Computer or paper: how many dates in October 2026?
| IELTS on Computer | Paper-based dates | |
|---|---|---|
| How often | Up to 7 days a week, up to 3 sessions a day | 48 fixed dates in 2026, up to 4 a month |
| Usual days | Depends on the centre | Mostly Thursdays and Saturdays |
| Modules | Academic and General Training | Academic on all 48; General Training on 24 |
| Speaking | Video call with an IELTS examiner | Face to face; may be before or after the written test, slot chosen online |
| Results | 1 to 2 days after the last section | Later than computer |
Figures from IDP India's IELTS on Computer page, computer-delivered FAQ and test dates page, read on 9 October 2026. IDP says pure IELTS on Paper has been replaced by IELTS Writing on Paper, where Listening and Reading are on computer and you write by hand (IDP India). IDP India's own dates page names August to October as the window for students preparing for the following year's autumn intake, so October is a common month to sit the test.
How to find IELTS dates in your city for October 2026
- Open IDP India's booking form and choose the test: IELTS on Computer, IELTS Writing on Paper, or IELTS for UKVI if your visa needs it.
- Pick the module (Academic for university, General Training for work or migration) and your test city. The open dates and sessions for October 2026 appear for that city.
- If your city shows few dates, try a nearby city with its own computer lab. IDP lists 77 cities in India with computer labs in 39 (all cities by state).
- For Writing on Paper, IDP lets you choose your Speaking slot online; it says to log in 15 days before your test to pick it.
IDP's city-by-city date table for 2026 was empty when we checked on 9 October 2026, so we do not copy dates here: the booking form is the only up-to-date source.
When to book for October 2026
Book at least 15 days before your test if there is any chance you will need to move it. On IDP India's transfer rules, a transfer is free 15 or more days ahead, costs up to 25% of the fee within 5 to 14 days, and is not allowed within 4 days. The fee is INR 19,000 in every city; UKVI is INR 19,250 (full fee and refund guide).
If a university or visa deadline is close, choose IELTS on Computer for the 1 to 2 day result, and check your level first: a free full IELTS mock test costs nothing, a real attempt costs INR 19,000.
Practise what is being asked this season: the cue cards for October 2026 and the Writing Task 2 topics for October 2026.
Read 9 October 2026
Sources
Say it out loud and get a band
Record any card with the AI examiner: one minute to prepare, two to speak, then a band with feedback. Free account needed to record and score.
Say a cue card, get a band free →Frequently asked questions
Is IELTS held every day in October 2026 in India?+
IELTS on Computer can be: IDP India says it runs up to 7 days a week and up to 3 times a day, depending on the centre. The paper-based dates are fixed, up to 4 a month, mostly on Thursdays and Saturdays.
How do I find IELTS dates in my city for October 2026?+
On IDP India's booking form choose the test (IELTS on Computer or Writing on Paper), the module and your test city; the dates and sessions open for that city are shown there. IDP is the only IELTS provider in India.
How early should I book?+
At least 15 days before the test if you might need to move it: IDP India allows a free transfer 15 or more days ahead, charges up to 25% of the fee within 5 to 14 days, and allows no transfer within 4 days.
When will I get my result?+
IDP India says IELTS on Computer results arrive 1 to 2 days after you finish the last section, so a computer test is the safer choice if a deadline is close.
What is the IELTS fee in India in October 2026?+
INR 19,000 for IELTS Academic or General Training, on computer or Writing on Paper, at every IDP centre (read 9 October 2026). IELTS for UKVI costs INR 19,250.
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