Can I Postpone IELTS exam?

Conditions to Postpone the IELTS Exam

Candidates are permitted to postpone their exam under specific circumstances to prevent unnecessary delays. The recognized reasons include:

• Death of a close family member: If a loved one passes away, you may request a postponement.
  Example: If your grandfather unexpectedly dies, you can apply to change your exam date.
• Accident on the way to the test center or shortly before the exam: Any accident that hinders your ability to attend.
  Example: A car accident on your way to the test center can be a valid reason to reschedule.
• Serious illness or medical emergency: A sudden medical crisis can justify a postponement.
  Example: If you fall severely ill a few days before the test, you can request a new date.
• Being a victim of a crime: Incidents that occur en route to the test center.
  Example: If you become a victim of a robbery while traveling to your exam, you are eligible to postpone.
• Loss or theft of your passport: Essential for identification, a missing passport can be grounds for a change.
  Example: If your passport is stolen, you can submit evidence to request a postponement.
• Travel disruptions: Issues like cancelled transport, protests, or road blockages that impede your journey.
  Example: If a sudden transport strike or severe weather blocks your route to the test center, you may postpone your exam.

Process to Postpone the Exam

If you encounter any of the above situations, follow these steps to postpone your IELTS exam:

1. Contact your test center either by email or in person. Note that requests made over the telephone will not be accepted.
2. Fill out a Request for Refund or Test Day Transfer Form with all the required details.
3. Attach the necessary evidence or documents that validate your reason for postponement.
4. If you apply at least 34 days before your scheduled exam date, you may not be required to provide a reason.
5. Submit the completed form and all supporting documents to your test center along with the required fee.
6. Choose your new exam date carefully, as you are allowed to postpone the exam only once.

Documents Required for the Process

The type of evidence you must provide depends on your situation. Here are some examples:

• For an accident or medical emergency: A medical report signed and registered by a licensed physician, along with hospital admission or discharge records.
• For the death of a close family member: A death certificate issued by the relevant authority.
• For being a victim of a crime: An official police report or FIR copy documenting the incident.
• For loss or theft of a passport: Documentation from the passport office confirming the loss and providing details of the anticipated replacement.

Refund Policy for Postponing the Exam

When you postpone your exam, an administrative fee is deducted from your payment before the refund is processed. The reimbursement is typically initiated within 10 business days, subject to the following conditions:

• If you reschedule or cancel more than five weeks before the test date, you will receive a refund after an administrative fee is deducted.
• If you cancel or reschedule within five weeks of the test date without a pressing medical reason, the entire fee may be deducted.
• If you provide a valid medical certificate within five days of your test date, a local administrative fee will be deducted from your refund.

Note: If you miss your test without prior notice, it is treated as a cancellation, and no refund will be provided. In that case, you will need to re-register and pay the full fee again.

Important Facts About Postponing or Transferring Your IELTS Exam Date

• You can defer your exam date for up to three months from the original test date.
• For computer-based IELTS, you must apply at least three weeks in advance.
• One-fourth of your test fee is retained as an administrative fee.
• The final decision on the new exam date lies with the testing facility. If they cannot accommodate your request, you will have to cancel your exam and rebook.