Re-Taking IELTS
There is no limitation on how frequently candidates can sit for IELTS. It should be noted, however, that IELTS scores are not substantially improved merely by taking the test on multiple occasions. You may retake the test as many times as you wish.
Here are some additional FAQ’s –
No, you can’t take the test again. You will be banned from taking IELTS in future.
IELTS provides a profile of a candidate’s English proficiency at a given time. It provides not only an indication of ability in a particular module but also an indication of overall ability. This would not be possible if modules were not taken at the same time. Stakeholders require an indication of proficiency at a given time. Stakeholders have expressed a preference for full re-testing to gain an accurate assessment of a candidate’s language proficiency.
The candidate will lose their full test fee. However, if a medical certificate is provided within 5 days of the test date, then the full fee is refunded minus a local administrative deduction.
The test centre offers the candidate an alternative test date as soon as possible.
Candidates who request a postponement or cancellation of their test within 5 weeks of the test date will normally be charged the full fee, unless they are able to provide appropriate medical evidence to support their request within 5 days of the test date.
The application MUST be supported by adequate and required support documents / evidence, without which the application WILL NOT be accepted / considered. The decision of the centre will be final and binding on the candidate.
A request using the ‘Test Date Transfer & Cancellation Form’ for shifting of test date (i.e. post-ponement or pre-ponement) to another date must reach the centre in original and AT LEAST 5 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE TEST DATE (i.e. 34 days), ORIGINALLY BOOKED. An administrative charge of Rs. 1,700/- (Rupees One Thousand Seven Hundred only), would be payable by the applicant, which must be paid along with the application for shifting of date. The allotment of the next date of test would be at the sole discretion of the centre and subject to availability. NO REQUESTS WOULD BE ENTERTAINED after the cut-off period i.e. LESS THAN 5 WEEKS (i.e. 34 days) PRIOR TO THE TEST DATE.
All applications for withdrawal / cancellation and refund must be sent to the centre using the ‘Test Date Transfer & Cancellation Form’, along with the original receipt of payment of test fee.
A withdrawal administrative charge of Rs. 1,700/- (Rupees One Thousand Seven Hundred only) will be deducted from the examination fee paid by the applicant, if the application for such withdrawal is received 5 WEEKS (i.e. 34 days) PRIOR TO THE TEST DATE, and the balance Rs. 5,125/- (Rupees Five Thousand One Hundred and Twenty Five only) will be refunded to the applicant, within 4 weeks from the test date for which the candidate was registered.
P.S.: In case of other countries the amount above will be different.
Requests received, LESS THAN 5 WEEKS (i.e. 34 days) prior to the test date will NOT BE ENTERTAINED and NO REFUND would be possible.
Request under “Extraordinary Circumstances” – Prior to the test date
A request received by the centre LESS THAN 5 weeks (i.e. 34 days) prior to the test date, BUT BEFORE the commencement of the test will be treated as a ‘Cancellation case’ subject to the application fulfilling the conditions of ‘Extraordinary Circumstances’, as listed hereunder and the centre accepting the application.
- Serious illness will be linked to hospital admission or other serious illness making the candidate not able to sit the test. For e.g. Typhoid, Jaundice, Eye flu, Infectious disease, Surgery etc. Please note, ordinary viral fever, cough, cold, stomach upset etc.will not be considered.Serious injury – linked to hospital admission, or injury such as fracture of the hand used for writing etc.
- Loss or bereavement – death of a close family member, hardships / trauma
- Victim of crime
- Victim of an accident
- Loss of Passport after applying for the test
- Passport submitted to Passport office for any services, after applying
For an application to be considered under this category, the candidate MUST submit an application in writing, along with the relevant document in ORIGINAL or copy of the document, attested by a first class government officer.
(Note : the original MUST be brought along with the application and shown to the centre administrator) from the list of documents mentioned hereunder ;
- Medical certificate signed by a registered medical practitioner and bearing his / her registration number
- Hospital admission certificate
- Police report / FIR
- Death certificate signed by a registered medical practitioner and bearing his / her registration number
- Receipt from the Passport Office detailing the passport number and the date when the passport will be given back.
Upon receipt of such request, the Administrator will verify facts and take a decision to EITHER ACCEPT OR REJECT the application, WITHOUT ASSIGNING ANY REASON FOR REJECTION.