Why Are IELTS Test Results Withheld or Delayed?
Have you completed your IELTS test?
So, I’m sure you will agree with me. What causes more anxiousness than giving the test?
It's the IELTS Test Results!
IELTS results time of 13 days is a constant wait! And, finally, the big day comes - which will decide your future!
But, wait! You get an e-mail notifying: IELTS RESULTS ARE WITHHELD OR DELAYED!
Anxiety, nervousness, fear, fright, annoyance, and so many emotions you get at one time. You start wondering what exactly happened and what to do now?
The only thing to do is either contact your test centre or wait until you get the result.
Find out the reasons for such a statement.
IELTS Test Results withheld or delayed - Why?
IELTS Test Results are withheld or delayed under three circumstances. The terms and conditions are pre-specified in the attachment provided to you with the test application form. It covers all the three circumstances for the delay in results, so make sure to go through them once.
Terms & Conditions for the IELTS Test Results
Go through all three (3) essential 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 any investigation, you may be required to provide writing and speaking samples. In exceptional circumstances, you may re-take one or more IELTS components.
Source: https://ielts.britishcouncil.org/Docs/IELTSNoticeToCandidates.pdf
The First Term & Condition
It states that your result may take more than 13 days to come if IELTS test partners want to review your test thoroughly. There can be two reasons for such actions:
- IELTS test partners would like to re-check your test
- They want to conduct a quality control check on how the test is managed
The test partners will conduct a re-check on your test if you have a difference of two or more bands in each module.
Suppose you scored 7.5 Band in IELTS Listening and 5.5 Band in IELTS Writing Test. Your test will be assessed again by another examiner for quality check.
If you are so good at Listening, they also expect or assume that the score should be nearly similar in Writing. The test partners may also ask you to re-appear for a component or two.
The Second Term & Condition
Your result may get cancelled after its issuance if they find any irregularity in the IELTS test. You may be required to re-take one or more IELTS components.
Source: https://ielts.britishcouncil.org/Docs/IELTSNoticeToCandidates.pdf
Your results may get cancelled if IELTS assessors find any discrepancy with your test. Also, you may ask to re-appear for the entire test or some part of the test.
Here, 'irregularity' refers to some unusual or unacceptable action that directly affects your test in any manner.
The test administrators undertake strict quality control procedures at all times; to maintain the integrity of the
IELTS Test.
Due to this, your result may come under scrutiny. As a part of this investigation, your result is either withheld or delayed.
The Third Term & Condition
Your test result may get cancelled if any of the data on the Test Report Form provided by you or your agent to Recognising Organisations got altered in any way.
Source: https://ielts.britishcouncil.org/Docs/IELTSNoticeToCandidates.pdf
Your IELTS Result may get cancelled if there are any alterations or modifications in the information provided by you.
Make sure you provide accurate information. Ensure to consult a reputed one if you seek assistance from any agent for the process.
What can you do if your IELTS Results is withheld or delayed?
IELTS will notify you with an e-mail explaining the delay or cancellation of your Exam Results. If you don't receive an e-mail, you can check your Spam folder or even contact your IELTS Test Center.
However, there is no pre-defined time limit provided in such a case. It may take even a time of one week, three weeks, one month or even more.
How to avoid such situations?
1. After Taking Test
Re-Appear Your Test: If you do not wish to wait, you can apply for another IELTS test. You will also get a choice to choose which results to use. Choose the highest result to use for your future.
2. Before Taking Test
Book Your Test in Advance: Booking for the test in advance will help you meet your actual deadlines. Even if you don't receive results within 13 days, you will have enough time in your hand.
Prepare enough for the IELTS exam so that you get your IELTS result without any difficulty. If you want to enhance your IELTS Exam preparation, you could also opt for
Online IELTS Practice Tests.
Acquire tips and strategies from the IELTS experts and achieve a high score in the IELTS exam. You can begin preparation with our Online IELTS Practice Tests (there are nearly 100+ tests for each module). Also, you can download the IELTS Tutorials Exam Practice Apps for accessing practice tests for each module.
