With the IELTS exam date fast approaching, I faced an unexpected challenge that made it impossible to sit for the test as scheduled. Despite months of preparation, I knew I had to postpone. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is taken by study abroad aspirants all over the world who wish to study or work in an English-speaking country.
The duration of the IELTS exam is 2 hours 45 minutes. The paper-based test is held up to four times a month and three times a day for computer-based test. It is conducted in 140 countries, with over 4000 test locations. IELTS is conducted by IDP in India. And while all the above-mentioned information is available easily, not many know how to postpone the IELTS exam.
Contrary to popular belief, I found the process of postponing my IELTS test to be convenient and straightforward. Read this article to learn how to postpone the IELTS exam.
Though securing good scores in IELTS is critical for study abroad aspirants, there are several reasons why people postpone their IELTS exams. Here are some of the most common reasons:
Illness or injury: If you are unwell on the day of your test or have an injury that prevents you from focusing, postponing is the best option.
Family emergency: A serious situation involving a close family member may require you to attend to them, necessitating a test postponement.
Unexpected travel or visa issues: Travel disruptions such as flight cancellations or visa delays can prevent you from reaching the test center on time.
Work commitments: Urgent work obligations that arise unexpectedly may clash with your test date.
Unpreparedness: If you feel genuinely underprepared for the test and require more study time, postponement can be beneficial.
Understanding Postponement Policies and Procedures
Before thinking about how to postpone the IELTS exam, it is important to consider various postponement policies. The policies and procedures for postponing your IELTS exam will vary depending on the test center you are registered with. Here are some key points to consider:
Deadlines: There are typically deadlines for requesting a postponement. These deadlines can range from several weeks to a few days before your test date. Missing the deadline could result in losing your test fee.
Fees: In most cases, you will be charged an administrative fee for postponing your exam. The fee amount may vary depending on the test center and your proximity to the test date.
Documentation: If you are postponing due to illness, a family emergency, or another extenuating circumstance, you may need to show documentation to support your request. This could include a doctor’s note, a death certificate, or a letter from your employer.
Steps to Postpone IELTS Exam
Want to know how to postpone the IELTS exam? Here is a brief step-by-step guide that helps you postpone your IELTS exam:
Contact your test center as soon as possible to inform them of your need to postpone the exam. You can usually do this by phone, email, or in person.
Clearly explain the reason why you need to postpone your exam. Be prepared to provide any necessary documentation.
Discuss available test dates with the test center and choose a new date that works for you.
Make sure to pay the required administrative fees to postpone the exam.
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How to Postpone IELTS Exam (IDP):
There are several terms and conditions that one needs to meet to postpone the exam. The application to transfer the exam to a different date is considered only if the date of the test is at least 15 days from the date on which the postponement request has been made.
Proper reasons need to be stated in such a case. No reason needs to be stated if the transfer request or cancellation request has been at least 34 days before the test date. Administrative charges are deducted before processing the refund. The refund is initiated within 10 working days.
How to Postpone IELTS Exam (BC):
If the request for postponement is made more than five weeks before the date of examination, then a complete refund will be initiated. However, if the exam needs to be postponed within five weeks before the examination date, then some percentage of the administration fee is charged.
If you request postponement within five weeks of the date of the exam, then this is approved only in case of emergencies. The test can be postponed only up to three months from the date of the original examination.
Proof should be submitted in the case of any emergency within five working days after the original test date. The refunds are processed within six weeks of applying for a postponement.
Emergency reasons and documents for proof:
The emergency reasons based on which the candidates can request for rescheduling the test are as follows:
The demise of a close family member. Emergency on the exam day before the aspirant could leave from home.
Experienced a crime on the way to the test center.
Suffered an accident on his/her way to the test venue.
Lost passport on the way to the test center.
Had problems traveling due to protests, violence, or a similar situation.
The documents that are needed to verify these reasons include:
A health certificate signed by a registered doctor and bearing his/her registration number.
Proof of admission to hospital and discharge details (in case there was a hospitalization).
Copy of FIR in case of a mishap or crime.
A death certificate signed by the relevant authority, with a mention of his/her registration number.
Document from the passport authority stating the passport number and the expected date of return of the passport to the candidate.
The IELTS test can be postponed by contacting the test center through email, letter, or in person. A request for postponing through the telephone is not considered valid.
IELTS Exam Rescheduling Fees
You can only transfer your IELTS test date one time. If you reschedule at least 15 days before your test date, you might only be charged a transfer fee to cover administrative costs, which will be around INR 4,250 (paper-based) and INR 2,825(computer-based).
This fee varies depending on the test center.
Considerations Before Postponing
Before thinking about whether can you postpone IELTS exam, here are some important factors to consider:
Postponing your IELTS test may delay your study abroad or immigration plans. Make sure to consider the time it will take to reschedule and retake the test if necessary.
Test dates can fill up quickly, especially during peak times. There is a chance you may not be able to get a new test date that works for your schedule.
Consider the cost of rescheduling, including the transfer and additional fees for the new test date.
If you feel you are not prepared enough for the exam, it is best to reschedule the test.
Due to health issues, emergencies, or any other reason, you may need to postpone the IELTS exam, just like I did. Before rescheduling your IELTS exam, carefully consider the factors mentioned above.
If you need to reschedule, contact your test center to understand their specific policies and fees. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the postponement procedures beforehand to avoid confusion.
How much notice do I need to give to reschedule my IELTS test?
The ideal notice period is at least 15 days before your test date. This allows you to reschedule without penalty, although you may still be charged a transfer fee to cover administrative costs.
Are there any fees associated with postponing my IELTS exam?
Yes. You are required to pay INR 4,250 for postponing the paper-based IELTS exam. To reschedule a computer-based IELTS test, you need to pay INR 2,825.
Can I change my IELTS test date online?
Yes. You can change your IELTS test date online by following the below steps:
Go to the IELTS IDP India website.
Login via the candidate login section.
Choose the IELTS transfer option and state the reason (if applicable) along with supporting documents. You can reschedule without mentioning any reason 34 days before the test date.
Then, acknowledge the form.
You will be contacted by the support team within 3 days for confirmation.
After the transfer request verification is done, you can choose a new date and test center. Accept the terms and conditions.
Upload your passport copy and complete the payment.
Is there a limit to how many times I can postpone my IELTS test?
Yes. As per IELTS rules and regulations, it is possible to postpone your IELTS test only once. You can contact the test center to reschedule your test date.
Will I receive a confirmation after successfully rescheduling my IELTS exam?
Yes. After rescheduling your IELTS exam, you will receive a confirmation within a few days. If you have any queries, you can contact the test center.
What happens if I need to postpone my IELTS exam due to a medical emergency?
If you need to postpone your IELTS exam due to a medical emergency, contact your test center immediately. With proper documentation (doctor’s note), you might be able to reschedule without a fee, even with short notice.
How far in advance can I reschedule my IELTS exam date?
Technically, you can request to reschedule your IELTS exam at any time prior to the test date. To be considered a reschedule, you must choose a new test date within three months of your original test date. If your preferred date is later than that, it will likely be treated as a cancellation.
Can I get a refund if I decide to cancel my IELTS test instead of rescheduling?
Yes, but there are deadlines involved. If you cancel at least 9 days before, you will receive a refund of INR 12,750. If you cancel the test less than 9 days before the test date, you will not receive any refund.
Urvi has 3 years of experience as a content writer and marketer. Over years, she has established herself as a study-abroad expert and is adept at crafting compelling and engaging content for students. Self-driven and passionate professional, she likes writing poetry and has authored a poetry book ‘Thoughts of a Wallflower’.
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