The International English Language Test System (IELTS) is a widely recognised assessment to assess the candidate’s level of proficiency in the English language. People take the IELTS exam if they wish to pursue higher education or begin their careers abroad. The exam is accepted as proof of English language fluency in over 11,000 educational institutions in several countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, France, and others.
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The first step to attending the IELTS exam is to register for the assessment. IELTS slot booking has become an easy and hassle-free process in recent years. Here is the complete guide on how to register for the IELTS exam.
Table of Contents
- IELTS slot booking: An overview
- Modes of IELTS exam
- How to book an IELTS exam slot?
- Frequently asked questions
IELTS slot booking: An overview
| Method of registration | Online, offline, courier |
| Mode of IELTS exam | Paper, computer-based, online |
| Test locations | More than 1,600 in over 140 countries |
| Test schedule | Paper-based: 1 slot, 4 days a month Computer-based: 3 slots, multiple days a week |
| IELTS exam fees | Varies with every country |
| Eligibility criteria | Must be above the age of 16. Must have a valid passport. |
Modes of IELTS exam
Before proceeding to the IELTS exam slot booking, it is important for you to choose which mode of exam suits you best. There are three modes by which you can take the IELTS exam.
- IELTS on paper
- Computer-delivered IELTS
- IELTS online
IELTS on paper is the standard mode of exam in all centres. Computer-delivered IELTS might not be available in some places, so confirm if the centre you book has the computer-based mode. IELTS Online is followed only in selective countries; check availability before booking your slot.
Also read: IELTS eligibility
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How to book an IELTS exam slot?
There are two methods of registration for IELTS slot booking: Online and offline IELTS registration. You can choose which process is easy and convenient for you.
IELTS slot booking: Online registration
- Visit the IELTS official website.
- Click on the “Book a Test” option.
- Select the mode of the exam (IELTS Paper or Computer-delivered IELTS).
- Confirm your test type (IELTS Academic or General Training), and choose the date and venue for the assessment.
- Follow the registration steps provided at the top of the page and fill out the details. The steps include Personal details, Registration details, Document upload, RO (Recognising Organisation) details, Review, and Payment.
- Proceed to pay the exam fees and download the acknowledgement receipt.
- Save the acknowledgement you receive via email.
- Remember that the registration is only for the exam's reading, writing, and listening sections. IELTS slot booking for the speaking section should be made separately, as the interview will be conducted before or after the exam.
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IELTS slot booking: Offline registration
- Visit your nearby IELTS office.
- Fill out the application form provided at the centre for registration.
- Submit a photocopy of your passport (first and last page) and observation pages (if any), and sign the terms and conditions provided.
- Proceed to pay the exam fees through a credit/debit/ATM card, a Demand Draft, or deposit cash via a customised deposit slip. You can obtain the deposit slip from the official website or any branch office.
IELTS slot booking: Registration through courier
- Download the application form from the official website and fill in all the details.
- Sign the terms and conditions after reading it.
- Submit a photocopy of your passport (first and last page) and observation pages (if any).
- Add the demand draft for the exam fees made at any approved list of banks to process the payment.
IELTS slot booking for the speaking test
It is important to remember that the IELTS exam slot booking is only for the reading, writing, and listening sections. You have to book your slot for the speaking test separately. The booking slot for your speaking test opens 12 days prior to the IELTS exam for reading, writing, and listening sections. You are required to choose the slot for your exam within ten days, or you will be automatically allocated to a specific slot.
Also read: Common Intro Questions for IELTS
Dates for paper-based IELTS exam slot booking 2023
| Month | IELTS exam date | IELTS Academic | IELTS General Training |
April | 01 | ✔ | ✔ |
| 15 | ✔ | ||
| 20 | ✔ | ||
| 29 | ✔ | ✔ | |
May | 06 | ✔ | |
| 11 | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 20 | ✔ | ||
| 27 | ✔ | ✔ | |
June | 03 | ✔ | |
| 10 | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 15 | ✔ | ||
| 24 | ✔ | ✔ | |
July | 06 | ✔ | |
| 15 | ✔ | ||
| 22 | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 29 | ✔ | ✔ | |
August | 05 | ✔ | |
| 10 | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 19 | ✔ | ||
| 26 | ✔ | ✔ | |
September | 02 | ✔ | |
| 09 | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 14 | ✔ | ||
| 23 | ✔ | ✔ | |
October | 07 | ✔ | ✔ |
| 12 | ✔ | ||
| 21 | ✔ | ||
| 28 | ✔ | ✔ | |
November | 04 | ✔ | |
| 09 | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 18 | ✔ | ||
| 25 | ✔ | ✔ | |
December | 02 | ✔ | ✔ |
| 07 | ✔ | ||
| 09 | ✔ | ||
| 16 | ✔ | ✔ |
Also read: IELTS Exam Dates in India
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Frequently asked questions
Can I book IELTS 2 days before?
You cannot book IELTS two days before the exam. An email with the final confirmation, the venue, and the slot for the test will be sent to you a week before the exam. It is advisable to complete your IELTS slot booking one to two months before the assessment so that you can prepare well for the exam.
How can I select a time slot for the IELTS exam?
You can choose your preferred time slot during the registration process for computer-delivered IELTS. You have the option to select the time slot while registering online or offline.
How to book an IELTS slot for the speaking test?
The booking slot for the IELTS speaking test opens 12 days before the exam for the reading, writing, and listening sections. You must choose the interview slot within ten days, or you will be automatically allocated to a specific slot.
How long is IELTS valid from the test date?
Your IELTS results are valid for two years from the date of your exam.
Can we cancel the IELTS exam two days before?
You can cancel the IELTS exam anytime before attending the exam. The refund depends on the time you cancelled the test and if your reason is exceptional.
