IELTS Registration 2026: Step-by-Step Guide, Eligibility, and Required Documents

Introduction

Are you planning to study or work abroad in 2026? Your journey to the UK, Canada, USA, or Australia begins with a single, crucial step: booking your English proficiency test. IELTS Registration 2026 is the gateway to your global ambitions, but the process can be confusing for first-timers. A small error in your personal details or choosing the wrong test module can lead to cancellations or wasted fees.

In this comprehensive guide, we focus entirely on the "How" and "Who." We will walk you through the complete IELTS eligibility criteria, the mandatory documents you need to scan right now, and a detailed, screen-by-screen guide on how to book your IELTS exam successfully. whether you are opting for the Computer-delivered test or the Pen-paper based one, this guide has you covered.

Highlights: IELTS Registration 2026

Point	Details
Exam Name	International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Conducting Body	IDP India
Registration Mode	Online & Offline
Mandatory Document	Original Valid Passport
Eligibility Age	16+ (Recommended)
Test Module Selection	Academic (Study) / General Training (Migration)
Booking Platform	ieltsidpindia.com

What is IELTS? (Brief Overview)

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a standardized test designed to assess the language proficiency of people who want to study or work in environments where English is the primary language of communication.

While there are many aspects to the exam, your registration process largely depends on which version of the test you need:

1. IELTS Academic: Select this during registration if you are applying for higher education (University/College).

2. IELTS General Training: Select this if you are migrating to countries like Canada or Australia, or going for secondary education.

Important Note: You must know which module to select before you start the registration process, as changing it later can be difficult.

IELTS Eligibility Criteria 2026

One of the most common questions students ask is, "Am I eligible?" Unlike Indian entrance exams like JEE or NEET, IELTS is much more open, but there are specific rules you must follow to ensure your candidature is valid.

1. Age Limit

• Minimum Age: The conducting body recommends that candidates be at least 16 years old.

• Upper Age Limit: There is no upper age limit.

• If you are under 18, a parent or guardian may need to provide consent during the booking process.

2. Educational Qualification

• There are no strict academic requirements prescribed by IDP.

• You do not need a minimum percentage in 10th or 12th grade to register.

• However, the universities you apply to will have their own academic criteria. For the purpose of the IELTS registration itself, you are eligible regardless of your academic background.

3. ID Proof (The Most Critical Rule)

• You MUST possess a valid Passport.

• Voter ID, Aadhar Card, PAN Card, or Driving License are NOT accepted for IELTS registration in India.

• If your passport is expiring soon, renew it before registering. The passport must be valid on the day of the exam.

Documents Required for IELTS Registration

Gathering your documents is the first step of the booking process. You do not need a lot of paperwork, but the quality and validity of your passport are non-negotiable.

Checklist for Online Booking:

1. Scanned Copy of Passport:

   • You need a clear scan of the First Page (photo and personal details) and the Last Page (address details).

   • Format: JPG, JPEG, PNG, or PDF.

   • Size: The file size should typically be under 1 MB.

   • Clarity: Ensure there is no glare or blur. The machine must be able to read the numbers.

2. Payment Method:

   • Keep your Credit Card (Visa/Mastercard) or Debit Card ready.

   • Net Banking and UPI options are also available on the IDP portal.

Checklist for Exam Day (To be noted during registration):

• You must commit to carrying the Original Passport (the same one used during registration) to the test center. If you get a new passport between registration and the exam date, you must inform IDP immediately, or you will be denied entry.

Step-by-Step IELTS Registration Process 2026

Follow this granular guide to book your slot without any errors. We recommend doing this on a Laptop or Desktop for better visibility.

Phase 1: Account Creation & Test Selection

1. Visit the Official Portal: Go to the official IDP India website (ieltsidpindia.com).

2. Click 'Register': Look for the "Register for IELTS" button, usually on the top right corner.

3. Select Test Options: You will see a dropdown menu asking for:

   • Test Module: Choose Academic or General Training.

   • Test Mode: Choose Computer-delivered (faster results) or Pen-paper based (traditional).

   • Test City: Select the city where you want to take the exam.

4. View Slots: Once you click 'Book Now', the system will show you a calendar with available dates (highlighted in green).

5. Choose Date & Time: Select your preferred date. For computer-based tests, you may also get to choose a specific time slot (Morning/Afternoon).

Phase 2: Personal Details (Crucial Step)

This is where most students make mistakes. Enter details exactly as they appear on your passport.

1. Name: Enter your Given Name and Surname. If you do not have a surname on your passport, enter your Given Name in the surname field as well (check the specific instruction pop-up on the site for this scenario).

2. Date of Birth: Double-check the day, month, and year.

3. Email Address: Use a personal email ID that you check frequently. Your acknowledgement letter and results notification will be sent here.

4. Mobile Number: Provide an active number for SMS alerts.

Phase 3: Registration & Document Upload

1. Registration Form: You will be asked for additional details like your address, first language, and country of nationality.

2. Upload Passport:

   • Click on the 'Upload' button.

   • Select your scanned passport file.

   • Use the 'Crop' tool if necessary to ensure the image fits the frame perfectly.

3. RO Details (Optional): If you are applying through a consultancy or agent, they might give you a 'Recognised Organisation' (RO) code. If you are booking yourself, leave this blank.

Phase 4: Sending Scores (TRF)

• During registration, you can opt to send your Test Report Form (TRF) electronically to up to 5 universities for free.

• You can search for the universities by name and add them to your list.

• Tip: If you haven't shortlisted colleges yet, you can skip this and add them later (though a small fee may apply later).

Phase 5: Payment & Confirmation

1. Review: A summary page will appear. Check every spelling and date.

2. Pay Fee: Proceed to the payment gateway. Use your card or net banking to pay the registration fee.

3. Acknowledgement: Once the payment is successful, the screen will display a confirmation message. You will immediately receive an email with your Reference Number and venue details.

Offline Registration Process

If you are not comfortable with online payments, you can register offline.

1. Visit IDP Branch: Go to the nearest IDP India office.

2. Fill the Form: Request a physical IELTS registration form. Fill it out in block letters with a black pen.

3. Submit Documents: Attach a photocopy of your passport and sign the declaration.

4. Payment: You can pay via a Demand Draft (DD) drawn in favor of "IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd." or use an ICICI Bank deposit slip.

5. Confirmation: You will receive a receipt and your slot confirmation will be sent via email later.

Common Registration Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure a smooth experience, avoid these frequent errors:

• Using a Nickname: Never use abbreviations or nicknames. Use your full official name.

• Wrong Passport Number: A single digit error in your passport number can invalidate your registration.

• Selecting Wrong Module: If you accidentally book "General Training" instead of "Academic", you cannot simply switch it on exam day. You may have to cancel and re-book.

• Blurry Uploads: If your uploaded passport image is unreadable, IDP may reject your application or ask for a re-upload, delaying your process.

Rescheduling and Cancellation

Sometimes plans change. It is important to know the rules regarding changing your registration details.

• Rescheduling: You can change your test date if you request it at least 5 weeks before the scheduled date. You will have to pay a cancellation/postponement fee.

• Cancellation: If you cancel more than 5 weeks before the test, you will receive a refund minus the administration fee.

• Medical Grounds: If you fall ill on the exam day, you must provide a medical certificate within 5 days to be considered for a rescheduled date.

For more details on costs associated with this, refer to our specific guide on fees. [Check: IELTS Exam Pattern 2026 & Fees: Complete Costs and Format Guide]

FAQs: Registration & Eligibility

1. Can I register for IELTS without a passport?

No. A valid original passport is mandatory for registration. You cannot use a driving license, PAN card, or Aadhar card.

2. I made a mistake in my name during registration. What should I do?

Contact IDP support immediately via email or phone. Minor spelling errors can sometimes be fixed, but significant changes might require you to cancel and re-book.

3. How far in advance should I register for IELTS 2026?

It is recommended to register 2 months in advance, especially if you are targeting peak intake seasons (Fall/Spring) or weekend slots in major cities.

4. Is there an age limit for IELTS eligibility?

IDP recommends candidates be at least 16 years old. However, there is no strict upper age limit.

5. Can I register for two IELTS dates at the same time?

Yes, there is no restriction on how many times or how frequently you can take the test. You can book multiple slots if you wish.

6. What if my passport expires just before the exam date?

You will not be allowed to sit for the exam. Ensure your passport is valid on the day of the test. If you renew it after booking, you must inform the test centre beforehand to update your details.

7. Can I choose my own speaking slot during registration?

Yes, for most Computer-delivered tests, the system allows you to select a specific time slot for the Speaking section on the same day. For paper-based tests, the slot is often assigned automatically.

8. Do I need to upload my photo during registration?

Usually, you only need to upload the passport scan. Your photograph will be taken live at the test center on the day of the exam for security purposes.

Conclusion

Successfully completing your IELTS Registration 2026 is the first victory in your study abroad journey. By ensuring your eligibility and following this step-by-step process, you can avoid unnecessary stress and focus on what truly matters your preparation. Remember to keep your passport handy and double-check every detail before hitting that "Submit" button.

Once you are registered, the next step is understanding the exam format and planning your budget. [Read More: Complete IELTS Exam Pattern 2026]