How to Download IELTS Score Card

Over 3.5 million people take the IELTS exam each year—and every one of them needs access to their score card. Your IELTS score card is required to show your performance in each section and your overall band. In 2025, most universities and embassies require a digital or official copy, and delays in accessing it can lead to missed opportunities.

If you know how to download IELTS score card correctly, it can save you time and prevent last-minute stress. From login steps to file format, you need to get a few simple things right. 

Here, you’ll learn how to download IELTS score card step by step. We’ll cover when your results are released, how to access the online portal, and more. Whether you’re applying next week or just preparing in advance, this blog will help you get it right.

In India, IELTS is conducted by IDP, which now manages all test centers. Since July 25, 2021, IDP has taken over all British Council IELTS operations in India. So if you’ve taken the test recently, your TRF (Test Report Form) and downloadable score card will be issued by IDP.

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How to Download IELTS Score Card Step-by-Step

Wondering how to download IELTS score card? Once your IELTS results are released, you can access your score card online through the official portal. The process is simple, but you need the correct login details and should download the file in the right format for university or visa use. If you’re unsure where to look or what to click, follow these steps.

Steps to Download Your IELTS Score Card

• Visit the website of your IELTS test provider (IDP).
• Click “Log in” or “Candidate Login” at the top of the page.
• Enter your registered email ID and password.
• Go to “My Tests”, “Results”, or “Test Taker Portal” (label may vary).
• Choose the test date or click on the specific result link.
• Your individual scores (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) and overall band will appear.
• Click on “Download Score Report”, “Download PDF”, or “View Results”.
• Save the PDF to your phone, laptop, or cloud storage.

If you’re logging in for the first time, check your email for registration details or use the “Forgot Password” option.

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IELTS Results Login Page

What the IELTS Score Card Contains

Your downloadable score card (PDF) includes:

• Full name (as per passport)
• Candidate number
• Test date and location
• Section-wise scores (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking)
• Overall Band Score (out of 9)
• Test format (Academic or General Training)
• Candidate photograph (in most cases)

This document is official and valid for submissions, unless a printed version is specifically requested.

IELTS TRF vs PDF Score Card

Format	How You Get It	When It’s Used
PDF (Digital)	Downloaded from portal	For most universities, visa applications, and online portals
TRF (Printed)	Sent by mail (one original copy only)	Needed when a hard copy is required or couriered directly to institutions

Some universities and immigration offices may still ask for a Test Report Form (TRF) to be sent directly from IDP. You can request additional TRFs if needed, but these are limited.

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When Are IELTS Scores Released?

After you have learned how to download IELTS score card, it’s important to know exactly when your scores will be available. IELTS result timelines depend on the test format—computer-based or paper-based—and knowing the expected release date helps you avoid confusion and delays.

IELTS Result Timelines

Test Format	Score Release Timeline
Computer-Based IELTS	3–5 calendar days after your test
Paper-Based IELTS	13 calendar days after your test

Keep in mind:

• Results are usually published after 1:00 PM (local time) on the release date.
• If your test falls on a public holiday or weekend, scores may be delayed by a day.
• Some candidates may get their scores a bit earlier or later due to internal processing.

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How You’ll Be Notified

Once your scores are ready, IELTS will notify you through:

• Email: You’ll receive a message from your test provider (IDP) with login details or a reminder.
• SMS: If you opted in during registration, you’ll get an SMS alert.
• Candidate Portal: Your online test account will display your scores once they go live.

You will not receive your full Test Report Form (TRF) through email unless you download it yourself from the portal. That’s why knowing how to download IELTS score card correctly is important.

Where to Check IELTS Score Online

We’ve told you how to download IELTS score card, but from where? IELTS scores are available online through the official portal of IDP. These portals allow you to check results, download your score card, and request additional TRFs if needed.

Official IELTS Result Portals

Test Provider	Official Portal Link
IDP IELTS	ielts.idp.com

If you booked through a third-party or country-specific site (like IELTS USA), use the portal they provided during registration.

Login Credentials Required

To access your results online, you’ll need:

• Your registered email address (used during booking)
• Your password
• Candidate number or test reference number (may be required in some cases)

If you forgot your password, use the “Forgot Password” option on the login page. The link to reset is usually sent to your registered email.

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IELTS TRF vs Downloadable Score Card: What’s the Difference?

If you're checking how to download IELTS score card, it’s important to understand the two formats available: the digital score card (PDF) and the Test Report Form (TRF). While both contain the same score information, their usage and delivery method are different.

Differences Between TRF and Downloadable Score Card

Feature	Downloadable Score Card (PDF)	IELTS TRF (Printed Copy)
How You Get It	Downloaded from your test portal	Sent by mail from IDP
Contains	Section scores, overall band, candidate details	Same content + test center stamp and security details
Accepted By	Most universities and embassies for digital submissions	Required by some visa offices and universities (especially via courier)
Delivery Time	Available within 3–13 days after test date	Posted within 1 week after results (delivery time varies)
Usage	Suitable for online applications	Often needed for physical submission or direct mail to institutions
Additional Copies	Not required (you can re-download anytime)	Limited free copies; additional TRFs must be requested
Security	Less formal but official	Contains physical security features

When Do You Need Each?

• Use the PDF score card for:
  • Online university applications
  • Visa processes that accept digital documents
  • Uploading to scholarship portals
• Use the printed TRF for:
  • Institutions that require hard copies sent via courier
  • Immigration offices needing an original stamped report
  • Cases where third-party verification is required directly from IDP or BC

Tip: Always check your university or visa office requirements in advance. Some may accept only TRFs sent directly from the test body.

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Access Period and Download Limit of IELTS Score Card

Once your results are out and you know how to download IELTS score card, you can download the score card multiple times—but there’s a time limit on how long it stays accessible through the portal.

How Long IELTS Scores Stay Available Online

• Your IELTS results are available online for 2 years from your test date.
• After this period, the login portal may no longer display your scores.
• Universities and embassies also consider IELTS scores valid for up to 2 years only.

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Download Limit and Access Tips

• There’s no limit to how many times you can download your IELTS score card within the 2-year period.
• You can download it on multiple devices (phone, laptop, desktop) and save backup copies.
• However, the original download link or portal access may expire early if you forget your login details or the test system changes.

What to Do If Access Expires

• If your portal access is no longer active but your test was within 2 years, contact your test center (IDP) with your candidate number.
• For older results, you may request a manual TRF (subject to test center policy and availability).
• Always download and save your IELTS score card early—even if you don’t need it right away.

Tip: Save a copy in email, cloud storage, or a secure drive so you’re not dependent on portal access later.

Country-Wise Requirements for IELTS Score Submission

Before you send your IELTS results, check which format is accepted—digital score card (PDF) or printed TRF. Most universities accept the downloadable version, but many immigration offices, especially for PR or study permits, still require an official TRF sent directly from the test provider.

IELTS Score Submission by Country

Country	Universities Accept PDF?	Immigration/PR Accept PDF?	TRF Required?	Special Notes
Canada	Yes	No (IRCC prefers direct TRF from IELTS)	Yes	For study permits and PR, IRCC needs the TRF to be sent directly from test body.
UK	Yes	Yes (UKVI verifies scores electronically)	Sometimes	UKVI IELTS scores are verified using your IELTS Reference Number.
Australia	Yes	Yes (via VEVO/electronic system)	Rarely	Immigration uses automated systems; PDF is usually sufficient.
USA	Yes	Not usually required	No	Most universities accept PDFs or scores sent through ETS.
Germany	Yes	N/A	No	Primarily for academics—PDF uploads are standard.

Important Notes:

• UKVI IELTS: Share your UKVI Reference Number when submitting to UK immigration authorities.
• Canada IRCC: Always request your test center (IDP) to send the TRF directly to IRCC. Self-uploaded PDFs are not accepted.
• Australia PR: The Department of Home Affairs verifies results electronically—no physical TRF needed unless requested.
• Universities: In most countries, PDF downloads are enough for college or university applications.

Tip: Always verify document requirements with your target institution or immigration authority. Some may have updated processes depending on the application platform.

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How to Download IELTS Score Card: What If You Forget Your IELTS Login Details?

Losing access to your IELTS portal can delay your ability to view or download your score card. Here’s what to do if you forget your username or password, or can't log in at all.

Steps to Recover Your IELTS Account

• Visit your test provider’s login page (IDP).
• Click “Forgot Password” or “Forgot Username”.
• Enter your registered email address to receive reset instructions.
• Follow the link sent to your inbox and set a new password.

Didn’t Get the Reset Email?

• Check your spam/junk folder first.
• If there’s no email, try using the “Contact Us” form on the test provider’s site.
• You can also call the customer support number provided in your booking confirmation email.

How to Download IELTS Score Card: Documents You May Need to Verify Identity

If account access fails and a reset doesn’t work, the support team may ask for:

Required Documents	Purpose
Passport (same as test day ID)	To verify your identity and test record
Candidate Number/Test Reference ID	To locate your registration and scores
Registered Email and Phone Number	To confirm account ownership

Tip: Keep your test booking email saved—it includes your candidate number, login link, and contact details for future reference.

How to Download IELTS Score Card: Can You Request Another Hard Copy of Your Score? 

Yes, you can request additional hard copies of your IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) if a university, college, or immigration body needs a physical copy. Each test taker is entitled to a limited number of free TRFs, and beyond that, extra copies come with a fee.

Details About TRF Reissue and Extra Copies

• You can request up to 5 additional TRFs to be sent to institutions for free within one month of your test.
• If you need more than 5, or if you're requesting them after the one-month window, additional fees apply.
• The TRF is sent directly to the receiving institution—students don’t receive extra personal copies.
• Delivery times vary depending on the destination and method (standard mail or courier).
• For immigration purposes, always confirm if the authority accepts couriered TRFs or only electronic verification.

TRF Reissue: Fees & Limits

Type of Request	Free?	Fee (Approx.)	Delivery Time
First 5 TRFs (to institutions)	Yes	₹0	Sent within 10 days
Additional TRF (per copy)	No	₹250–₹1,500 (varies)	7–14 days (standard mail), 3–5 days (courier)
Personal duplicate TRF (if lost)	No	₹1,000–₹2,000	May require ID verification

Tip: Always provide accurate recipient details to avoid delays in delivery. Once a TRF is dispatched, it cannot be recalled.

How to Send IELTS Scores to Universities or Visa Authorities

You can send your IELTS scores either during registration or after your results are released. The test provider (IDP) sends your TRF to the institutions you choose—either electronically or by post—depending on the recipient’s preference.

When Can You Select Score Recipients?

• At the time of registration: You can choose up to 5 institutions to receive your scores for free.
• After results are out: You can log into your portal and request TRFs to be sent to additional institutions (fees may apply).
• You must enter correct names, addresses, or institutional codes (where applicable).

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IELTS Score Sending: Information

Method	When Available	Free?	How It’s Sent
During test registration	Before test date	Yes (up to 5)	Electronically or by mail
After results release	Within 2 years of test date	No (fees apply)	Based on request: courier/mail/email

How to Track Sent Scores

• Log in to your IELTS portal (IDP).
• Go to the TRF dispatch history or score sending status section.
• Some portals allow you to view dispatch dates and delivery method.
• For courier tracking, you may receive a tracking number if you paid for express delivery.

Tip: Check with the receiving institution whether they prefer electronic scores, hard copies, or both. Some universities accept only scores sent directly from IELTS, not from the student.

Get Help with IELTS-Related Questions on upGrad Abroad

Not sure what your IELTS scores mean? Confused about TRFs, band requirements, or how to send results to universities? upGrad Abroad has it all covered. 

From detailed information on how to download IELTS score card to tips on retakes, score validity, and university requirements—you’ll find clear, reliable answers in one place.

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