Pooja from Hubli always copied her Listening answers onto the answer sheet at the end. On screen, there is no separate answer sheet.

In computer-delivered IELTS Listening, you type your answers on screen as you listen, then have two minutes at the end to check them. IDP IELTS describes a navigation bar, a Review button, a volume control and a Settings button.

What Has Happened to Paper-Based IELTS?

The IELTS partners announced on 5 March 2026 that from mid-2026 IELTS would no longer be offered as a paper-based test, and that all tests would be delivered on computer. The announcement on the official IELTS website says exact timelines vary by market.

In selected markets, a “Writing on Paper” option lets you handwrite the Writing tasks. Listening stays on screen.

On paper, the Cambridge IELTS FAQ says you had 10 minutes to transfer your answers to an answer sheet. IDP IELTS says no extra time is given for this on computer.

What Stays the Same on Computer?

The official test-taker guide says Listening has 40 questions, and that all formats of IELTS use the same scoring system. The official format page says the Listening test takes about 30 minutes and each recording is heard once only.

The Listening test is the same for IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. Speaking is not on screen: IDP IELTS says it is still with a real examiner. For the timings and question counts of all four skills, see the IELTS exam pattern.

Which On-Screen Features Are Described?

IDP IELTS describes the features below for the Listening section. The table lists features that official sources name.

Feature What it does How to use it
Answer gaps Take the words you type Type your answer in the gap
Multiple-choice answers Record the option you choose Click the answer you choose
Navigation bar Shows all 40 questions Use it, or the arrows, to move between questions
Review button Changes a question number from a square to a circle Mark a question you want to check again
Volume control Lets you change the volume during the test Adjust it if the level is wrong
Settings button Changes the font size and background colour Choose a comfortable setting
Checking time Gives two minutes at the end Check spelling, plurals and word limits

How Can I Practise on a Computer?

The British Council offers a free IELTS on computer practice experience with a Listening sample of four recordings and 40 questions. It is not timed, and the British Council says the timer, highlighting and notes functions work differently from the live test.

The official IELTS website also has free Listening sample tasks in the computer style, with answer keys and recording transcripts. Their instructions say things such as “click on the correct answer” and “write your answer in the gap”.

The IELTS Trial Test is another free option: a familiarisation test at participating official locations for Listening, Reading and Writing, held under timed conditions similar to the full test. Its scores are not official scores.

As advice, practise typing while listening, and keep your eyes on the questions rather than the keyboard. Our post on Listening spelling words lists everyday words to practise.

Incorrect: “I’ll tidy my answers in a long transfer period at the end.”

Correct: On computer, you type answers as you listen, and IDP IELTS says no extra time is given to transfer them.

Tip

In practice, use the checking time for one job at a time: spelling first, then plurals, then word limits.

Key Takeaways

  • The IELTS partners announced that all tests would be on computer from mid-2026.
  • The official guide says all formats of IELTS use the same scoring system.
  • You type answers as you listen, with two minutes to check at the end.
  • The British Council’s free computer practice test is untimed and differs slightly from the live test.

The bottom line: Typing as you listen and checking quickly at the end are habits you can practise before test day.