Key facts you must know

• Bring the same ID you used to book. Usually this is your passport. Some centres may accept a national ID only if it was used at registration. Expired IDs are not accepted. You will be refused entry without correct ID. IDP IELTS+1
• Personal items stay outside the test room. Phones and smart watches must be switched off and stored. Pens and paper are provided for computer tests. IDP IELTS
• You may bring water in a clear bottle with the label removed. IDP IELTS Japan
• Centres take a photo and may take a finger scan for security. The photo appears on your TRF. britishcouncil.org.eg+1
• In Bangladesh, Listening, Reading, Writing are on the same day. Speaking may be on a different day within a 7 day window. Watch for the email confirming your Speaking time. British Council Bangladesh

Timeline plan

One week out

• Check your test venue address and transport options.
• Open the confirmation email and note the check in time and Speaking slot. British Council Bangladesh
• Prepare a backup ID carry plan and a paper copy of your booking.

Day before

• Pack your original ID, water bottle, light snack for breaks outside the room, glasses or lenses, and any approved medication.
• Set two alarms. Arrange backup transport in case of rain or traffic.
• Sleep 7 to 8 hours. Avoid cramming late.

Morning of the test

• Eat a simple breakfast.
• Wear layers. Rooms can feel cool due to AC.
• Aim to arrive 45 to 60 minutes early to clear identity checks calmly. Bring only essentials since belongings go to lockers. IDP IELTS

At the centre: what happens

1. Check in and security
   Staff verify your ID and capture a photo, and in some centres a finger scan. Follow instructions and keep your ID visible. britishcouncil.org.eg+1
2. Personal items
   Leave phone, watch, wallet, and bag in the secure area. Take only ID and clear water bottle into the room. IDP IELTS+1
3. Briefing
   Listen carefully to rules about timing, answer sheets or the computer interface, and when you can ask for help. IELTS

During each paper

Listening

• First play is final. Focus on signpost words like first, however, finally.
• Watch for plural forms and numbers.
• Transfer answers exactly as you hear. The centre provides materials for computer tests. IDP IELTS

Reading

• Use a 20 20 20 split across passages.
• Follow text order when possible. Mark proof lines lightly.
• If stuck for 40 seconds, skip and return.

Writing

• Task 2 plan 8 minutes, write 20, edit 7.
• Task 1 plan 5 minutes, write 12, edit 5.
• Keep paragraphs clear. Avoid memorised templates.

Speaking

• Be ready for the same day or another day within 7 days. Recheck your email. British Council Bangladesh
• Part 2: one minute plan, two minute talk.
• Part 3: reason, example, result in 20 to 25 seconds.

Packing list you can print

Must take into the room

• Original ID used at booking
• Water in a clear bottle with label removed IDP IELTS Japan

Leave in locker

• Phone, watch, wallet, bag, study notes, snacks. All personal items stay outside. IDP IELTS

Optional for before or after the test

• Light snack for break times
• Tissue pack
• Travel umbrella or raincoat

Bangladesh practical tips

• Traffic buffer: plan for heavy Dhaka traffic and rain delays. Add 30 minutes to travel time.
• Power and network cuts: screenshot your confirmation email and venue map so you can show it offline.
• Prayer and meal times: schedule transport and meals so you are not rushed at entry.
• Clothing: modest, comfortable layers; avoid noisy jewellery that may be removed at security.

Quick rescue rules if anxiety hits

• Breathe in for 4, hold 4, out 6. Repeat twice.
• Write a 3 word gist before Reading sets to reset focus.
• For Listening, put a star by missed items and refocus on the next question immediately.
• For Writing, anchor to the task question. One idea per paragraph.

Final 60 second checklist at the door

• ID in hand
• Phone off and in locker
• Water bottle clear
• Seat number noted
• Clock visibility checked
• Know the first action: Listening read the title, Reading skim titles, Writing sketch outline

After the test

• Check locker for all items.
• If there was a serious disturbance or illness, report it before leaving so the centre can log it. IDP IELTS India
• Track your result release timeline and how to collect or view your TRF.

Useful official pages

• What to bring and what not to bring, plus materials provided. IDP IELTS
• British Council Bangladesh test day flow and Speaking timing email. British Council Bangladesh
• Photo and finger scan security and what is allowed in the room. britishcouncil.org.eg
• Clear water bottle rule example. IDP IELTS Japan

Use this checklist the night before and on the morning of your test. Staying simple and organised gives you more focus for the tasks that matter.