IELTS Registration 2023: Step-wise Registration Process for IELTS Exam

IELTS Registration 2023: The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an English language proficiency test that is widely recognized by many highly competitive universities abroad. The exam acts as admission criteria by colleges located in English-speaking countries such as the USA and UK amongst others. Hence, it is necessary to include the IELTS score in one’s application to get enrolled in the targetted or dream college. Applicants planning to pursue their education abroad, whether a master’s program or a bachelor’s degree, will have to register for the IELTS exam. Further, meeting the IELTS eligibility is crucial in order o successfully register for the exam.

Interested candidates planning to appear for the exam must know the IELTS registration process and how it is done. The exam is conducted by IDP IELTS, British Council, and Cambridge Assessment English. Moreover, the conducting bodies provide two testing options which are: IELTS Academic and General Training Tests. The academic tests are for students who are planning to pursue their education abroad, whereas, the General Training targets individuals looking for a work opportunity abroad. The registration process for both these tests is similar in nature. In this article, we will discuss the IELTS registration process in detail.

Also Check: IELTS Slot Booking

IELTS Registration 2023

The IELTS exam can be given in a computer or pen and paper-based format. Moreover, the exam is also used for UK immigration and visa purposes which is termed IELTS for UKVI. When registering for the exam, applicants will have to choose between these options and decide whether they wish to give the academic or general training test. Once the preferred option has been selected, applicants will have to follow a few steps to successfully complete the registration process. Continue reading to learn these steps. 

IELTS Registration: How to apply for IELTS? 

Registering for the IELTS exam is an easy and quick process. Applicants should follow the steps mentioned below to successfully register for the IELTS exam. 

Step 1- Go to the official website: Applicants are advised to go to the official website of the IELTS test which is, www.ielts.org. 

Step 2-  Select the preferred test: In the second step, candidates need to select the preferred test from the academic and general training tests. Moreover, apart from the type of exam, students will also need to select the mode of the exam. 

Step 3-  Find the nearest test centre: There are more than 1,600 IELTS test centres spread across more than 140 nations. To select the one nearest to you, applicants must select the “Find your nearest test centre” option on the official website.

Step 4- Register for the exam: The next step would require applicants to provide the asked details. These details would include personal and academic details. Students will also need to book a slot by finalizing the date of the exam. After the asked information is provided and the date is selected, applicants would need to pay the IELTS registration fee.

Step 5- Pay the fee: Candidates will need to pay the registration fee for the IELTS exam, after which, they would have successfully completed the registration process. 

Step 6- Confirmation: After the registration process is completed, a confirmation email will be sent to applicants by the selected test centre. It will confirm the time and date of the IELTS slot. The test centre will also confirm any possible changes to the Speaking test date. The Speaking test will generally be conducted before the other tests if students have scheduled for IELTS Online, and they will receive an email confirming the test booking.

How to Apply for IELTS One Skill Retake?

Before getting started on how to apply for One Skill Retake, let us understand what it is. Starting March 2023, the exam authorities have introduced this new approach, which will allow students to re-attempt any one section of IELTS. IELTS One Skill Retake is currently available in Australia, and throughout 2023, additional regions and countries will progressively roll out the service. To apply, candidates just need to book a slot for it on the official website after receiving their results. They can complete the IELTS one-skill retake within 60 days of their original exam day.

Other Modes of Registration

Apart from registering through the IELTS official website, applicants have the option of directly registering through the exam parent bodies. A similar registration fee and the process will follow. These bodies include-

• IDP 
• British Council
• Cambridge Assessment English

Candidates can also register for the exam through an offline mode. Although, the online mode is easier as it requires lesser effort and hence is preferred. Still, if applicants fail to have a proper internet connection, they can register offline

In the offline mode,  the process of entering the information and choosing the exam date and time is done manually. The actions listed below must be taken:

• IELTS registration paperwork may be downloaded from the official website.
• Choose the test day and time of your choice.
• Fill out the registration form by hand. Don't forget to include a courier-accessible address.

To send the money:

• Make a Demand Draft (DD) payable to "British Council" or another selected parent body
• Cash payments should be made at the nearby bank, and receipts should be obtained.
•  Send the completed registration form and DD or payment note by courier to the selected parent body.

IELTS Fee Structure: Refunds, Transfers, Registration Fee, and Cancellation

The IELTS registration fee for Indian students will differ according to the selected test type. The table below shows the fee structure for registering for the IELTS tests. 

Put simply, the registration cost for the IELTS exam for applicants planning to study abroad is:

• Registering for computer-delivered IELTS: 16,250
• Registering for pen and paper-based IELTS: 16,250

Note: This information is subject to change as per the exchange rate.

IELTS Fee: Mode of Payment

The registration fee for the IELTS test can be paid through the following modes of payment:

• Credit/ Debit (Visa or Master) and Netbanking
• Bank Deposit
• Demand Draft

IELTS Cancellation

Before taking the test, candidates can cancel their IELTS test registration at any time by contacting the test centre. Refund policies vary according to when students cancel and the presence of extraordinary circumstances.

If an applicant fails to appear for the test, they have up to five calendar days after the test date to present their case for exceptional circumstances to the chosen Test Center.

The Test Center will then review a person's claim for extraordinary circumstances and respond within 7 working days.

All claims of unusual circumstances must be submitted to the testing facility before or no later than five calendar days following the planned test date, along with any necessary supporting documentation. The applicants will receive a refund if the case is approved.

IELTS defines extraordinary circumstances cases as:

• Military service
• Evidence of trauma or other forms of significant hardship
• serious medical issues that prevent students from showing up or performing normally on test day; these cases require supporting documentation in the form of a medical certificate from a licensed doctor.

At times, the test centre may have to cancel or postpone one’s exam slot. In such a situation, these circumstances may include a global pandemic, civil unrest, extreme weather conditions, industrial action, and natural disaster.

IELTS Transfer

Prior to the exam, candidates may reschedule their test date at any period. However, the request can be viewed as a cancellation depending on when they submit the transfer request, that is, how close the test day is.

Candidates must choose a test date that is no more than three months away from the original test date. The transfer request will be viewed as a cancellation if the chosen test date is more than three months from the original test date.

The same booking may only be rescheduled once.