IELTS 2026: Exam Date, Schedule, Notifications, Important Deadlines
Shruti Kumari21 Dec, 2025
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IELTS 2026: The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a leading English proficiency test. It is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English. Many universities and immigration authorities globally accept IELTS scores. For students and professionals aiming for study abroad 2026 or immigration, understanding the IELTS 2026 schedule is vital.
The official global test dates for the IELTS exam 2026 have been announced. This allows candidates to plan their IELTS booking 2026 and preparation effectively. The announcement includes dates for both IELTS academic 2026 and IELTS general training 2026 tests. These dates are consistent worldwide, with local variations for specific IELTS exam centres 2026.
IELTS 2026 Exam Overview
This section gives a quick overview of the IELTS exam date 2026 schedule. It includes the conducting body and key test dates.
| IELTS 2026 Exam Overview | |
|---|---|
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Conducting Body | British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, Cambridge Assessment English |
| Session/Term | Throughout 2026 |
| Official Notification Released | September 26, 2025 |
| Exam Date(s) | Multiple dates throughout 2026 (See Exam Schedule below) |
| Official Exam Scheme / Schedule | https://admissiontestportal.com/about-ielts/official-ielts-test-dates-2026 |
IELTS Exam Date 2026
IELTS exam date 2026 options are available throughout the year. Candidates can select dates based on their preparation level and application deadlines.
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Computer-based IELTS 2026: Available almost daily
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Paper-based IELTS 2026: Conducted up to 4 times a month
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Speaking test: On the same day or within 7 days of other modules
Booking early helps candidates secure their preferred IELTS exam date 2026 and test centre.
IELTS 2026 Exam Schedule
This schedule lists the confirmed test dates for IELTS 2026. It includes dates for both Academic and General Training modules. Specific timings and durations are generally consistent for each test. These global dates help candidates plan their IELTS preparation 2026. This section details the IELTS exam pattern 2026 as well.
| IELTS 2026 Exam Schedule | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper / Session | Date | Timings | Duration |
| Academic / General Training | January 2, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic | January 9, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic / General Training | January 14, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic | January 23, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic | January 30, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic / General Training | February 6, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic | February 11, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic / General Training | February 20, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic | February 25, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic / General Training | March 6, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic | March 13, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic / General Training | March 20, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic / General Training | March 27, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic | April 10, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic | April 15, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic / General Training | April 24, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic | May 1, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic / General Training | May 6, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic | May 15, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic / General Training | May 22, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic | May 29, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic / General Training | June 5, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic | June 10, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic / General Training | June 19, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic | July 1, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic | July 10, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic / General Training | July 17, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic / General Training | July 24, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic | July 31, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic / General Training | August 5, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic | August 14, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic / General Training | August 21, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic | August 28, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic / General Training | September 4, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic | September 9, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic / General Training | September 18, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic / General Training | October 2, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic | October 7, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic | October 16, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic / General Training | October 23, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic | October 30, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic / General Training | November 4, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic | November 13, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic / General Training | November 20, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic / General Training | November 27, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic | December 2, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic | December 4, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
| Academic / General Training | December 11, 2026 | To be released. | To be released. |
IELTS Registration 2026
IELTS registration 2026 is conducted online through the official IDP IELTS portal.
Steps for IELTS booking 2026
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Visit the official IELTS website
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Choose IELTS Academic 2026 or IELTS General Training 2026
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Select test mode and city
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Enter passport details
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Upload passport copy
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Pay IELTS fees 2026
A valid passport is mandatory at the time of registration and on exam day.
IELTS Eligibility 2026
There are no strict academic conditions for IELTS eligibility 2026. Eligibility criteria is given below:
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Minimum age: 16 years
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No maximum age limit
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No minimum educational qualification
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Valid passport required
The required IELTS band score 2026 depends on the country, university, or visa category.
IELTS Exam Pattern 2026
The IELTS exam pattern 2026 consists of four sections with a total test duration of about 2 hours 45 minutes.
| IELTS Exam Sections | ||
| Section | Duration | Details |
| Listening | 30 minutes | 4 recordings, 40 questions |
| Reading | 60 minutes | 3 passages, 40 questions |
| Writing | 60 minutes | 2 tasks |
| Speaking | 11–14 minutes | Face-to-face interview |
IELTS Syllabus 2026
The IELTS syllabus 2026 focuses on practical English usage. Section-wise IELTS syllabus 2026:
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Listening: Conversations, lectures, everyday discussions
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Reading: Academic texts or daily-life passage
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Writing: Reports, letters, and essays
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Speaking: Personal questions, cue card, discussion
IELTS Fees 2026
The IELTS fees 2026 in India are standard across cities.
| IELTS Fees 2026 | |
| Test Type | Fees (INR) |
| IELTS Academic 2026 | 18,000 |
| IELTS General Training 2026 | 18,000 |
| IELTS online test 2026 | 18,000 |
| IELTS for UKVI | 18,250 |
| One Skill Retake | Approx. 12,000 |
IELTS Admit Card Release Dates
The admit card is a mandatory document for entry to the test centre. Candidates must download it as soon as it is available. It contains vital information like exam venue, date, and timing for the IELTS exam 2026. Always check your details carefully after downloading.
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Admit Card Release Date: To be released.
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How to Download: via official IELTS portal.
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Details Needed: Registration Number, Date of Birth.
IELTS Exam Centres 2026
IELTS exam centres 2026 are available in more than 75 cities across India. Candidates should:
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Choose a nearby centre
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Book early for preferred location
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Carry admit confirmation and passport
IELTS Band Score 2026
The IELTS band score 2026 ranges from 1 to 9.
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Each section gets an individual band score
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Final score is the average of all four sections
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There is no pass or fail
IELTS Result 2026
IELTS result 2026 timelines depend on the test mode.
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Computer-based test: 3–5 days
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Paper-based test: 13 days
The IELTS score validity 2026 is 2 years from the result date.
Important Instructions and Guidelines
Following exam day instructions ensures a smooth test experience. Candidates should review these guidelines thoroughly before the IELTS 2026 exam. Adhering to rules helps prevent any issues on test day. This is part of good IELTS preparation for 2026.
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Reach the exam centre at least 30–45 minutes before the reporting time.
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Carry a valid photo ID, admit card, and required documents.
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Electronic devices (mobile phones, calculators, smartwatches) are not allowed.
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Follow the dress code and instructions printed on the admit card.
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Check for any date changes on the official website.
IELTS Preparation 2026
IELTS preparation 2026 should focus on skill-building and regular practice.Some of the preparation tips are mentioned below:
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Understand the IELTS exam pattern 2026
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Practice mock tests weekly
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Improve vocabulary and grammar
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Focus on time management
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Practice speaking daily
IELTS for Study Abroad 2026
IELTS for study abroad 2026 is mandatory for admission to universities in countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Many scholarships and visa approvals also require a valid IELTS score.