How to Book IELTS in 2026: A Step-by-Step Guide
To book IELTS in 2026, choose your test type, find a date with the British Council or IDP, register with your name and ID number exactly as on your passport or national ID, then pay. You'll get a confirmation email with your test time, venue and Speaking slot. This guide walks you through each step and the mistakes that cost students money.
Quick answer: 1) Choose your IELTS test type. 2) Find a centre and date with the British Council or IDP. 3) Register using your exact passport or national ID details. 4) Pay by card (or mobile money in Uganda). 5) Check your confirmation email. 6) Bring the same original ID on test day.
Before you start: what you need
Have these ready before you open the booking page:
Your original passport or national ID (rules vary by country)
The test type your school, employer or visa requires
Your target date, with time to spare before your deadline
A payment method that works in your country
How to book IELTS in 2026: step by step
Step 1: Choose the right test type
This is the most important step. According to IELTS.org, there are four types:
Test type | Who it's for |
|---|---|
IELTS Academic | University study and professional registration |
IELTS General Training | Migration to Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the UK; study or training below degree level |
IELTS for UKVI | Academic or General Training under UK SELT conditions, for UK visas |
IELTS Life Skills | A1, A2 or B1 level, Speaking and Listening only; a UK SELT |
If you're applying for a UK visa, you need a UK SELT, such as IELTS for UKVI or Life Skills. Regular IELTS may not work for your visa. Check what you need in our score requirements guide.
Step 2: Choose British Council or IDP
IELTS is delivered by two organisations. You can search for a centre and date with either:
British Council:ieltsregistration.britishcouncil.org
In some countries, only one provider is available. In India, for example, IELTS is delivered by IDP only.
BC or IDP: which should you pick? The test is the same. What differs is the centres, dates, fees and refund rules. Compare the cancellation and transfer policies (see Step 7) before you choose.
Step 3: Pick your test format and date
Full paper IELTS is ending worldwide from mid-2026, with dates varying by country, according to the official IELTS update. Most people will book computer-delivered IELTS. Some markets offer "Writing on Paper," and IELTS for UKVI is computer only.
When choosing a date, leave time for results. Computer-delivered results usually come in 1–2 days (some countries say 1–5 days). Life Skills takes about 9 days.
Step 4: Register with your exact ID details
Enter your name and ID number exactly as they appear on your passport or national ID. Don't shorten names, swap their order or skip a middle name that's on your document.
On ID, keep in mind:
An original passport or national ID is required (country rules vary).
Student ID, voter ID and driver's licences are often not accepted. For example, the British Council in Uganda does not accept them.
If you're under 18, you may need parental consent.
Step 5: Pay the fee
Fees vary by country and centre. For example, computer-delivered Academic or General Training costs INR 19,000 in India and UGX 1,397,000 in Uganda (British Council). See our full IELTS fee guide for 12 countries, and always confirm the price on the booking page.
Payment options include:
Card: available in most countries.
Mobile money: available in Uganda.
Bank payment: can take up to 2 working days to clear.
Step 6: Check your confirmation email
Once your payment goes through, you'll get a confirmation email. It shows your test time, venue and Speaking slot. Check every detail right away, especially your name.
Your Speaking test may be on the same day as the other sections, or up to 7 days before or after, depending on your centre. Put both dates in your calendar.
Step 7: Know the refund and transfer rules
Plans change. Know the rules before you need them. Here is the British Council standard policy, using the British Council Nigeria page as an example:
When you act | Cancel | Transfer |
|---|---|---|
15+ days before | 75% refund (25% admin fee) | Free |
5–14 days before | No refund | 25% fee |
Less than 5 days before | No refund | Not allowed |
If you're ill, you can apply for special consideration within 2 days after the test, with evidence.
IDP India is different: you can cancel at least 9 days before your test with a 25% deduction. A transfer costs INR 4,750.
Step 8: Prepare and show up with the same ID
On test day, bring the same original ID you used to register. Know the format: Listening (30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes) and Writing (60 minutes) happen on the same day with no breaks, per the British Council test format page.
Common IELTS booking mistakes: a checklist
Run through this list before you click "pay."
[ ] Wrong test type. Booked Academic when your visa needs IELTS for UKVI.
[ ] Name mismatch. Your registration name doesn't match your ID exactly.
[ ] Wrong ID. Planning to bring a student ID, voter ID or driver's licence.
[ ] Expired document. Your passport or national ID will expire before test day.
[ ] Late bank payment. Paid by bank too close to the date, and it took 2 working days.
[ ] Missed the free transfer window. Waited until fewer than 15 days before (British Council).
[ ] No time for results. Booked too close to your application deadline.
[ ] Not ready. Booked without a mock, then had to pay again.
[ ] Missed the Speaking date. Didn't notice Speaking was on a different day.
How to know you're ready to book
Book once your practice scores are close to your target, not before. Take a full timed IELTS practice test, then use our free IELTS band calculator to estimate your overall score. If you're short, our score gap tool shows how far you have to go.
Key takeaways
Choose your test type first; UK visas need IELTS for UKVI or Life Skills.
Book with the British Council or IDP, depending on what's available in your country.
Register with your name and ID number exactly as on your passport or national ID.
Pay by card, mobile money (Uganda) or bank; bank payments can take 2 working days.
With the British Council, transfer free 15+ days before your test.
FAQ
How do I book the IELTS exam?
Choose your test type, find a centre and date with the British Council or IDP, register with your exact ID details, pay, and check your confirmation email.
What ID do I need to book IELTS?
An original passport or national ID, depending on your country. Student ID, voter ID and driver's licences are often not accepted.
Is it better to book IELTS with British Council or IDP?
The test is the same. Compare centres, dates, fees and refund rules, as these differ. In some countries, only one provider is available.
Can I change my IELTS test date after booking?
Yes, within limits. With the British Council standard policy, transfers 15+ days before are free, 5–14 days before cost 25%, and under 5 days aren't allowed.
How long does it take to confirm an IELTS booking?
You get a confirmation email once your payment goes through. If you pay by bank, allow up to 2 working days for it to clear.
Can I book IELTS if I'm under 18?
Yes, but you may need parental consent. Check your test centre's rules.
Book with confidence
Booking is the easy part. Being ready is what saves you money. Start with a free mock in our Student Hub and book your date once your scores are where they need to be.
Checked against official sources on 26 October 2026. Fees and rules change, so confirm on the official site before you book.
IELTS, TOEFL, PTE and Duolingo English Test are trademarks of their owners; Prep Passport is not affiliated with them.
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