By the middle of 2026, IELTS will be completely computer-based and paper assessments will no longer be used.
By the middle of 2026, IELTS will only be given on computers. This is a big change for one of the most popular English proficiency tests in the world. The change comes after a review by the British Council, IDP Education, and Cambridge University Press & Assessment, which all work together to run the test. The decision was made because there is a growing need for quicker answers and more flexible testing formats, especially in places like India. Officials added that the change will be made slowly in all countries, working with test centers.
IELTS partners told PIE News that candidates prefer computer-based testing since it gives them results faster, is more convenient, and has features like One Skill Retake. This choice lets people who are taking the test take only one part instead of the whole thing.
A spokeswoman for IDP IELTS told PIE News, “Our research shows that our customers have a better experience with our computer-delivered test because it is more convenient, results come faster, and it offers One Skill Retake.”
The transfer will happen in stages, based on how ready test centers and local infrastructure are.
IELTS will add a “Writing on Paper” option to make the change easier. People taking the test can choose to write the writing part by hand while doing the listening and reading parts on a computer.
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