Is paper-based IELTS still available in Nepal?
Mostly not. IELTS announced in March 2026 that paper-based tests are being withdrawn worldwide from mid-2026, market by market. IDP Nepal's live booking for Kathmandu shows only computer sessions for Academic and General Training at NPR 36,000, with an optional Writing on Paper choice. Paper remains for Life Skills and, for now, some UKVI sessions.
Verified against the linked official sources on 22 September 2026.
The paper phase-out and the Writing on Paper option
IELTS stated that from mid-2026 it will no longer offer IELTS as a paper-based test, with exact timelines varying by market (IELTS update, 5 March 2026). The replacement for people who prefer handwriting is Writing on Paper: you take Listening, Reading and Speaking on computer and handwrite the Writing module. IELTS for UKVI is fully digital.
In Nepal, IDP's Kathmandu schedule for September and October 2026 lists computer sessions with a computer-or-paper writing choice; the only paper sessions visible are Life Skills (IDP Kathmandu dates). If you have a paper booking, confirm with your centre that it still runs.
IELTS exam fee in Nepal
IDP Nepal, 2026: IELTS on computer NPR 36,000; IELTS for UKVI on computer NPR 36,400; UKVI on paper NPR 39,600; Life Skills NPR 29,000 (IDP Nepal fees). An older IDP page still shows NPR 33,000 for computer, so use the 2026 figure.
British Council Nepal fees could not be verified on the British Council site at the time of writing; third-party listings from April 2026 quote NPR 33,000 for computer and NPR 36,200 for paper. Treat those as unconfirmed and check the British Council Nepal booking page.
Which cities in Nepal have IELTS test centres?
IDP lists 11 locations: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Birtamode, Ghorahi, Nepalgunj, Itahari, Hetauda, Banepa, Chitwan, Biratnagar and Butwal, with computer sessions up to seven days a week. One Skill Retake is offered by IDP in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan (IDP Nepal).
How many days do results take?
IELTS on computer results are released in one to five days; IDP Kathmandu advertises one to five days. Paper results take up to 13 days where paper still runs. Results are checked online through the test taker portal.
Is PTE available in Nepal?
Yes. Pearson runs PTE Academic centres in Nepal, but publishes the fee only through its price finder. Third-party listings from April 2026 quote about USD 220 and centres in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Pokhara, Chitwan, Butwal and Itahari. PTE Academic is accepted for Australian, UK and New Zealand visas and results arrive in about two business days, which is why many Nepali candidates targeting Australia switch to it. Use the PTE to IELTS converter to see what your IELTS target is in PTE terms.
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Start a free scored IELTS mockFrequently asked questions
Is paper-based IELTS still available in Nepal in 2026?
Paper Academic and General Training sessions are being withdrawn from mid-2026. IDP Kathmandu currently shows computer sessions with a Writing on Paper option; paper remains for Life Skills. Confirm with your centre.
How much is the IELTS fee in Nepal?
IDP Nepal charges NPR 36,000 for IELTS on computer and NPR 36,400 for UKVI on computer in 2026. British Council fees were not verifiable online at the time of writing.
How long do IELTS results take in Nepal?
One to five days for IELTS on computer.
Can I take PTE in Nepal?
Yes, PTE Academic centres operate in Kathmandu and several other cities. Check Pearson's price finder for the fee.