Learn more about taking IELTS on paper or computer in a test centre, or online at home.
IELTS on paper test
With our paper-based IELTS test, you’ll use an answer booklet to respond to questions in the Listening, Reading and Writing sections. You’ll take your Speaking test one-to-one with an examiner.
What is IELTS on paper?
IELTS on paper is taken at an official test centre. You will sit at a desk and be given a question booklet and answer sheets for the Listening, Reading and Writing sections of the test. You’ll also be provided with a black pen to write your answers.
Your Speaking test is a live conversation with an examiner, either face-to-face or via video call. You will also take this at a test centre, but it may be on a different day.
Our paper-based IELTS test offers a simple and familiar test experience, with several features to help you take the test with ease:
- Individual question booklets for each section, which you can annotate
- Easy-to-follow answer sheets for your responses
- Additional answer sheets available for the Writing section.
Why take IELTS on paper?
Our paper-based IELTS test offers a traditional approach, which can feel like a more familiar exam experience for some test takers:
Familiar test-day environment
A common exam room environment to put you at ease on test day
Intuitive note-taking
Annotate and highlight key facts, figures and words in a question booklet
Tech-free experience
Avoid exam day anxiety caused by fear of technical issues
Book IELTS on paper with the British Council
Ready to book your paper-based IELTS te st? Once you’ve chosen the right test, find a convenient test date near you and complete your booking. Take the next step towards your goals with the British Council.
IELTS on paper: FAQs
Test takers can cross out incorrect answers and re-write it inside the designated answer box. Marks are not deducted for making corrections. The test content and assessment criteria remain the same. A response which has overrun the box, will be marked.
The IELTS test takes about 2 hours and 45 mins: Listening (30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), Writing (60 minutes) and Speaking (11-14 minutes). If you take IELTS on paper, you will have an additional 10 minutes at the end of the Listening section to transfer your answers from the question booklet to the answer sheet.
We use strict security measures and standardised procedures to ensure test integrity and fairness.
[OPT] For IELTS Online, the examiner or remote proctor will ask you to show them your room, desk and equipment with your mobile device.
The same questions are used for IELTS on computer and IELTS on paper, so one is not easier than the other. However, IELTS on computer offers additional benefits compared to IELTS on paper, including Faster Results, the option to retake one skill, and a wider choice of test dates and locations.
No, you are required to use pens instead of pencils when taking IELTS on paper. The staff at the test centre will provide black ink pens for you to use. No other stationery is allowed inside the test room.
Related Pages
Take IELTS digitally on computer at a test centre with the British Council
Discover IELTS online, our remote English language test.