Slot Booking9 min read·Updated May 28, 2026

IELTS Slot Booking 2026 - How to Book Your Test Date in India

Step-by-step IELTS slot booking guide for India 2026: book online at IDP, payment methods, best time to book (4–6 weeks ahead in metro cities), and cancellation policy.

Person booking an IELTS test slot online on a laptop
ME
Written by mockDe Editorial Team· IELTS Trainer · 8 yrs
Last Updated May 28, 20269 min read
Ask AI:

Key Takeaways

  • All IELTS slot booking in India is done through IDP at ieltsidpindia.com - no walk-in registration.
  • Choose Computer-Delivered IELTS for more available slots (6 days/week) and faster results (3–5 days).
  • Book 4–6 weeks ahead in metro cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore) as slots fill quickly.
  • Payment: ₹19,000 via UPI, net banking, credit/debit card, or Demand Draft at an IDP office.
  • Rescheduling costs ₹4,500 and is possible if 9+ days remain before your test.
  • Cancellation refund (minus 25%) available if cancelled 5+ weeks before the test.

How do I book an IELTS slot in India?

IELTS slot booking in India is done exclusively online through IDP at ieltsidpindia.com. Create an account, select Academic or General Training, choose Computer-Delivered format, pick your city and test centre, select an available date and time, upload your passport, and pay ₹19,000. Book at least 4–6 weeks ahead in major cities.

  • All bookings at ieltsidpindia.com - IDP is the sole IELTS administrator in India
  • Computer-delivered slots available 6 days/week - far more flexible than paper-based
  • Fee: ₹19,000; rescheduling fee ₹4,500
  • Bring original passport to test day - no other ID accepted

AI-ready answer · mockde.com

Step-by-Step IELTS Slot Booking Process

Verified: IDP IELTS India
1

Go to ieltsidpindia.com

Open the official IDP India IELTS booking portal. Click 'Book Now' at the top of the page.

2

Log in or create an account

First-time users must register with name (as in passport), email address, date of birth, and password. Returning candidates log in with their credentials.

3

Choose test type

Select Academic (for universities and professional registration) or General Training (for migration, work, secondary school). Academic and GT have different Reading and Writing content.

4

Select format: Computer-Delivered

Computer-Delivered IELTS is available 6 days a week. Paper-based ends June 27, 2026. Computer-delivered results are also faster (3–5 days vs 13 days).

5

Choose city and test centre

Enter your preferred city. A list of IDP test centres with their locations appears. Select the most convenient centre.

6

Select test date and time slot

The calendar shows available dates in green. Click your preferred date, then select a morning or afternoon time slot.

7

Enter personal details

Confirm your full name, date of birth, nationality, and contact details. These must exactly match your passport.

8

Upload passport

Upload a clear scan of your passport's photo page. The image must be well-lit and unobstructed. Name and photo must be clearly visible.

9

Review and pay

Review all details. Complete payment of ₹19,000 via UPI, net banking, credit/debit card. Save your booking confirmation.

10

Receive confirmation

Check your email for a booking confirmation with your test details, centre address, registration number, and instructions for test day.

Documents Required for Slot Booking

At registration (online)

  • Valid passport (scanned copy of photo page to upload)
  • Email address (to create IDP account and receive confirmation)
  • Mobile number (for OTP and communication)
  • Payment instrument (UPI/card/netbanking)

On test day (mandatory)

  • Original valid passport (the same document used for registration)
  • Admit card / entry slip (printed or on phone as backup)
  • Arrive at least 30 minutes before your test start time
  • No other ID accepted - not driving licence, Aadhar, voter ID

Payment Methods

Payment MethodChannelNotes
UPI (GPay, PhonePe, Paytm)OnlineInstant - recommended for fastest confirmation
Net BankingOnlineImmediate confirmation once payment clears
Credit Card (Visa/Mastercard/Amex)OnlineInstant confirmation
Debit CardOnlineInstant confirmation
Demand DraftIDP office / CourierPayable to 'IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd.' at New Delhi
ICICI/HDFC bank deposit slipIDP officeSubmit at local IDP office with booking form

Best Time to Book Your IELTS Slot

Metro cities

Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai

4–6 weeks

advance booking recommended

Major cities

Pune, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad

2–3 weeks

advance booking recommended

Smaller cities

Jaipur, Lucknow, Kochi, etc.

1–2 weeks

advance booking recommended

Peak demand periods: Slots fill fastest in March–April (students targeting September UK/Australia intake) and August–October (students targeting January intake). If your preferred test date falls in these windows, book as early as possible.

Cancellation & Rescheduling

Verified: IDP IELTS India
ActionConditionOutcome / Fee
Cancellation5+ weeks before testRefund minus 25% admin charge
CancellationWithin 5 weeksNo refund
CancellationMedical emergency (documentation required)Contact IDP - may be considered
Rescheduling9+ days before testAllowed - ₹4,500 rescheduling fee
ReschedulingLess than 9 days before testNot allowed - must cancel
Centre changeDuring rescheduling, 9+ days before testAllowed (subject to availability at new centre)

Tips from the r/IELTS Community

Verified: Reddit r/IELTS

Based on frequently shared advice from test-takers on Reddit's r/IELTS community.

💡 Book computer-delivered for faster results

Results in 3–5 days vs 13 days for paper. If you have an application deadline, this can save weeks of waiting anxiety.

💡 Don't wait until you feel 'ready'

Book your date first, then prepare toward it. Having a fixed test date creates urgency and prevents indefinite procrastination.

💡 Check multiple centres in your city

If your first-choice centre is full, check other IDP centres in the same city. Sometimes centres a few km apart have very different availability.

💡 Take a practice test before booking

Know your current band before booking. If you're at Band 5.5 and need 7.5, don't book 2 weeks from now - give yourself realistic preparation time.

💡 Save your confirmation email and admit card

Screenshot your booking confirmation and save it to your phone's gallery. Some candidates have faced issues when emails weren't accessible at the centre.

💡 Do a trial run to your test centre

Visit the test centre location before test day. Know exactly where to park, how long it takes to reach, and which gate to enter.

Know your band before you book

Take a free diagnostic test to measure your current band across all four modules.

Free Diagnostic Test

Frequently Asked Questions

Reader Reviews

Sign in to rate this article and help other students discover quality guides.