IELTS Exam Registration 2025: A Complete Guide for Study Abroad Aspirants

Have you planned to study, work, or settle in a foreign country in 2025? Then the IELTS test is probably your next milestone. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the most trusted English proficiency test globally, used by individuals pursuing opportunities across the world in education, work, or migration.

The exam is conducted throughout the year, allowing candidates to choose their preferred date and time (subject to seat availability). However, the first step is registering for the IELTS exam—only then are you eligible to take it. It is important to understand the entire registration process to ensure a smooth experience.

This guide will walk you through every step of applying for the IELTS Exam 2025, including where to apply, required documents, fees, and payment procedure, making the process easier for you.

How to Register for the IELTS Exam?

The IELTS examination is offered in two modes: paper-based and computer-based—depending on the convenience of the candidate. The paper-based IELTS is conducted 48 times a year, typically four times a month, subject to local demand. In contrast, the computer-based IELTS is far more flexible, with slots available every day of the week and up to three times a day, making it much easier to fit into your schedule.

Feeling confused about the IELTS Exam Booking Process in 2025? No worries—we’ve listed a step-by-step guide on how you can book the IELTS Exam conveniently.

It’s very easy to complete your IELTS exam registration online by visiting the official IDP website:

Step 1: Application in the Official IELTS Registration Portal
Go to the official IDP IELTS India site: https://www.ieltsidpindia.com

Step 2: Commence the registration process
To obtain your IELTS login, click on the button, then choose the course to start an IELTS Registration. A user who is signing up for the first time will be required to sign up.

Step 3: Selecting the Format of the Test Computer-Delivered / Paper-based
Choose between the Computer-delivered IELTS (CD-IELTS) and the conventional Paper-Based IELTS, based on your level of confidence and time of result requirement.

Step 4: Choose the type of IELTS test- Academic or General Training
You may prefer IELTS Academic (if you need to go to university) or IELTS General Training (if you want to work or migrate).

Step 5: Select Test Preferred Location
Select your preferred IELTS test centre from the list of cities available in India.

Step 6: Choose Your Date and Time Slot for IELTS
Depending on your choice of location and format after the above information, you will now be shown the available IELTS test dates and time slots. Select the one that suits you.

Step 7: Add Your Personal Information
Use any personal information as they were written on your passport, such as your complete name, date of birth, contact information, and address.

Step 8: Upload a Copy of your Passport
You will be required to scan a clear copy of your first and last page of a valid passport in colour. This is a requirement in order to complete the registration.

Step 9: Choose Colleges/Universities to send Your Score
To make it easier to get your IELTS scores to the institutions where you want to study, you can pre-select up to five institutions to whom your IELTS scores will be sent automatically. This is optional yet recommended.

Step 10: Check and Verify Your Application
Make sure that all your information is correct, including passport number, type of exam, date, centre, and email address, and then move on to payment.

Step 11: Pay the IELTS exam fee
Pay the full amount of the IELTS test fee of 18000/- via:

Net Banking
Debit/ Credit Card
Paytm or UPI (as on the portal)

Step 12: Supplementary download of Acknowledgement Receipt
Successful payment, download and save the confirmation receipt as a reference. When you finish, you will also get an email and SMS receipt with your test information.

Important Points on IELTS Online Booking 2025

• You should bring to the examination the same passport that you had during registration.
• Do not upload your passport copy in a manner that makes it unreadable, as this will delay your application.
• When booking the paper-based test, do not forget that your speaking test can be booked a week earlier or later than the main test date.
• You are free to reschedule or cancel your exam according to the IELTS rescheduling policy of IDP (subject to a fee).

How to Apply for the IELTS Test Offline in 2025?

Though the majority of candidates choose to take the IELTS online, offline IELTS registration remains quite popular, especially among those who prefer face-to-face assistance or have difficulty using online tools and services. Wondering how to book your IELTS exam offline in 2025? This guide will walk you through all the available methods, whether by visiting a registration centre in person or registering via courier.

Offline registration is especially useful for candidates who have access to IELTS test centres, where walk-in registrations are accepted and expert counsellors are available to assist you.

Approach 1: IELTS Offline Registration at IDP Centre (Online Mode in Office )

With this option, candidates can use a computer at their nearest IDP IELTS branch or head office to complete an online application, free of charge. If a candidate chooses this method, they also benefit from the added advantage of receiving assistance from IDP staff throughout the process.

Steps:

Step 1: Register at your local IDP branch or IELTS Input Node.
Step 2: Sign up for the test using the office PC (with staff assistance).
Step 3: Photocopy and submit/upload the first and last pages of your passport, along with any observation pages if applicable.
Step 4: Sign and complete the Terms & Conditions form.
Step 5: Pay the IELTS examination fee (currently INR 18,000; check the official site for updates).
Step 6: Receive immediate booking confirmation and an official acknowledgement of your test registration.

Method 2: Manual IELTS Application Form (Registration – Fully Offline)

IDP also offers a completely offline, form-based registration process—ideal for individuals who prefer traditional methods or have limited access to digital platforms.

Steps:

Step 1: Visit your nearest IDP IELTS centre or Input Node.
Step 2: Collect the IELTS Application Form from the counter.
Step 3: Fill out the registration form and sign the attached Terms & Conditions form.
Step 4: Attach a photocopy of your passport, including observation pages (if applicable).
Step 5: Pay the IELTS exam fee using one of the accepted offline payment methods.
Step 6: Request the IDP staff to submit your application to the IELTS online system.
Step 7: Receive a booking slip and provisional confirmation of your test slot.

This process is particularly helpful for individuals without access to online platforms or for those who prefer paper-based procedures.

Method 3: IELTS registration through courier submission

If you’re unable to visit an IDP centre in person, you can register for the IELTS exam via courier by sending your completed application to the nearest branch.

Steps:

Step 1: Obtain the IELTS application form by downloading it from the official site ieltsidpindia.com or collecting it from an IDP office.
Step 2: Fill out the form carefully and sign the attached Terms & Conditions document.
Step 3: Attach a clear photocopy of your passport (first and last pages, along with observation pages if applicable).
Step 4: Pay the IELTS registration fee using an accepted offline payment method (refer to the IDP website for details).
Step 5: Send all documents to your local Input Node via a reliable courier service.
Step 6: Once your form is received and processed, you will receive a provisional booking confirmation and a booking slip as proof.

This method is ideal for candidates who live far away or are unable to visit a test centre in person.

Conclusion

One of the most crucial steps on your path to studying in a foreign country is selecting the best method to book your IELTS examination—online or offline. Online registration offers speed and convenience, while offline registration provides personal guidance and is ideal for those who prefer face-to-face interaction. No matter which option you choose, the most important thing is to stay informed, be well-prepared, and ensure your records and information are accurate.

However, IELTS is just one part of the journey. From deciding which university to apply to, to preparing your application documents and securing your student visa, the study abroad process can feel overwhelming. That’s where MetaApply IE steps in. MetaApply IE supports you at every stage from IELTS registration to final admission, making the entire process stress-free and simple, so you never miss a deadline or opportunity.

And when it comes to long-term planning, are you truly committed to Studying Abroad in 2025? Then leave nothing to chance. Sign up for your IELTS with confidence, MetaApply IE is your trusted guide to a whole new world that’s ready for takeoff.