Exam Fees 2026: Complete Guide to Certification Costs

IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, OET, Prometric, CAT, III & IGNOU Registration Fees

Planning to take an international language test or professional certification exam in 2026? This comprehensive guide covers all exam fees, payment methods, and money-saving tips for IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, OET, DHA Prometric, CAT, Insurance Institute of India, and IGNOU examinations. Understanding costs upfront helps you budget effectively for your career or education goals.

IELTS Exam Fees 2026

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the world's most popular English proficiency tests for study, work, and migration purposes. IELTS exam fees vary significantly by country, test center, test format (paper-based vs computer-delivered), and test type (Academic vs General Training vs UKVI).

Country/Region IELTS Academic/General IELTS for UKVI Test Format
UAE (Dubai) AED 1,470 AED 1,570 Paper & Computer
India ₹18,000 ₹18,200 Paper & Computer
United Kingdom £160 £200 Paper & Computer
Australia AUD $340 AUD $380 Paper & Computer
United States $245-255 Not Available Paper & Computer

What's Included in IELTS Fee

  • Registration for all four test components (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking)
  • Free official practice materials and preparation resources
  • Test Report Form (TRF) with your scores sent to you and up to 5 institutions
  • Access to online practice tests and preparation tools
  • Results available online within 3-5 days (computer-delivered) or 13 days (paper-based)

Money-Saving Tip: Book your IELTS test well in advance to avoid last-minute stress and ensure availability at your preferred test center. Some test centers offer early bird discounts or promotional rates during off-peak seasons. Computer-delivered IELTS offers more frequent test dates and faster results at the same price as paper-based testing.

TOEFL Exam Fees 2026

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) is administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS) and is widely accepted by universities in the United States, Canada, and worldwide. TOEFL fees vary by country and include several additional service charges for specific requirements.

Country TOEFL iBT Fee Late Registration Rescheduling Fee
India ₹17,999.72 ₹3,900 ₹5,900
United States $255 $40 $60
Australia $273 $40 $60
Germany $265 $40 $60
South Korea $220 $40 $60

Additional TOEFL Service Fees

Score Reports

Additional Score Report: ₹1,950 per institution

Score Review

Speaking/Writing Section Review: ₹7,900

Score Reinstatement

Canceled Score Reinstatement: ₹1,990

The TOEFL registration fee includes sending your scores to up to four institutions at no additional cost. You must select these institutions during registration or within the delivery window after your test. Additional score reports sent after this period incur per-institution charges.

PTE Exam Fees 2026

The Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic is a computer-based English language test for study abroad and immigration purposes. PTE offers more flexible test scheduling with results typically available within 48 hours. The exam fee structure is relatively consistent globally with some regional variations.

PTE Academic

Global Fee: $220 USD

India: ₹18,000 (approx)

Pakistan: $215

Standard test for study abroad and professional registration

PTE Academic UKVI

Global Fee: $220-225 USD

Pakistan: $220

SELT-approved test for UK visa and immigration applications

PTE Academic Online

Global Fee: $220 USD

Pakistan: $215

Take the test from home with online proctoring

PTE Advantages for Test-Takers

  • Fast Results: Scores typically available within 48 hours of testing
  • Frequent Test Dates: Available almost daily at most test centers
  • Unlimited Score Sending: Send scores to unlimited institutions at no extra cost
  • Computer-Based: Completely computer-based with automated scoring for faster, unbiased results

OET Exam Fees 2026

The Occupational English Test (OET) is designed specifically for healthcare professionals who wish to register and practice in English-speaking environments. The OET assesses language and communication skills in a healthcare context across 12 healthcare professions including medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, and more.

Test Components Fee (AUD) Fee (INR) Fee (USD)
All 4 Sub-tests (LRWS) $587 ₹31,844 $455
3 Sub-tests $477.50 ₹25,904 $370
2 Sub-tests $339 ₹18,390 $263
1 Sub-test $200.50 ₹10,877 $155

OET Rescheduling and Cancellation Fees

Standard Rescheduling

AUD $120 (₹6,509) - if done more than 7 days before test

Late Rescheduling

AUD $200 (₹10,849) - if done within 7 days of test

Refund Policy

Partial refunds available: AUD $380-460 depending on timing

The OET fee includes testing in all four sub-tests: Listening, Reading, Writing (profession-specific), and Speaking. Results are typically available within 16 business days. The test is available in three formats: OET on Paper at a test venue, OET on Computer at a test venue, and OET at Home (online proctored). All formats have the same fee structure.

DHA Prometric Exam Fees 2026 (UAE)

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) Prometric Exam is mandatory for healthcare professionals seeking licensing to work in Dubai's healthcare sector. The fee structure varies based on the healthcare profession and specialty, covering application evaluation, examination, primary source verification, and licensing.

Healthcare Profession Application Fee Exam Fee Total (Approx)
General Practitioners AED 1,000-1,100 AED 1,000-1,200 AED 3,000-3,400
Dentists AED 1,000-1,100 AED 1,200 AED 3,200-3,400
Pharmacists AED 1,000-1,100 AED 1,000-1,200 AED 2,800-3,200
Nurses AED 800-1,000 AED 800-900 AED 2,200-2,600
Allied Health Professionals AED 800-1,000 AED 800-900 AED 2,000-2,500

Important Note: The total cost includes:

  • Application and evaluation fees (AED 800-1,100)
  • Prometric examination fees (AED 800-1,200)
  • Primary Source Verification/PSV (AED 1,000-1,200)
  • Professional license activation (AED 600-1,000)
  • DHA has a strict no-refund policy for exam cancellations

CAT Exam Fees 2026 (India)

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to MBA and other management programs across India. CAT 2026 is scheduled for November 29, 2026, with online registration typically opening in August and closing in September.

General/EWS/NC-OBC
₹2,500

Standard registration fee for General, Economically Weaker Section, and Non-Creamy Layer OBC candidates

SC/ST/PwD
₹1,250

Discounted registration fee for Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and Persons with Disabilities candidates

What's Included in CAT Registration Fee

  • CAT 2026 examination admission (3-hour computer-based test)
  • Admit card download from official website
  • Score reporting to participating IIMs and B-schools
  • Access to official CAT preparation materials and mock tests
  • CAT scorecard download after results are declared

CAT Registration Tip: The CAT registration window is typically open for 4-5 weeks only. Register early as the portal may experience heavy traffic near the deadline. Payment can be made online through credit card, debit card, or net banking. Save your registration confirmation and payment receipt for future reference.

Insurance Institute of India (III) Exam Fees 2026

The Insurance Institute of India (III) conducts examinations for various insurance qualifications including Licentiate, Associateship, Fellowship, and specialized certifications. These exams are essential for professionals seeking careers in the insurance sector in India.

Qualification Level Registration Fee Exam Fee (Per Subject) Candidate Type
Licentiate (LIC) ₹700 ₹500 Fresh Candidates
Associateship (AIC) ₹700 ₹500 Fresh Candidates
Fellowship (FIC) ₹600 ₹500 Fresh Candidates
Insurance Surveyors ₹250 ₹300 Pre-licensing Test
All Levels N/A ₹500 Repeater Candidates

Additional III Examination Fees

Late Fee

₹200 per entry form (if submitted after deadline)

Revaluation

₹500 per subject (not applicable for Licentiate)

Exemption Fee

₹500 per subject for all examinations

The Insurance Institute of India also conducts the IC-38 and IC-33 exams for insurance agents, with registration fees typically around ₹700-800. These pre-licensing exams are mandatory for anyone wishing to become a licensed insurance agent in India. Study materials are available separately and not included in the examination fees.

IGNOU Exam Fees 2026

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) conducts term-end examinations twice a year (June and December) for its distance education programs. Students must submit their examination forms online and pay fees before the specified deadlines to be eligible to appear for examinations.

Theory Courses
₹200

Per course examination fee for all theory papers and written examinations

Practical/Lab Courses
₹300-500

Depends on course credits and practical requirements

Late Fee
₹1,100

Additional charge if exam form submitted after regular deadline

IGNOU Exam Form Important Dates 2026

  • 📅 December 2026 TEE: Form submission starts September 6, 2026
  • 📅 Last Date (No Late Fee): October 6, 2026 (up to 6 PM)
  • 📅 Last Date (With Late Fee): November 2026 with ₹1,100 extra charge
  • 📅 Admit Card Release: November/December 2026 via IGNOU website

Important IGNOU Fee Guidelines: Students must fill the examination form and pay fees for each term-end examination separately. Non-payment or late payment may result in exclusion from examinations. Fees can be paid online through the IGNOU portal using credit card, debit card, or net banking. No refund is provided once fees are submitted, so verify all course codes carefully before payment.

Payment Methods and Options

Most international and professional exams offer multiple payment methods to accommodate candidates worldwide. Understanding available payment options and their processing times helps ensure smooth registration without delays or complications.

Credit/Debit Cards

Accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express

Processing: Instant confirmation

Most convenient option with immediate payment confirmation and registration completion

Net Banking

Accepted: Major Indian banks

Processing: Instant to 24 hours

Popular in India for domestic exams like CAT, III, and IGNOU with direct bank account debits

PayPal

Accepted: International exams (TOEFL, PTE)

Processing: Instant confirmation

Secure online payment option popular for international transactions with buyer protection

Demand Draft

Accepted: Limited domestic exams

Processing: 3-7 working days

Traditional payment method requiring physical submission; slower processing may affect registration deadlines

Payment Safety Tips: Always use secure internet connections when making online payments. Verify the website URL starts with "https://" before entering payment details. Save payment confirmation receipts and transaction IDs. Check your bank statement to confirm the correct amount was debited. For international payments, be aware of currency conversion rates and any additional bank charges that may apply.

Fee Waivers and Financial Assistance

Several examination bodies offer fee waivers, reductions, or financial assistance programs for eligible candidates facing economic hardship. Understanding these options can significantly reduce the financial burden of professional certification and educational testing.

Exam Fee Reduction Available Eligibility Criteria Documentation Required
IELTS Limited/No waiver Some countries offer scholarships Varies by scholarship program
TOEFL No official waiver Check with specific universities University-specific requirements
CAT 50% discount (₹1,250) SC/ST/PwD candidates Caste/disability certificate
III Exams No standard waiver Employer sponsorship common Employer authorization letter
IGNOU No exam fee waiver Course fees may be subsidized Income certificate (for course fees)

Alternative Financial Assistance Options

  • Educational Loans: Banks offer education loans covering exam fees for study abroad aspirants
  • Employer Sponsorship: Many companies sponsor professional certification exam fees for employees
  • Scholarships: Various organizations offer scholarships covering test preparation and exam fees
  • Government Schemes: Check state and central government schemes for SC/ST/OBC candidates
  • NGO Support: Some NGOs provide financial assistance for competitive exam fees to deserving candidates

Frequently Asked Questions About Exam Fees

IELTS exam fees vary by country and test format. In the UAE, the fee is approximately AED 1,470. In India, it costs around ₹18,000. In the UK, the standard IELTS costs £160, while IELTS for UKVI costs £200. Computer-delivered tests have the same fees as paper-based tests in most countries. The fee includes all four test components, preparation materials, and score reporting to institutions.

The TOEFL iBT exam fee in India is ₹17,999.72. In the United States, the fee is $255, while in Australia it costs $273. Additional fees apply for late registration (₹3,900 in India, $40 in USA), rescheduling (₹5,900 in India, $60 in USA), and additional score reports (₹1,950 per institution). The registration fee includes sending scores to up to four institutions at no extra cost if selected during registration.

The PTE Academic exam fee is approximately $220 USD globally, though prices vary slightly by location. In India, the fee is around ₹18,000 including taxes. PTE Academic UKVI costs approximately $220-225. The fee covers all four sections: Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening. PTE offers frequent test dates (almost daily), fast results (within 48 hours), and unlimited free score sending to institutions, making it a cost-effective option for many test-takers.

The OET exam fee for all four sub-tests (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) is AUD $587, which equals approximately ₹31,844 in Indian Rupees or $455 USD. You can also register for individual sub-tests at reduced rates: one sub-test costs AUD $200.50, two sub-tests cost AUD $339, and three sub-tests cost AUD $477.50. Rescheduling fees range from AUD $120 (more than 7 days before) to AUD $200 (within 7 days of test date). The OET is specifically designed for healthcare professionals.

The CAT 2026 exam fee for General/EWS/NC-OBC category candidates is ₹2,500. For SC/ST/PwD category candidates, the discounted fee is ₹1,250 (50% reduction). The fee includes registration, the 3-hour computer-based exam, score reporting to participating IIMs and business schools, and access to official preparation materials. Payment can be made online via credit card, debit card, or net banking. The registration window is typically open for only 4-5 weeks, so register early to avoid portal congestion near the deadline.

DHA Prometric exam fees in the UAE vary by healthcare profession. For doctors, the total cost ranges from AED 3,000-3,400 (approximately ₹72,000-82,000). For nurses, it's AED 2,200-2,600 (₹53,000-63,000). For allied health professionals, expect AED 2,000-2,500. These totals include application evaluation fees (AED 800-1,100), examination fees (AED 800-1,200), primary source verification (AED 1,000-1,200), and license activation (AED 600-1,000). Additional fees apply for rescheduling. DHA maintains a strict no-refund policy.

The Insurance Institute of India exam fees vary by qualification level. For Licentiate exams, the registration fee is ₹700 and examination fee is ₹500 per subject. For Associateship exams, registration costs ₹700 and exam fee is ₹500 per subject. For Fellowship exams, registration is ₹600 and exam fee is ₹500 per subject. Repeater candidates don't pay registration fees again but must pay ₹500 per subject for re-examination. Additional charges include late fees (₹200), revaluation fees (₹500 per subject), and exemption fees (₹500 per subject). The IC-38 and IC-33 pre-licensing insurance agent exams typically cost ₹700-800 for registration.

IGNOU exam fees for term-end examinations are ₹200 per theory course and ₹300-500 per practical/project course depending on credit hours. Late submission of exam forms attracts an additional late fee of ₹1,100. Students must fill and pay for examination forms separately for each term (June and December). Fees must be paid online through the IGNOU portal using credit card, debit card, or net banking. No refunds are provided once fees are submitted, so students should verify all course codes carefully before payment. The exam form submission typically starts 2-3 months before examinations.

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