Applying for IELTS General Training? The application form is straightforward, but small mistakes lead to rejection. This guide walks you through each field, explains what examiners check, and shows you how to avoid the most common errors.
Before You Start: Documents You’ll Need
Keep these handy before opening the form:
- Valid passport (must match the name you use on the form exactly)
- Scanned passport photo (recent, white background, no glasses)
- Payment method (credit/debit card or net banking)
- Preferred test centre and date (check availability on the official portal)
Step 1: Personal Details
Full name – Must match your passport exactly. No nicknames, initials, or middle names omitted. A mismatch here is the #1 reason for ID verification failure.
Date of birth – Use DD/MM/YYYY format. Double-check the year.
Gender – Select as per your passport.
Nationality – Choose your passport-issuing country.
Email & phone – Use an email you check daily. The test centre will send confirmation and results here.
Step 2: Address and Contact
Residential address – Enter your current address. If you’re applying from India, include your PIN code. The test centre may send physical documents.
Postal code – Required for most centres. If your address doesn’t have one, leave it blank or enter “000000” only if the field is mandatory.
Country of residence – Where you currently live, not your nationality.
Step 3: Identification Document
Passport number – No spaces or dashes. Enter exactly as printed.
Passport expiry date – Must be valid on test day. If it expires within 6 months, renew first.
Passport issuing authority – Usually the country name. Check your passport’s issuing authority field.
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Step 4: Test Details
Test type – Select IELTS General Training (not Academic). This is for migration or work purposes.
Test format – Choose between computer-delivered or paper-based. Computer results come in 3–5 days; paper takes 13 days.
Test centre – Pick from the dropdown. Popular centres in India include Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad.
Preferred test date – Check availability. Some centres fill up 2–3 weeks in advance.
Step 5: Education and Occupation
Highest education level – Choose from the dropdown. This is for statistical purposes only, not scoring.
Occupation – Enter your current job title. Leave blank if unemployed or a student.
Reason for taking IELTS – Select “For migration” or “For work”. This helps the centre assign the correct module.
Step 6: Payment and Submission
Fee – Verify the exact amount on the official portal. IELTS General Training fees were last revised in early 2026. Expect ₹14,000–₹17,000 depending on the centre.
Payment method – Most centres accept credit/debit cards and net banking. Some also accept UPI.
Confirmation – After payment, you’ll receive a booking confirmation email within 24 hours. Save it.
Common Rejection Reasons (and How to Avoid Them)
- Name mismatch – Your form name must match your passport. Even a missing middle name causes rejection.
- Expired passport – Your passport must be valid on test day. Renew if it expires within 6 months.
- Blurry photo – Upload a high-resolution, passport-style photo. No selfies, filters, or shadows.
- Incorrect test type – Selecting Academic instead of General Training means you’ll sit the wrong exam. No refunds.
- Incomplete payment – Payment must clear before the deadline. Failed transactions don’t hold your seat.
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After Submission: What Happens Next?
Within 24 hours, you’ll get a confirmation email with your test details. If you don’t, check spam, then contact the test centre. You can reschedule or cancel up to 5 weeks before the test, but fees apply.