Thousands of IELTS test-takers across the globe have been alerted that their test results, some dating back more than two years, were incorrect due to a technical error affecting the listening and reading modules of both Academic and General Training tests.

In a statement, IELTS confirmed that the issue impacted a “small proportion” of candidates who sat for the exam between August 2023 and September 2025, prompting the organisation to release revised scores.

The majority of corrections were upward, although some candidates saw their scores reduced, with changes of up to 0.5 band in certain cases.

“IELTS recently identified an issue that led to a small proportion of test-takers receiving incorrect results,” the organisation said.

It added that over 99% of tests during the affected period remained accurate and assured that current IELTS tests are not impacted.

Affected candidates have been contacted directly with updated results, apologies and support options.

IELTS has also notified universities, immigration authorities and other recognising organisations that rely on IELTS scores for admissions and visa decisions.

The organisation, jointly owned by IDP, Cambridge University Press and the British Council, said it maintains “strict quality control procedures” and has taken “all necessary steps” to prevent similar incidents.

A dedicated help page has been launched to provide FAQs, guidance and instructions on accessing corrected scores.

IELTS further announced that those affected will be eligible for refunds or free resits, depending on their situation.

Fears over lost opportunities

Industry observers have expressed concern over the consequences of the score discrepancies.

Michael Goodine, owner of Test Resources in South Korea and a long-time analyst of standardised testing, said the incident underscores the need for testing companies to identify such issues swiftly.

He warned that candidates who originally received lower-than-accurate scores may have missed out on “life-changing academic and professional opportunities,” including university admissions, scholarships, immigration applications and job placements.

“It may be too late for some of these individuals to get back on track. I feel for those people,” he said, adding that some may also have failed to meet residency or visa requirements due to incorrect scores.

At the same time, Goodine noted that candidates who received inflated scores may have entered academic programs inadequately prepared for the language demands.

“Testing companies serve as gatekeepers for academia and immigration. When they mess up, the consequences can be far-reaching and profound,” he said.

Investigation Completed

IELTS described the problem as “an internal issue” and said a thorough investigation has now been completed to ensure no current or future test-takers are affected.

The organisation reiterated its commitment to protecting the integrity and credibility of the millions of IELTS exams administered each year.