Why is my IELTS test result delayed?

It is often heard that the IELTS test result of a candidate has been delayed. This may be quite confusing for test-takers since after all the rigorous preparation they take the exam but that results in a delay of the score report. But what is more important is knowing the reasons behind the delay of the test result in order to not worry henceforth. Generally, the IELTS TRF is received within 3 to 5 days from the test day.

During IELTS registration, candidates get to fill an application form. They are required to thoroughly read the application form that contains certain terms and conditions about IELTS test results. It is these terms and conditions that candidates will come across three points that clearly state the delay or cancellation that may be caused in the delivery of IELTS test results.

What are those?

1. Your IELTS test results may not be released within 3 to 5 days for IELTS computer-delivered test or 13 days for the paper-based test. The reason being, the IELTS examiners may find it mandatory to investigate in your test answers or the administration surrounding your test. To provide backing in the investigation, test-takers may be required to provide some of your speaking and writing sample works. In very rare cases, you may be required to retake any one IELTS sections.

This happened with one of the IELTS test-takers who took the test on the 14th of July 2016 and was supposed to receive the IELTS TRF on 27th July. But he receives a message stating that his result has will not be released on the mentioned date as it is undergoing some investigation. Later on, on dialing the British Council customer support he was informed about how if there is a difference of 2 bands in each component then that section undergoes inquiry. This means if a candidate has scored a 7 in writing but 5 in speaking, the tests will be evaluated. Since a test-taker scoring 7 in writing cannot be so poor in speaking. The verification may take 1 to 2 months time.

2. The second point to be considered is the IELTS can cancel the result any moment they feel any inconsistency. In that case, the test-taker may be required to retake one or more sections of the IELTS syllabus. Inconsistency or irregularity here states the presence of some measures which were unacceptable.
3. The last one states if the IELTS result provided by the test-taker or the agent to the Recognizing Organizations has been transformed in any way it will be immediately canceled. It is always advisable to submit only authentic IELTS TRFs and also consider only reputable agents.

Candidates will receive an email about the delay or cancellation of the results. In case you haven’t received a mail, do check your spam folder.

What to do in case of a delay or cancellation?

It is quite expected of a candidate to be worried in case they receive a mail like that. They need to be patient and relax. It may happen that the final result may take a week or a couple of weeks. But some may even take up a month or even a couple of months to be received. Hence, there is no fixed time limit in case of delayed test results. Since the results are passed on to other examiners, the complete investigation process consumes time. Maintaining the accuracy level of each answer sheet is of utmost importance to them.

If the time taken is higher than usual, candidates can definitely retake the test. In case you are retaking IELTS, you will have two IELTS scores. Then, you can actually send the highest IELTS score to the selected universities. Having two IELTS scores will not affect you in any way, it will be more of an advantage on your part.

An important thing to note is that always book your IELTS test prior to two to three months before the deadline. As we have already seen that there may be an unforeseen delay in the results. You definitely don’t want to miss out on your college application. Since IELTS follows strict fairness measures, it may take a month or more for the delayed result to finally arrive.