Paper-based IELTS exams temporarily halted in Uzbekistan

Starting from July 11, 2020, paper-based IELTS testing has been temporarily suspended in Uzbekistan. This announcement was made by IELTS IDP.

According to the statement, the IELTS partners—IDP, the British Council, and Cambridge University Press & Assessment—have decided to suspend paper-based IELTS exams in the country due to technical and organizational reasons.

As a result, exam bookings made through the Edu-Action Exams center will be canceled. Affected candidates will be offered one of the following two options:

•  A free transfer to the IELTS on Computer (computer-based IELTS) exam;
• A full refund.

“Please let us know which option is best for you, and we will take the necessary steps,” the official notice reads.

This decision comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding IELTS administration in Uzbekistan. In particular, ahead of the exams held on June 7 of this year, the results for that day were reportedly leaked online. Following the leak, the June 7 exam results underwent rechecking. Although results for paper-based IELTS exams are typically released within 13 days, the controversy delayed the June 7 results, which were ultimately published on June 24.

Meanwhile, another organization authorized to conduct IELTS exams in Uzbekistan, the British Council, has not yet issued a comment on the matter.