The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) has just announced important changes in the organization of the exam.
According to the announcement posted on the official website of the IELTS system, from mid-2026, the paper exam format will no longer be provided.
Specifically, from mid-2026, IELTS will no longer provide paper tests. All IELTS tests will be organized on computers. This is a comprehensive digitalization roadmap just announced by IELTS operating organizations on the global homepage.
This decision was made after IELTS organizing partners conducted reviews and improved services to meet the needs of candidates. The results showed that those who chose to take the IELTS exam on a computer had a higher level of satisfaction thanks to convenience, fast result return time and being able to optionally take a one-skill retake.
However, to meet the needs of candidates who are used to handwriting, IELTS operating organizations introduce a new option called "Writing on Paper". In some markets, candidates taking the exam on computers can still choose to write handwritten in the Writing on Paper part.
Comparison studies show that the scores between the current paper exam format and the "Writing on Paper" option in the computer test are equivalent, both overall and for each score level. This format is also considered friendly to candidates, helping to increase confidence when doing the test but still ensuring stability and reliability.
The change in exam format does not affect the assessed skills, exam structure as well as how organizations use the results. The exam will maintain strict security standards, value and widespread global recognition.
Along with that, special support policies for candidates such as providing large and braille exam questions or supporting people with hearing impairments are still maintained to ensure fair access for all subjects.
For candidates who have had exam results on paper before the conversion time, their certificates will still be valid for 2 years in accordance with current regulations.
If the candidate chooses "Writing on Paper", the writing skills retake (One Skill Retake) must also be done in this form, not switching to writing on a computer.
IELTS is a common standardized English test for people who do not speak native English. This test assesses four skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing of candidates on a 9-point scale. Every year, more than 2 million candidates take IELTS for the purpose of studying abroad, settling down, or applying for jobs.
