Question 1

What is happening?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Why is this happening?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

What is changing?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

How will this impact me?

Accepted Answer

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 testIf 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 testIf 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.

Question 6

Will this change make the test more difficult/easier?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

What will happen to my data?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

How do I find out more?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

Is my IELTS Test Report Form still valid?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 13

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?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

I have booked a paper-based test with the British Council after 11 July, or a IELTS on Computer test after 25 July. Will it still go ahead?

Accepted Answer

Yes. IDP will endeavour to ensure your test goes ahead on the date and in the city you planned. All you need to focus on is preparing for your test.As a small number of centres will close for some days for system changes, our teams may discuss with you if a nearby test location is convenient for you. IDP team will be in contact with you to share your new Test Taker portal login details by 7 July.

Question 16

Can I do all sections of the test on the same day in the same place with IDP?

Accepted Answer

IDP offers the option for you to choose your own speaking slot at a time that works for you. You can find out more.

Question 17

How do I cancel my test?

Accepted Answer

If your paper-based test is scheduled on or before 10 July 2021 you can cancel with the British Council.If your computer-delivered test is scheduled on or before 24 July 2021, you can also do this with British Council.For all other test dates, you can cancel directly with IDP.Please allow until 7 July for your test session details to show in their system before calling the IDP teams.For more information on IDP’s cancellation policy, see here.

Question 18

I want to change my test centre from the British Council to IDP, will I have to pay more?

Accepted Answer

The test fee is the same across IDP and British Council.

Question 19

I have booked for IELTS on Computer. Can I change to paper-based?

Accepted Answer

If your computer-delivered test is before 25 July 2021 please contact British Council India After 25 July, you can contact the IDP team here: Please allow until 7 July for your test session details to be uploaded to the IDP system.

Question 20

Is it easier with IDP than British Council?

Accepted Answer

The test is exactly the same at both British Council and IDP. All examiners mark to the same global standard.It is one of the reasons IELTS is the most trusted test in the world. To hear more, watch this video.

Question 21

Is IDP going to put the prices up?

Accepted Answer

There are no plans to raise fees as a result of this arrangement. The English language testing market in India is very competitive which helps ensure a fair test fee.

Question 22

I have booked my IELTS test with the British Council - can I still access the Road to IELTS preparation material?

Accepted Answer

If you registered with the British Council, you will be entitled to 30 hours of Road to IELTS preparation as part of your registration.All test takers who have an existing booking with British Council will be able to access Road to IELTS.

Question 23

Now my test is with IDP, what preparation material will I receive?

Accepted Answer

IDP invites you to explore its range of free preparation material available when you book your test.You can see this here.

Question 24

I have booked my test with the British Council, but it is being moved to IDP - how do I contact IDP?

Accepted Answer

You can contact IDP here. Please allow until 7 July for your test session details to be uploaded to the IDP system.

Question 25

You have moved my test to IDP, will my candidate number be the same?

Accepted Answer

Your candidate number will change.IDP will be in touch by 7 July to confirm your login details.

Question 26

I had booked my test with the British Council for August and you have moved it to IDP. I want to cancel it, can I have a full refund?

Accepted Answer

You can cancel directly with IDP, however please allow us until 7 July to ensure your data is in IDP’s system.More information is available on our cancellation policy.

Question 27

Where are the IDP test centres?

Accepted Answer

You can see all IDP India test centres here.

Question 28

You have moved my test to IDP but it is in the same test centre, is this right?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It is the same centre and team you know and trust. The British Council IELTS team in India are becoming part of the IDP team.

Question 29

Can I do my British Council test at an IDP centre now because it is closer to my house?

Accepted Answer

From 25 July, you can transfer to any official IELTS test centre in India if there is space available. Click here to know how to Transfer your test date or speak to the IDP team.

Question 30

You are not doing British Council tests in India, can I do my British Council test in another country?

Accepted Answer

You are welcome to do this, however, please be aware you will need to request a refund and then re-book

Question 31

You have moved my test to IDP, who will be marking my test?

Accepted Answer

IELTS examiners will mark your test, with Cambridge Assessment English verification. You can have confidence your test will be marked to the highest global standards.There are rigorous quality control processes in place to ensure the British Council, IDP and Cambridge Assessment English only issue TRFs when there is 100 per cent confidence in the accuracy of your result.You can read more on our quality and fairness processes here.

Question 32

You have moved my test to IDP. With this change, will it take longer to get my results?

Accepted Answer

No. As IDP and the British Council operate to the same global standards, results turnaround times remain the same across all IDP and British Council centres globally.

Question 33

You have moved my test to IDP who will provide my TRF?

Accepted Answer

IDP will provide your TRF.

Question 34

You have moved my test to IDP, can I still apply for EOR?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can do this via logging into the IDP portal and accessing this option. You can do this by logging-in to our website.

Question 35

You have moved my test to IDP, will my candidate number be the same?

Accepted Answer

Your candidate number will change.IDP will be in touch by 7 July to confirm your login details.

Question 36

I had booked my test with the British Council for August and you have moved it to IDP. I want to cancel it, can I have a full refund?

Accepted Answer

You can cancel directly with IDP, however please allow us until 7 July to ensure your data is in IDP’s system.More information is available on our cancellation policy.

Question 37

Where are the IDP test centres?

Accepted Answer

You can see all IDP India test centres here.

Question 38

You have moved my test to IDP but it is in the same test centre, is this right?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It is the same centre and team you know and trust. The British Council IELTS team in India are becoming part of the IDP team.

Question 39

Can I do my British Council test at an IDP centre now because it is closer to my house?

Accepted Answer

From 25 July, you can transfer to any official IELTS test centre in India if there is space available. Click here to know how to Transfer your test date or speak to the IDP team.

Question 40

You are not doing British Council tests in India, can I do my British Council test in another country?

Accepted Answer

You are welcome to do this, however, please be aware you will need to request a refund and then re-book

Question 41

You have moved my test to IDP, who will be marking my test?

Accepted Answer

IELTS examiners will mark your test, with Cambridge Assessment English verification. You can have confidence your test will be marked to the highest global standards.There are rigorous quality control processes in place to ensure the British Council, IDP and Cambridge Assessment English only issue TRFs when there is 100 per cent confidence in the accuracy of your result.You can read more on our quality and fairness processes here.

Question 42

You have moved my test to IDP. With this change, will it take longer to get my results?

Accepted Answer

No. As IDP and the British Council operate to the same global standards, results turnaround times remain the same across all IDP and British Council centres globally.

Question 43

You have moved my test to IDP who will provide my TRF?

Accepted Answer

IDP will provide your TRF.

Question 44

You have moved my test to IDP, can I still apply for EOR?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can do this via logging into the IDP portal and accessing this option. You can do this by logging-in to our website.

Question 45

Why has my IELTS test moved from a British Council to an IDP test centre?

Accepted Answer

IDP entered an agreement to acquire all the British Council-managed IELTS centres in India. This means that from 25 July 2021, all IELTS tests will be delivered by IDP and all TRFs will be issued by IDP.There is no change to the test content, structure, marking or security.

Question 46

Will my test be in the same place?

Accepted Answer

This is the plan if it is safe and permitted to do so. If there are changes related to COVID-19 or other restrictions, our team will contact you.

Question 47

Can I still use British Council preparation material for my test?

Accepted Answer

As IELTS remains the same test, whether delivered by IDP or the British Council, any official IELTS preparation materials that you already have access to can be used for your upcoming test.

Question 48

Can I take all sections of the test on the same day, in the same place?

Accepted Answer

When you book your IELTS test you can choose your own Speaking slot, so you can find a time that works for you. For more information, login to the IDP portal here.

Question 49

You have moved my test from the British Council to IDP but I want to change the date.

Accepted Answer

You can do so directly with IDP here. Please allow until 7 July for your test session details to be uploaded to the IDP system.

Question 50

I want a British Council Test Report Form (TRF), not an IDP one, is this possible as I booked with British Council?

Accepted Answer

All TRFs from tests 25 July 2021 onwards will be delivered by IDP.Remember, the test is trusted by more than 12,000 organisations around the world. There is no difference in IDP or British Council result recognition.

Question 51

If the British Council is no longer running IELTS tests in India, how do I book a test?

Accepted Answer

From 25 July 2021, IDP will deliver all IELTS tests. Please follow this link to book your test.

Question 52

What is IDP’s telephone number?

Accepted Answer

1800-102-4544

Question 53

Can I book the IDP test online? What’s the website?

Accepted Answer

You can book your test online here, or alternatively through any IDP centre across India.

Question 54

Where are IDP’s IELTS test centres located?

Accepted Answer

IDP have test centres located across the country. To find your nearest test centre, please follow this link.

Question 55

Can I take all sections of the test on the same day, in the same place?

Accepted Answer

Yes. When you book your IELTS test you can choose your own Speaking test slot, so you can find a time that works for you. For more information, see here.

Question 56

Can I choose to take IELTS on paper or computer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, IDP offers both computer-delivered and paper-based tests.

Question 57

Can I still use British Council preparation material for my test?

Accepted Answer

Yes. As IELTS remains the same test, whether delivered by IDP or the British Council, any IELTS preparation materials that you already have access to can be used for your upcoming test.

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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

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Tower-B, 5th Floor, Sikanderpur Ghosi, Sector-26, M.G. Road,

Gurugram -122002 Haryana, India.

Contact Us

1800-102-4544

ielts.india@idp.com

Mon to Sat - 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Book your IELTS test

English self-assessment tool

Get your results

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

Global Gateway Towers

Tower-B, 5th Floor, Sikanderpur Ghosi, Sector-26, M.G. Road,

Gurugram -122002 Haryana, India.

Contact Us

1800-102-4544

ielts.india@idp.com

Mon to Sat - 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM