How Many Attempts for IELTS Are Allowed? New Guide 2025

The IELTS exam is among the most accepted examinations that must be taken to analyse English Language skills to various ends: study, work and migration. A question that always prevails among the candidates is the number of IELTS exam attempts. Therefore, under the 2025 regulations, there is no limit on the flexibility of relying on the IELTS assessment. If candidates intend to retake the exams to increase their marks, there will be no prohibition on retaking the exams. 

This article on how many attempts are there for the IELTS exam is focused on explaining all the details concerning retake approaches and effective study strategies for the exam.

How Many Attempts for IELTS? 

If you're wondering how many attempts for IELTS are allowed, you're not alone. Test-takers are very concerned about restrictions or limitations on retaking the exam. The bright side of this is that there is no limit on the number of attempts to be given to IELTS. You can take the exam many times to achieve the targeted band score. Whether you're applying for a student visa, work permit, or migration, the IELTS allows you to try again without penalty. 

This part will dispel the most frequently heard myths of how many attempts for IELTS, expound on the official policy, and assist you in better planning for how many attempts are allowed for IELTS.

Is There a Limit on How Many Attempts for IELTS?

No, there is no official limit on how many attempts for IELTS are allowed. Candidates can take the exam as often as they wish until they achieve their target score. Each attempt is treated as a separate registration, and you must pay the full test fee every time.

How Many Attempts for IELTS in a Year?

The recognition of IELTS attempts that one can attempt in one year may differ depending on the availability of the test in the area. Usually, this academic stream of IELTS is run as many as 4 times per month,i.e. 48 times per annum. You can take up to 2 attempts of the IELTS General Training a month, or 24 times a year. 

The large number of centres available gives candidates sufficient opportunities to repeat the test. If planning your next attempt, check the official IELTS website or your local test centre for specific dates.

IELTS One Skill Retake: A Game-Changer

The IELTS One Skill Retake mode, the changed version of IELTS, appeared in 2023 and became a significant change in test reform. It enables the candidates to redo only one part: Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking, instead of the whole test. Retake must be within 60 days following the initial test and at the test centre where you took the examination. 

This suits those people who did well in three areas and left behind one area. The newest One Skill Retake feature allows you to eliminate stress, spend less money, and increase your chances of achieving your goal with fewer tries. 

So, if you're asking how many attempts are allowed for IELTS, the answer is unlimited, with new options like One Skill Retake making the journey smoother. 

Also Read: Is IELTS Difficult? New Insights, Tips & Strategies

Why Retake the IELTS Exam?

 Personal reasons for researching how many attempts for IELTS and retaking the IELTS exam are numerous, legitimate, and wise grounds. Whether aiming for international education, skilled migration, or professional registration, achieving the required band score is essential. The first test might not bring shocking outcomes to some candidates; hence, they may consider attempting. Awareness of the reasons to retake IELTS helps you set up better and enhances your results as you move along. 

Wanting to know how many attempts for IELTS are allowed is normal, and a candidate can take the papers as many times as needed because there is no restriction on IELTS sitting sessions. Some of the significant reasons why a person might consider taking the same IELTS exam several times are presented below: 

• Failed to achieve the necessary band score to join a university, visa and employment.

• Try to reach a higher score on the band to use the scholarship or pursue the work.

• Specific skill areas (e.g., Speaking or Writing) need improvement.

• Out-of-date IELTS score- a score can only be valid within two years.

• A new or higher IELTS score might be necessary for changes in immigration requirements or the university's requirements.

• Problems on the day of the test, whether anxiety, illness or technical issues, can affect performance. 

It does not matter whether you have academic or immigration criteria; having the information on how many attempts for IELTS allows you to pursue further improvements with no limit.

Common Scenarios for Multiple IELTS Attempts

When looking into how many attempts for IELTS, it's essential to consider the practical reasons why someone would need more than one try. IELTS experience may vary depending on the individual and the goals and performance across time. These are the most typical scenarios when all test-takers decide to want to know how many attempts are allowed for IELTS and take repeated attempts:

• Not Achieving the Required Band Score: Many universities and visa programs require a minimum IELTS score (e.g., 6.5 or 7.0 in each section). If you fail on the initial attempt, you cannot retake.

• Augmenting a particular Skill Area: A candidate can sometimes excel in Reading and Listening but fail in Writing or Speaking. Now, with the One Skill Retake option, it is possible to retake only the section that should be re-taken, and this will be very effective and efficient in increasing your overall score.

• Outdated IELTS Score: IELTS scores remain effective after two years. The score expires at the time of application; if you have it, you will be required to retake it even when you have performed well during the exam.

• Variation in the Immigration or Academic Requirements: There is a possibility that the Immigration programs or universities can increase their scores. For example, Australians need higher bands to progress to the Proficient level when they are Competent in English. In this case, knowing how many attempts for IELTS (unlimited) allows you to meet new requirements.

• Technical or Personal Problems on Test Day: Distractions, test anxiety, or medical reasons like a sore throat or fever may occur and affect performance. Retaking the exam would be beneficial to a great deal because chances are that you might fail to perform at your best.

Also Read: Is 7.5 a Good IELTS Score? Here is the Truth

Experts' Latest Tips to Succeed in Multiple IELTS Attempts in 2025

 If you plan to retake the IELTS exam after researching how many attempts for IELTS, you're not alone. Most of the applicants retake the exam to attain their desired fail mark. The silver lining is that there is no restriction on the number of attempts in IELTS, so you can make as many as you want. But not to spend unnecessary nerves, energy, and money, you should implement the proper strategy between the tries. The IELTS preparation tips will assist you in increasing your results and passing the test with fewer attempts.

Preparation Strategies Between Attempts

The most important thing is to prepare well to pass the subsequent TOEFL attempts. What you must do after knowing how many attempts for IELTS is as follows:

• Analyse Your Past Performance: Examine your past performance and realise which area needs improvement. Pay attention to band scores as well as feedback on skills.

• Focus on Weak Spots: Look into your weak areas and then focus on those areas; whether it is speaking fluency or writing coherence, concentrate on your weak spot.

• Study with Official IELTS Teaching Resources: Use British Council, IDP and Cambridge resources. They are mirror images of the actual test format and standards.

• Take Professional IELTS Coaching or Online Courses: A certified IELTS trainer would provide personalised feedback, simulation exams, and a roadmap to improve. Programs such as Magoosh, IELTS Liz, and Cambridge have programmed study resources.

• Take Some Proven IELTS Advice: Practice whilst timing yourself, attempt to create an exam-like environment and do frequent mock exams.

Whether it's your second or fifth time, thoughtful preparation will help you improve steadily. Knowing how many attempts for IELTS (unlimited) ensures you can pace your learning with each try.

Financial and Time Considerations

Each IELTS sitting is paid and time-wise commitment.

• IELTS Exam Fee: In India, the fee is around INR 16,250 per attempt (as of 2025). This differs according to the centre and test.

• IELTS Test Dates: Academic: The tests are held up to 48 times a year in most locations. General Training: These are available approximately 24 times a year.

Depending on the location, for booking another attempt, ensure you:

• Budget for test fees and preparation costs (books, coaching, etc.).

• Take into account university admissions or visa expiration.

• Most people will take at least 24 weeks or up to 4 weeks to concentrate on preparation.

Can I Take IELTS Twice in a Month?

Of course, you can. How many attempts for IELTS in a month is not officially limited. You can also schedule back-to-back exemptions even during a month, provided some vacant test dates are available in the local centre. However, allowing some time between attempts to prepare effectively is advisable. Submitting the test more than once without developing your skills can result in similar scores.

Do Universities Know How Many Attempts for IELTS I took?

They do not. Your IELTS attempts cannot be seen by the universities or immigration, except when you decide to report all your scores. You can submit your best result only; therefore, you are free to resit the test without fear of harassment due to the number of times you take the test. Therefore, there is no restriction, so they will not allow you to take IELTS assessments indefinitely; the only scores that count are those you submit.

Also Read: IELTS Exam Syllabus: Latest Exam Guide & Updates

Is There a Waiting Period Between IELTS Attempts?

Officially, there is no waiting period between IELTS tests. As soon as your result is announced, you will be able to reserve the slot that is available within the next minute. Nevertheless, one is highly advised to allow oneself time to prepare more. Concentrate on your errors and do not use the IELTS retake waiting period as a rule, but as a strategy.

How Many Attempts for IELTS Are Recommended?

In technical terms, there is no solid number for how many attempts for IELTS you can take, so go for as many as you require. Nonetheless, from a strategic and financial perspective, it would be advisable:

• Evaluate your attempt and performance.

• At least 3-4 weeks between tests should be allowed.

• Do not retake hopelessly.

Most of the candidates pass after 2 to 3, though the figure would go higher depending on the target band score of the candidate and the level of skills. Therefore, although there is no limit to the number of attempts at IELTS, the best preparation always wins over the bulk.

What Happens If I Fail IELTS Multiple Times?

Nothing is alarming if you fail IELTS more than once, as this is a natural way of doing things. There is no restriction on the number of attempts taken toward IELTS, so you can just keep trying. Yet to change the situation:

• Put yourself on hold to correct your English foundations.

• Learning grammar, Vocabulary and fluency beyond test content.

• Apply IELTS section-specific strategies.

• For detailed feedback, consider group lessons or individual classes to be coached in IELTS.

Also Read: Documents Required for IELTS Exam: Latest Checklist

Latest Facts & News (2024-2025) 

Here are the latest facts and news on how many attempts for IELTS one can take:

• Unlimited Attempts: There is no definite bar on how many attempts are allowed for the IELTS examination.

• One Skill Retake: Since 2023, candidates can retake a single section (Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking) instead of the whole test, within 60 days of the original attempt.

• Frequency: IELTS is held as many as 4 times a month in most places (48 times a year).

• Demand Boom: In India, the demand for IELTS has grown at 10-15 per cent since COVID, and several new centres are being set up in tier-II localities.

• Management of IDP: The IELTS in India is now wholly under IETP, having purchased the IELTS business of the British Council.

• Score Validity: Most purposes occupied by IELTS scores are valid within 2 years, except for Australian skilled migration, valid within 3 years.

• Pass Rate on the First Trial: The pass mark on the first attempt is approximated at 50 per cent since candidates fail to attain their desired score, although the success rate increases with experience and preparation.

• No Waiting Time: You can reserve the next IELTS test when the vacancy appears.

• Cost: A new fee will be charged, and a new registration will be needed after every attempt, depending on the country.

• Institutions Only Access the Selected University Scores: Universities are unaware of how many times you have taken IELTS; you can send your highest score.

Also Read: Vocabulary Words for IELTS: 1000+ Crucial Words & Meanings 

 Conclusion

Regarding the issue of how many attempts are there for IELTS, the response is straightforward, and there are no limitations to it. Candidates can retake the IELTS examination as often as they want to reach the desired score. Suppose you are a university-qualified, skilled migrant or a registered professional. You control the number of attempts, which can maximise your effort. This journey has been further facilitated by introducing the One Skill Retake option, where you only retake the section where you have problems, thus saving time and money. Nonetheless, frequent tries will not be enough to succeed. Setting up a good plan, working on it efficiently, and practising might increase your score.

To learn more about the number of IELTS attempts, visit TerraTern now.