On October 10, computer-based IELTS sessions across mainland China were abruptly cancelled due to a technical problem on the exam system side, according to reports from Xiaoxiang Morning Herald, Lianhe Zaobao and other outlets. Some candidates received the cancellation text while waiting to be called in; others were stopped after finishing Listening — and their partial results were voided.

What happened

• Many candidates got a cancellation SMS during check-in or mid-exam, and initially suspected a scam.
• Candidates who had already completed some sections had those results voided as well.
• The official response: the CNY 1,990 test fee would be fully refunded to the NEEA account within one working day, and candidates needed to rebook themselves.
• Some test center staff said the technical issue could also affect sessions over the following day or two.

Coming right in the middle of application season, this hit hard: candidates holding conditional offers waited on language scores, and some found the next local test dates already pushed to November. Travel and hotel costs were not covered — only the test fee.

Cancelled mid-exam? A 4-step recovery plan

1. Confirm the refund lands

The refund goes back to your registration account balance (not your bank card). Check it a day or two after the cancellation; if it hasn't arrived, call the official hotline.

2. Rebook immediately

Test seats in October–December were already scarce, and cancelled candidates are now competing for the same slots. Book the earliest session you can, even in a nearby city — missing a deadline costs more than a train ticket.

3. Email your universities proactively

If your score timeline slips, write to admissions explaining that your test was officially cancelled (attach the notice). Many universities grant extensions when the test provider itself cancels. Most candidates never think to ask — do it.

4. Keep every record

Screenshots of the SMS, email, and refund status. You may need them for a complaint or for your university.

The bigger lesson: build a buffer

The real takeaway is to leave room for one retake window before your application deadline. Exams can fail for reasons that have nothing to do with you.

While you wait for a new test date, keep sharp: run full computer-based mock tests on AI IELTS Mentor, get essay-by-essay AI feedback on your writing, and drill Speaking Part 1 daily with the AI examiner. Walk into the next session better prepared than the last one.

(Sources: Xiaoxiang Morning Herald, Sina Finance, Lianhe Zaobao, Oct 10–11, 2026. Refund and rebooking details are subject to official notices.)