In India, the IELTS exam fee is consistently INR 17,000, regardless of whether you take the Academic or General Training test, or opt for the paper-based or computer-delivered format. A breakdown of the exam fees and other associated costs is provided below.
Are you an aspiring student with dreams of studying abroad? The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a crucial step on your academic journey. But before you dive into the world of IELTS preparation, let’s tackle a common question: “How much does the IELTS exam cost in India?”
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the IELTS exam fees for 2024, discuss factors influencing the cost, and provide valuable tips to manage your exam expenses effectively.
IELTS Exam Fees in India: A Quick Overview
The good news is that the IELTS exam fee structure in India is straightforward:
- Standard Fee (Academic and General Training): ₹17,000
- UKVI (IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration): ₹17,250
- IELTS Life Skills: ₹16,050
The standard fee applies to the IELTS Academic test (for higher education) and the IELTS General Training test (for work and migration). The fee remains the same whether you choose the paper-based or computer-delivered IELTS test.
Why Does IELTS Cost Money?
The IELTS fee covers a range of services designed to ensure a fair and reliable testing experience:
- Test Development: Creating high-quality, secure test materials that accurately assess English language proficiency.
- Test Administration: Conducting the exam in a standardized environment with trained staff.
- Marking and Results: Expertly evaluating your responses and providing detailed results within a short timeframe.
- Test Centre Facilities: Maintaining well-equipped testing centers with modern technology.
- Global Network: Operating a vast network of test centers worldwide to ensure accessibility.
IELTS Cancellation Fee and Refund Policy
- If you cancel more than nine days before your IELTS test date entitles you to a refund minus an administrative fee. This fee is INR 4,250 for Academic and General Training, INR 4,000 for IELTS Life Skills, and INR 4,300 for IELTS UKVI.
- If you cancel within nine days of the test date you are not eligible for a refund unless you have a valid medical reason or other exceptional circumstances.
- Non-appearance without prior cancellation will result in forfeiture of the test fee.
- A refund may be considered for a valid medical reason, supported by a medical certificate submitted within five days of the exam date. However, administrative charges will apply.
IELTS Retake Fee
The fee for retaking the entire IELTS test is the same as the fee for taking it for the first time. This means you’ll need to pay the full test fee again.
However, there’s a newer option called IELTS One Skill Retake. This allows you to retake just one section (Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking) if you’re not satisfied with your score in that particular area. The fee for this is generally lower than the full test fee, but it varies depending on the location.
It’s essential to check with your local IELTS test center for the exact fee for the IELTS One Skill Retake.
IELTS One Skill Retake Fees
The fee for an IELTS One Skill Retake is INR 11,300.
This fee covers retaking any four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking.
IELTS Rescheduling Fee
There is typically a rescheduling fee associated with changing your IELTS exam date. Generally, you can expect to pay an administrative fee to reschedule your exam. This fee is often non-refundable.
| Test Type | Reschedule Fee (INR) |
| IELTS on Computer for UKVI | 4300 |
| IELTS on Computer | 4250 |
| IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1) | 4000 |
| IELTS on Paper UKVI | 4300 |
| IELTS on Paper | 4250 |
| One Skill Rretake [OSR] | 2825 |
IELTS Recheck Fee (Enquiry on Results or EOR)
Recheck or Enquiry on Results (EOR): This is a request to review your IELTS score. Here are the Recheck fees:
- The fee for an IELTS Computer or Pen and paper-based recheck (EOR) is INR 12,750.
- IELTS UKVI recheck fee is INR 12,900
- The recheck fee for IELTS Life Skill [A1 and B] is INR 12,000
- One Skill Retake EOR is INR 8,475
IELTS Test Additional Test Report Form Fee
The first five electronic ATRFs are free. If you need to send your scores to more than five universities, you’ll need to wait a day and then request additional ATRFs. The fee for an additional Test Report Form (ATRF) in India is INR 250 per university.
IELTS Fee Payment Methods
The payment methods for IELTS fees can vary slightly depending on your location and the test center (IDP or British Council). However, common options include:
Online Payments
- Credit/Debit Card: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted.
- Net Banking: Most major banks are supported.
- Digital Wallets: Options like Paytm, Google Pay, or other local wallets might be available.
Offline Payments
- Demand Draft: Drawn in favor of the test center (e.g., IDP Education India Private Limited).
- Bank Deposit: Through a specific bank account provided by the test center.
- Cash Payment: Directly at the test center (might have limitations).
Is the IELTS Fee Worth It?
Absolutely! Consider the IELTS fee as an investment in your future. The IELTS score opens doors to countless opportunities:
- Admission to Top Universities: Many prestigious institutions worldwide require IELTS scores.
- Visa and Immigration Applications: Some countries demand IELTS scores as part of their visa process.
- Professional Recognition: IELTS scores can enhance your professional credibility and job prospects.
- Personal Growth: Preparing for the IELTS helps you develop valuable language skills.
Tips to Manage Your IELTS Exam Expenses
While the IELTS fee is a necessary investment, there are ways to make it more manageable:
- Plan Ahead: Book your test early to avoid last-minute price increases or limited availability.
- Explore Scholarships: Some institutions and organizations offer scholarships that cover IELTS exam fees.
- Take Advantage of Discounts: Occasionally, test centers may offer discounts or promotions.
- Budget Wisely: Factor the IELTS fee into your overall study abroad budget.
- Prepare Thoroughly: Ensure you’re well-prepared to avoid the need for retakes.
Additional Resources:
- Free IELTS Preparation Materials: Access a wealth of free resources on the official IELTS website or through reputable test preparation providers.
- IELTS Practice Tests: Take advantage of free or paid practice tests to familiarize yourself with the exam format and assess your progress.
- IELTS Coaching Classes: Consider enrolling in online or offline coaching classes for personalized guidance and support.
Ready to embark on your IELTS journey?Start your IELTS preparation now!
Remember: The sooner you start your preparation, the better your chances of achieving your desired score. Invest in your future with IELTS – a decision you won’t regret!