We have some exciting news to share. IDP will be managing all IELTS testing in India, solely. This means over the coming months, all British Council IELTS centers in India will be operated and managed under the IDP brand. While logos and where you register may change, the test you know, and trust will stay the same. The same world-leading content, same trusted security processes, same test you take to open the door to your global study, work, and career goals. IELTS has been at the forefront of helping people in India demonstrate their language skills for more than 30 years. We are excited to begin this new chapter with you. Remember, wherever you take IELTS, you can have confidence in your score – you earned it.

Click here for Official Media release.

Test Taker FAQs

General Queries for Test Takers

What is happening?

IDP has entered into an agreement with the British Council that will see all IELTS tests in India delivered by IDP from 25 July 2021. There are no changes to the test content, structure, or security and marking standards. IDP and British Council’s teams will be here to ensure a smooth transition, so test takers can focus on improving their English and getting ready to achieve their best score on test day.

Why is this happening?

Following the disruptions of the last 18 months, the British Council and IDP have been exploring new ways of working. A single test distributor in India will help provide a seamless and consistent customer experience for IELTS, the world’s most trusted high-stakes test.

What will happen to British Council’s IELTS test centres in India? Will there be closures of centres or offices?

IELTS will continue to be available in all key cities and locations across the country through IDP only. The British Council’s test locations in India will gradually be rebranded to IDP IELTS.

What is changing?

One of the things that makes IELTS a world leader in English language testing is the consistency of the test, regardless of where you take it around the world. There will be branding changes and you will be using the IDP online registration system to book your test, but the test itself remains unchanged.

How will this impact me?

If you previously took IELTS with the British Council, there is no impact on you. Your test result remains valid. If you have a current booking with British Council, please refer to the answers below. Existing bookings with the British Council: Paper based test If you have a paper-based test before 11 July 2021, there will be no impact on your test. You will take your test with the British Council as scheduled. If you have booked your paper-based test with the British Council after 11 July, your test should still take place on the day planned, although you may be asked to move to an IDP test location nearby instead. IDP teams will be in touch with you by 7 July to share new login details for the IDP system. Computer-delivered test If you have a computer-delivered test before 25 July 2021, there will be no impact on your test. You will take your test with the British Council as scheduled. For computer-delivered tests after 25 July, your test should still take place on the day you booked although you may be asked to move to an IDP test location nearby. IDP teams will be in touch with you by 7 July to share new login details for the IDP system.

Will this change make the test more difficult/easier?

The IELTS test is the same, regardless of where you take it anywhere in the world and all IELTS test takers can have confidence in their result. IDP and the British Council operate to the same rigorous global standards for test content, marking and security. To understand more, watch this short video.

What will happen to my data?

Your data will always remain protected by the IELTS partners. Data for upcoming test sessions will be transferred from the British Council to IDP. All test taker accounts and data will be managed by IDP, in accordance with the global IELTS standards to protect the privacy of our customers. IDP is committed to protecting your privacy. When you log in to the IDP portal, you will be invited to review our terms and conditions. - You can read more on our privacy policy

How do I find out more?

If you have already booked your IELTS test with the British Council, or if you have any questions, we are running a Facebook Live event on 2nd July to provide more information. You can also contact the IDP team here. Please allow until 7 July for your test session details to be uploaded to the IDP system.

If you have already taken your IELTS test with the British Council

Is my IELTS Test Report Form still valid?

Yes. All results issued by the British Council are official IELTS results. Your Test Report Form remains valid for a recommended period of two years from your test date. The validity period is defined by the organisations that use IELTS scores. Please check with the organisation you are applying to for more details on their acceptance criteria.

I took my test with the British Council within the last two years. Can I request a replacement Test Report Form?

Yes, you can still request a replacement Test Report Form. If you need this before 1 August 2021 please contact the British Council After 1 August 2021, please contact IDP here

I took my test with the British Council, how can I request an Enquiry on Results?

If you would like to challenge your result, you can submit an Enquiry on Results. British Council test takers can do this directly with the British Council up until 1 August 2021. After this, the IDP team will be able to support you. You can contact the team here

I have recently taken my test with British Council. Will British Council be able to tell my university or recognising organisation my result?

Yes. If you have already completed your test, the British Council will communicate your result to your selected recognising organisation.

If you have taken part of your test with the British Council, but not finished

I have completed my Listening, Reading and Writing tests, but not my Speaking test. Will my Speaking test go ahead in the same place as planned?

Yes, if you have already taken your Listening, Reading and Writing test sections with British Council, you will also complete your Speaking test with the British Council.

If I had sat my test with the British Council in June. Who will provide my Test Report Form?

You will or should have already received your Test Report Form from the British Council. If you have any questions, please contact British Council India here.

All IELTS tests to be delivered by IDP in India from 25th July

Test Taker FAQs

General Queries for Test Takers

If you have already taken your IELTS test with the British Council

If you have taken part of your test with the British Council, but not finished

If you have a test booked with the British Council but have not taken any part of the test

If you have a test booked with the British Council in August, September or October 2021

If you would like to take an IELTS test after August 2021