In this article
- IELTS fees in France and India (official, October 2026)
- Which IELTS test should you pay for?
- What the fee includes
- Extra costs to plan for
- Cancellation and rescheduling: the British Council France rules
- How long are IELTS results valid?
There is no single worldwide IELTS fee. Each test centre (British Council or IDP) sets its price in local currency, and the price depends on the test you book: IELTS Academic or General Training, IELTS for UKVI, IELTS Life Skills or the One Skill Retake. Two examples read on the official booking pages on 16 October 2026: in France, IELTS Academic or General Training on computer costs €307 and IELTS for UKVI €329; in India, IELTS on computer costs INR 19,000.
To find the exact fee where you live, choose your country on the official IELTS booking page: the price shows before you pay. To prepare for the test itself, see our IELTS preparation pack and the IELTS band score guide.
IELTS fees in France and India (official, October 2026)
| Country | Test | Fee | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|
| France (British Council) | IELTS Academic or General Training, on computer | €307 | britishcouncil.fr |
| France (British Council) | IELTS for UKVI, Academic or General Training, on computer | €329 | britishcouncil.fr |
| France (British Council) | IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1 | €214 | britishcouncil.fr |
| India (IDP) | IELTS on computer, or with Writing on paper | INR 19,000 | ieltsidpindia.com |
| India (IDP) | IELTS for UKVI | INR 19,250 | ieltsidpindia.com |
| India (IDP) | IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1) | INR 18,000 | ieltsidpindia.com |
| India (IDP) | IELTS One Skill Retake | INR 12,650 | ieltsidpindia.com |
Which IELTS test should you pay for?
- IELTS Academic: for university admission. This is the version most universities ask for.
- IELTS General Training: for work, training or migration in some countries.
- IELTS for UKVI: the version for UK visa applications. It costs more in both France and India.
- IELTS Life Skills: a speaking and listening test at A1 or B1 level, for some UK visa routes.
If your university only asks for IELTS Academic, you do not need the more expensive UKVI version. Check the wording of your offer or visa route before you book.
What the fee includes
The fee covers the four sections of the test (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking) and your results. On computer, results usually arrive within 1 to 5 days according to IELTS; the British Council in France says within two days. You also receive a Test Report Form: a paper copy or, in some countries and for IELTS Online, a digital one.
Extra costs to plan for
- One Skill Retake: after an IELTS on computer, you can retake one section within 60 days of your test, once per test. Its price is set locally (INR 12,650 in India).
- Rescheduling or cancelling: rules depend on the test centre (see the British Council France example below).
- Remark (Enquiry on Results): if you think a section was marked too low, you can ask for a remark. Your test centre sets the fee.
- Preparation: books and courses are optional, and the official IELTS websites offer free practice material.
Cancellation and rescheduling: the British Council France rules
| When you ask | Cancellation | Rescheduling |
|---|---|---|
| 15 days or more before the test | 75% refund (25% administration fee) | Free |
| 5 to 14 days before the test | No refund | Allowed, 25% administration fee |
| Less than 5 days before the test | No refund | Not allowed (treated as a cancellation) |
In the European Union you can also withdraw within 14 days of receiving your payment confirmation and get a full refund. Illness or a serious emergency can qualify as exceptional circumstances: you must apply with supporting documents.
How long are IELTS results valid?
Universities and other organisations generally do not accept IELTS results that are more than two years old. Book your test so that your result is still recent when you apply.
IELTS fees: frequently asked questions
How much is the IELTS exam fee?
It depends on the country and the test type. In France, IELTS Academic or General Training on computer costs €307 and IELTS for UKVI €329 (British Council, October 2026). In India, IELTS on computer costs INR 19,000 (IDP, 2026).
Is IELTS for UKVI more expensive?
Yes, in both examples: €329 instead of €307 in France, and INR 19,250 instead of INR 19,000 in India.
Can I get a refund if I cancel my IELTS test?
With the British Council in France, you get 75% back if you cancel 15 days or more before the test, and nothing within 14 days of the test, except for accepted exceptional circumstances.
How much does the IELTS One Skill Retake cost?
The price is set by each test centre. In India it is INR 12,650. You must take it within 60 days of an IELTS on computer, and only once per test.
Preparing for IELTS?
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With a Bachelor's (LLB) from UCL and Assas, and the Grande Ecole program at HEC Paris, Adam co-founded Your Dream School in 2018. Since then the company has coached more than 1,000 students through university admissions and interview preparation for top global institutions.
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