Preparing for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test in December can feel intense, especially when exam day gets closer. While students spend months revising grammar, vocabulary, kanji, and reading patterns, many overlook one factor that directly affects scores. Your JLPT December exam timings and reporting schedule. Missing your slot or arriving late can disqualify you even before the exam begins.
This guide gives you a complete breakdown of JLPT December exam timings, reporting rules, session schedules, important instructions, and the exact time structure for each level. If you are attempting the exam in India, this article will help you stay ready so you never get confused about exam shifts again.
Students who want to enhance their Japanese skills and prepare effectively for the JLPT can enroll in the JLPT preparation course in Delhi online to access structured lessons, mock tests, and expert guidance from experienced instructors.
A leading training institute like TLS The Japanese Language School always reminds students that understanding the JLPT schedule is as important as studying grammar because improper timing can affect performance.
Let us walk through the essential details every candidate must know.
Check the complete JLPT Syllabus to understand what topics are covered at each level.
The JLPT is a globally recognized Japanese proficiency test, and thousands of candidates appear at centers across India. On exam day, centers follow strict guidelines given by the Japan Foundation. Even a small delay can prevent entry, which means months of preparation go to waste.
For a complete list of authorized exam venues across the country, you can refer to the updated guide on NAT Test Centers India.
Many candidates focus heavily on preparation but forget small details like reporting time, shift schedules, or exam duration.
Understanding JLPT December exam timings ensures
Since centers like Bangalore Nihongo Kyooshikai, MOSAI in Delhi, and ABK AOTS in Chennai follow slightly different timing patterns, you should always double check the details printed on your admit card.
Many students at TLS – The Japanese Language School follow the same exam-day strategies and pass comfortably.
Here is the most commonly followed pattern in India for the December exam cycles. These timings are based on the 2025 structure but are similar every year.
This session generally runs longer because the advanced levels include more complex listening and reading tasks.
This setup helps centers manage high candidate traffic and reduce crowding.
Since the shifts are fixed by the Japan Foundation in Tokyo, they remain stable, but local centers can modify small details. Therefore, always verify through your admit card or hall ticket.
JLPT Reference Materials → https://www.jlpt.jp/e/reference/materials.html
Understanding how long each section lasts will help you plan your stamina, revision strategy, and stress management.
Total time is approximately 80 minutes depending on the center.
Total exam duration is around 95 minutes.
This mid level test is slightly longer.
The total duration is roughly 110 minutes.
Learn everything you need to know about the JLPT Exam, including registration, levels, and scoring.
The N2 test requires stamina because the reading passages are long and demanding.
N1 is the toughest JLPT level and requires maximum concentration and endurance.
JLPT Sample Questions → https://www.jlpt.jp/e/samples/sampleindex.html#anchor01
Many students search for a JLPT December exam timings PDF hoping for an official downloadable version. The Japan Foundation does not always release a standardized PDF for timings. Instead, each test center issues its own timetable through:
However, TLS The Japanese Language School helps students create personalized PDF schedules based on their center, shift, and level.
JLPT December Exam Timings PDF → https://drive.google.com/file/d/11fLLzbp28CEl4MfMzZZwqgjKVIirmeb7/view
India has multiple JLPT test centers and each facility has its own seating capacity. This affects the reporting time, exam start time, and break management.
For example
Your admit card always holds the final confirmed schedule.
For structured preparation, explore the Top 10 JLPT Institutes in Delhi offering expert coaching and practice tests.
Here is a summarized view for easy understanding.
| JLPT Level | Reporting Time | Exam Start Time | Shift |
| N1 | 7:45 AM to 8:00 AM | 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM | Morning |
| N2 | 7:45 AM to 8:00 AM | 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM | Morning |
| N3 | 12:00 PM to 12:15 PM | About 1:00 PM | Afternoon |
| N4 | 12:00 PM to 12:15 PM | About 1:00 PM | Afternoon |
| N5 | 12:00 PM to 12:15 PM | About 1:00 PM | Afternoon |
Use this as a general guideline but always verify your center specific timings.
Many students preparing for the December cycle often search for:
Registration windows vary across countries and are controlled by the Japan Foundation. In India, seats fill up quickly, especially for N5 and N4, so candidates must register early.
TLS The Japanese Language School advises students to subscribe to announcements from MOSAI, ABK AOTS, and the Japan Foundation website to avoid missing deadlines.
Knowing the exam time is only the first step. Here is how you can prepare smartly.
Being at the center 15 to 20 minutes before reporting time ensures a smooth check in experience.
This includes:
Find the nearest test center by visiting the guide on Overseas Test Centers for JLPT.
Revision is good but do not overload your brain right before entering the hall.
Centers often inform candidates about:
A relaxed mind performs better during long reading sections.
Many candidates fail to pay attention to small but crucial details. Avoid these common errors.
Reporting time is not the same as the exam start time. Always aim to be early.
Some centers modify the schedule. Do not rely only on online information.
N1 and N2 are always in the morning in India. N3 N4 N5 are always in the afternoon.
If you do not know your exam length you may struggle with stamina.
Review the detailed JLPT Exam Syllabus to plan your study strategy effectively.
A trusted institute can guide you not just academically but also with practical exam day planning. TLS The Japanese Language School assists students with:
Professional training ensures fewer surprises on exam day.
Download your JLPT December Admit Card to know your reporting time and venue
Here are some final tips to help you stay focused.
A fresh mind improves reading speed and accuracy.
Have your admit card and ID ready so you do not rush in the morning.
Some centers are located inside large buildings, so plan your route ahead.
Just 5 minutes of light revision keeps your brain active.
Believe in your hard work and stay positive.
Stay updated with important dates and procedures for the JLPT December Exam.
The JLPT exam time varies depending on the level. For December in India, N1 and N2 are held in the morning, with reporting between 7:45–8:00 AM and exam start around 8:30–9:00 AM. N3, N4, and N5 are held in the afternoon, with reporting around 12:00–12:15 PM and the exam beginning at 1:00 PM. Always check your admit card for exact timing for your city and center.
The JLPT exam duration depends on the level: N1 lasts approximately 170 minutes, N2 about 155 minutes, N3 around 140 minutes, N4 125 minutes, and N5 roughly 110 minutes. Knowing the exam length helps you manage your time and energy efficiently during the test day.
The JLPT is conducted twice a year—July and December. The JLPT December exam typically falls on a Sunday, coordinated by the Japan Foundation and local centers in India, such as MOSAI in Delhi, ABK-AOTS in Chennai, and BNK in Bangalore. Exact dates are always mentioned on the admit card and official registration notifications.
For December: N1 & N2 are in the morning (report 7:45–8:00 AM; start ~8:30–9:00 AM), and N3, N4, N5 are in the afternoon (report 12:00–12:15 PM; start ~1:00 PM). Times may slightly vary depending on your city and test center.
Yes. The reporting time is when you must arrive at the exam hall to complete ID verification and receive your test materials. The exam start time is when the actual questions begin. Arriving after the reporting window may result in denial of entry.
The official JLPT December exam timings PDF is available through the local host websites like MOSAI, ABK-AOTS, or BNK. It contains detailed information about reporting times, exam start times, and venue instructions. Always download the PDF for your city to avoid relying on unofficial sources.#
Always carry your JLPT Admit Card to the exam center for verification.
Generally, the JLPT exam timings remain fixed once the admit card is issued. However, minor adjustments may occur at certain centers due to administrative or local factors. Always follow the official instructions printed on your admit card.
You should arrive at least 15–30 minutes before your reporting time. This allows for check-in, seating, and a calm start. For N1 and N2, reach around 7:30 AM; for N3, N4, and N5, reach around 11:45 AM.
Yes. JLPT N3 exam time duration is approximately 140 minutes, while JLPT N5 exam time duration is around 110 minutes. Higher levels generally have longer exams due to advanced vocabulary, reading, and listening sections.
Plan your revision and mock tests according to the actual exam schedule. Practicing at the same time of day as your scheduled exam helps simulate real conditions. Institutes like TLS – The Japanese Language School emphasize timed mock tests to match the official JLPT December Exam Timings, improving focus and performance on the test day.
Plan your N4 preparation by checking the JLPT N4 Syllabus section-wise.
Understanding the JLPT December exam timings is one of the most essential steps in preparing for the test. Whether you are taking N5 or N1 your confidence on exam day depends heavily on being prepared for the reporting slot, session schedule, and total duration.
With this guide, you now have clarity on morning and afternoon shifts, center variations, exam duration for each level, and practical tips to avoid mistakes. Review your admit card carefully and always stay updated through official announcements.
If you need help with preparation or guidance related to exam timings TLS The Japanese Language School provides expert support for students across India.
If you want expert guidance, structured notes, listening practice, mock tests, and complete support for all JLPT levels, get in touch today.
Start your beginner-level preparation by reviewing the JLPT N5 Syllabus and focusing on key grammar and vocabulary
Call Us
+918700956038
Address
2/81-82, Ground Floor, Lalita Park, Laxmi Nagar, New Delhi - 110092
Email Us
tls@teamlanguages.com
Start your Japanese learning journey with confidence and reach your JLPT goals smoothly and successfully.
