The paper phase-out and the Writing on Paper option
IELTS stated that from mid-2026 it will no longer offer IELTS as a paper-based test, with exact timelines varying by market (IELTS update, 5 March 2026). The replacement for people who prefer handwriting is Writing on Paper: you take Listening, Reading and Speaking on computer and handwrite the Writing module. IELTS for UKVI is fully digital.
In Nepal, IDP's Kathmandu schedule for September and October 2026 lists computer sessions with a computer-or-paper writing choice; the only paper sessions visible are Life Skills (IDP Kathmandu dates). If you have a paper booking, confirm with your centre that it still runs.
IELTS exam fee in Nepal
IDP Nepal, 2026: IELTS on computer NPR 36,000; IELTS for UKVI on computer NPR 36,400; UKVI on paper NPR 39,600; Life Skills NPR 29,000 (IDP Nepal fees). An older IDP page still shows NPR 33,000 for computer, so use the 2026 figure.
British Council Nepal now publishes the same fee as IDP: NPR 36,000 for IELTS Academic or General Training on computer, NPR 36,400 for IELTS for UKVI and NPR 29,000 for Life Skills (britishcouncil.org.np booking page, read 9 October 2026). See the full breakdown in our IELTS exam fee in Nepal guide.
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Which cities in Nepal have IELTS test centres?
IDP lists 11 locations: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Birtamode, Ghorahi, Nepalgunj, Itahari, Hetauda, Banepa, Chitwan, Biratnagar and Butwal, with computer sessions up to seven days a week. One Skill Retake is offered by IDP in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan (IDP Nepal).
How many days do results take?
IELTS on computer results are released in one to five days; IDP Kathmandu advertises one to five days. Paper results take up to 13 days where paper still runs. Results are checked online through the test taker portal.
Is PTE available in Nepal?
Yes. Pearson runs PTE Academic centres in Nepal and its price finder lists the fee as USD 248.60 for PTE Academic, Academic UKVI and Core (read 9 October 2026), with venues in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Chitwan, Pokhara, Tilottama and Itahari. See PTE exam fee in Nepal and PTE test centres in Nepal. PTE Academic is accepted for Australian, UK and New Zealand visas and results arrive in about two business days, which is why many Nepali candidates targeting Australia switch to it. Use the PTE to IELTS converter to see what your IELTS target is in PTE terms.
Frequently asked questions
Is paper-based IELTS still available in Nepal in 2026?+
Paper Academic and General Training sessions are being withdrawn from mid-2026. IDP Kathmandu currently shows computer sessions with a Writing on Paper option; paper remains for Life Skills. Confirm with your centre.
How much is the IELTS fee in Nepal?+
IDP Nepal charges NPR 36,000 for IELTS on computer and NPR 36,400 for UKVI on computer in 2026. British Council fees were not verifiable online at the time of writing.
How long do IELTS results take in Nepal?+
One to five days for IELTS on computer.
Can I take PTE in Nepal?+
Yes, PTE Academic centres operate in Kathmandu and several other cities. Check Pearson's price finder for the fee.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS validity rules
- PTE to IELTS score converter
- Free IELTS mock test with AI band score
- All 1066 guides
Verified against the linked official sources on 9 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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