JLPT
JLPT exam schedule
The JLPT is held twice a year — usually the first Sunday of July and December.
Next exam
6 December 2026
Confirmed
6 December 2026
Upcoming test dates
| Exam date | Status | Held in Sri Lanka | Applications in Sri Lanka |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 December 2026 | Confirmed | Yes | Check with JLEA |
| 4 July 2027 | Expected (not yet announced) | Check with JLEA | Check with JLEA |
| 5 December 2027 | Expected (not yet announced) | Check with JLEA | Check with JLEA |
"Expected" dates follow the usual first-Sunday pattern and are not official until announced on the JLPT website. Not every session is held in every country.
Exam day timetable (Sri Lanka)
Times published by JLEA for the test in Sri Lanka. Arrive before the assembly time.
- Language Knowledge (Vocabulary / Grammar) · Reading
- 10:00 – 11:50(110 minutes)
- Listening
- 12:10 – 13:05(55 minutes)
- Language Knowledge (Vocabulary / Grammar) · Reading
- 10:00 – 11:45(105 minutes)
- Listening
- 12:05 – 12:55(50 minutes)
- Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)
- 10:00 – 10:30(30 minutes)
- Language Knowledge (Grammar) · Reading
- 10:50 – 12:00(70 minutes)
- Listening
- 12:20 – 13:00(40 minutes)
- Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)
- 10:30 – 10:55(25 minutes)
- Language Knowledge (Grammar) · Reading
- 11:15 – 12:10(55 minutes)
- Listening
- 12:30 – 13:05(35 minutes)
- Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)
- 10:30 – 10:50(20 minutes)
- Language Knowledge (Grammar) · Reading
- 11:10 – 11:50(40 minutes)
- Listening
- 12:10 – 12:40(30 minutes)
Candidate limits per level
Seats in Sri Lanka are limited. Popular levels can fill quickly — apply early.
N1
Max. candidates
35
N2
Max. candidates
165
N3
Max. candidates
500
N4
Max. candidates
4,200
N5
Max. candidates
5,100
Important rules
- All fees paid are non-refundable and non-transferable after registration.
- Each applicant may apply for one level only. If you apply for more than one level, no refund is given.
Source: JLEA (Japanese Language Education Association of Sri Lanka). Times and limits may change — always check JLEA before the exam.
How to apply in Sri Lanka
- 1In Sri Lanka, the JLPT is run by the Japanese Language Education Association of Sri Lanka (JLEA).
- 2Applications are made online only, on the JLEA website, during the application period.
- 3After submitting the form, pay the exam fee using the payment page you are directed to.
- 4Your test voucher becomes available about two weeks before the exam. Print it on A5 paper in landscape orientation.
Application periods and fees are set by JLEA and can change. Always confirm on the official websites.
Japanese Language Education Association of Sri Lanka (JLEA)
- 3rd Floor, Sasakawa Center, No. 85, Ward Place, Colombo 07
- +94 11 2331894
Which level should I take?
Most of our students start with N5, then move on to N4. Not sure? Message us and we will suggest a level and a study plan.
- N5
- Basic Japanese: hiragana, katakana, simple kanji and everyday phrases.
- N4
- Basic Japanese used in daily life, at a slow pace.
- N3
- Everyday Japanese at a near-natural speed.
- N2
- Japanese used in a wide range of situations, including work.
- N1
- Advanced Japanese in a broad range of contexts.
Prepare with NOVIRA GLOBAL
Join our online classes or start with free lessons and practice questions.