IELTS Test Day Checklist: What to Carry, What’s Banned, and the Timeline
Nikhil reached his Bengaluru test centre with his passport, two pens and his smartwatch on his wrist. Two of those were wrong: the centre generally provides writing materials, and watches are not allowed in the test room.
Bring the passport you booked with, and arrive at least 30–45 minutes before your scheduled exam time, as IDP India advises. Phones, watches, notes and bags stay out of the test room; Listening, Reading and Writing run back to back with no breaks, and Speaking is on the same day for IELTS on Computer.
Carry vs Leave in Storage
Rules can differ between centres, so treat this table as a guide and check your confirmation email.
| Bring ✅ | Leave in storage ❌ |
|---|---|
| Original, valid passport you booked with | Phone |
| Clear, label-free water bottle (usually permitted) | Watch or smartwatch |
| Glasses if needed | Fitness band |
| Confirmation email (optional) | Notes and books |
| Bag | |
| Earphones | |
| Food |
Incorrect: “I can wear my watch to track time.”
Correct: Watches are not allowed in the test room; the clock is on your screen or on the wall.
Test Centre Check-in
Staff verify your ID, take your photograph and may collect biometric data, such as a finger scan or signature. Your personal belongings stay outside the test room, and you are guided to your computer station.
The Test Day Timeline
IELTS says Listening, Reading and Writing are one session of up to about 2 hours 40 minutes, with no breaks between them.
- Check-in: ID check, photograph and possibly a finger scan or signature.
- Listening (about 30 minutes): Four recordings, each played once through your headphones, plus 2 minutes to review typed answers.
- Reading (60 minutes): Three sections and 40 questions, answered on screen.
- Writing (60 minutes): Task 1 (at least 150 words) and Task 2 (at least 250 words), typed with a live word count.
- Speaking (11–14 minutes): A conversation with a certified human examiner, on the same day for IELTS on Computer, according to IDP India’s FAQ.
Incorrect: “There’s a tea break after Listening.”
Correct: Listening, Reading and Writing run back to back without breaks.
IELTS advises going to the washroom before you enter the test room. If you need to leave during the test, raise your hand and ask staff, because you may not leave without permission. For section details, consult our IELTS exam pattern guide.
Computer-Test Specifics
These details apply to IELTS on Computer. IDP India also offers IELTS Writing on Paper, where you take Listening and Reading on computer and write your Writing answers by hand, so check which format you booked.
Each workstation has headphones for Listening. Check your equipment before the test starts and raise your hand if something is wrong.
Use the notepaper provided for notes: IDP India says the centre generally provides pencils and paper, and test materials cannot leave the room. For interface details, read our guide to computer-delivered IELTS.
Inside the Speaking Room
The examiner introduces themselves and checks your identity at the start of Part 1. The test is recorded.
You can ask the examiner to repeat a question; IDP IELTS says this is acceptable. To see how Speaking is marked, read our IELTS Speaking band descriptors guide.
Practical Advice for Indian Candidates
- Plan for city traffic: allow extra time in Bengaluru, Mumbai or Delhi.
- Dress comfortably, and ask your centre in advance if you plan to wear a hat, scarf or jacket.
- Eat before you leave: Listening, Reading and Writing run for up to about 2 hours 40 minutes without a break, so have a proper meal first.
- Skip last-minute cramming on test morning to keep your mind rested.
Tip
Check your route to the centre the day before, so travel is one less thing to think about on test morning.
Night-Before Checklist
- Pack the original passport you used when booking.
- Prepare a clear, label-free water bottle.
- Check your scheduled exam time in your confirmation email.
- Set two morning alarms.
- Sleep early so you are alert for the long stretch without a break.
Key Takeaways
- Carry the same passport you used when booking.
- Phones, watches, notes and bags stay out of the test room.
- Listening, Reading and Writing run back to back.
- Headphones and notepaper are provided at your workstation.
- Speaking is recorded and is on the same day for IELTS on Computer.
The bottom line: Bring the passport you booked with, leave phones and watches in storage, and arrive at least 30–45 minutes before your scheduled exam time.