If you’ve been planning to take IELTS on paper, it’s time to check your options. IDP, one of the organisations that delivers IELTS, has announced that IELTS will no longer be offered as a paper-based test from mid-2026, with timelines varying by country. In India, reports of IDP’s announcement say paper-based IELTS will be discontinued from September 2026.
The short answer: the test content, skills assessed and scoring are not changing. What changes is the delivery: you’ll take Listening, Reading and Writing on a computer at a test centre. Speaking remains a face-to-face conversation with a real examiner. In selected markets, IDP says candidates will be able to choose to handwrite the Writing section (“Writing on Paper”).
What is changing
According to IDP’s announcement (5 March 2026):
- Paper-based IELTS is being phased out from mid-2026. Timelines vary by market.
- “Writing on Paper” is being introduced in selected markets. You take the test on computer but handwrite your Writing answers. If you choose this and later take a One Skill Retake, the retake must be in the same delivery mode.
- IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will only be available in the fully digital format.
For India, news reports of IDP’s announcement (July 2026) say paper-based tests are being discontinued from September 2026, with a final few paper opportunities before then. Check the current position with your test centre before you book.
What stays the same
IDP states that:
- The skills assessed and the test construct do not change.
- Scores are comparable across formats, both overall and within each band.
- Access arrangements continue.
- Existing paper-based results stay valid for the usual recommended two-year period.
The Speaking test is still taken with a real examiner, face to face.
What the computer test feels like
If you’ve only practised on paper, these are the practical differences to prepare for, based on IDP’s description of computer-delivered IELTS:
| Section | What’s different on computer |
| Listening | You type your answers as you listen. At the end, you get 2 minutes to review your answers |
| Reading | You can highlight text on screen and see the passage and questions side by side |
| Writing | You type your answers. A word count is shown on screen |
| Speaking | No change: face-to-face with an examiner |
Results for computer-delivered IELTS in India are typically available within 1–2 days, according to IDP India.
How to prepare for the switch
- Practise typing your essays. Time yourself writing 250 words for Writing Task 2 on a keyboard. Many students who write well by hand slow down when typing.
- Don’t rely on spellcheck. The test doesn’t correct your spelling.
- Practise Listening on screen. Get used to typing answers while the audio continues, and using the short review time at the end.
- Read on screen. Practise long passages on a monitor, not just on paper, and use highlighting.
- Take at least one full computer-based mock test before your test date.
- If you need Writing on Paper, check whether your test centre offers it, and book early.
Should you wait or book now?
If your university, employer or immigration application needs results by a fixed date, don’t delay booking because of the format change. The content and scoring are the same, so your preparation is still valid. Focus on getting comfortable with the computer format.
Frequently asked questions
Is IELTS paper-based ending in India?
Reports of IDP’s announcement say paper-based IELTS in India will be discontinued from September 2026. Confirm the current position with your test centre.
Is the computer test harder than paper?
IDP states the content and scoring are the same, and scores are comparable across formats. Some candidates find typing faster; others need practice.
Is the Speaking test on computer?
No. Speaking remains face-to-face with a real examiner.
Can I still handwrite my Writing answers?
In selected markets, IDP is introducing a “Writing on Paper” option within the computer test. Ask your test centre whether it’s available.
Are my old paper-based results still valid?
Yes, IDP says they remain valid for the recommended two-year period, but check the requirements of the organisation you’re applying to.