IDP Education, which co-owns IELTS, has announced that paper-based IELTS testing in India is ending. From September 2026, all IELTS tests in the country will be computer-based only.

The paper format will still be available for a few more months. If you want to take the paper test, you have three final chances: July 25, August 6, and August 22, 2026.

IDP says the switch to computer-based testing will mean faster results and a better experience for test takers going forward.

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No change in difficulty, just the format

IDP Education says the computer-based IELTS won’t be any different in terms of content, same test pattern, same question types, same difficulty level, and same scoring.

What you gain: results come faster, there are more test dates to choose from, and you get digital features like an on-screen timer and easy click-to-navigate between questions, making the whole experience smoother.

Two computer-based formats to pick from

According to Hindustan Times, starting September 2026, candidates in India can choose between two versions of the computer-based IELTS.

IELTS on Computer: Listening, Reading, and Writing are all done on a computer, you type your answers, can easily edit your Writing responses, and use headphones for Listening. Speaking stays face-to-face with a certified examiner.

IELTS on Computer (Writing on Paper): For those who’d rather handwrite their essays. Listening and Reading are on computer, but Writing is done on paper. Speaking is still face-to-face with a certified examiner.

About IELTS

For more than 35 years, IELTS has been one of the top English language proficiency tests, helping people study, work, or migrate abroad. It’s accepted by over 12,000 organisations worldwide, and remains a top choice for test takers, with more than 3.5 million tests booked globally last year alone.

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FAQs

Q: When is the last date to take the paper-based IELTS in India?

August 22, 2026. The final paper test dates are July 25, August 6, and August 22, 2026.

Q: When does computer-based IELTS become the only option in India?

From September 2026 onwards.