How to Postpone IELTS Exam 2024: Detailed Guide

With the IELTS exam date fast approaching, I faced an unexpected challenge that made it impossible to sit for the test as scheduled. Despite months of preparation, I knew I had to postpone. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is taken by study abroad aspirants all over the world who wish to study or work in an English-speaking country. 

The duration of the IELTS exam is 2 hours 45 minutes. The paper-based test is held up to four times a month and three times a day for computer-based test. It is conducted in 140 countries, with over 4000 test locations. IELTS is conducted by IDP in India. And while all the above-mentioned information is available easily, not many know how to postpone the IELTS exam. 

Contrary to popular belief, I found the process of postponing my IELTS test to be convenient and straightforward. Read this article to learn how to postpone the IELTS exam. 

Reasons for IELTS Exam Postponement 

Though securing good scores in IELTS  is critical for study abroad aspirants, there are several reasons why people postpone their IELTS exams. Here are some of the most common reasons:

• Illness or injury: If you are unwell on the day of your test or have an injury that prevents you from focusing, postponing is the best option.
• Family emergency: A serious situation involving a close family member may require you to attend to them, necessitating a test postponement.
• Unexpected travel or visa issues: Travel disruptions such as flight cancellations or visa delays can prevent you from reaching the test center on time.
• Work commitments: Urgent work obligations that arise unexpectedly may clash with your test date.
• Unpreparedness: If you feel genuinely underprepared for the test and require more study time, postponement can be beneficial.

Understanding Postponement Policies and Procedures 

Before thinking about how to postpone the IELTS exam, it is important to consider various postponement policies. The policies and procedures for postponing your IELTS exam will vary depending on the test center you are registered with. Here are some key points to consider: 

• Deadlines: There are typically deadlines for requesting a postponement. These deadlines can range from several weeks to a few days before your test date. Missing the deadline could result in losing your test fee.
• Fees: In most cases, you will be charged an administrative fee for postponing your exam. The fee amount may vary depending on the test center and your proximity to the test date.
• Documentation: If you are postponing due to illness, a family emergency, or another extenuating circumstance,  you may need to show documentation to support your request. This could include a doctor’s note, a death certificate, or a letter from your employer.

Steps to Postpone IELTS Exam 

Want to know how to postpone the IELTS exam? Here is a brief step-by-step guide that helps you postpone your IELTS exam: 

1. Contact your test center as soon as possible to inform them of your need to postpone the exam. You can usually do this by phone, email, or in person.
2. Clearly explain the reason why you need to postpone your exam. Be prepared to provide any necessary documentation.
3. Discuss available test dates with the test center and choose a new date that works for you.
4. Make sure to pay the required administrative fees to postpone the exam.

How to Postpone IELTS Exam (IDP):

There are several terms and conditions that one needs to meet to postpone the exam. The application to transfer the exam to a different date is considered only if the date of the test is at least 15 days from the date on which the postponement request has been made. 

Proper reasons need to be stated in such a case. No reason needs to be stated if the transfer request or cancellation request has been at least 34 days before the test date. Administrative charges are deducted before processing the refund. The refund is initiated within 10 working days.

How to Postpone IELTS Exam (BC):

If the request for postponement is made more than five weeks before the date of examination, then a complete refund will be initiated. However, if the exam needs to be postponed within five weeks before the examination date, then some percentage of the administration fee is charged. 

If you request postponement within five weeks of the date of the exam, then this is approved only in case of emergencies.  The test can be postponed only up to three months from the date of the original examination. 

Proof should be submitted in the case of any emergency within five working days after the original test date. The refunds are processed within six weeks of applying for a postponement.

Emergency reasons and documents for proof:

The emergency reasons based on which the candidates can request  for rescheduling the test are as follows:

•     The demise of a close family member. Emergency on the exam day before the aspirant could leave from home.
•     Experienced a crime on the way to the test center.
•     Suffered an accident on his/her way to the test venue.
•     Lost passport on the way to the test center.
•     Had problems traveling due to protests, violence, or a similar situation.

 The documents that are needed to verify these reasons include:

•  A health certificate signed by a registered doctor and bearing his/her registration number.
• Proof of admission to hospital and discharge details (in case there was a hospitalization).
• Copy of FIR in case of a mishap or crime.
• A death certificate signed by the relevant authority, with a mention of his/her registration number.
• Document from the passport authority stating the passport number and the expected date of return of the passport to the candidate. 

The IELTS test can be postponed by contacting the test center through email, letter, or in person. A request for postponing through the telephone is not considered valid.

IELTS Exam Rescheduling Fees 

You can only transfer your IELTS test date one time. If you reschedule at least 15 days before your test date, you might only be charged a transfer fee to cover administrative costs, which will be around INR 4,250 (paper-based) and INR 2,825(computer-based).

This fee varies depending on the test center. 

Considerations Before Postponing 

Before thinking about whether can you postpone IELTS exam, here are some important factors to consider:

• Postponing your IELTS test may delay your study abroad or immigration plans. Make sure to consider the time it will take to reschedule and retake the test if necessary. 
• Test dates can fill up quickly, especially during peak times. There is a chance you may not be able to get a new test date that works for your schedule. 
• Consider the cost of rescheduling, including the transfer and additional fees for the new test date.
• If you feel you are not prepared enough for the exam, it is best to reschedule the test. 

More Resources to Read About IELTS:

IELTS Band Score Chart	How to get 8 band in IELTS	Types of IELTS Exam
Average IELTS Scores	IELTS Score for USA	Study in USA Without IELTS
Study in UK Without IELTS	IELTS Reading Band Score	IELTS Bar Graph
Writing Task 1 Line Graph	Collocation for IELTS	IELTS Reading Tips

Conclusion 

Due to health issues, emergencies, or any other reason, you may need to postpone the IELTS exam, just like I did.  Before rescheduling your IELTS exam, carefully consider the factors mentioned above. 

If you need to reschedule, contact your test center to understand their specific policies and fees. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the postponement procedures beforehand to avoid confusion. 

Important Resources to Read:

Is Computer based IELTS Easier	Is Passport Required for IELTS	How to Check IELTS Revaluation Results
IELTS General Training vs Academic	IELTS for Australia	How to Get IELTS Certificate
Vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2 Band 8	IELTS Scholarship	IELTS Speaking Band Score
How to Download IELTS Score Card	Study in Europe Without IELTS	How to Improve Reading Skills in IELTS