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Jiya Tyagi1 Jul, 2025
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How to Postpone IELTS Exam: Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Maybe candidates are not fully prepared for the test, or an emergency has come up. Whatever the reason, if candidates are wondering how to postpone the IELTS exam, don’t worry. Many students face this situation.
The sections below explain everything candidates need to know about rescheduling their IELTS exam. Whether candidates booked their exam through IDP or the British Council, candidates can find everything they need to know here, including deadlines, fees, procedures, and others:
Candidates often need to reschedule their IELTS exam for several reasons:
Health issues or sudden illness
Clashes with academic exams or classes
Family emergencies
Travel or relocation plans
Incomplete preparation
Technical or logistical issues
The rules differ slightly between IDP and British Council, the two main IELTS exam conducting bodies. However, the general guidelines are:
Candidates must apply to postpone at least 5 weeks (35 days) before their test date.
Postponement is subject to availability at the preferred future date.
If candidates apply within 5 weeks, a valid medical or emergency document is required.
Test date change must be requested at least 34 days in advance.
Requests made within 34 days must be supported with proof of emergency.
In some cases, an administrative fee may apply.
Below is the step-by-step process of how to postpone IELTS exam for both IDP and British Council candidates.
For IDP IELTS Candidates
Step 1: Visit the IDP IELTS official website (ieltsidpindia.com)
Step 2: Use your registered email ID and password to log in.
Step 3: Click on ‘Transfer or Cancellation’ that appears under the booked test details.
Step 4: Choose a new date.
Step 5: Submit your request attach documents if rescheduling within 5 weeks of the test.
Step 5: Pay the administrative fee (if applicable) (₹4,500 for rescheduling without a valid reason).
Step 1: Visit the British Council IELTS portal (ielts.britishcouncil.org)
Step 2: Sign in to the account with the registered email ID and password.
Step 3: Go to manage booking.
Step 4: Select the transfer or Reschedule option.
Step 5: Choose the new test date and upload the required documents.
Step 6: Pay applicable charges
It is one of the frequently asked questions by students. The answers depend on which test body candidates have booked for the test. The test body includes IDP or the British Council. Both bodies have different timelines. The table below contains a comparison of the different timelines and rules of IDP and the British Council:
|
Test Provider |
Minimum Days Required to Postpone |
Condition |
|---|---|---|
|
IDP IELTS |
35 days (5 weeks) before the test date |
No documents required if done within this time. After that, only emergencies are accepted. |
|
British Council IELTS |
34 days before the test date |
No documents required if done before 34 days. Valid proof is needed after that. |
When candidates decide to postpone or cancel their IELTS exam, it is important to understand how much they are required to pay, how much they get back, depending on when and why they are making the change. The table below contains an overview of Postponement Fees and Refund Policies:
|
Condition |
When You Apply |
Documents Required |
Refund or Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Postpone or Cancel (Standard) |
34 to 35 days or more before the test |
Not required |
Full refund minus a small admin fee or free reschedule |
|
Postpone or Cancel (Late with Reason) |
Less than 34 to 35 days before the test |
Yes (e.g., medical or official proof) |
Up to 75 percent refund or reschedule if approved |
|
Postpone or Cancel (Late, No Reason) |
Less than 34 to 35 days before the test |
Not accepted |
No refund, full fee is lost |
|
Absent on Test Day |
No prior notice given |
Not accepted |
No refund, full fee is lost |
Both IDP and the British Council may charge a rescheduling or cancellation fee, usually around:
INR 4,500 in India (subject to change based on location)
This fee covers admin and processing costs
Charged only if candidates are rescheduling without a valid reason
To apply for a refund or postponement within the 34–35 day window, you must submit:
Medical certificate (from registered practitioner)
Death certificate (for a close family member)
Police report (in case of accident or theft)
Official university/exam letter (if test date clashes with academics)
All documents must:
Be in English (or accompanied by a certified English translation)
Be submitted within 5 days of your test date
Be approved by the test center.
