IELTS Academic and General Training, 2026
IELTS exam dates 2026
IELTS on computer has no fixed date list: centres open sessions through the week, so you pick a day when you book. Work back from your deadline:
Pick your deadline to see the last test day that still fits.
Start preparing: free lessonHow often each version runs
| Version | How often | Results |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS on computer | Sessions through the week; in India up to 7 days a week, 3 a day | 1 to 5 days |
| Writing on Paper | Within the computer sessions, in selected countries | Within 5 days |
| IELTS for UKVI | At IELTS for UKVI centres only, in person | 1 to 5 days |
| IELTS Online (Academic) | At home, in some countries | 6 to 8 days |
| Paper test | Being withdrawn from mid-2026, by country | On the 13th day |
Booking and moving a date
- Pick a session
- Book with your country's IELTS provider. Each centre lists its open sessions and fee.
- Speaking
- Usually the same day on computer. Some centres hold it up to 7 days before or after.
- Moving it
- Any time before the test, once, to a date within 3 months. Close to test day a move can count as a cancellation.
- A second try
- One Skill Retake lets you resit one skill within 60 days of a computer test.
Sessions by country
| Country | Dates | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Open sessions | Fees in the UK |
| India | Open sessions | Fees in India |
| Pakistan | Open sessions | Fees in Pakistan |
| Nigeria | Open sessions | Fees in Nigeria |
| Bangladesh | Open sessions | Fees in Bangladesh |
| Nepal | Open sessions | Fees in Nepal |
| Philippines | Open sessions | Fees in the Philippines |
| United Arab Emirates | Open sessions | Fees in the UAE |
| Saudi Arabia | Open sessions | Fees in Saudi Arabia |
| Oman | Open sessions | Fees in Oman |
| Canada | Open sessions | Fees in Canada |
| Australia | Open sessions | Fees in Australia |
| United States | Open sessions | Fees in the US |
| Sri Lanka | Open sessions | Fees in Sri Lanka |
| Ghana | Open sessions | Fees in Ghana |
| Kenya | Open sessions | Fees in Kenya |
| Egypt | Open sessions | Fees in Egypt |
| Malaysia | Open sessions | Fees in Malaysia |
| Singapore | Open sessions | Fees in Singapore |
| Thailand | Open sessions | Fees in Thailand |
| New Zealand | Open sessions | Fees in New Zealand |
| Ireland | Open sessions | Fees in Ireland |
Plan the rest
Questions people ask
How many IELTS dates are there in 2026?
There is no fixed list for IELTS on computer. Centres open sessions through the week; IDP India runs them up to 7 days a week, 3 times a day. Each centre's open sessions show when you book.
Are IELTS Academic and General Training on the same dates?
Not always. IDP says availability can differ between Academic and General Training, so check the version you need when you pick a session.
Is the paper IELTS test still running?
IELTS said in March 2026 that from mid-2026 it will no longer offer the paper-based test, with timing by country. Writing on Paper, an option within the computer test, is offered in selected countries instead.
When should I take IELTS?
Late enough to be ready, early enough for results to reach your deadline with time for a retake. On computer, results take 1 to 5 days; One Skill Retake must be within 60 days of the test.
Can I change my IELTS test date?
Yes, before the test, through your centre. The new date must be within 3 months of the original, you can move a booking once, and a move close to test day may count as a cancellation.
Is Speaking on the same day?
On computer it is usually the same day, before or after the other three papers. Some centres hold it up to 7 days before or after.
Sources
- 1IDP IELTS India, IELTS on ComputerChecked 13 October 2026.
- 2IDP IELTS India, IELTS test dates 2026Checked 13 October 2026.
- 3IDP IELTS, IELTS on computerChecked 13 October 2026.
- 4IELTS, updates to IELTS test delivery (5 March 2026)Checked 13 October 2026.
- 5IELTS, ways to take IELTSChecked 13 October 2026.
- 6IELTS, getting and sharing your resultsChecked 13 October 2026.
- 7IELTS, cancellations, refunds, remarks and transfersChecked 13 October 2026.
- 8IELTS, One Skill RetakeChecked 13 October 2026.