How do I book an IELTS test?

British Council: a photo or scan of your passport or national ID card, valid both when you book and on test day; written consent from a parent or guardian if you are under 18; and a payment method. Local requirements are shown during booking (British Council).

IDP India: your passport details, a photocopy of the first and last pages (plus any observation pages) and signed terms and conditions, with the original passport on test day (IDP India). IDP India requires only an original, valid passport on test day and runs a "no passport, no test" policy (IDP India).

Under-18s with IDP India: if a valid ID of the parent or lawful guardian is not received by test day, the test taker cannot sit the test and 75% of the fee is refunded (IDP India).

The British Council sends a confirmation email with your IELTS Reference Number and test details. You can edit your profile in the Test Taker Portal before the test, but not afterwards (British Council).

IDP India: check the Data Verification Sheet in your login, correct any errors and upload your passport copy; corrections take about two working days (IDP India).

Get your name and date of birth exactly as on your ID. A mismatch on test day can mean you are not allowed to take the test.

Fees vary by country and test type and are shown in the booking portal; see IELTS exam fee 2026.

There is no single registration deadline: IDP India says booking closes when seats for a city and date fill up (IDP India). If you need special arrangements, request them at least six weeks before the test; see IELTS access arrangements.

Booking and results rules are set per country and test centre, and they change. Check the page for the country where you will sit the test. This guide is general information, not official IELTS advice.