Japanese study materials with kanji workbook, red pencil and matcha tea — JLPT 2026 exam preparation

JLPT 2026 Exam Timetable – June and December Sessions

BySaachi_Japan
📅 Saachi Japanese Language Institute

JLPT 2026 Exam Timetable
June & December Sessions

📅 Published May 2026 🕒 5 min read ✍️ Saachi Academic Team
☀️ Summer session
5 July 2026
Sunday
❄️ Winter session
6 December 2026
Sunday

Planning to take the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) in 2026? The JLPT is conducted twice a year — in July and December — at authorised test centres across the globe, including India. Whether you are just beginning your Japanese journey at N5 or challenging yourself at the advanced N1 level, staying ahead of the exam calendar is key to a confident, well-prepared attempt.

In this post, the Saachi academic team breaks down the complete JLPT 2026 exam timetable, registration deadlines, and results timeline — everything you need in one place.

☀️
Summer session

Sunday, 5 July 2026

The first JLPT sitting of 2026 takes place on Sunday, 5 July 2026. This session is available at select test centres worldwide and is an ideal target for learners who have been preparing since the start of this year. Seats fill quickly — early registration is strongly recommended.

Registration opens
March 2026
Registration closes
Early April 2026
Exam date
5 July 2026
Sunday
Results expected
Aug – Sep 2026
Level Section Start time Duration
N1Language knowledge & Reading9:30 AM110 min
N1Listening11:40 AM60 min
N2Language knowledge & Reading9:30 AM105 min
N2Listening11:40 AM50 min
N3Language knowledge1:30 PM40 min
N3Reading2:15 PM70 min
N3Listening3:30 PM40 min
N4Language knowledge & Reading9:30 AM60 min
N4Listening10:40 AM35 min
N5Language knowledge & Reading1:00 PM50 min
N5Listening2:00 PM30 min
❄️
Winter session

Sunday, 6 December 2026

The second and final JLPT sitting of 2026 is scheduled for Sunday, 6 December 2026. This session is the more widely available of the two — N3, N4, and N5 candidates outside Japan who cannot access the July sitting will find December to be their primary opportunity. Registration opens in August 2026.

Registration opens
August 2026
Registration closes
September 2026
Exam date
6 December 2026
Sunday
Results expected
Jan – Feb 2027
Level Section Start time Duration
N1Language knowledge & Reading9:30 AM110 min
N1Listening11:40 AM60 min
N2Language knowledge & Reading9:30 AM105 min
N2Listening11:40 AM50 min
N3Language knowledge1:30 PM40 min
N3Reading2:15 PM70 min
N3Listening3:30 PM40 min
N4Language knowledge & Reading9:30 AM60 min
N4Listening10:40 AM35 min
N5Language knowledge & Reading1:00 PM50 min
N5Listening2:00 PM30 min
📅
Register early Seats at popular test centres fill within days of registration opening. Set a reminder for March 2026 (July session) and August 2026 (December session) to avoid missing out.
⏳
Arrive 30 minutes before your session Latecomers are not admitted once a section begins. Bring your admission ticket and a valid photo ID.
⚠️
N1 & N2 availability N1 and N2 are offered at both July and December sittings worldwide. N3, N4, and N5 outside Japan may be available at one sitting only — check with your local test centre.

Frequently asked questions

When does JLPT 2026 registration open?
Registration for the July 2026 session typically opens in March 2026 and closes in early April. For the December 2026 session, registration opens in August and closes in September 2026.
Can I take both the July and December sessions in the same year?
Yes. You can sit the JLPT twice in 2026 — once in July and once in December. Many candidates use the July session to attempt a higher level and the December session as a retake or to challenge the next level.
Which JLPT level should I register for?
N5 suits absolute beginners (0–6 months of study). N4 is for those who have completed a beginner textbook series. N3 bridges everyday and professional use. N2 is the practical standard for work and university in Japan. N1 is the advanced mastery level.
When will JLPT 2026 results be announced?
Results for the July 2026 session are expected in August or early September 2026. Results for the December 2026 session are expected in January or February 2027.
Does the JLPT certificate expire?
No. JLPT certificates do not have an expiry date. Once you pass a level, the certification is valid indefinitely.

Ready to start preparing?

Join Saachi’s expert-led JLPT preparation courses — N5 through N1.

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Disclaimer: JLPT 2026 exam dates are based on the standard annual schedule and are subject to official confirmation by the Japan Foundation. Test centre availability varies by country — some regions offer only one session per year. Always verify final dates, venue details, and registration deadlines with your local test centre or the official JLPT website at jlpt.jp before registering.

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