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.
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.
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.
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.
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 the 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.
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.
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.
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.
Your IELTS results are valid for two years from the date of your exam.
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.
Guru is a passionate study-abroad author, serving as a trusted companion to students. With firsthand experience studying abroad, Guru is your go-to person for anything related to higher education - going through language proficiency exams, entry requirements, and more. With keen attention to detail and facts, he has written several articles and essays that serve as helpful resources for aspiring students. Guru's content offers insights to match each student's aspirations and help them find answers about studying abroad. Committed to honesty, he ensures that every piece of advice resonates with the reader's interests.
Adharshini, a certified IELTS trainer with over five years of experience, holds an MA in English Literature (University Rank Holder, 2021) and CELTA certification (British Council, 2025, Pass B); specialises in the preparation of English proficiency exams like IELTS, SAT, GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, and PTE. She designs customised lesson plans and materials, delivering online and offline classes using student-centred strategies. Achievements include boosting student band scores, mentoring trainers, and creating original grammar exercises for hybrid environments.
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