Why have my IELTS results been delayed?
- Aurvind Raj
- Apr 12, 2024
- 3 min read
Why have my IELTS results been delayed?
After completing your IELTS exam, you waited for 13 days to receive your results. However, on the 13th day, you received an email stating that your results are being withheld. Now you're wondering, why? The first thing we recommend is contacting the test centre. We suggest that you email or phone them.
Keep in mind when you apply for the IELTS and complete the application form, you'll find the terms and conditions attached to the form. These terms and conditions contain three very important points which advise that your results may be withheld or cancelled.
Terms and conditions (explained)
The following points are found under the terms and conditions:
Your result may not be issued 13 days after the test if the IELTS test partners decide that it is necessary to review any matter associated with your test or the administration of your test. To assist in any investigation, you may be required to provide writing and speaking samples. In exceptional circumstances, you may be required to retake one or more IELTS components.
Explanation
This means that you may not receive your results after 13 days because your results need to be checked more thoroughly. The two most common reasons are:
IELTS needs to check your test again
IELTS is doing quality control checks on how the test was managed.
Your exam result may be cancelled even after it has been issued if any irregularity is found. You may be required to retake one or more IELTS components.
Explanation
This means if it's determined that there are any problems with your test, your results may be cancelled, and you may need to take your test or parts of your test again. The term "irregularity" means something happened regarding your test or how it was managed which was not acceptable or usual.
If any of the data on the Test Report Form (TRF) provided by you or your agent to recognise organisations has been altered in any way, your original test result may be cancelled.
Explanation
This means that if it's determined that any of the information given was altered, your result may be cancelled. Please be very careful when providing your information and only use reputable agents.
IELTS maintains the right to withhold or cancel your results for analysis or quality checks. When you sign your application form, you agree to accept possible delays in your results. Your signature on the form confirms that you agree to the terms and conditions.
IELTS will email you if your results are withheld or cancelled. If you do not receive an email and cannot access your results, please check your spam, or contact the centre where you took your test.
What can you do if your results are delayed?
If your results are delayed, you need to be patient and wait
There is no fixed time limit. Some students will receive their results within a week or two, but others may have to wait a month or even up to 3 months
Can you take your test again?
Certainly, you have the option to take the test again and use this opportunity to prepare more effectively for the next time with the help of our preparation material available on our IDP website.
Retaking your test
If you don't want to, or can't wait, you can take your test again.
If you take more than one test, you can choose which result to use. It won't matter if you end up with two sets of results, you can pick the highest results.
Planning when to take your test
When selecting a date for your IELTS exam, make sure you have a few months before your deadline as unexpected delays can occur.
We hope, this blog will help you in understanding why your results have been delayed.
To know more about IELTS and to book your test date, you can get in touch with our IELTS experts at IDP or walk into your nearest IELTS centre.
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