The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is the globally recognised certificate for Japanese ability — the one that goes on résumés, university applications, and visa checklists. Whether you're aiming for a job in Japan, a scholarship, or just structured proof of your Japanese, this is the test.
For Indians, the JLPT matters for three big reasons:
- Work visas — JLPT N4 (or JFT-Basic) meets the language requirement for the Specified Skilled Worker visa, the main pathway for Indians to work in Japan.
- University admissions — Most Japanese universities want N2 or N1 for degree programs taught in Japanese; N3+ helps even for English-taught programs.
- Job applications — Japanese companies list JLPT on job postings; N2 is the common bar for office roles.
The test is held twice a year in India (July and December) in eight cities. It's multiple-choice only — no speaking or writing — so it rewards focused study.
The 5 JLPT levels at a glance
| Level | What it means | Vocab | Kanji | Study hours | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N5 | Beginner basics | ~800 | ~100 | 350–500 | First certificate, building confidence |
| N4 | Basic everyday Japanese | ~1,500 | ~300 | 600–1,000 | SSW visa, care/manufacturing jobs |
| N3 | Intermediate bridge | ~3,700 | ~650 | 1,000–1,800 | Better jobs, some universities |
| N2 | Business-ready | ~6,000 | ~1,000 | 1,600–2,400 | Office jobs, most universities |
| N1 | Near-native proficiency | ~10,000 | ~2,000 | 3,000–4,800 | Specialist roles, top universities |
Study hours are from zero; kanji/vocab counts are approximate targets.
Key insight: N4 is the level that unlocks Japan. It meets the language bar for SSW work visas, so for many Indians, the N5→N4 climb is the highest-ROI investment in Japanese.
Which level do you need?
Your target level depends on your goal:
- Working in Japan (SSW visa) → N4 or JFT-Basic — both meet the requirement
- Nursing/caregiving → N4 for entry, but N3+ helps on the job
- IT or office jobs → N2 is the common bar; N3 may work for English-heavy roles
- University in Japan → N2–N1 for Japanese-taught programs; check individual requirements
- Scholarships (MEXT) → Usually requires passing the scholarship's own Japanese test, but JLPT N2+ strengthens your application
Not sure which test to sit? Read JFT-Basic vs JLPT N4: Which Should You Take? or check What Japanese Level Do You Need for Each Japan Visa?.
JLPT in India — dates, cities, and fees
📅 December 2026 registration is OPEN. Test date: Sunday, 6 December 2026. New Delhi (MOSAI): N1/N2/N5 open now, N3/N4 from 26 Aug, all closing 30 August 2026. Fees: ₹2,200 (N5/N4), ₹2,500 (N3/N2/N1). Other cities have their own windows — find your city's portal.
The JLPT runs twice a year in India:
- July (first Sunday) — registration opens ~March
- December (first Sunday) — registration opens ~August
2026 dates: 5 July and 6 December (registration open now — seats are first-come-first-served).
Test cities: New Delhi (MOSAI), Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Pune, Kolkata, Santiniketan, Karur.
Fees (New Delhi/MOSAI): ₹2,200 (N5/N4), ₹2,500 (N3/N2/N1). Other cities may vary slightly.
Popular centres fill fast — register early. For the full step-by-step process, city-by-city portals, and deadlines, see the JLPT December 2026 in India guide.
How to prepare: your study path
Start with the basics, then climb the levels:
- Lock in the kana — Learn Hiragana and Learn Katakana first. You can't read anything without them.
- Build your vocabulary — Use the free JLPT N5 vocabulary list and the N5 deck on Komichi to drill words daily.
- Follow a roadmap — Work through the JLPT N5 study guide (3–6 months), then the N4 roadmap.
- Understand the method — Read How to Study Japanese for a proven approach, and How Long Does It Take? to set realistic expectations.
- Practice with real materials — The Reading Library has graded articles at your level; the Kanji decks reinforce what you're learning.
Free tools to help you study
Komichi has free resources to support your JLPT prep:
- Vocabulary decks — N5, N4, N3 word lists with SRS flashcards
- Kanji practice — Learn kanji by level and component
- Reading Library — Graded Japanese articles with furigana
- Hiragana & Katakana charts — Free guides to master the scripts
FAQ
Does the JLPT test speaking or writing? No. It's reading and listening only, all multiple-choice.
Can I fail with a passing total score? Yes — each section has a minimum. If one section (e.g., listening) is below its minimum, you fail even if your total clears the overall pass mark.
How often is the JLPT held in India? Twice a year — July and December — in eight cities.
Which level do I need to work in Japan? N4 (or JFT-Basic) meets the Specified Skilled Worker language requirement.
How long does it take to pass N4? From zero, typically 600–1,000 hours of study (roughly 6–12 months of consistent daily practice).
**Sources:** [JLPT official — scoring](https://www.jlpt.jp/sp/e/guideline/results.html), [JLPT — test sections](https://www.jlpt.jp/e/guideline/testsections.html), [MOFA — SSW](https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/ca/fna/ssw/us/introduction/).