How much does IELTS cost in India and is the score valid for 3 years?
IELTS is a crucial English proficiency exam for Indian students planning to study abroad in 2025. Being aware of the IELTS exam fee in India, its structure, and the registration process is essential for smart financial planning. With increasing global opportunities, understanding every cost factor ensures you can apply confidently and focus on your academic goals.
What is the IELTS Exam Fee in India for 2025?
| IELTS Type | Exam Fee (INR) | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Academic/General | ₹18,000 | 2 years |
| UKVI Academic | ₹18,250 | 2 years |
| IELTS Life Skills (A1 & B1) | ₹17,000 | 2 years |
Please verify the updated IELTS fees on official portals during your application process for the 2025 intake.
IELTS 2025: Exam Pattern and Dates
The IELTS exam is conducted multiple times a month across leading Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai. Both paper-based and computer-delivered formats are available. The test covers Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking sections.
- Academic and General Training modules offered
- Test score valid for 2 years
- Official results typically released within 5–7 days (computer-based)
- Extensive availability of dates and centers
IELTS Fee Structure and Additional Costs
The standard IELTS exam fee in India for 2025 is ₹18,000. This applies to both Academic and General Training. Fees for other test types and situations may vary. It’s important to budget for additional costs related to cancellations, rescheduling, and supplementary services.
| Service | Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic/General | 18,000 |
| UKVI (Computer/Paper) | 18,250 |
| IELTS Life Skills | 17,000 |
| Rescheduling (Computer/Paper) | 4,500–4,550 |
| One Skill Retake (OSR) | 12,000 |
| Rechecking Fee | 13,500–13,700 |
| Additional TRF (per university after 5 reports) | 300 |
Payment can be made via credit/debit card, net banking, demand draft, or bank deposit. Always keep official receipts for reference. For city-specific fee details, refer to the table above; most centers across India now charge the same standard fee.
How to Register and Pay IELTS Exam Fee in India
- Visit the official IELTS India or IDP portal and create an account
- Select ‘Register for Test’ and choose test type and city
- Pick a convenient date/slot as per your schedule
- Upload a scanned passport copy (mandatory for all applicants)
- Pay the IELTS fee online or at a nearby branch via accepted modes
- Receive test confirmation via e-mail/SMS
Scholarships and IELTS Fee Waivers for Indian Students
Various IELTS scholarships and fee waivers help talented and deserving candidates reduce the financial burden. Scholarships are based on merit, income level, or special eligibility criteria like first attempts, age, and academic record.
| Scholarship | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| British Council IELTS Awards | Up to 11 lakh |
| IDP IELTS Prize | Up to 5.3 lakh |
| IELTS Australia Scholarship | Up to 12 lakh |
| Academic Excellence Scholarship | Up to 2.1 lakh |
You can explore more about scholarships for international students on our Scholarships page.
Top International Universities Accepting IELTS
A strong IELTS score opens doors at famous universities in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and Europe. Each has specific band requirements, so always check the official university website.
- University of Oxford, UK (IELTS 7.0+)
- Harvard University, USA (IELTS 7.0+)
- University of British Columbia, Canada (IELTS 6.5+)
- Australian National University, Australia (IELTS 6.5+)
- LMU Munich, Germany (IELTS 6.5+)
Explore top-ranked universities and their admission requirements for 2025.
IELTS Eligibility and Other Popular English Exams
Any Indian student with a valid passport (age above 16) can take the IELTS. Both Academic and General Training cater to students and workers. For those interested in alternatives, TOEFL and PTE are also widely accepted English tests. Compare cost and result timelines as part of your prep.
| Exam | Fee (INR) | Result Time |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 18,000 | 5-7 days |
| TOEFL | 16,900 | 6-10 days |
| PTE | 17,999 | 2-5 days |
For a deeper understanding, see our complete IELTS syllabus.
IELTS for Student Visa and Work Abroad
IELTS is accepted for student visas in all major study destinations including the UK, Canada, Australia, USA, Ireland, and New Zealand. A qualifying score is mandatory for visa applications and post-study work permits in many countries.
- UK: Student and work visa (IELTS Academic/UKVI accepted)
- Canada: Student Direct Stream, various colleges and universities
- Australia: All universities, Temporary Graduate visa
- USA & Ireland: Majority of universities
- Germany: Select programs taught in English (verify each course website)
Learn more about the UK post-study work visa scheme.
Why Do IELTS Fees Vary in India?
Charges depend on test type (Academic/General, UKVI, Life Skills), location, and added services like transfers, rescheduling, or extra TRFs. Costs remain similar across Indian cities, ensuring transparency. Recent increases account for security, admin, and tech improvements by IDP and British Council.
IELTS Fee: Smart Tips for Indian Students
- Book early to secure your preferred test date
- Use official payment modes to avoid fraud
- Check for fee waivers and scholarships if eligible
- Budget for possible reschedule or rechecking fees
- Keep all fee receipts for future visa or university applications
Planning ahead and understanding all IELTS-related expenses ensures that you minimize surprises and maximize success on your study abroad journey.
