Can you take IELTS or PTE in Varanasi?

Pearson's test centre finder lists no centre in Varanasi. The nearest is School Of Management Sciences in Lucknow, a partner venue; the next is Global Reach Education Services in Kolkata. Bihar has no PTE centre, so Patna is not an option.

Lucknow covers IELTS (including UKVI) and PTE in one trip. When we checked, Lucknow's Writing on Paper dates fell only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, while IELTS on computer also ran on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Fees do not change by city. IDP charges one national price for IELTS (IDP India fee page) and Pearson sets one price for PTE in India (test centers and fees), so a test taken by a Varanasi candidate costs exactly what it costs in Delhi or Mumbai. Travelling to another city never makes the test cheaper; it only changes the dates and formats on offer. Figures read on 13 October 2026; see the IELTS fee in India and PTE fee in India guides for refund and transfer rules.

IELTS: book online with IDP India, in person at an IDP branch or registration partner, or by courier (how to register). In the online form choose the test (IELTS on Computer, IELTS Writing on Paper, Computer-delivered IELTS for UKVI or Life Skills), then the module, then the test city. You need your passport to register, and you must carry the original passport on test day.

PTE: on pearsonpte.com choose the exact test first (PTE Academic, Academic UKVI or Core), then the city, centre and a slot at least 24 hours ahead (booking guide). Pearson's identification policy asks for a valid passport, and the name on your booking must match it exactly.

Results: IDP says IELTS on computer results arrive 1 to 2 days after the test (IDP FAQ), Writing on Paper results after 7 calendar days (IDP) and Life Skills results within seven days (IDP). Pearson says most PTE Academic results arrive within two business days, occasionally up to five (PTE Academic). Each attempt costs close to INR 19,000, so check your level first with a free IELTS mock test or free PTE mock test.