IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s leading English language test. IELTS scores are accepted by over 7,000 organisations worldwide, including universities, employers, immigration authorities and professional bodies. Over 3,000 higher education institutions and programs in the USA accept IELTS scores as proof of English language proficiency.

It is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations.

IELTS is designed for people who intend to study, work or live in a country where English is the main language of communication, by measuring your ability to communicate in English across all four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking. 

IELTS is the only major English language test which assess your English communication skills through a face-to-face interview; providing the most effective and natural way of testing your English conversation skills.

There are two versions of the test: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. You decide which one is right for you depending on your need before you register for your test.

Find out which version you need

Take IELTS Academic if you intend to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, or if you want to register with a professional organisation.

Take IELTS General Training if you plan to work or undertake work-related training, or if you plan to study or train below undergraduate level.

An IELTS score is often required by the immigration authorities of English-speaking countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK.

If you intend to emigrate to an English-speaking country, contact the relevant immigration authority to check the score you need .

You can find out the IELTS score you need to access the education, emigration, employment, professional registration or training opportunity of your choice by searching.  Who accepts IELTS?

Whether you want to study, work or live in an English speaking country, the British Council’s staff and facilities will make taking the IELTS easy for you.

Whichever version you take, IELTS will help you make the most of your time in your chosen country or field.

IELTS has an excellent international reputation and is accepted by over 7,000 organisations worldwide, including schools, universities, employers, immigration authorities and professional bodies. Over 3,000 institutions and programmes in the US accept IELTS as valid proof of competency in English.

Take IELTS if you plan to study or work in an English-speaking country, or if you plan to emigrate.

Benefits of taking IELTS with us

• Quality examination venues
• High quality cordless headphones for the listening module
• Free 30 hour online training on 'Road to IELTS'
• Get a Free preparation book ‘IELTS 8’ with official examination papers and answers from Cambridge University Press
• Get a chance to win a scholarship worth INR 300,000
• Send your IELTS score to 5 universities free of cost.Terms and conditions apply

Access 10 hours of free online IELTS preparation on Road to IELTS, by clicking on the applicable image.

The British Council India offers IELTS tests at 38 locations across India. Registrations are centralised and are processed at the British Council offices in Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai and Kolkata. Check test dates and locations  

How to Register?

You can register for the IELTS :

• online
• in person at your nearest British Council office
• by post/courier; send your completed application form to your nearest British Council office

We recommend that you book online as this is the most efficient way to reserve your test with a British Council test centre.

How to Pay?

1. Pay online by Credit / Debit Card

              (Visa, Visa electron, Master Card)

2. Pay through Cash or Demand Draft or Credit Card

• Make cash payment at any ICICI bank branch by filling in the ICICI/British Council payment slip.  

• Send  a demand drawn in favour of “British Council Division” along with a copy of the online registration confirmation. 

• Demand drafts should be made to British Council Division and payable in:

                    Delhi for North India

                    Mumbai for West India

                    Chennai for South India

                    Kolkata for East India

• Pay by Credit/Debit card (Visa, Visa electron or Master Card) by visiting the British Council along with a copy of registration if applied online.

How to complete the application

Once you have completed the online registration process, please send us the following documents within 3 working days:

If you are paying online

- A copy of the email confirming that you have been registered online.
- Two signed passport sized colour photographs (not older than six months and without glasses). For photograph specifications visit candidates’ photographs for full details
- A photocopy of your valid passport

If we do not receive the above mentioned documents within 3 working days, your application will be automatically cancelled.

If you are paying by DD or an 'ICICI payment slip' at a British Council Office / Library

- A copy of the email confirming that you have been registered online or signed application form
- Two signed passport sized colour photographs (not older than six months and without glasses). For photograph specifications visit candidates’ photographs for full details
- A photocopy of your valid passport.
- The evidence of your payment made (either the demand draft or the ‘British Council Copy’ of the ICICI Deposit / payment slip (for all test dates till 30th June 2013 - Rs. 8900 ICICI payment slip; for all test dates from 1st July 2013 - Rs. 9300 ICICI payment slip) ).

Please note:

All candidates will be required to have their photograph taken by IELTS administrative staff on their test day. Please make sure that you review the instructions supplied to you after you have booked your test.

You must not wear glasses in the photographs that you provide, or when you have your photograph taken on the test day.

Fees for IELTS      : INR 8900 for all test dates till 30th June 2013

                               : INR 9300 for all test dates from 1st July 2013

List of Downloadable Documents 

• IELTS Registration Form
• Rs. 8900 ICICI payment slip  -- for all test dates till 30th June 2013
• Rs. 9300 ICICI payment slip -- for all test dates from 1st July 2013
• Application form for postponement or cancellation of IELTS test
• Application form for Additional Test Result Form
• Application form for Enquiry on Results
• IELTS information for candidates
• STED RO List