JLPT 2026: test dates, levels, pass marks, how to apply and free practice tests
The JLPT (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test) measures Japanese for people whose first language is not Japanese. It is run by the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES). Unlike most language tests, it is held on fixed days: the official site gives the 2026 dates as Sunday 5 July and Sunday 6 December 2026 (checked 20 October 2026). Some cities hold only one of the two. This guide covers the December date, how to apply in India and elsewhere, the five levels, the pass marks and a plan for the weeks that are left.
JLPT at a glance
| Conducting body | The Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services |
| What it is for | Proof of Japanese for study, work and some Japanese immigration schemes |
| Mode | On paper at a test centre, with a mark sheet |
| Levels | N5 (basic) to N1 (advanced); you sit one level |
| Questions | Multiple choice only; no writing or speaking test |
| Time | 90 minutes (N5) to 165 minutes (N1) |
| Marking | Scaled scores out of 180; overall pass mark plus a pass mark in every scoring section |
| How often | Usually July and December; some cities once a year |
| Official website | jlpt.jp |
JLPT exam date
| Test | Date | Source |
|---|---|---|
| First test 2026 | Sunday 5 July 2026 (held) | jlpt.jp |
| Second test 2026 | Sunday 6 December 2026 | jlpt.jp, checked 20 October 2026 |
The 2027 dates were not on the official site on 20 October 2026. The JLPT is usually held in July and December, so watch jlpt.jp for the 2027 announcement.
Outside Japan, each city's test is organised by a local host institution, which sets the application period. Some cities hold the test only in July or only in December, so check your city's row on the overseas test cities list.
How to apply for the JLPT
- Choose your level. You do not need to have passed a lower level first.
- Find your city on the JLPT overseas list and note its host institution. In Japan, apply through JEES.
- Contact the host institution, or open its website, for the application period, form and fee. The JLPT site says to contact the local host institution for details.
- Apply and pay within the period your host institution sets.
- On test day, bring the documents and items your host institution lists.
In India, the overseas list (checked 20 October 2026) names these host institutions:
| City | Host institution |
|---|---|
| New Delhi | Mombusho Scholars Association of India (MOSAI) |
| Pune, Mumbai | Japanese Language Teachers' Association, Pune (JALTAP) |
| Kolkata | The Indo-Japan Welfare and Cultural Association |
| Chennai | ABK-AOTS DOSOKAI, Tamilnadu Centre |
| Bengaluru | Bangalore Nihongo Kyooshi-kai (BNK) |
| Karur | Japanese Language Teachers Association |
| Santiniketan | Visva-Bharati (July test only) |
If the December application period in your city has closed, the next chance there is the following year's sitting, once announced.
JLPT exam pattern
| Level | Test sections and time | Total | Pass mark (out of 180) | Sectional pass marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N1 | Language Knowledge and Reading 110 min; Listening 55 min | 165 min | 100 | 19 of 60 in each of vocabulary/grammar, reading and listening |
| N2 | Language Knowledge and Reading 105 min; Listening 50 min | 155 min | 90 | 19 of 60 in each |
| N3 | Vocabulary 30 min; Grammar and Reading 70 min; Listening 40 min | 140 min | 95 | 19 of 60 in each |
| N4 | Vocabulary 25 min; Grammar and Reading 55 min; Listening 35 min | 115 min | 90 | 38 of 120 in language knowledge and reading; 19 of 60 in listening |
| N5 | Vocabulary 20 min; Grammar and Reading 40 min; Listening 30 min | 90 min | 80 | 38 of 120 in language knowledge and reading; 19 of 60 in listening |
The sections you sit are not the same as the sections you are scored on. To pass, you must reach the overall pass mark and every sectional pass mark. A candidate with a high total who misses one sectional mark fails. Scores are scaled, not a count of right answers. From 2026, score reports also show a CEFR level for reference for candidates who pass; the pass marks have not changed.
JLPT syllabus
The JLPT publishes no word list. Each level tests:
- Language knowledge: vocabulary and grammar (scored with reading at N4 and N5, separately at N1 to N3).
- Reading: passages, answered by multiple choice.
- Listening: recordings, answered by multiple choice.
Roughly, N5 is some basic Japanese, N4 basic Japanese, N3 everyday Japanese to a certain degree, N2 everyday Japanese and some wider use, and N1 Japanese across a wide range of situations. See the JLPT syllabus page.
A plan for the weeks before 6 December
About seven weeks remain. A plan for any level:
| Weeks before | Focus |
|---|---|
| 7 | One full timed JLPT practice test at your level. Check every scoring section against its pass mark. |
| 6 to 4 | Vocabulary and kanji daily. Grammar: a set of questions each day, with review of each pattern you missed. |
| 4 to 3 | Reading: timed passages, so you finish the combined language knowledge and reading section inside its time. |
| 3 to 2 | Listening: daily practice with the audio played once, answering immediately. |
| 2 | A second full practice test. Fix whichever section is nearest its sectional mark. |
| 1 | Light review. Check your test venue, start time and what to bring. |
Because one weak section fails the whole test, a balanced score beats a lopsided one. Our guide to analysing a mock test helps you find which section to work on.
Useful links
- JLPT official site and overseas test cities and host institutions
- JLPT test sections and time and scoring and pass marks
- Free JLPT mock tests, N5 to N1
- JLPT syllabus
- JLPT exam dates
- How to use mock tests
- Goethe-Zertifikat 2026: test dates, format and how to book
Frequently asked questions
When is the JLPT December 2026 exam?
Sunday 6 December 2026, according to jlpt.jp (checked 20 October 2026). Some cities hold the test only in July, so check your city on the overseas list.
What is the JLPT N5 pass mark?
80 out of 180, with at least 38 out of 120 in language knowledge and reading and at least 19 out of 60 in listening. N4 needs 90, N3 95, N2 90 and N1 100.
Is there negative marking in the JLPT?
The JLPT does not publish a deduction for wrong answers, and scores are scaled. All questions are multiple choice, so fill in every answer on the mark sheet.
Can I take JLPT N3 without passing N4 or N5?
Yes. You choose one level to sit and do not need to pass the lower ones first.
How do I apply for the JLPT in India?
Through the host institution for your city, listed on the JLPT overseas page: for example MOSAI in New Delhi or BNK in Bengaluru. The host institution sets the application period and fee.
Does the JLPT have speaking or writing?
No. Every level is multiple choice on a mark sheet, in language knowledge, reading and listening.