Overview
- IDP Education announced the shift on Thursday, July 16, 2026, saying paper-based IELTS in India will end after the final test dates and registrations close at the end of August.
- The paper option will be offered only on July 25, August 6, and August 22, 2026, after which all Indian test centres will use computer delivery from September.
- From September candidates may pick between two computer formats: a fully computerised test for Listening, Reading and Writing, or a hybrid that keeps the Writing paper-based while digitising Listening and Reading.
- IDP says the speaking module will stay face-to-face with certified examiners and that the digital formats keep the same question types, difficulty and scoring while adding on-screen timers, typing and easier navigation to speed results.
- The change follows a wider global move to digital testing and could help candidates meet tight application deadlines but may challenge those who type slowly, a concern the hybrid option seeks to ease.