Technical fault cancels IELTS tests across China, disruption expected through October 12

IELTS computer-based examinations organised by the British Council were widely cancelled across China on October 10 because of technical problems, Chinese outlets reported. Customer-service staff said the disruption was also expected to affect examinations on October 11 and 12. Some candidates were still waiting when they learned their tests had been cancelled, while others had already completed the listening section and were preparing to begin reading when they were told to leave. Staff said candidates who completed only part of the test would receive no score. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]

Candidates received an email saying their examination fees would be refunded in full to their NEEA registration accounts within one working day. In a telephone response, customer-service staff said refunds were being processed and would theoretically reach the accounts within one to two days. They warned that places for subsequent examinations were limited and said they were trying to secure more. Asked about candidates who had already paid for travel and hotels, staff said there were no corresponding compensation arrangements. They also said there was no arrangement for priority rescheduling of affected candidates. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]

China News Service described a Beijing candidate whose first test had been planned for October 10 ahead of an October 20 deadline for an intended British master's programme. She said the earliest new booking at her preferred test centre was October 17, leaving her only one test opportunity before the deadline. The report quoted IELTS teacher Ma Lin (马林), who said the cancellations coincided with university application season and affected candidates awaiting language results to meet conditional offers. He suggested that candidates facing deadlines contact their intended institutions to explain the situation and ask about submitting results later. [ 1 ]