IELTS Dates 2023: Test Centers and How Often IELTS Test Dates Are Available

IELTS Dates 2023: The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an English proficiency test useful for applicants looking for academic, migration, or work opportunities in English-speaking countries. The IELTS exam dates are available throughout the year and interested candidates can book a test slot at their convenience. Hence, there are no fixed exam dates. The test centres function on a first-come-first-serve basis and that is why it is advisable to book an exam slot well in advance.

Check: IELTS Slot Booking

Candidates have the option of booking the test slot even a week prior to the exam date. Although, experts have advised students to finalize an exam date at least three months before the exam to avoid last-minute errors. Apart from the applicant’s personal preference, the availability of slots at the desired test centre can affect the exam slot. Hence, students should finalize the exam date at the earliest. 

The IELTS exam can be given at a centre or even at home. Additionally, the exam provides many testing options such as General Training and Academic test. Students planning to pursue higher studies abroad should opt for the academic test option. Also, the test can be given through computer-delivered and paper-based modes. Continue reading to learn about the available test dates, and how often the IELTS test dates are available. Also, read about how to locate the available test dates. 

IELTS Dates 2023

Candidates must visit the official website in order to review the IELTS exam dates that are offered at various test centres. One can complete this process by visiting the website and selecting the desired test option. After selecting an exam date, candidates must register for the test by providing the required information, such as their contact details. Candidates can book their tests after creating a verified profile by looking up the available dates at the centres closest to them. On the website's home page, select the "Book a Test" option to start the process.

For example, if candidates want to check the availability of dates near Noida for a computer-delivered IELTS test- they must select “Computer-delivered IELTS” after selecting the book-a-test option. After which, they must select the location as Noida and the available dates would pop up. To finalize a slot, applicants will have to select the “book now” option following which they would be required to complete IELTS Registration. For the candidates' reference, pictures of the same have been attached below.

IELTS 2023: Available Exam Dates

As stated earlier, the exam dates are not fixed and they vary with time. Interested applicants who are planning to appear for the test can go to the official website to check the available dates according to their preference of location. The dates are subject to change as the slots are booked on a first come first served basis due to which the availability of slots at test centres will differ with time.

IELTS Exam 2023: Test Center VS At Home 

IELTS gives candidates complete flexibility on how they prefer to take the test. Students can choose from giving the test at home, in a test centre, on a computer, or with paper and pen. The at-home test is just as similar to the exam at a test centre and follows the same format. It is completely the student’s preference as to which option they wish to choose. Students are advised to choose an option that would be more suitable and convenient for them. 

Check: IELTS Pattern

If applicants are planning to apply for the IELTS online exam (at-home option), they will need:

• A functioning laptop or a computer
• Reliable internet connection
• Valid passport ID
• A seating arrangement in a quiet place with minimal distractions

Students will need to get their computers checked to make sure it is suitable for IELTS online. The computer must have:

• windows or macOS 
• Speakers, microphone, and a working webcam
• One screen

It wholly depends on the candidates as to which testing option they wish to register for. Some may find it difficult to perform their best in an at-home test while others may find it to be more beneficial. It is advisable to carefully analyze which option would be the better choice for each candidate.

How Often Are IELTS Exam Dates Available?

For the IELTS computer-delivered test, the test dates are available three times a day and seven days a week. Whereas, for the pen and paper-based tests, the exam dates are available for four fixed dates in a month. There are 82 IELTS test centres in total, and before finalizing the date, students must check the available slots in the selected test centre according to their chosen testing option and mode.

IELTS dates may be different for the Academic and General Training tests in India. The General Training option is available for 24 dates, however, the Academic option is accessible for 48 dates in a month. Tests are typically held on Saturdays and Thursdays to provide flexibility and convenience.

Note that speaking tests will be provided up to 7 days before and/or after the test date while listening, reading, and writing (LRW) examinations must be taken on the same day. It's likely that the IELTS test centre in one's region won't offer the same date as the one in another city. The IELTS dates can also be booked directly from the IDP IELTS or British Council websites.