IELTS Test Dates

For MBA aspirants planning to apply to top international universities, keeping track of the latest IELTS exam dates is crucial. Most B-schools abroad, including those in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe, require an IELTS Academic Test score as part of their admission process. Missing the right exam window may delay your application or even cost you a chance at your dream B-school.

IELTS Exam Dates: Frequency and Availability

Unlike other entrance tests, IELTS is highly flexible. It is conducted multiple times a year across 80+ test centres in India and thousands of centres worldwide.

• Computer-Based IELTS (CBT): Available 3 times a day, 7 days a week, offering maximum flexibility.
• Paper-Based IELTS (PBT): Conducted up to 48 fixed dates per year, usually on Thursdays and Saturdays.
• IELTS Online (at home): Available in selected countries for students preferring remote test-taking.

This flexibility ensures MBA aspirants can align their IELTS test date with university application deadlines and visa requirements.

How to Select the Right IELTS Exam Date

When choosing your IELTS date, MBA aspirants should:

1. Check University Deadlines: Most MBA programs abroad start in Fall (August/September) or Spring (January/February) intakes. Ensure your IELTS result is ready at least 3 months before application deadlines.
2. Factor in Preparation Time: Give yourself at least 8–12 weeks of preparation before selecting a test date.
3. Plan for Re-attempts (if required): Since scores are valid for 2 years, book your test early enough to retake it if needed.

IELTS Exam Registration and Results Timeline

• Registration: You can register online through the British Council or IDP IELTS official websites.
• Result Declaration:
  • Computer-Based IELTS: Results in 3–5 days.
  • Paper-Based IELTS: Results in 13 days.
  • IELTS Online: Results in 3–6 days.

This makes CBT the most popular choice among MBA aspirants due to the faster turnaround time.

Essential Tips for MBA Aspirants

• Register 2–3 months in advance to secure your preferred exam date and centre.
• If you are applying for the Fall 2026 MBA intake, aim to take IELTS by August–September 2025.
• Always cross-check exam slots with IDP and British Council official websites for the latest availability.

IELTS Exam Dates in India 2025 (City-Wise & Month-Wise Guide)

For MBA aspirants planning to apply abroad, choosing the right IELTS exam date is crucial to align with application deadlines. In 2025, IELTS will offer both paper-based tests (Academic & General Training) and computer-based or online slots across major Indian cities. Below is the month-wise breakdown for the most popular test centres.

IELTS Exam Dates in Delhi / NCR 2025

In Delhi and the NCR region, paper-based IELTS tests are scheduled on September 27; October 4, 9, 18, and 25; and November 1, 6, and 15. Apart from these fixed paper dates, candidates have the flexibility of multiple computer-based slots available almost daily, including weekdays and weekends. Aspirants are advised to check directly with IDP IELTS India or the British Council Delhi centre for the latest availability.

IELTS Exam Dates in Mumbai 2025

For MBA aspirants in Mumbai, the paper-based IELTS test will be conducted on September 27; October 4, 9, 18, and 25; and November 1, 6, and 15. Computer-delivered IELTS tests are offered almost daily throughout the month, making it convenient for students to plan around their MBA application timelines.

IELTS Exam Dates in Bangalore 2025

Bangalore is another central hub for IELTS test-takers. The paper-based exams are scheduled on September 27; October 4, 9, 18, and 25; and November 1, 6, and 15. In addition, frequent computer-based slots are available across Bangalore test centres, providing flexibility for aspirants balancing preparation and deadlines.

IELTS Exam Dates in Chennai 2025

Chennai offers an extended set of paper-based IELTS dates, including September 6, 13, 18, and 27; October 4, 9, 18, and 25; and November 1, 6, and 15. Test-takers can also book computer-based IELTS slots on many days throughout the month, especially during peak testing seasons in September and October.

IELTS Exam Dates in Hyderabad 2025

In Hyderabad, IELTS paper-based exams are scheduled for September 27; October 4, 9, 18, and 25; and November 1, 6, and 15. Alongside these, candidates have access to daily computer-based test slots across major Hyderabad centres, offering maximum flexibility for working professionals and MBA aspirants.

Key Takeaways for MBA Aspirants

• Paper-based IELTS: Limited to specific dates (mostly Thursdays and Saturdays).
• Computer-based IELTS: Available almost daily, offering greater flexibility.
• Plan Ahead: Book your slot 2–3 months in advance, especially for paper-based tests that fill up quickly.
• Application Deadlines: Align your IELTS exam date with your MBA intake deadlines (Fall 2025 / Spring 2026) to avoid last-minute issues.