IELTS Speaking Changes 2026: Video Calls, New Topics & What to Expect

The IELTS Speaking test has seen more changes between 2025 and 2026 than in any recent testing cycle. While the core three-part structure remains the same, the delivery method, topic pool, and examiner practices have all been updated. This guide covers every confirmed change and what it means for your preparation.

For an overview of changes across all four sections, see our complete guide to IELTS 2026 changes.

Is IELTS Speaking done by video call now?

Yes, at an increasing number of test centres worldwide. IELTS Speaking via video call is now offered alongside the traditional face-to-face interview. Both formats use the same three-part structure, the same timing (11–14 minutes), and the same band descriptors. Your score is not affected by the delivery method.

Key things to know about the video call format:

Test centres provide the equipment. You do not use your own device when testing at a centre.
IELTS Online (at home) requires your own setup — a stable internet connection, webcam, and quiet room.
Eye contact means looking at the camera, not the screen. This feels unnatural at first, so practise before test day.
Most candidates report it feels normal after the first minute. The examiner's approach is identical regardless of format.

If you have a choice between video and face-to-face, pick whichever format makes you more comfortable. There is no scoring advantage either way.

Have the Speaking topics changed in 2026?

The topic categories remain similar, but the specific questions rotate every four months. The January–April 2026 rotation includes several new Part 2 cue cards and updated Part 3 discussion questions. See our full list of current IELTS Speaking topics and cue cards for the latest reported questions.

Notable trends in the 2026 topic pool:

More technology and AI-related questions in Parts 1 and 3 — opinions on AI tools, screen time, digital communication
Environment and sustainability topics appearing more frequently in Part 3 follow-ups
Fewer purely personal topics in Part 3 — examiners are pushing candidates toward abstract discussion earlier

This shift rewards candidates who can discuss ideas, not just describe personal experiences. If your Part 3 practice has been limited, prioritise it — this is where most Band 6 candidates lose marks in 2026.

Did the Speaking band descriptors change?

The band descriptors themselves have not changed, but IELTS has made them more publicly accessible with clearer explanations. The four criteria remain:

Fluency and Coherence — 25%
Lexical Resource — 25%
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — 25%
Pronunciation — 25%

What has changed is examiner training. Examiners received updated guidance in 2025–2026 focusing on:

Stricter identification of memorised responses. Rehearsed answers that sound unnatural are penalised more consistently under Fluency and Coherence.
Greater emphasis on pronunciation features beyond accent. Sentence stress, intonation patterns, and connected speech matter more than having a "native" accent.
Coherence within Part 2 monologues. Examiners are paying closer attention to whether your 2-minute talk has a logical structure, not just whether you fill the time.

For a detailed breakdown of what each band level requires, see our IELTS Speaking band descriptors guide.

Is IELTS Speaking getting harder in 2026?

Not officially. The test structure, timing, and scoring criteria are unchanged. However, three factors make it feel harder for candidates who relied on older preparation methods:

Memorised answers are penalised more consistently. If your Part 1 answers sound rehearsed or your Part 2 monologue follows a rigid template, examiners are trained to flag this under Fluency and Coherence.
Part 3 questions are more abstract. Instead of "Do you like reading?", expect questions like "How has the role of libraries changed in the digital age?" — requiring you to discuss ideas rather than preferences.
Video call format adds a new variable. Some candidates find it harder to read social cues on screen. Practising with video calls (even casual ones) helps.

The good news: if your English is genuinely strong, these changes work in your favour. The test is becoming better at distinguishing real proficiency from rehearsed performance.

How to prepare for IELTS Speaking in 2026

Stop memorising scripts

This is the single most important change in your preparation. Memorised answers are now a liability, not a safety net. Instead:

Learn topic vocabulary — not full sentences, but useful words and phrases for common themes
Practise extending answers naturally — add reasons, examples, and contrasts
Record yourself and listen back — does it sound like a conversation or a recital?

Practise Part 3 more than you think you need to

Part 3 is where most candidates underperform, and the 2026 questions push harder into abstract territory. Build a habit of:

Giving your opinion, then immediately supporting it with a reason
Acknowledging the other side before returning to your view
Using discourse markers naturally: "Having said that...", "The way I see it...", "It depends on..."

Get comfortable with video

If your test centre offers video call Speaking, practise with it:

Do a few video calls with friends or language partners
Look at the camera when speaking, not at the other person's face on screen
Check your lighting and background — a clear, well-lit setup helps you feel more confident

Use the band descriptors as a checklist

After each practice session, evaluate yourself against the official band descriptors for your target band. This targeted self-assessment is more valuable than generic practice.

Practise with real 2026 topics

Use our IELTS Speaking Question Randomizer to practise with questions from the current topic rotation. Simulating real test conditions — including the 1-minute preparation time for Part 2 — builds the kind of fluency that examiners reward.