Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
Evidence you need
ielts.org asks for a report about your learning difficulty that was prepared when you were 13 or older and confirms the evidence came from appropriate, recognised tests, which must be named. If your report is older or missing, talk to your centre (ielts.org). IDP India adds that it should be written by a fully qualified educational, clinical or chartered psychologist (IDP India).
Apply as early as possible: some arrangements take six weeks to set up. ielts.org also lists ADHD among the conditions access arrangements cover.
What is available
From the specific learning difficulty section of ielts.org.
| Arrangement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Extra time | Normally 25% (15 minutes per hour); more if severely affected |
| Extra-time Listening version | Recording stopped before, during and after each part |
| Supervised breaks | Rest alone in another room, under supervision |
| Computer for answers | No spellcheck, grammar check, thesaurus or voice recognition; separate room |
| Copier (transcriber) | If your handwriting is very hard to read; mistakes are copied exactly |
| Answer sheet help | Write answers on separate paper or the question paper |
| Coloured overlays | If you normally use them; tell the centre first |
| Modified Large Print | Enlarged A4 papers |
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What is not allowed, and how marking works
You must read the question papers yourself: no reader and no screen-reading software for this need. If you use a computer, you write your own answers.
Once arrangements are approved, ielts.org says your answers are marked in the same way as everyone else's, so spelling and grammar mistakes can still cost marks. ielts.org also notes you can choose IELTS on computer at a centre, or IELTS Academic online where available. Detailed rules are set locally and can differ by country and test centre, so check your booking confirmation or ask your centre if anything here does not match what you were told.
Frequently asked questions
How much extra time do you get in IELTS for dyslexia?+
Normally 25%, so 15 minutes on a one-hour paper. More can be approved if you are severely affected.
Does IELTS ignore spelling mistakes for dyslexic candidates?+
No. ielts.org says answers are marked the same way as everyone else's.
My dyslexia report is from when I was 10. Is it valid?+
ielts.org asks for a report prepared at 13 or older. Talk to your test centre if yours is earlier.
Can I have a reader in IELTS if I have dyslexia?+
No. ielts.org says candidates with a specific learning difficulty must read the papers themselves.
Can I get extra time in IELTS for ADHD?+
ielts.org lists ADHD among conditions covered by access arrangements. Ask your centre what evidence it needs.
Keep reading
Related
- All IELTS access arrangements
- Are IELTS special arrangements free?
- Do spelling mistakes count in IELTS Writing?
- 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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