For many students aiming to study or work abroad, IELTS is a necessary milestone. But before booking the test, the first concern is usually the IELTS exam fees 2025. At ₹17,000, the registration fee appears to be the only expense, and students often assume they’re done once it’s paid. However, hidden charges soon follow—rescheduling fees, extra payments for sending scores, and even currency conversion deductions. Suddenly, the “fixed fee” doesn’t feel so fixed. This article reveals the hidden expenses of IELTS that most coaching centres and official websites don’t tell you about.

Breakdown of IELTS Exam Fees for 2025 and Extra Costs

Do you wish to take the IELTS in 2025? The test fee is just the beginning. Follow the pointers below to explore IELTS exam fees 2025. This guide helps you plan so you experience no surprises later.

The Real Cost of IELTS Registration in 2025

Many students assume that IELTS exam fees are simple and straightforward. In 2025, the official amount seems reasonable—₹17,000–₹17,500 in India and about $250–$280 in the UK or US. But in reality, the actual cost goes far beyond just the registration fee.

While paying the exam fee, you may see a number on the screen. But the bank somehow deducts more money. The other extra charges include currency conversion and exchange rates. Then comes the payment mode. You have to select between a Debit card, a credit card, or even UPI. Here, you will be charged a service fee amounting to ₹200. Sometimes, this service charge amounts to ₹800. 

Metro cities often match the advertised fee. But when it comes to IELTS exam fees 2025, smaller test centres usually charge more due to operating costs. So, the simple ₹17,000 exam fee quietly grows 5–10%. Hence, you must budget tightly; otherwise, your math slips. That is how IELTS gets you—not just with the test, but even before you enter the exam hall.

Rescheduling and Cancellation Fees

Rescheduling sounds simple. You may assume you only need to move the date. However, you must register for rescheduling at least 15 days earlier. If you miss the deadline, you will need a new application. Even if you are on time, it is not free but costly. You will pay about ₹3,300 in India to reschedule your IELTS exam. In other countries, this amounts to around $50–$75. 

Cancellation is even more costly, especially when it comes to IELTS exam fees 2025. They will deduct 25–50% as admin charges. However, they consider some “special cases.” In that case, you may benefit from a partial refund. Hence, you must not rush while booking for IELTS. If you are not ready.

Extra Charges for Test Report Forms (TRFs)

The TRF, which is the Test Report Form, becomes a money magnet. Once your results arrive, you will be handed one hard copy. You can send up to five free copies to universities or immigration offices. After that, you will need to pay.

Extra TRFs can cost ₹400–₹600 in India. Abroad, this amount goes to $10–$20. Additionally, you will be responsible for the courier charges. Sending it overseas with a secure courier can cost 1,200–₹2,000 each time. Electronic delivery is free sometimes. However, not all universities accept it. 

Moreover, some universities ask for official copies to be sent directly. In this case, you have to opt for express shipping. Suppose you apply to 8 or 10 universities. In that scenario, the costs pile up. In the end, the IELTS exam fees 2025 you thought were “final” suddenly look more like a starting price.

Rechecking and Enquiry on Results (EOR) Fees

Enquiry on Results is not cheap. It costs around ₹12,000 in India and $150 if you are abroad. If you score more in the rechecking, you get the refund. In this process, patience is the key. The process drags on for four, five, or even six weeks. Meanwhile, university deadlines keep moving.

So, should you risk a recheck or retake the exam? Either way, it burns your cash.

Preparation and Retake Costs

Exam preparation and retakes also cost an extra fee. First, you pay for the Coaching. Everyone suggests that you join a class. However, those classes can cost ₹10,000, ₹20,000, or sometimes even ₹40,000. Online coaching may be a little cheaper, but you still pay a significant amount.

Moreover, practice stuff, books, mock tests, and papers become a large part of your budget. Slowly, these expenses cost from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000. You may find free PDFs online. However, half of them are outdated and follow the wrong formats. 

Besides that, most students are unable to score their dream band on the first go. Hence, they retake the exam. But every “one more attempt” means another ₹17,000. If you take the exam two or three times, your fee payment will cross ₹50,000. That is why tutors advise students to study hard before the first shot, often suggesting IELTS online classes as a smarter investment. They know that every retake is not just stress, but it is also a strain on your bank account.

Summing It Up

IELTS is your ticket to study abroad. That is why everyone stares at the registration fee of 17k. But the real trouble is the costs nobody talks about. Rescheduling, rechecking, and extra TRFs make it challenging for students to take the IELTS exam. By 2025, nothing has changed. The exam is still a stiff competition. If you do not plan your wallet the way you plan your grammar, you will regret it. Lastly, IELTS is not only about English but also about money. If you prepare both ways—brain and pocket—you save yourself stress. IELTS online classes, when chosen wisely, actually reduce extra costs and allow you to prep flexibly. Ultimately, the journey will feel smoother and lighter.