The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is the single certificate that opens the most doors for Indians heading to Japan — universities want it, employers ask for it, and several visas require a specific level. But the part that trips people up isn't the studying; it's the registration: seats are limited, each Indian city runs its own window, and they fill first-come-first-served — in popular cities within days of opening. For the December 2026 sitting, registration is open now. This guide covers the essentials — the confirmed date, exactly how to register in India, what it costs, which level to take, and how to prepare for free.
Looking for JLPT prep classes? Find verified institutes in your city → Key takeaway: The December 2026 JLPT is confirmed for Sunday, 6 December 2026, and India registration is open now — it opened in August and closes around September (each city sets its own deadline), on a first-come, first-served basis until seats fill. In India you register online through your city's host institution — MOSAI (Delhi/NCR), JALTAP (Pune), ABK-AOTS DOSOKAI (Chennai), BNK (Bengaluru), IJWCA (Kolkata) — not through one national portal (Mumbai reportedly has no December-2026 sitting — confirm before planning). Fees run roughly ₹2,200–₹2,800 depending on level and city (incl. 18% GST), with higher levels costing more. There are five levels, N5 (beginner) → N1 (advanced); pick by your goal (an SSW work visa often needs N4; the engineer/specialist route may need N2). Don't wait — register today; seats in popular cities go within days.
JLPT Exam Dates (Dec 2026)
The JLPT runs twice yearly, on a Sunday in early July and early December. The December 2026 sitting is confirmed for Sunday, 6 December 2026, and India registration is open now — it opened in August 2026 and closes around September, though each host city sets its own deadline and closes earlier once seats fill. Admit cards usually go out in November; results land the following late January–February.
Register early. Because seats are first-come, the practical deadline is not the published one — it's the day your city sells out. Confirm your city's exact closing date on your host institution's portal (and cross-check the sitting on jlpt.jp) and register as soon as you can.
Test Cities in India (full list)
Unlike some countries, India has no single national JLPT portal — registration is run city by city by local host institutions authorised by the Japan Foundation. For the December 2026 sitting the host institutions are:
| City | Host Institution |
|---|---|
| Delhi / NCR | MOSAI |
| Pune | JALTAP |
| Chennai | ABK-AOTS DOSOKAI |
| Bengaluru | BNK |
| Kolkata | IJWCA |
Important: Reports indicate Mumbai (TAOJ) is not running a December-2026 sitting, and Santiniketan runs only the July session — so Mumbai-area candidates may need to travel. Always confirm the current running-centre list on jlpt.jp's overseas test-site list before planning.
How to Register for JLPT in India (step-by-step)
Registration is through your city's host institution (not a central portal):
- Go to your city's host-institution portal and create an account within the registration window.
- Select your level (N5–N1), choose your test centre, and upload a passport-size photo + ID.
- Pay the fee online before the deadline and download your confirmation / test voucher.
Because seats are limited and allocated first-come-first-served, the single biggest tip is: register today, not next week — popular cities and levels fill within days of opening.
JLPT Fees in India (₹)
Fees vary by level and city, but broadly run ₹2,200–₹2,800, inclusive of 18% GST (plus a small payment-gateway charge), with higher levels costing more. Published Chennai fees as a reference:
| Level | Fee (approx.) |
|---|---|
| N5 | ₹2,207 |
| N4 | ₹2,336 |
| N3 | ₹2,499 |
| N2 | ₹2,661 |
| N1 | ₹2,791 |
Other cities (Delhi/MOSAI and the rest) band their fees a little differently. Confirm the exact fee for your level on your host institution's portal — and budget a little extra for travel if there's no centre near you.
Passing Marks by Level (N5–N1)
The JLPT measures reading, listening, and language knowledge across five levels:
- N5 / N4 — beginner. N4 is the level most SSW work visas ask for (or you can use JFT-Basic instead — see below).
- N3 — intermediate; a common stepping stone.
- N2 — upper-intermediate; often required for the Engineer/Specialist (技人国) professional route and valued by employers and universities.
- N1 — advanced; the ceiling, useful for competitive jobs and academia.
To pass, you need to score above both the overall pass mark and the sectional pass mark for each section. The pass marks vary by level (roughly 50–60% overall) and are set after each administration based on test difficulty. Don't over-reach: a comfortable pass at a lower level beats a fail at a higher one, and there's no penalty for climbing the ladder one level at a time.
Whichever path you're on — work or study — the JLPT is the credential that proves your Japanese, and the right level depends on your visa (see what Japanese level each visa needs).
JLPT vs JFT-Basic
For SSW work visas, you can use either JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic — both are accepted. JFT-Basic is offered more frequently in India (multiple times per year vs twice yearly for JLPT), results come faster (days vs months), and it focuses on practical communication. However, JLPT is more widely recognised by employers and universities, and forms part of a clear N5→N1 progression.
Quick comparison:
| JLPT N4 | JFT-Basic | |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | Twice yearly (Jul, Dec) | ~6 times yearly |
| Results | 2+ months | ~5 days |
| Recognition | Very broad (employers, universities) | SSW visa + Ikusei Shuro |
| Best for | Long-term career building | Fast SSW qualification |
Read the full comparison: JFT-Basic vs JLPT N4
How to prepare — for free
You don't need an expensive course to start. Build the foundation with Komichi's free study tools:
- Learn hiragana & katakana, vocabulary and kanji — spaced-repetition decks by JLPT level.
- The JLPT exam guide — structure, sections, and what each level tests.
- How to pass JLPT N5 in 3–6 months — a realistic study rhythm.
Start today, even with ten words — consistency beats intensity for the JLPT.
Your next step
Registration for the 6 December 2026 sitting is open now — decide your target level and register on your city's host-institution portal today (MOSAI for Delhi/NCR, JALTAP Pune, ABK-AOTS Chennai, BNK Bengaluru, IJWCA Kolkata), before your city fills. Then build the Japanese you'll need for free with our study tools and the N5 roadmap. If your goal is a work visa, double-check the level each visa requires so you sit the right test the first time.
This article is general educational information. JLPT dates, fees, registration windows, and host institutions change and vary by city — always confirm the current details on the official JLPT site (jlpt.jp) and your local host institution before registering or making travel plans.
Find JLPT Prep Classes in India
Start preparing for your JLPT exam with a verified institute.