IELTS exam dates

2025/2026 Test Dates

Updates to IELTS test delivery - End of Paper Based IELTS: 

The follwoing message is from IELTS:

"We are pleased to announce that from 6th June 2026, all IELTS tests will be delivered on computer, providing a faster, more efficient and streamlined testing experience.

IELTS on paper and IELTS on computer have the same test format, questions and scoring. IELTS on computer also offers significant benefits to test takers at no additional cost:

• Faster results: Receive your results in under 5 days; typically 1-2 days
• Faster booking: Book your test up to 48 hours before test day
• More test dates: Access more frequent test dates
• One Skill Retake: Only available with IELTS on computer, you can retake just one part of test – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking

To learn more about IELTS on Computer, please view our familiarisation test(https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/take-ielts/prepare/free-ielts-english-practice-tests/ielts-on-computer/familiarisation-test(Opens in a new tab/window)) and video tutorials(https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/take-ielts/prepare/free-ielts-english-practice-tests/ielts-on-computer/how-it-works(Opens in a new tab/window))."

Please note: the session date is the date for the Reading, Writing and Listening components. The Speaking component may be a different date. Please check carefully before booking.

For all enquiries please contact ielts@ihbristol.com.

Booking deadline information

The latest you can book a paper-based IELTS exam is five calendar days before the session date. However, tests can fill up at least one month in advance, so it is important to book as early as you can to ensure your place. Final paper based date 6th June.

The latest you can book a computer-based IELTS exam is 2 calendar days before the session date.

The lastest you can book a computer video call speaking IELTS exam is 4 calender days before the session date.

Payment deadline

For paper-based exams, you must pay for your exam within 3 days of booking, and at least 5 days before the test - if you don't pay by the end of the Monday before your test, your registration will be cancelled.

For computer-based exams, you must pay for your exam within 3 days of booking, and at least 48 hours before the test, or your registration will be cancelled.

For computer-based video call speaking exams, you must pay for your exam within 3 days of booking, and at least 96 hours before the test, or your registration will be cancelled.