Booking an IELTS test in Nepal is fairly straightforward if you know the process. Whether you choose IDP Nepal or the British Council, there are clear steps you need to follow. This guide will walk you through everything: test formats, fees, test centres, payment methods, booking dates, and tips to avoid common pitfalls.
What You Should Know First ?
Before booking, decide a few things so you can choose the right IELTS test for your purpose:
Do you need IELTS Academic, General Training, UKVI, or Life Skills?
Do you prefer computer-delivered or paper-based IELTS?
What’s your target score and when do you need the results?
Which city is most convenient (Kathmandu, Pokhara, Biratnagar, Chitwan etc.)?
Both IDP and British Council offer different schedules and locations. Knowing these preferences ahead of time helps you pick a test date that works.
Step 1: Check Upcoming Test Dates & Test Centres
Visit the official IDP Nepal IELTS website or the British Council Nepal IELTS page.
See which dates are available for your chosen test format (computer-based or paper-based). IDP often has more frequent computer-based slots, especially in Kathmandu.
Identify a convenient test centre. Some options are Kathmandu, Pokhara, Biratnagar, Butwal, Chitwan, etc.
Step 2: Prepare Necessary Documents
You’ll need:
A valid passport (ensure it’s not expiring soon). Use the same passport on test day.
Scanned color copy of the passport (for uploading online) if booking through IDP.
If you’re under 18, parental/guardian consent may be needed, especially for British Council.
Step 3: Register or Log In
Go to the relevant IELTS booking portal: IDP Nepal or British Council Nepal. IDP IELTS+2britishcouncil.org.np+2
If you already have an account, log in. If not, create one by filling in your details (name, email, passport, etc.).
Choose whether you want Academic or General Training (or another variant like UKVI).
Step 4: Select Test Mode & Date
Select whether you want computer-delivered or paper-based test. Computer-based tests are more frequent and sometimes more flexible.
Browse through available dates for your format in your chosen test centre.
Click “Book Now” or “Apply” once you find a suitable date.
Step 5: Pay the Fee
After selecting the test date, proceed to the payment section. You’ll need to pay the test fee within a specified time (some centers give you a deadline).
Payment methods in Nepal include:
Bank deposit (e.g. Nepal Investment Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Nabil Bank) for IDP or British Council.
Online payment by credit/debit card.
eSewa or FonePay (for some centers).
Once payment proof is submitted (if required), you should receive a confirmation email.
Step 6: Receive Confirmation & Test Details
After payment is cleared, you will receive an email confirming your booking. It contains your test date, venue, time, and candidate number.
If booking close to test date, confirmation may arrive sooner than usual. But normally 5-7 days before for full details.
Keep an eye on spam/junk folders so you don’t miss important emails.
Step 7: On Test Day
Bring the same passport you used for registration. No other ID is usually acceptable.
Arrive at the test centre early to complete check-in procedures.
Bring whatever materials the test centre allows / supplies (e.g. pens for paper-based, headphones for computer test). They’ll inform you ahead.
IELTS Test Fees in Nepal (Approx.)
| Test Type | Fee (NPR) |
|---|---|
| IELT S on Paper (Academic & General) | ~ NPR 36,200 |
| IELTS on Computer (Academic & General) | ~ NPR 33,000 britishcouncil.org.np |
| IELTS UKVI (Paper & Computer) | Paper ~ NPR 34,000, Computer ~ NPR 28,800 |
| Life Skills (A1/B1) | ~ NPR 27,400 |
These fees are subject to changes by the test providers. Always check the official site when booking. IDP IELTS+1
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Booking too late and losing preferred dates. Good practice: book at least 4-6 weeks ahead.
Using wrong ID (passport) or missing passport during test day.
Not confirming payment or failing to send proof (if required).
Choosing the wrong test module (Academic vs General vs UKVI).
Missing communication due to wrong email or mis-typed address.
Why Book Through Official Providers?
Booking through British Council or IDP Nepal ensures:
Authentic test results accepted globally.
Proper facilities and trained staff.
Access to preparation resources (mock tests, sample questions). British Council often gives “IELTS Ready Premium” and practice materials free when you register through them. britishcouncil.org.np
Clear rules and service standards (location, timing, ID verification etc.).
Booking your IELTS test doesn’t have to be stressful. When you follow the right steps and plan ahead, you can secure your preferred date, format, and centre without issues.
Anam Dahal