Over 3.5 million people take the IELTS exam each year—and every one of them needs access to their score card. Your IELTS score card is required to show your performance in each section and your overall band. In 2025, most universities and embassies require a digital or official copy, and delays in accessing it can lead to missed opportunities.
If you know how to download IELTS score card correctly, it can save you time and prevent last-minute stress. From login steps to file format, you need to get a few simple things right.
Here, you’ll learn how to download IELTS score card step by step. We’ll cover when your results are released, how to access the online portal, and more. Whether you’re applying next week or just preparing in advance, this blog will help you get it right.
In India, IELTS is conducted by IDP, which now manages all test centers. Since July 25, 2021, IDP has taken over all British Council IELTS operations in India. So if you’ve taken the test recently, your TRF (Test Report Form) and downloadable score card will be issued by IDP.
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Wondering how to download IELTS score card? Once your IELTS results are released, you can access your score card online through the official portal. The process is simple, but you need the correct login details and should download the file in the right format for university or visa use. If you’re unsure where to look or what to click, follow these steps.
Steps to Download Your IELTS Score Card
Visit the website of your IELTS test provider (IDP).
Click “Log in” or “Candidate Login” at the top of the page.
Enter your registered email ID and password.
Go to “My Tests”, “Results”, or “Test Taker Portal” (label may vary).
Choose the test date or click on the specific result link.
Your individual scores (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) and overall band will appear.
Click on “Download Score Report”, “Download PDF”, or “View Results”.
Save the PDF to your phone, laptop, or cloud storage.
If you’re logging in for the first time, check your email for registration details or use the “Forgot Password” option.
IELTS Eligibility – Double-check if you met all the right conditions before you took the test.
This document is official and valid for submissions, unless a printed version is specifically requested.
IELTS TRF vs PDF Score Card
Format
How You Get It
When It’s Used
PDF (Digital)
Downloaded from portal
For most universities, visa applications, and online portals
TRF (Printed)
Sent by mail (one original copy only)
Needed when a hard copy is required or couriered directly to institutions
Some universities and immigration offices may still ask for a Test Report Form (TRF) to be sent directly from IDP. You can request additional TRFs if needed, but these are limited.
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When Are IELTS Scores Released?
After you have learned how to download IELTS score card, it’s important to know exactly when your scores will be available. IELTS result timelines depend on the test format—computer-based or paper-based—and knowing the expected release date helps you avoid confusion and delays.
IELTS Result Timelines
Test Format
Score Release Timeline
Computer-Based IELTS
3–5 calendar days after your test
Paper-Based IELTS
13 calendar days after your test
Keep in mind:
Results are usually published after 1:00 PM (local time) on the release date.
If your test falls on a public holiday or weekend, scores may be delayed by a day.
Some candidates may get their scores a bit earlier or later due to internal processing.
IELTS Exam Dates – See how test dates affect when your results come out.
IELTS Test Format – Took computer-based or paper-based? This breakdown clears the difference.
How You’ll Be Notified
Once your scores are ready, IELTS will notify you through:
Email: You’ll receive a message from your test provider (IDP) with login details or a reminder.
SMS: If you opted in during registration, you’ll get an SMS alert.
Candidate Portal: Your online test account will display your scores once they go live.
You will not receive your full Test Report Form (TRF) through email unless you download it yourself from the portal. That’s why knowing how to download IELTS score card correctly is important.
Where to Check IELTS Score Online
We’ve told you how to download IELTS score card, but from where? IELTS scores are available online through the official portal of IDP. These portals allow you to check results, download your score card, and request additional TRFs if needed.
Official IELTS Result Portals
Test Provider
Official Portal Link
IDP IELTS
ielts.idp.com
If you booked through a third-party or country-specific site (like IELTS USA), use the portal they provided during registration.
Login Credentials Required
To access your results online, you’ll need:
Your registered email address (used during booking)
Your password
Candidate number or test reference number (may be required in some cases)
If you forgot your password, use the “Forgot Password” option on the login page. The link to reset is usually sent to your registered email.
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IELTS TRF vs Downloadable Score Card: What’s the Difference?
If you're checking how to download IELTS score card, it’s important to understand the two formats available: the digital score card (PDF) and the Test Report Form (TRF). While both contain the same score information, their usage and delivery method are different.
Differences Between TRF and Downloadable Score Card
Feature
Downloadable Score Card (PDF)
IELTS TRF (Printed Copy)
How You Get It
Downloaded from your test portal
Sent by mail from IDP
Contains
Section scores, overall band, candidate details
Same content + test center stamp and security details
Accepted By
Most universities and embassies for digital submissions
Required by some visa offices and universities (especially via courier)
Delivery Time
Available within 3–13 days after test date
Posted within 1 week after results (delivery time varies)
Usage
Suitable for online applications
Often needed for physical submission or direct mail to institutions
Additional Copies
Not required (you can re-download anytime)
Limited free copies; additional TRFs must be requested
Security
Less formal but official
Contains physical security features
When Do You Need Each?
Use the PDF score card for:
Online university applications
Visa processes that accept digital documents
Uploading to scholarship portals
Use the printed TRF for:
Institutions that require hard copies sent via courier
Immigration offices needing an original stamped report
Cases where third-party verification is required directly from IDP or BC
Tip: Always check your university or visa office requirements in advance. Some may accept only TRFs sent directly from the test body.
Validity of IELTS Score – See how long your IELTS score stays valid for university or visa use.
Access Period and Download Limit of IELTS Score Card
Once your results are out and you know how to download IELTS score card, you can download the score card multiple times—but there’s a time limit on how long it stays accessible through the portal.
How Long IELTS Scores Stay Available Online
Your IELTS results are available online for 2 years from your test date.
After this period, the login portal may no longer display your scores.
Universities and embassies also consider IELTS scores valid for up to 2 years only.
There’s no limit to how many times you can download your IELTS score card within the 2-year period.
You can download it on multiple devices (phone, laptop, desktop) and save backup copies.
However, the original download link or portal access may expire early if you forget your login details or the test system changes.
What to Do If Access Expires
If your portal access is no longer active but your test was within 2 years, contact your test center (IDP) with your candidate number.
For older results, you may request a manual TRF (subject to test center policy and availability).
Always download and save your IELTS score card early—even if you don’t need it right away.
Tip: Save a copy in email, cloud storage, or a secure drive so you’re not dependent on portal access later.
Country-Wise Requirements for IELTS Score Submission
Before you send your IELTS results, check which format is accepted—digital score card (PDF) or printed TRF. Most universities accept the downloadable version, but many immigration offices, especially for PR or study permits, still require an official TRF sent directly from the test provider.
IELTS Score Submission by Country
Country
Universities Accept PDF?
Immigration/PR Accept PDF?
TRF Required?
Special Notes
Canada
Yes
No (IRCC prefers direct TRF from IELTS)
Yes
For study permits and PR, IRCC needs the TRF to be sent directly from test body.
UK
Yes
Yes (UKVI verifies scores electronically)
Sometimes
UKVI IELTS scores are verified using your IELTS Reference Number.
Australia
Yes
Yes (via VEVO/electronic system)
Rarely
Immigration uses automated systems; PDF is usually sufficient.
USA
Yes
Not usually required
No
Most universities accept PDFs or scores sent through ETS.
Germany
Yes
N/A
No
Primarily for academics—PDF uploads are standard.
Important Notes:
UKVI IELTS: Share your UKVI Reference Number when submitting to UK immigration authorities.
Canada IRCC: Always request your test center (IDP) to send the TRF directly to IRCC. Self-uploaded PDFs are not accepted.
Australia PR: The Department of Home Affairs verifies results electronically—no physical TRF needed unless requested.
Universities: In most countries, PDF downloads are enough for college or university applications.
Tip: Always verify document requirements with your target institution or immigration authority. Some may have updated processes depending on the application platform.
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How to Download IELTS Score Card: What If You Forget Your IELTS Login Details?
Losing access to your IELTS portal can delay your ability to view or download your score card. Here’s what to do if you forget your username or password, or can't log in at all.
Steps to Recover Your IELTS Account
Visit your test provider’s login page (IDP).
Click “Forgot Password” or “Forgot Username”.
Enter your registered email address to receive reset instructions.
Follow the link sent to your inbox and set a new password.
Didn’t Get the Reset Email?
Check your spam/junk folder first.
If there’s no email, try using the “Contact Us” form on the test provider’s site.
You can also call the customer support number provided in your booking confirmation email.
How to Download IELTS Score Card: Documents You May Need to Verify Identity
If account access fails and a reset doesn’t work, the support team may ask for:
Required Documents
Purpose
Passport (same as test day ID)
To verify your identity and test record
Candidate Number/Test Reference ID
To locate your registration and scores
Registered Email and Phone Number
To confirm account ownership
Tip: Keep your test booking email saved—it includes your candidate number, login link, and contact details for future reference.
How to Download IELTS Score Card: Can You Request Another Hard Copy of Your Score?
Yes, you can request additional hard copies of your IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) if a university, college, or immigration body needs a physical copy. Each test taker is entitled to a limited number of free TRFs, and beyond that, extra copies come with a fee.
Details About TRF Reissue and Extra Copies
You can request up to 5 additional TRFs to be sent to institutions for free within one month of your test.
If you need more than 5, or if you're requesting them after the one-month window, additional fees apply.
The TRF is sent directly to the receiving institution—students don’t receive extra personal copies.
Delivery times vary depending on the destination and method (standard mail or courier).
For immigration purposes, always confirm if the authority accepts couriered TRFs or only electronic verification.
TRF Reissue: Fees & Limits
Type of Request
Free?
Fee (Approx.)
Delivery Time
First 5 TRFs (to institutions)
Yes
₹0
Sent within 10 days
Additional TRF (per copy)
No
₹250–₹1,500 (varies)
7–14 days (standard mail), 3–5 days (courier)
Personal duplicate TRF (if lost)
No
₹1,000–₹2,000
May require ID verification
Tip: Always provide accurate recipient details to avoid delays in delivery. Once a TRF is dispatched, it cannot be recalled.
How to Send IELTS Scores to Universities or Visa Authorities
You can send your IELTS scores either during registration or after your results are released. The test provider (IDP) sends your TRF to the institutions you choose—either electronically or by post—depending on the recipient’s preference.
When Can You Select Score Recipients?
At the time of registration: You can choose up to 5 institutions to receive your scores for free.
After results are out: You can log into your portal and request TRFs to be sent to additional institutions (fees may apply).
You must enter correct names, addresses, or institutional codes (where applicable).
IELTS Syllabus – Not sure what topics are covered in each section? This guide lists it all.
Go to the TRF dispatch history or score sending status section.
Some portals allow you to view dispatch dates and delivery method.
For courier tracking, you may receive a tracking number if you paid for express delivery.
Tip: Check with the receiving institution whether they prefer electronic scores, hard copies, or both. Some universities accept only scores sent directly from IELTS, not from the student.
Get Help with IELTS-Related Questions on upGrad Abroad
Not sure what your IELTS scores mean? Confused about TRFs, band requirements, or how to send results to universities? upGrad Abroad has it all covered.
From detailed information on how to download IELTS score card to tips on retakes, score validity, and university requirements—you’ll find clear, reliable answers in one place.
Read articles on band scores, result timelines, and common student queries.
Explore IELTS articles on upGrad Abroad for more clarity and confidence.
Sunita Kadian, co-founder and Academic Head at Yuno Learning is an expert in IELTS and English communication. With a background in competitive exam preparation (IELTS, GMAT, CAT, TOEFL), interview prep, and corporate soft skills training, she has adapted these programs for the Yuno platform.
Her dedication and commitment earned high praise from students, especially for her public speaking and advanced speaking English courses. Sunita's mastery of language nuances and articulation makes her a favorite among IELTS students.
She holds a Postgraduate degree in English Literature, a B.Ed., and a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Relations.
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