come, you may have to submit these results to various universities where you would like to take admission. Although test-takers are allowed to specify up to five institutions when making the registration (depending on the test body), many students indicate more than that. In that instance, you will require using the Additional Test Report Form (ATRF) service. 

Here’s how the process works: 

1. Log in to the official IELTS candidate portal (IDP or British Council). 

2. Select the option for Request Additional TRF. 

3. Enter the details of the university (name, address, institution code if available). 

4. Choose the delivery method: Courier, EMS/Post, or E-TRF. 

5. Pay the required fee online. 

6. Submit your request and track the status from your portal dashboard. 

How can I send my IELTS score card to universities? 

• Free TRFs during registration: At the time of booking the IELTS test, candidates can nominate up to five universities (depending on the test center). These TRFs are sent free of cost. It is done without IELTS score card download. 

• Post-result requests: If you wish to apply to additional universities after your test, you need to apply through the ATRF service. 

• Mode of delivery: 

• Courier: Hard copy TRF sent directly. 

• EMS/Post: Cheaper, but delivery may take longer. 

• Electronic TRF (E-TRF): Sent digitally; preferred by many universities worldwide. 

What are the fees and timelines for additional IELTS TRFs? 

The cost and time to deliver an additional IELTS score card depend on the chosen delivery mode and the destination country. 

• Fees: 

• Courier: ₹1200–₹1500 (approx., varies by location). 

• EMS/Post: ₹250–₹500. 

• E-TRF: Usually free or minimal processing cost. 

• Timelines: 

• Courier: 5–7 business days (domestic), 7–14 days (international). 

• EMS/Post: 2–3 weeks internationally, may be longer depending on postal services. 

• E-TRF: Within 24–48 hours. 

Common Problems in Downloading IELTS Score Card 

While downloading your IELTS score card online is usually simple, candidates often face technical issues or result-related delays. These are the most common problems and how to fix them: 

• Login errors due to incorrect candidate number, password, or test reference ID. 

• Browser compatibility issues, such as cache problems or outdated browsers. 

• Delayed result publishing when scores are still being processed. 

• Server downtime on the IDP IELTS or British Council portals. 

Why can’t I download my IELTS score card online? 

There are several reasons why your IELTS score card may not be available for download immediately: 

• Portal downtime or heavy traffic during peak result release times. 

• Incorrect login credentials such as candidate number, passport/ID number, or date of birth. 

• Results on hold due to security checks, test irregularities, or document verification. 

Solutions: 

• Double-check your candidate login details. 

• Try logging in again after a few hours. 

• Use a different browser or clear your cache. 

• If the problem persists, contact your test center or IELTS customer support. 

What should I do if my IELTS score card is not available? 

If you cannot access your IELTS score card online, follow these steps: 

1. Contact IDP IELTS or the British Council helpline directly through their official support pages. 

2. Provide your Test Reference Number (TRN), test date, and registered ID (Passport/Aadhar). 

3. Confirm whether your results are withheld for verification (this can happen in rare cases). 

4. Ask the test center for an official update on when your TRF will be released. 

Tips to Crack IELTS in First Attempt; Still waiting to take the test? Learn what helps you ace it early. 

Conclusion 

Downloading or receiving your IELTS Score Card doesn’t have to be complicated. By using your Candidate Number, Passport/ID and Test Reference Number, you can log into the official portals and complete your IELTS Result Check within minutes. The online PDF version is perfect for initial applications, while the printed TRF remains the official proof for visas and final university admissions. 
Plan ahead by requesting additional TRFs early, opting for electronic delivery where available, and tracking courier dispatches to avoid delays. Whether you choose IELTS result download online or wait for the hard copy, knowing the timelines and procedures ensures you never miss a deadline. Use this guide as your go-to resource for a smooth IELTS Score Card Download experience in 2025. 

Need help planning your next steps after getting your IELTS score? Book a free counseling session and let an expert guide your university or visa plan. 

Also, check out these free prep courses to improve your language or academic skills before you apply.