Plain-English updates on the IELTS rules that actually affect your test — retake availability, fees, and format changes. Each update explains what it means for you and links to the official source. We keep these current as IELTS changes.
India sat its last paper-based IELTS on 22 August 2026. From September every test there is computer-delivered, with a Writing on Paper option at selected centres. What you book now, what did not change, and how to prepare on screen.
Read the updateSince 8 January 2026 the Skilled Worker, Scale-up and High Potential Individual routes require CEFR B2 English, up from B1. What that is in IELTS for UKVI band terms, which routes still sit at B1, and what changes again in March 2027.
Read the updateThe IELTS Speaking Part 2 question bank rotated on 1 September 2026. The topics candidates are reporting for the September–December window, what they have in common, and how to practise them.
Read the updateThe Task 2 themes and question types candidates are reporting for September–December 2026, why the essay type matters more than the topic, and how to prepare without memorising essays.
Read the updateThe GT Task 1 letter situations candidates are reporting for September–December 2026, the three letter tones, and the bullet-point rule that decides your Task Achievement mark.
Read the updateThe Academic Reading passage topics candidates are reporting for late 2026, the interdisciplinary shift behind them, and a practice passage in every recurring area.
Read the updateWhat the four Listening parts actually contain, the contexts that recur in each, and the 2026 shifts candidates report — faster Part 3 and 4 delivery, more map questions, more Southern Hemisphere accents.
Read the updateA full 2026 guide to the IELTS One Skill Retake: who is eligible, how availability is expanding by country, who accepts the result, the UK visa exclusion, and whether it is worth it for you.
Read the updateHow IELTS fees work in 2026: why the price differs by country and test type, what the fee covers, the extra charges to expect, and how to find the exact current cost for your test centre.
Read the updatePaper-based IELTS was discontinued globally after 27 June 2026 — every test is now computer-delivered. What that means for your booking, the limited Writing on Paper option, and why Speaking is unchanged.
Read the update