How to Download IELTS Score Card

Do you know? Computer-based test results are available within 3–5 days, while paper-based results take 13 days, with 90% of candidates using eTRF for university and visa applications.

Learning how to download IELTS score card is one of the first steps after your test. Most students need the score card for university applications, visa processes, or scholarship portals. If you're planning to download IELTS score card from the IDP portal, it's important to follow the right steps to avoid delays.

In 2025, universities and immigration offices typically accept the IELTS score card PDF, but some may ask for a printed Test Report Form (TRF). Understanding the difference between the IELTS TRF vs PDF score card can save time and reduce errors during submission.

This blog explains:

• Step-by-step process for downloading your IELTS score card
• How to access the IELTS result login IDP page
• What your score card includes and how to save it
• How to get additional copies or recover your login
• Tips to use your IELTS score card for university admission or visa approval

If your results are out or you're preparing in advance, this blog will help you download your IELTS score card easily and securely.

Received your IELTS score? Now's the time to plan your next steps. Explore programs that accept IELTS across these destinations:

– Bachelor’s Programs Abroad

– Master’s Programs Abroad

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.

IELTS Exam Pattern – Not sure what’s in the test? Know the full layout before you stress over scores.

IELTS Exam Fee – Already took the test? See what you paid—or what others are paying in 2024.

Steps to Download IELTS Score Card from IDP

How to Download IELTS Score Card (Step-by-Step Guide from IDP Portal)

Need to download your IELTS score card from the IDP portal? Once your IELTS results are released, you can access your score card online through the official portal. This version is accepted by most universities and visa authorities—so it’s important to download the correct file without any mistakes.

Follow these exact steps for a smooth download:

Steps to Download Your IELTS Score Card

• Go to the official IDP IELTS website – ielts.idp.com
• 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.

IELTS Eligibility – Double-check if you met all the right conditions before you took the test.

IELTS Results Login Page

What Does the IELTS Score Card Show? (PDF and TRF Formats Explained)

What’s Included in the IELTS Score Card (PDF Download)

Your IELTS score card PDF, available through the IDP result portal, includes the following details:

• 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

Here’s how the digital IELTS score card and the Test Report Form (TRF) compare:

Feature	IELTS Score Card PDF	IELTS TRF (Printed)
Format	Downloaded from IDP portal	Mailed physical copy
Use Case	Most universities, online visa forms	Institutions needing hard copy via courier
Delivery	Instant after result release	Sent by post (1 original copy only)
Reissue	Can be downloaded multiple times	Limited additional TRFs allowed
Security	Basic verification	Includes physical security stamp and barcode

Some immigration offices, such as IRCC Canada, may still require the TRF to be sent directly from IDP. Always confirm document format with the receiving institution.

If you need to request more TRF copies, you can do so through your test center—fees and limits may apply.

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.

IELTS Sample Score Card

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IELTS Score Card Release Dates: How Long Until You Can Download It?

Wondering when you’ll receive your IELTS score card after the test? The timeline depends on the test format—computer-based or paper-based—and knowing the release date helps avoid delays in university or visa applications.

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 released after 1:00 PM (local time). If your test was near a holiday or weekend, results may be delayed by a day.

IELTS Exam Dates – See how test dates affect when your results come out.

IELTS Test Format – Took computer-based or paper-based? This breakdown clears the difference.

How You’ll Receive Your IELTS Score Card

Your IELTS score card is made available through the IDP candidate portal. You’ll be notified through:

• Email from IDP with login details or a reminder
• SMS, if you opted in during registration
• IDP IELTS Login (Test Taker Portal), where your results will go live

You will not receive your IELTS score card by email as an attachment. To access your results, you must log in and download the PDF manually from the portal.

IELTS Login to Download Score Card from IDP Portal

To download your IELTS score card online, you'll need to log in through the official IDP IELTS result portal. This secure portal allows you to check your scores, download the score card PDF, and request extra 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 and download your score card, you’ll need the following:

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

Types of IELTS Exam – Did you take Academic or General Training? Here’s how they differ.

TRF vs Downloadable Score Card: Which One to Use?

Once you log in, you’ll be able to download the digital IELTS score card PDF. But in some cases, you might need a physical Test Report Form (TRF). Here's how they compare:

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 IELTS 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.

Validity of IELTS Score – See how long your IELTS score stays valid for university or visa use.

IELTS Score Card Validity and Portal Access Time (How Long You Can Download It)

How long is your IELTS score card available for download from the IDP portal? After your test results are released, your digital score card remains accessible online—but only for a limited time.

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.

IELTS Test Centers in India – Took your test at a center? Find out how locations affect timelines.

IELTS Score Card Download Limit: Is There One?

• You can download the IELTS score card PDF multiple times
• Works on all devices—mobile, desktop, tablet
• No official download limit, but access depends on your portal login staying active

What to Do If IELTS Portal Access Expires

If your access to the IDP portal has expired but your test was within 2 years:

• Contact your test center (IDP) with your candidate number
• Request a manual TRF (paper score card copy)—fees may apply
• Keep backup copies in email, cloud, or hard drive to avoid future issues

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

Country-Wise IELTS Score Card Requirements (PDF vs TRF)

Different countries accept IELTS results in different formats. Some are fine with the IELTS score card PDF, while others—especially immigration bodies—require a physical Test Report Form (TRF) sent directly from IDP.

IELTS Score Card Submission Requirements by Country

Country	PDF Accepted by Universities?	TRF Required for Immigration?
Canada	Yes	No – TRF must be sent by IDP
UK	Yes	Yes – Electronic verification via UKVI
Australia	Yes	Yes – via VEVO system
USA	Yes	No
Germany	Yes	N/A

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.

Tips to Crack IELTS in First Attempt – Still waiting to take the test? Learn what helps you ace it early.

IELTS Writing Task 1 – Academic or General—this section often confuses test-takers. Get clarity.

IELTS Writing Task 2 – Writing score looks low? Here's what top-scoring answers get right.

Forgot Login? How to Access and Download IELTS Score Card Again

Forgot your IELTS login password or candidate number? You’re not alone. Many test-takers struggle to access their IELTS score card due to lost credentials or inactive portals. Here's how to quickly recover your IELTS login and download your score card from IDP.

Steps to Recover Your IELTS Account

• Go to the official IDP IELTS login page
• 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.

Documents Required to Recover and Download IELTS Score Card

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 Request Additional Hard Copies of IELTS Score Card (TRF) (H2)

Need more than one IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) for your university or visa application? You can request additional hard copies of your IELTS score card through IDP—even after your test results are released.

How to Request Additional TRFs from IDP

• Every test taker is allowed up to 5 TRFs to be sent to institutions for free, if requested within 1 month of the test date.
• After the free quota or time limit, extra TRFs must be paid for.
• TRFs are sent directly to the recipient institution—students do not receive extra personal copies.
• Delivery time depends on location and method (standard post or courier).
• Some immigration authorities require that the TRF be sent directly by IDP, not uploaded by the applicant.

TRF Reissue: Fees & Limits

Type of Request	Fee (Approx.)	Delivery Time
First 5 TRFs (to institutions)	₹0	Sent within 10 days
Additional TRF (per copy)	₹250–₹1,500 (varies)	7–14 days (standard mail), 3–5 days (courier)
Personal duplicate TRF (if lost)	₹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 Score Card or TRF to Universities or Embassies

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).

IELTS Syllabus – Not sure what topics are covered in each section? This guide lists it all.

IELTS Academic Reading – A must-read if you’re applying to universities abroad.

IELTS Score Sending: Information

Method	When Available	How It’s Sent
During test registration	Before test date	Electronically or by mail
After results release	Within 2 years of test date	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.

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Get Help with IELTS Score Card Downloads, TRFs 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.

Read articles on band scores, result timelines, and common student queries. 

Explore IELTS articles on upGrad Abroad for more clarity and confidence.

Need help planning your next steps after getting your IELTS score? Book a free counseling session and let an expert guide your university or visa plan.

Also, check out these free prep courses to improve your language or academic skills before you apply.