Eliminating one IELTS test format from the middle of this year.

Previously, this IELTS test format was also discontinued in many countries and territories, including Vietnam.

The paper-based IELTS test will be officially discontinued globally from mid-2026.

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

Switch entirely to taking the IELTS exam on a computer.

On March 5th, IELTS released an update regarding its global IELTS test format. Following a "higher level of satisfaction" among candidates taking the computer-based IELTS test – thanks to benefits such as convenience, faster results, and the option to retake a skill (OSR) – and after a thorough evaluation, the organization has decided to discontinue paper-based IELTS testing from mid-2026 onwards.

This officially "kills off" the exam format that has been in place since the IELTS test was introduced in 1989. The specific implementation roadmap will vary from country to country.

However, IELTS also notes that some candidates still prefer to write their answers by hand. Therefore, in certain countries, the organization allows candidates to register for the Writing on Paper skill test, while other sections are still conducted on a computer. According to IELTS, research shows that candidates receive comparable results in both overall and individual scores when taking the writing test on paper and on a computer.

"The study also showed that handwriting provides a more user-friendly experience for test-takers, boosting confidence while ensuring the consistency and reliability of results," the announcement stated. IELTS added that test-takers can still choose OSR if they register for the paper-based Writing skill, but they must continue with the paper-based test and cannot switch to typing on a computer.

IELTS also emphasized that the results of the paper-based IELTS tests administered before the discontinuation of the program will not be affected and will remain valid for the full two-year period as stipulated. The complete shift to computer-based testing will not affect the test structure or how test providers interpret results. "IELTS will continue to maintain its current global standards for English proficiency testing in terms of quality, validity, security, and recognition," the organization affirmed.

"To ensure fairness, we will continue to maintain our current support measures, including large print, Braille, hearing-impaired support (lip-reading), and OSR (Access Arrangements) for candidates requiring special assistance," the organization added.

Candidates in Da Nang prepare for the IELTS exam on computers.

PHOTO: HUYNH DUC

According to Thanh Nien newspaper, at least 27 countries and territories have announced or officially stopped taking the paper-based IELTS test, including: Algeria, Cambodia, Canada, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Poland, Brunei, Taiwan, Ghana, Iran, Jordan, South Korea, Laos, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mongolia, Nigeria, Palestine, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.

Both forms have been involved in controversies.

The elimination of the paper-based IELTS exam comes amid ongoing controversies surrounding this format, particularly in Asia. In Bangladesh, Dhaka police arrested two individuals last September in connection with a ring selling paper-based IELTS exam questions and answers advertised as "leaked before the exam." This move followed complaints from several of the suspects' clients who claimed only a few questions matched the materials they received, according to the Daily Star .

Previously, Pakistan and India also reported numerous cases of fake IELTS certificates, with suspected instances of exam paper leaking before the test date, and even impersonation during the exam, leading to arrests of many individuals. Meanwhile, in July 2025, Uzbekistan announced that its partners had to temporarily suspend paper-based IELTS testing for "operational reasons," after paper-based tests were sent to Cambridge English (UK) for re-marking and some scores were invalidated, according to Gazeta .

In Vietnam, Thanh Nien newspaper previously published a series of investigative articles on the market selling IELTS test papers, which were advertised as "leaked before the exam," with a complete set of four skills costing over 100 million VND in 2022. At the time, both partners of the IELTS exam denied the allegations , asserting that there were no signs of leaks during the exam organization process and claiming that any actions or advertisements such as "providing test papers before the official exam date" were fraudulent.

Regarding the remaining test format, between August 2023 and September 2025, a "technical incident" occurred that resulted in over 63,000 computer-based IELTS tests having their scores adjusted. Of these, nearly 59,000 tests had at least one skill (listening or reading) that received an increase in score, accounting for 93% of all adjusted scores globally, according to IELTS. Affected candidates were given the option of either a refund or a free retake.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an internationally recognized English language test accepted by thousands of governments , universities, and businesses worldwide. Established in 1989, the test is jointly owned by IDP, the British Council, and Cambridge English (University of Cambridge, UK). According to statistics from the test organizers, over 2 million candidates take the IELTS test globally each year.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/xoa-so-mot-hinh-thuc-thi-ielts-tu-giua-nam-nay-185260308172213025.htm