The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is the world's most widely recognised certification for non-native Japanese speakers. Jointly administered by the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES), it has been held since 1984 and attracts over 600,000 examinees globally every year.

The JLPT is offered twice annually — in July and December. The first session of 2026 is scheduled for Sunday, July 5, 2026, and registration windows across India are now open. If you have been planning to sit the test this year, this guide has everything you need: registration links, deadlines, seat availability, fees, and step-by-step application instructions.

JLPT Levels — Which One Is Right for You?

The JLPT has five levels, ranging from N5 (beginner) to N1 (advanced). Here is a quick overview:

•        N5 – Basic Japanese: hiragana, katakana, approximately 100 kanji and 800 vocabulary words

•        N4 – Elementary Japanese: approximately 300 kanji and 1,500 vocabulary words; basic grammar

•        N3 – Intermediate bridging level between everyday and complex Japanese

•        N2 – Pre-advanced level: proficiency for use in a wide range of everyday situations

•        N1 – Advanced mastery: comprehension of Japanese used in complex scenarios

Note: N5 and N4 assess classroom-level Japanese, while N1 and N2 evaluate the ability to understand Japanese used in real-world, everyday settings. N3 bridges the two groups.

Quick Registration Links

•        New Delhi (Mosai): mosai.org.in/examination-and-contest/jlpt-july-2026

•        Chennai: jlptchennaiindia.com

•        Official overseas centres list: jlpt.jp/sp/e/application/overseas_list.html

•        JLPT official site: jlpt.jp

•        JEES (Japan domestic): info.jees-jlpt.jp

 India — Registration Dates by City (July 2026)

Since JLPT registration is managed by local host institutions and not a single central body, start dates and deadlines vary by city. Below is a summary for all active Indian centres:

⚠️ Important: All centres operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications close automatically once the seat limit is reached — even before the official deadline.

 Chennai — Live Seat Availability

Chennai's portal (jlptchennaiindia.com) offers real-time seat tracking. The total capacity across all levels is 3,700 seats. Here is the current status as of early March 2026:

⚠️ Urgent: N4 and N5 are completely full. If you are targeting these levels in Chennai, the July 2026 exam is no longer available — plan for December 2026 instead. N3 has fewer than 216 seats left, so apply immediately if this is your level.

 New Delhi (Mosai) — Key Details

The Mosai centre in New Delhi is one of the most prominent JLPT test venues in India. Here is what you need to know:

•        Registration deadline: March 25, 2026 (or earlier if seats fill up)

•        N1 & N2: Morning session | N3, N4 & N5: Afternoon session

•        Hall tickets / admit cards will be dispatched digitally in June 2026

•        Exam fee: Approximately ₹2,000–₹2,500 depending on the level

•        Special Test Accommodation (STA) for persons with disabilities: Request must be emailed to mosai.jlpt@gmail.com by March 20, 2026

Important: If you require any disability-related accommodations, you must apply under the STA category before March 20 or no special assistance can be guaranteed on exam day.

 Exam Fees — India

Fees vary slightly by centre and level. The following are confirmed fees for Chennai, inclusive of 18% GST:

•        N1: ₹2,497 + payment gateway charge

•        N2: ₹2,367 + payment gateway charge

•        N3, N4, N5: Slightly lower — check your specific centre portal

•        New Delhi (Mosai): Fees range from ₹2,000 to ₹2,500 depending on level

Payment is made online via credit card, debit card, or net banking. There are no offline payment options at most centres. Always save your payment reference number — it is required to access your hall ticket.

 How to Apply — Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for JLPT July 2026 is fully online. Follow these steps to complete your application:

Step 1 — Prepare Your Documents

Before visiting the registration portal, keep the following ready:

•        Photo ID: Scanned copy of Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or PAN Card

•        Passport-size photograph: Recent, clear photo against a plain background

•        Both files must be in JPG/JPEG format, sized between 10 KB and 100 KB

•        Passport photo dimensions: 3.5 cm (width) × 4.5 cm (height)

Step 2 — Register on Your City's Portal

•        New Delhi: mosai.org.in/examination-and-contest/jlpt-july-2026

•        Chennai: jlptchennaiindia.com

•        Bangalore & Kolkata: Check the official JLPT overseas centres list at jlpt.jp

•        Create an account, fill in your personal details, and select your preferred level

Step 3 — Upload Documents & Pay the Fee

Upload your scanned photo ID and passport photograph. Complete payment through the online gateway. You will receive a reference/confirmation number — save this carefully.

Step 4 — Receive Your Hall Ticket

Hall tickets are dispatched digitally a few weeks before the exam. For the July 5, 2026 exam, expect them in June 2026. You must carry your hall ticket and a valid photo ID to the exam centre.

 Taking the JLPT in Japan?

If you are residing in Japan, the JLPT is administered domestically by JEES (Japan Educational Exchanges and Services) via the MyJLPT portal. Key details for 2026:

•        Round 1: July 5, 2026 — domestic registration managed through info.jees-jlpt.jp

•        Round 2: December 6, 2026 — registration opens later in the year

•        Applications require a MyJLPT ID — first-time applicants must create one at the JEES portal

•        An important notice about 2026 domestic implementation was published on March 10, 2026

⚠️ Important Notes for All Applicants

•        Seats are strictly first-come, first-served — the portal closes automatically once capacity is reached

•        Exam fee is non-refundable if the exam is cancelled due to natural disasters or pandemic conditions — fees are carried forward to the next session, not refunded

•        Ensure your uploaded photo ID and photograph meet the exact size and format requirements, as incorrect uploads can cause delays or rejections

•        The JLPT does not have a passing/failing mark in a traditional sense — your score is certified at the level you sat

•        Results are typically released approximately two months after the exam date

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. When is the JLPT July 2026 exam?

The exam is on Sunday, July 5, 2026. N1 and N2 are scheduled for the morning session; N3, N4, and N5 are in the afternoon session.

Q2. Is there a JLPT in July 2026 in the United States?

No. The United States does not hold a July JLPT session. The next exam for US candidates is December 2026. Check jlpt.jp for the list of approved overseas test centres.

Q3. I missed registration for N4/N5 in Chennai. What are my options?

Unfortunately, N4 and N5 in Chennai are completely full for July 2026. Your options are: (1) check availability in nearby cities such as Bangalore, (2) register for the December 2026 session when it opens later this year.

Q4. Can I apply for the JLPT offline?

No. All registrations across India are conducted entirely online through each city's designated portal. There are no paper application forms available for the 2026 July session.

Q5. How many times can I take the JLPT in a year?

The JLPT is offered twice per year in most countries — once in July and once in December. You can take a different level each time, or retake the same level to improve your score.

Q6. When will I receive my hall ticket?

Hall tickets are issued digitally approximately 3–4 weeks before the exam. For the July 5 exam, expect your admit card in June 2026. Always check your registered email and the portal dashboard.

Q7. I have a disability. How do I apply for special accommodation?

For New Delhi (Mosai), email mosai.jlpt@gmail.com by March 20, 2026, with your STA request. For other cities, contact the respective host institution as early as possible. Late requests cannot be accommodated.

Q8. What is the fee refund policy?

Exam fees are strictly non-refundable. If the exam is cancelled due to an unforeseen event such as a natural disaster or pandemic, the fee is carried forward to the next examination session rather than refunded.

Information accurate as of March 2026. Always verify the latest details on your city's official JLPT portal before applying.