Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
The two options compared
IDP Australia describes the Enquiry on Results as a review by senior examiners, and One Skill Retake as a new sitting of one skill for when you did not show your potential on the day (IDP Australia).
| Re-mark (Enquiry on Results) | One Skill Retake | |
|---|---|---|
| What happens | Senior examiners re-mark the sections you choose | You sit one skill again |
| Deadline | Within six weeks of the test | Sit it within 60 days of the test |
| Eligible tests | All IELTS tests | IELTS on computer, and Writing on Paper at IDP Australia |
| Fee in Australia | AUD 240, any number of sections | AUD 310, any skill |
| Fee in India | INR 14,250 (computer) | INR 12,650 |
| Refund | Full refund if your band changes | No refund |
| Result time | Same day to 21 days | 3 to 5 days |
| What you get | A new TRF only if the score changes | A second TRF; the original stays valid |
Sources for the table
Fees and refund rules: IDP Australia EOR, IDP Australia OSR, IDP India EOR and IDP India OSR. Timings and eligibility: ielts.org re-marks and ielts.org One Skill Retake. Writing on Paper eligibility: IDP Australia.
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Doing both: get the order right
IDP Australia says you can apply for a re-mark on your original test even after you have booked a One Skill Retake, and if the re-mark changes your original score, the update is reflected on both TRFs (IDP Australia). But its results page warns that you cannot request a re-mark after you have taken the retake (IDP Australia). IDP India also lists re-marks as permitted with One Skill Retake (IDP India).
So if you want both, apply for the re-mark first, then sit the retake. The re-mark can come back within hours, which may make the retake unnecessary.
Which suits you
Re-mark: you felt confident in a skill, especially Writing or Speaking, and the band surprised you. Retake: you know something went wrong on the day, such as running out of time on one paper. If more than one skill is short, neither fits well: you can only retake one skill per full test, so a new full test may be the better use of money.
Check acceptance before paying for a retake. IDP Australia says the Department of Home Affairs accepts One Skill Retake for all visa subclasses (IDP Australia), but not every organisation does. See who accepts One Skill Retake.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do an IELTS re-mark and One Skill Retake at the same time?+
Yes, if you apply for the re-mark before you sit the retake. IDP Australia says you cannot request a re-mark after taking the retake.
Which is cheaper, a re-mark or One Skill Retake?+
In India the retake is cheaper (INR 12,650 vs INR 14,250). In Australia the re-mark is cheaper (AUD 240 vs AUD 310), and it is refunded if your band changes.
If my re-mark raises my score, what happens to my One Skill Retake TRF?+
IDP Australia says the change is shown on both TRFs.
Can I re-mark my One Skill Retake?+
IDP India says re-marks are permitted with One Skill Retake. Ask your centre about the deadline and fee.
Keep reading
Related
- How to get your IELTS re-marked
- IELTS One Skill Retake fees and acceptance
- How to book One Skill Retake
- Can you get a second re-mark?
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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