Overview
- IDP Education announced the change on Thursday, July 16, 2026, and said paper-based IELTS will be offered only until the end of August with final paper test dates on July 25, August 6 and August 22.
- From September candidates will only be able to take computer-delivered IELTS in India, with two delivery options available: a full computer test including Writing or a hybrid where Listening and Reading are on computer and Writing is done on paper.
- The Speaking test will continue to be conducted face-to-face with a certified IELTS examiner while listening, reading and writing modules move to the computer for most test-takers.
- Organisers emphasise the change will not alter question patterns, difficulty, scoring or total test time of about 2 hours 45 minutes and they highlight features such as on-screen timers, easier editing and headphone audio.
- The move affects many study and visa applicants because IELTS is accepted by thousands of institutions worldwide, and it could speed result processing and increase test-date availability for candidates managing tight application deadlines.