IELTS & GMAT Fees Are Rising: Budgeting for Test Prep, Coaching & Exam Costs in 2026

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What Are the Latest IELTS & GMAT Fees in 2026?

Staying informed is key when budgeting for study abroad exams. The following is a breakdown of the price you are likely to incur on each of the tests, plus the unseen additional charges such as reschedule and score report fees.

Expense Component	Cost Range (Approx)	Notes
IELTS Exam Fee	₹17,000 – ₹18,250	Varies by location; rising due to admin costs
GMAT Exam Fees	$275 – $300	Based on regions, currency fluctuations apply
Additional Score Reports	$15 – $35 per report	For both IELTS & GMAT
Late Registration Fee	$25 – $50	Extra charge for late test bookings

How Much Should I Budget for Coaching and Prep Materials?

Good prep doesn’t have to mean draining your savings. From premium coaching to free resources, this table helps you compare costs and choose what’s right for your budget and study style.

Category	Cost Range	Student Tip
Self‑Study Materials	₹2,000 – ₹7,000	Use free online resources first
Best GMAT Coaching in India	₹25,000 – ₹90,000+	Compare results & flexible payment plans
Online IELTS Courses	₹10,000 – ₹30,000	Choose interactive options with mock tests
Practice Test Subscriptions	₹1,000 – ₹5,000	Prioritize real exam simulator practice

How Can I Budget Smartly for IELTS and GMAT Costs?

Worried you’re not saving enough for your exams? Don’t stress, with a little planning and a few smart choices, you can stay on top of rising costs and still be fully prepared to succeed.

1. Know Your Deadlines & Lock in Early Pricing

Exam boards sometimes change fees. Booking early not only secures your preferred date but can also avoid late fees.

2. Break Down Your Total Budget

Separate the following; exam fees, prep materials, coaching, travel, and practice tests. This leaves you with a clear picture where you can make cost reductions in case of necessity.

3. Choose the Right Prep – Not the Most Expensive

Not everything that is expensive is effective. Research on reviews and effectiveness of coaching options. Look for the best GMAT coaching in India that fits your goals and wallet.

4. Leverage Free & Low‑Cost Resources

One can find numerous free practice tests, tutorials on YouTube, and forums of students who exchange tips, which can be used in both the IELTS exam and GMAT exam preparation.

5. Set Up a Dedicated “Test Fund”

Start saving early. Even small weekly contributions add up. Treat it like a mini tuition fee, consistent and intentional.

6. Use Student Discounts

Services like mock tests, libraries, or partnered study platforms sometimes offer student pricing. Always ask!

7. Plan Practice Tests Strategically

Rather than purchase several costly packages, purchase or read several quality mocks and study the performance in-depth to make each one count.

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What Are Some Easy Ways to Save Money on Test Prep?

Every rupee counts when you’re preparing to study abroad. Fortunately, you can save a lot of money to spend on tests without sacrificing the quality of your preparation or performance.

Split payments: There are the coaching centres where you can pay in instalments.
Study groups: The sharing of materials and discussing of concepts would help save on expenditure.
Flexible schedules: Online courses often cost less, but check quality first.
Reuse materials: Updated books can often be resold after your preparation.
Scholarships & Grants: Occasionally available for test prep or study abroad aspirants.

Can I Still Afford to Take These Tests?

Managing rising IELTS and GMAT fees can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. With the right guidance and financial planning, your study abroad dreams are absolutely achievable.

Nomad Credit, a reliable study abroad consultant, assists students such as yourself to consider education loans, lender comparison, and get the best financing options to suit your requirements. Whether you are planning to study exams or university fees, we will make your life easier.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are IELTS exam fee and GMAT exam fees increasing every year?

The increasing costs of operation and administration, such as test security and delivery improvements, are increasing the fees. Pricing is also affected in India by exchange rate fluctuations. The changes assist testing bodies to be up to international standards.

Can I attempt IELTS or GMAT multiple times in one year?

Yes, you’re allowed to take both exams multiple times within the same year. There are mandatory waiting periods between attempts, especially for the GMAT. However, each attempt requires you to pay the full exam fee.

Do coaching institutes provide refunds if I discontinue the course?

Refund policies vary widely among institutes, and not all offer full refunds. Some only offer partial refunds within a limited time frame. It’s important to ask about refund terms before enrolling.

Can online or home-based tests reduce my overall expenses?

On-site testing is less expensive than travelling and lodging. But they do not exist everywhere and need special technical equipment. Before selecting this format, always ensure that there are availability and requirements.

Can education loans cover IELTS and GMAT expenses?

Yes, some lenders allow you to include test fees, coaching costs, and even visa expenses in your overseas education loan. This depends on the loan type and your university admission status. A study abroad consultant like Nomad Credit can help you explore these options.

Are there free official practice resources available for these tests?

Yes, both IELTS and GMAT websites offer free sample questions and practice tools. They are excellent to study the format and level of exam. Test them at the beginning of your preparation, to see where you have started.