IELTS Exam Dates 2026: Full Calendar for Academic and General Training

Introduction

Are you planning to study or work abroad in 2026? The first step to your dream destination is securing the right test date. The IELTS exam dates 2026 have been released, offering flexibility for students and professionals alike. Whether you prefer the traditional paper-based test or the faster computer-delivered mode, booking your slot early is crucial to avoid last-minute rushes.

In this blog, we provide the complete IELTS test calendar 2026, covering dates for both Academic and General Training modules. Read on to find the perfect date that aligns with your university application deadlines.

Highlights: IELTS 2026 at a Glance

Feature	Details
Exam Name	IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
Conducting Body (India)	IDP Education
Test Modes	Computer-delivered & Paper-based
Frequency (Paper-based)	48 dates per year (Thursdays & Saturdays)
Frequency (Computer)	7 days a week (up to 3 slots daily)
Booking Lead Time	Recommended 1–2 months in advance

Must Read: Before you pick a date, make sure you know how much the exam costs and the exact structure of the test. [IELTS Exam Pattern 2026: Syllabus, Fees & Format Explained]

Types of IELTS Exams & Their Schedules

Before you choose a date, it is important to know which module you need, as this affects availability.

• IELTS Academic: For students planning to study at a university (undergraduate or postgraduate). Available on all 48 fixed dates throughout the year.

  
  

• IELTS General Training: For migration (PR) or work experience. Available on 24 fixed dates per year (usually specific Thursdays and Saturdays).

Note: The Upcoming IELTS exam dates often fill up quickly, especially during peak admission seasons (August–September and December–January).

IELTS Computer-Delivered Test Dates 2026

If you want faster results (typically within 3–5 days) and more flexibility, the computer-delivered test is the best option.

• Daily Availability: The computer-delivered test is available 7 days a week in most major cities.

• Multiple Slots: You can choose from Morning, Afternoon, or Evening slots (e.g., 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 5:00 PM).

• Booking: Since these occur daily, you can often book a slot just 1 week in advance, though earlier is better.

IELTS Paper-Based Test Dates 2026 (Month-by-Month)

The paper-based test is held on fixed dates globally. In India, IDP conducts these tests 4 times a month, generally on Thursdays and Saturdays.

Below is the complete tentative calendar for IDP IELTS dates 2026.

Note: "A" = Academic Only, "A+GT" = Academic & General Training. Always check the official IDP website for real-time seat availability in your specific city.

Quarter 1: January – March 2026

This is the peak booking season for students targeting the Fall (August/September) intake.

Month	Date	Day	Module
January	03 Jan	Saturday	A + GT
	08 Jan	Thursday	Academic
	10 Jan	Saturday	Academic
	17 Jan	Saturday	A + GT
	22 Jan	Thursday	Academic
	31 Jan	Saturday	A + GT
February	05 Feb	Thursday	Academic
	07 Feb	Saturday	A + GT
	12 Feb	Thursday	Academic
	21 Feb	Saturday	A + GT
	28 Feb	Saturday	Academic
March	05 Mar	Thursday	Academic
	07 Mar	Saturday	A + GT
	14 Mar	Saturday	Academic
	21 Mar	Saturday	A + GT
	26 Mar	Thursday	Academic

Quarter 2: April – June 2026

Ideal for students who want to keep a buffer for a retake before university deadlines close.

Month	Date	Day	Module
April	04 Apr	Saturday	Academic
	09 Apr	Thursday	Academic
	18 Apr	Saturday	A + GT
	25 Apr	Saturday	Academic
	30 Apr	Thursday	Academic
May	07 May	Thursday	A + GT
	14 May	Thursday	Academic
	21 May	Thursday	A + GT
	28 May	Thursday	Academic
June	04 Jun	Thursday	A + GT
	13 Jun	Saturday	Academic
	20 Jun	Saturday	A + GT
	27 Jun	Saturday	Academic

Quarter 3: July – September 2026

This period sees heavy traffic from students applying for the Spring (January) intake of the following year.

Month	Date	Day	Module
July	02 Jul	Thursday	A + GT
	11 Jul	Saturday	Academic
	18 Jul	Saturday	A + GT
	25 Jul	Saturday	Academic
August	01 Aug	Saturday	A + GT
	06 Aug	Thursday	Academic
	13 Aug	Thursday	A + GT
	22 Aug	Saturday	Academic
	29 Aug	Saturday	Academic
September	03 Sep	Thursday	A + GT
	10 Sep	Thursday	Academic
	17 Sep	Thursday	A + GT
	26 Sep	Saturday	Academic

Quarter 4: October – December 2026

The final lap for the year. Dates in December fill up very fast due to holidays.

Month	Date	Day	Module
October	01 Oct	Thursday	A + GT
	08 Oct	Thursday	Academic
	15 Oct	Thursday	A + GT
	24 Oct	Saturday	Academic
	31 Oct	Saturday	Academic
November	07 Nov	Saturday	A + GT
	12 Nov	Thursday	Academic
	21 Nov	Saturday	A + GT
	28 Nov	Saturday	Academic
December	03 Dec	Thursday	A + GT
	10 Dec	Thursday	Academic
	17 Dec	Thursday	A + GT

IDP vs. British Council Dates 2026

Many students search for British Council IELTS dates 2026. It is important to clarify the current status:

• In India: IDP Education is the sole owner and distributor of IELTS. British Council no longer conducts IELTS tests in India. All dates and centers are managed by IDP.

• Outside India: If you are taking the test in countries like the UK or UAE, British Council dates still apply.

For Indian students, you must check the IDP IELTS dates 2026 solely.

City-Wise Availability

The frequency of the IELTS exam schedule depends on your location. Metro cities usually have tests every available date, while smaller cities might have fewer options.

Top Cities with High Frequency:

• North: Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Lucknow

• West: Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad

• South: Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi

• East: Kolkata, Guwahati

Always check the "Find a Test Location" feature on the official website to see if a specific Saturday or Thursday is active in your city.

How to Choose the Right Test Date?

Selecting the right date is more than just checking availability. Consider these factors:

1. University Deadlines: Your results should be ready before the application deadline. (Paper-based results take 13 days; Computer-based take 3–5 days).

   
   

2. Preparation Time: Don't rush. If you are starting today, give yourself at least 4–6 weeks of preparation before the date.

   
   

3. Weekdays vs. Weekends: If you are a working professional, Saturday dates fill up very fast. Book at least 2 months in advance for weekend slots.

Check Your Eligibility First: Before booking, confirm you meet the age and academic criteria. [IELTS Eligibility 2026: Age Limit, Qualification & Registration Process]

FAQs about IELTS Exam Dates 2026

1. How many times is the IELTS exam conducted in a year?

The paper-based IELTS is conducted on 48 fixed dates per year (4 times a month). The computer-delivered IELTS is available almost every day of the year.

2. Where can I check the official IELTS exam dates 2026?

You can check the official dates on the IDP India website. Ensure you select your specific city to see accurate availability.

3. Are British Council IELTS dates 2026 available in India?

No. In India, IELTS is solely conducted by IDP. You will not find British Council test centers for IELTS in India anymore.

4. Can I change my IELTS exam date after booking?

Yes, you can reschedule your test date. However, you must do this at least 5 weeks before your scheduled date to avoid heavy cancellation fees.

5. Which day is better for IELTS: Thursday or Saturday?

There is no difference in the difficulty of the exam. However, Saturdays are more popular among students and working professionals, so they get booked faster.

6. Is the IELTS exam schedule different for Academic and General Training?

Yes. Academic tests are available on all 48 paper-based dates. General Training tests are usually available on 24 of those dates. Computer-delivered tests offer both modules daily.

7. How early should I book my IELTS test date?

It is recommended to book your slot at least 1 month in advance. For peak seasons (May–August), book 2 months ahead.

8. What happens if I miss my scheduled IELTS date?

If you miss the exam without a valid medical reason, you will lose the entire fee. If you have a medical emergency, you can apply for a transfer within 5 days of the test date with valid proof.

9. Are there IELTS exams on Sundays?

Paper-based exams are generally not held on Sundays (only Thursdays and Saturdays). However, some computer-delivered centers may operate on Sundays depending on demand.

10. When will the exact 2026 calendar be final?

The dates are usually released 3–4 months before the start of the year. The dates listed above are based on the standard global schedule for 2026.

Conclusion

Securing your slot in the IELTS exam dates 2026 calendar is the first concrete step toward your global education goals. Whether you choose a computer-delivered test for speed or a paper-based test for comfort, ensure you book well in advance to get your preferred center and time.

Targeting a high score? Booking the date is just step one. Preparing correctly is step two. [How to Score Band 8+ in IELTS: Secret Strategy & Tips]

Don't wait for the deadlines to approach. Check the availability in your city today and finalize your plan.