Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)
Open the Gate to Japan: Innovation, Culture and Career Opportunities.
N5 to N1
JLPT Levels
Lifetime
Certificate
Twice/Year
Exam Frequency
1,000+ Orgs
Recognized By
Japanese is the gateway to one of the world's most advanced economies and one of its most unique cultures. Japan is the fourth-largest economy globally, a world leader in technology, robotics, automotive, gaming and anime industries. The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is administered by the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES). It assesses Reading and Listening proficiency across 5 levels — N5 (beginner) to N1 (mastery) — and is globally recognized by universities, corporations, and immigration authorities.
📌 Japan's MEXT Scholarship (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) covers full tuition, accommodation and a monthly living allowance for international students. JLPT N2 or N3 is typically required for Japanese university admissions and employment at Japanese companies.
Students planning to study at Japanese universities, language schools or National College of Technology (KOSEN) in Japan.
IT professionals, software engineers, and anime and gaming industry aspirants seeking employment in Japan.
Students applying for the prestigious MEXT Scholarship — Japan's government-funded full scholarship program.
Professionals in automotive, electronics or manufacturing targeting Japanese multinationals: Toyota, Sony, Honda, Panasonic, Fujitsu.
Applicants for Japan's Specified Skilled Worker Visa (Tokutei Ginou) or the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP).
Researchers, faculty, and postdoctoral scholars applying to Japanese academic institutions and RIKEN or NIMS research labs.
Students passionate about Japanese culture, anime, manga, J-Pop or traditional arts pursuing a structured certification path.
Certification Scale
N5 (beginner) to N1 (advanced mastery) — JLPT certificates are valid for lifetime with no expiry date
Scoring System
Total 180 points per level; each section (Language Knowledge, Reading, Listening) has its own minimum pass threshold — all sections must be individually passed
Exam Conducting Body
The Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES); in India, coordinated through The Japan Foundation, New Delhi office
Test Centres in India
New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Pune, Ahmedabad, Nagpur | Exam held twice per year: July and December
Registration & Website
Register via jlpt.jp (official) or The Japan Foundation India website; registration opens 2–3 months before the exam date
Approximate Fees (India)
N5/N4: ₹3,500–₹4,500 | N3: ₹4,500–₹5,500 | N2/N1: ₹5,000–₹6,500 | Fees vary slightly by test centre and session
Begin by mastering Hiragana and Katakana — learn all 92 characters completely before starting any JLPT level preparation.
JLPT N2 is the key milestone: it opens doors to Japanese universities, most corporate jobs, and the Specified Skilled Worker visa.
The Japan Foundation's official JLPT website (jlpt.jp) provides free sample questions and past papers for all 5 levels.
Use the Genki textbook series (volumes 1 and 2) for N4–N5 preparation and the Tobira textbook for advancing to N3–N2 level.
For Kanji mastery, use WaniKani (online SRS platform) or "Remembering the Kanji" by James Heisig — consistent daily review is essential.
Listen daily to NHK World "Easy Japanese" (free online) and watch Japanese anime or dramas with Japanese subtitles to build natural listening comprehension.
Register for a free demo session with our certified Japanese coaches today.