CELPIP Test Centers in India 2026: Cities, Dates & How to Book

Looking for CELPIP test centers India in 2026? With CELPIP rapidly gaining popularity among Canada PR applicants, knowing exactly where you can sit the exam is the first step toward your immigration journey. There are currently 9 cities across India where you can take the CELPIP-General test — from Ahmedabad and Delhi to Kolkata and Chennai. In this 2026 guide, EEC breaks down every authorised CELPIP test centers India location, test schedules, the step-by-step booking process, and what to bring on exam day — so you can register with confidence and focus on achieving your target CLB score. Need help choosing the right centre? Book a free consultation with EEC.

All 9 CELPIP Test Centers in India

As of 2026, Paragon Testing Enterprises — the organisation behind CELPIP — operates 9 authorised test centres across India. The majority are run by Prometric, one of the world's largest test-delivery networks, which ensures standardised infrastructure, computer-based testing environments, and strict invigilation protocols. Two centres — Chandigarh and Chennai — are operated by independent partners but follow the same Paragon Testing guidelines.

Seven of the nine centres are Prometric facilities, which means you can expect a consistent experience regardless of whether you test in Ahmedabad or Mumbai. Each Prometric centre offers individual computer workstations with noise-cancelling headphones, private microphone setups for the Speaking section, secure locker storage for personal belongings, and on-site proctors trained specifically for the CELPIP exam. If you're unfamiliar with the overall test format, read our CELPIP complete guide for Indian test takers before booking.

North India

Delhi (New Delhi) and Gurgaon serve the National Capital Region, giving NCR-based applicants two nearby options. Chandigarh caters to Punjab and Haryana — a region with extremely high Canada immigration demand. The Chandigarh centre is operated by the independent "Center for Success" and tends to have fewer seats per session, so booking early is essential.

West India

Ahmedabad and Mumbai are the two west-India hubs. Gujarat-based applicants — many of whom are EEC students — typically choose the Ahmedabad Prometric centre. For candidates in Surat, Vadodara, or Rajkot, Ahmedabad is the nearest option. If Ahmedabad sessions are full, Mumbai is the next closest alternative. Many Gujarat-based applicants combine their CELPIP test with EEC's Canada study-abroad services for a complete immigration package.

South & East India

Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai cover the southern states, while Kolkata is the sole eastern-India centre. Chennai's centre is operated by LIVECORE Testing Services LLP rather than Prometric. Kolkata has comparatively fewer test dates, so east-India candidates should monitor availability closely or consider travelling to Hyderabad or Delhi for more scheduling flexibility.

Test Schedule & Dates

CELPIP tests in India are typically held on Saturdays, with two sessions offered per test day — a 9:00 AM session and a 2:00 PM session. Not every centre offers both sessions every Saturday; availability depends on local demand and centre capacity. Test dates are released on a rolling basis through the official CELPIP website (celpip.ca), and new dates are usually added 2-3 months in advance. If CELPIP dates are unavailable in your city, consider IELTS as an alternative — both are accepted for Express Entry.

High-demand months — typically January through April and September through November — see the fastest slot fill-up. These periods coincide with major Express Entry draw cycles and immigration season peaks. If you're targeting a specific Express Entry draw, plan your test date so that you receive results at least 2 weeks before the expected draw date. Since CELPIP results arrive in 3-4 business days, the turnaround is far quicker than IELTS (13 days). For more on how timing affects your CRS strategy, see our CELPIP score for Canada PR & CRS guide.

How to Book Your CELPIP Test

Booking your CELPIP test is done entirely online through the official Paragon Testing website. Here is the step-by-step process for Indian test takers:

Step 1: Create an Account

Visit celpip.ca and create a free account. Use the same name that appears on your passport — any mismatch between your registration name and your ID on test day will result in being denied entry. Your account dashboard is where you'll manage bookings, view results, and send scores to designated recipients.

Step 2: Select Your Test Version

Choose CELPIP-General (4 sections — Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) if you're applying for Canada PR through Express Entry. Choose CELPIP-General LS (Listening and Speaking only) only if you're applying for Canadian citizenship. Most Indian test takers need CELPIP-General. For a detailed comparison, see our CELPIP exam complete guide.

Step 3: Choose City, Date & Session

Select your preferred city from the 9 available centres, pick a date, and choose the 9 AM or 2 PM session. The system shows real-time seat availability. If your preferred centre is fully booked, try an alternate city or check back — cancellations do open up slots.

Step 4: Pay & Confirm

The CELPIP-General fee is ₹12,500 + applicable taxes. Payment is accepted via credit card, debit card, or PayPal. After payment, you'll receive a confirmation email with your test date, centre address, reporting time, and ID requirements. For a full fee breakdown, see our CELPIP fee & registration guide. Need payment assistance? Enquire now and EEC's team will guide you through the process.

Tips for Choosing Your Test Center

Not all CELPIP test centres are created equal. Here are factors to consider when selecting yours:

Proximity: Choose the centre closest to your home or accommodation. CELPIP is a 3-hour test, and arriving stressed after a long commute can hurt your performance. If you're in Gujarat, the Ahmedabad Prometric centre is your nearest option. Availability: Delhi and Mumbai typically have the most frequent test dates. If your city has limited availability, these two metros are the best alternatives. Centre Type: Prometric centres offer a standardised, globally consistent testing environment. The independent centres in Chandigarh and Chennai are well-equipped but may have slightly different check-in procedures. Session Preference: Some test takers perform better in the morning; others prefer the afternoon session. If you have a preference, book early — the 9 AM session tends to fill up faster. If you cannot find a slot at any CELPIP centre, PTE is another computer-based option worth exploring.

What to Bring on Test Day

CELPIP has strict ID and check-in requirements. Arriving without the correct documents means you will not be allowed to take the test — and you will forfeit your fee. Here's what you need:

Arrive at the centre at least 30 minutes before your session time. The check-in process includes identity verification, a photograph, a digital signature, and a palm-vein scan at most Prometric centres. Late arrivals are typically not permitted — the test starts precisely on schedule. For a full walk-through of what to expect, see our exam day tips article.

Nearest EEC Branch to Each Test Center

EEC operates 26 branches across Gujarat and offers online live coaching accessible from any city in India. If you're taking CELPIP at any of the 9 Indian test centres, here's how EEC can support you:

Ahmedabad centre: EEC's flagship Ahmedabad branch is in the same city — join online live CELPIP coaching and take your test locally. Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Gurgaon, Chandigarh: Join EEC's online CELPIP coaching — live Zoom classes with the same expert trainers, mock tests, and personalised Speaking & Writing feedback. Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot & other Gujarat cities: Visit your nearest EEC branch for in-person coaching, then travel to Ahmedabad for the test. See our Surat, Vadodara, and Gujarat coaching guides.

“Whether your CELPIP centre is in Ahmedabad or Kolkata, EEC's coaching reaches you — online or in person. We don't just prepare you for the test; we prepare you for Canada.”

— EEC Coaching Team, EEC

Prepare with EEC Before Your Test

Booking your CELPIP test centre is only half the equation — preparation determines your score. EEC's CELPIP coaching program is purpose-built for Indian test takers targeting CLB 7-12 for Canada PR. With 27+ years of experience and 50,000+ students placed globally, EEC combines structured CELPIP coaching with free Canada immigration counselling under one roof.

EEC's CELPIP preparation includes section-wise strategy for all four skills, full-length timed mock tests scored to the CELPIP rubric, personalised Speaking and Writing feedback from trained evaluators, Canadian English immersion with real CELPIP-style tasks, and a dedicated study plan aligned with your test date. Whether you're 8 weeks away from your test or 2, EEC builds a preparation timeline that works. For section-specific techniques, read our CELPIP preparation tips for CLB 9+.

Beyond test prep, every EEC student receives free Canada counselling — Express Entry profile assessment, CRS score calculation, visa processing assistance, education loan guidance, and province-specific PNP advice. Since November 2024, CELPIP scores are also required for PGWP applications — CLB 7 for degree programs and CLB 5 for diplomas — so EEC's counsellors help you align your test preparation with both PGWP and Express Entry timelines. Your journey doesn't end at the test centre; it ends when you land in Canada. That's the EEC Complete Journey approach.

Frequently Asked Questions