Nandini from Coimbatore had handwritten fifty practice essays. Her test would be typed, and she hadn’t typed an essay against the clock once.

On computer, the Writing tasks, timing and marking stay the same, but you type your answers and see a word count on screen. As of October 2026, IDP IELTS India says there is no spell-check, so practise timed typing and check your own spelling.

What Stays the Same on Screen

IELTS says the task types, scoring and time allocation of the Writing test are the same whether you type or write by hand. You still write at least 150 words for Task 1 and at least 250 for Task 2, and certificated IELTS examiners mark both against the same public band descriptors.

For an overview of the whole test on computer, see our guide to computer-delivered IELTS.

Verified On-Screen Features for Writing

These features appear in the IELTS computer familiarisation test or on the IELTS partners’ pages.

Feature What it means for you
Split screen Task on the left, your answer box on the right.
Live word count A word count under the answer box updates as you type.
Automatic saving The answer box says your text is saved automatically.
Task navigation Start with either task; move between them with the navigation bar.
Note-taking tool Notes are allowed, but the examiner will not see them.
Text size and contrast Menu options let you change both.
On-screen timer The British Council and IDP list one; plan your checkpoints.

You can use the live count to check the minimums quickly. For the targets, see our breakdown of IELTS Writing word counts.

The Writing on Paper Option

According to the IELTS website, from mid-2026 IELTS is no longer offered as a paper-based test, and all tests are delivered on computer. Exact timelines vary by market.

At the time of writing, Writing on Paper is offered in selected countries. You take the test on computer, the Writing tasks appear on screen, and you write by hand on an answer sheet with a pen. It is not available for IELTS for UKVI, and your Test Report Form will not show which option you chose.

IDP IELTS India says IELTS on Paper has been discontinued and now promotes Writing on Paper. IDP also says not all test centres offer it, so check the booking page for your centre.

Practical Steps to Prepare for Typing

  1. Practise typing timed essays: write full essays on a computer keyboard against the clock. IDP IELTS India says basic typing speed helps but ideas, structure and language matter more, so do not chase a speed target.
  2. Practise on-screen proofreading: check your typed text on screen, using a proofreading checklist in the final minutes of each task.
  3. Practise without writing aids: switch off spelling and grammar tools, so you learn to catch slips yourself.
  4. Try the IELTS familiarisation test: IDP IELTS offers a free computer familiarisation test, with both Writing tasks, so you can see the screen before test day.

Incorrect: “Spell-check will catch my mistakes.”

Correct: IDP IELTS India says the test has no spell-check, so learn the spelling of common topic words and check them yourself.

Tip

Practise on a computer with a full keyboard and a mouse rather than a phone or tablet.

Key Takeaways

  • IELTS says task types, scoring and time allocation are the same typed or handwritten.
  • The screen has a live word count, automatic saving and a note-taking tool.
  • From mid-2026, IELTS is no longer paper-based; Writing on Paper is offered in selected countries.
  • Try the free IELTS familiarisation test before test day.

The bottom line: Nandini’s handwritten essays still count; she now needs a few timed typed ones and one run through the familiarisation test.