Planning to sit for an IELTS test? The 2026 schedule for the IELTS on paper tests has now been announced. Book ahead and get a head start on your preparation.
Whether it’s the IELTS Academic, General Training or UKVI test, you need time to prepare. IELTS experts typically recommend around 6-8 weeks’ preparation for the exam.
By booking ahead, you’re giving yourself the best chance of preparing and thus securing a higher band score. Scroll down and choose a date/time that suits you.
January test dates
Saturday, 3 January 2026, Academic only
Saturday, 10 January 2026, Academic and General Training
Thursday, 15 January 2026, Academic and General Training
Saturday, 24 January 2026, Academic only
Saturday, 31 January 2026, Academic only
February test dates
Saturday, 7 February 2026, Academic and General Training
Thursday, 12 February 2026, Academic only
Saturday, 14 February 2026, Academic only
Saturday, 21 February 2026, Academic and General Training
Saturday, 28 February 2026, Academic only
March test dates
Thursday, 5 March 2026, Academic only
Saturday, 7 March 2026, Academic and General Training
Saturday, 14 March 2026, Academic only
Saturday, 21 March 2026, Academic and General Training
April test dates
Saturday, 4 April 2026, Academic only
Saturday, 11 April 2026, Academic and General Training
Thursday, 23 April 2026, Academic only
Saturday, 25 April 2026, Academic and General Training
May test dates
Saturday, 2 May 2026, Academic only
Thursday, 7 May 2026, Academic and General Training
Saturday, 16 May 2026, Academic only
Saturday, 23 May 2026, Academic and General Training
June test dates
Saturday, 6 June 2026, Academic and General Training
Saturday, 13 June 2026, Academic only
Thursday, 18 June 2026, Academic only
Saturday, 20 June 2026, Academic and General Training
Saturday, 27 June 2026, Academic only
July test dates
Thursday, 9 July 2026, Academic only
Saturday, 11 July 2026, Academic and General Training
Saturday, 18 July 2026, Academic only
Saturday, 25 July 2026, Academic and General Training
August test dates
Saturday, 1 August 2026, Academic only
Thursday, 6 August 2026, Academic and General Training
Saturday, 8 August 2026, Academic only
Saturday, 22 August 2026, Academic and General Training
Saturday, 29 August 2026, Academic only
September test dates
Saturday, 5 September 2026, Academic only
Saturday, 12 September 2026, Academic and General Training
Thursday, 17 September 2026, Academic and General Training
Saturday, 26 September 2026, Academic and General Training
October test dates
Saturday, 3 October 2026, Academic and General Training
Thursday, 8 October 2026, Academic only
Saturday, 10 October 2026, Academic only
Saturday, 17 October 2026, Academic and General Training
Saturday, 31 October 2026, Academic only
November test dates
Thursday, 5 November 2026, Academic and General Training
Saturday, 14 November 2026, Academic only
Saturday, 21 November 2026, Academic and General Training
Saturday, 28 November 2026, Academic and General Training
December test dates
Thursday, 3 December 2026, Academic only
Saturday, 5 December 2026, Academic and General Training
Thursday, 12 December 2026, Academic and General Training
Saturday, 19 December 2026, Academic only
Saturday, 26 December 2026, Academic only