NAT Exam 2026 — Complete Guide: Dates, Registration, Fees, Syllabus & Results

If you are searching for the NAT exam date 2026 in India, you have come to the right page. This is the only guide you need — covering every test date, the registration process, exam fees, levels, syllabus, passing marks, and results, all sourced directly from the official NAT-TEST website nat-test.jp.

Bookmark this page. It is updated every time official schedules are released.

What Is the NAT Exam? (Quick Overview)

The Japanese Language NAT-TEST (日本語NAT-TEST) is an internationally recognised examination that measures the Japanese language ability of non-native speakers. It is created, organised, and administered by Senmon Kyouiku Publishing Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan).

Key facts at a glance:

• 5 levels — 5Q (beginner) to 1Q (advanced), equivalent to JLPT N5 to N1
• Held up to 10 times a year in India (unlike JLPT which is held only twice)
• Results within 3 weeks of the exam date
• CEFR A2 aligned — Level 4Q is officially mapped to CEFR A2
• Widely accepted by Japanese language schools, visa applications, and some employers
• Three test sections: Language Knowledge (Vocabulary), Language Knowledge (Grammar Reading), and Listening

The NAT exam is the most popular Japanese proficiency test among Indian learners because of its frequent schedule and faster results compared to the JLPT. If you are wondering which exam is right for you, read our detailed NAT vs JLPT comparison guide.

For a broader overview of all Japanese language tests available in India, see our guide on Japanese Language Tests in India.

NAT Exam 2026 — All Test Dates for India

Source: Official NAT-TEST 2026 Schedule — Updated April 22, 2026

⚠️ Important: Seats fill up fast. The application may close before the deadline if capacity is full. Register as early as possible.

India — Complete 2026 Schedule

📌 Note: Not all cities offer every test date. New Delhi has 6 dates; Chennai and Kolkata have the most with nearly monthly testing. Always confirm with your local test centre before registering.

Next major all-India test: August 16, 2026 — available in all 5 cities (registration deadline: July 17, 2026).

For the full country-wise schedule including Nepal, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka, read our NAT Japanese Test 2026 Schedule by Country guide.

NAT Exam Registration Last Dates 2026 — Quick Reference

Missing the registration deadline means missing the exam. Here are the key deadlines at a glance:

For a dedicated page covering upcoming deadlines, see our NAT Exam Registration Last Date 2026 article which is updated as dates approach.

NAT Exam Test Centres in India — Contact Details

India currently has 5 official NAT-TEST centres. Each centre manages its own registration separately — there is no single national portal.

1. New Delhi (Gurgaon) — UNICOSMOS School

New Delhi 2026 test dates: February 8, April 5, July 12, August 16, October 18, December 13

2. Chennai

• Contact: Facebook — NAT Chennai
• Chennai offers the most test dates in India — almost every month in 2026.

3. Mumbai

• Contact: Facebook — NAT Mumbai
• Test dates 2026: February 8, April 5, June 14, August 16, October 18, December 13

4. Pune

• Contact: Facebook — NAT Pune
• Test dates 2026: February 8, April 5, June 14, August 16, October 18, December 13

5. Kolkata (New in 2026)

• Centre: Jadavpur University NAT Center
• Contact: sites.google.com/jadavpuruniversity.in/nat-center-kolkata
• Frequently available alongside Chennai throughout the year.

💡 Tip for Delhi NCR students: The New Delhi centre is physically located in Gurgaon (Sector 55). Plan your travel accordingly. For preparation support near you, see our guides on Japanese language courses in Delhi, Japanese classes in Delhi, and NAT coaching in Delhi.

NAT Exam Fees 2026

This fee is the same for all levels (5Q to 1Q) at every Indian test centre.

⚠️ Official Warning from NAT-TEST: "No additional fees other than the test fee is charged. Please apply for the test at your local office only." Do not pay any third party or agent.

The NAT fee is competitive with the JLPT. For a comparison of both exams' fees, see our JLPT vs NAT comparison guide.

How to Register for the NAT Exam 2026 — Step by Step

Registration is handled locally by each city centre. Follow these steps:

Step 1 — Choose your test date and city Use the schedule table above. Check that your city is offering the exam on your chosen date.

Step 2 — Contact your nearest test centre New Delhi/Gurgaon: 91 124 479 4242 or nattest@unicosmos.in Other cities: use the Facebook links listed above.

Step 3 — Submit the application form In person at the centre office, or online (New Delhi only) at unicosmos.in/nat-test.

Step 4 — Pay the registration fee ₹2,360 inclusive of GST. Pay only at the official registered centre.

Step 5 — Receive your admit card / application ticket A photo-attached application ticket will be issued. Carry original photo ID on exam day — identity is verified by proctors against this ticket.

Step 6 — Appear for the exam Arrive before the reporting time. The full exam takes approximately half a day including breaks between sections.

📌 Register early — seats are limited and close before the listed deadline.

For further reading on the registration process, see our dedicated articles on NAT Japanese Exam May Registration, NAT test registration for December, and how to check NAT test results online.

NAT Exam Levels — 5Q to 1Q Fully Explained

The NAT-TEST has five levels, from 5Q (easiest) to 1Q (hardest). Every level maps directly to the equivalent JLPT level.

Most Indian beginners start at 5Q or 4Q. Our Basic Japanese N5 Course and JLPT N5 Complete Course are structured to take you to 5Q level. For 4Q level, see our Japanese N4 Course in Delhi.

Not sure which level is right for you? Our Japanese Language Levels guide explains the full progression from beginner to advanced.

NAT Exam Syllabus 2026 — What Is Tested at Each Level

The NAT exam tests across three sections. Here is a complete breakdown by level:

Section 1 — Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)

Section 2 — Language Knowledge (Grammar) Reading Comprehension

Section 3 — Listening Comprehension

For complete grammar and vocabulary lists at each level, explore:

• JLPT N5 Syllabus
• JLPT N4 Syllabus
• JLPT N3 Syllabus
• JLPT N5 Study Material
• JLPT N3 Grammar Guide
• JLPT N3 Vocabulary List
• Japanese Grammar Overview
• Japanese Grammar Points

NAT Exam — Time and Number of Questions

NAT Exam Passing Marks 2026

You must meet both conditions simultaneously to pass:

1. Score above the sectional pass mark in every section
2. Achieve a total score above the overall pass mark

⚠️ Even if your total exceeds the overall pass mark, failing the sectional pass mark in any one section means you do not pass. This is identical to the JLPT scoring rule.

For structured preparation at each level:

• How to Prepare for JLPT Exam
• JLPT N5 Study Guide
• Practice Questions for JLPT N5
• Free JLPT Practice Tests Online N5 to N1
• Crack JLPT Exam in First Attempt
• Prepare Effectively for JLPT

NAT Exam Results 2026

Results are published within 3 weeks of the exam date. All examinees receive a detailed score report. Passing candidates also receive a Certificate of Proficiency with their photo attached.

How to Check Your NAT Result

1. Visit nat-test.jp/contents/result.html
2. Locate your examinee number (受験番号) on your application ticket
3. Passing examinee numbers are listed publicly on the results page

Most recent result announcement: April 14, 2026 — Results for the April 2026 NAT-TEST were published. The summary of results was released on April 23, 2026.

For the March 2026 results, see our NAT Japanese Test March 2026 Results article. For the February 2026 results, see NAT Test February 2026 Results.

For a step-by-step walkthrough on checking results, see our How to Check NAT Test Result Online guide.

What Your Score Report Shows

• Total score and individual sectional scores
• Pass/Fail status for each section and overall
• Certificate of Proficiency issued to passing candidates (with photo)

NAT Exam vs JLPT — Which Should You Take?

The NAT exam is ideal for tracking your progress throughout the year. Most serious learners take NAT exams regularly and sit JLPT for official certification.

For a full comparison, read our dedicated guides:

• NAT vs JLPT — Which Exam Should You Take?
• JLPT or NAT — Which Is Better?
• Japanese Language NAT Test in India

CBT NAT-TEST — Online Computer-Based Option

The NAT-TEST also offers a CBT (Computer-Based Test) format for learners who cannot travel to a physical test centre.

• Register at: nat-test.jp/cbt/index.html
• Same levels, syllabus, and scoring as the paper-based test
• Flexible scheduling — not tied to fixed national dates

For results and details on the CBT format, see our CBT NAT Test 2025 Results article and our guide on What Is CBT NAT Test.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the next NAT exam in India in 2026?

The next major all-India exam is August 16, 2026, with a registration deadline of July 17, 2026. This date is available in New Delhi, Pune, Chennai, Mumbai, and Kolkata.

What is the NAT exam registration last date for 2026?

Registration deadlines fall roughly 4–6 weeks before each exam date. Register early — seats close before the listed deadline if capacity is reached. See the full schedule table above or our NAT Exam Registration Last Date 2026 page.

What are the NAT exam fees in India in 2026?

₹2,360 inclusive of GST for all levels at all Indian centres. No additional charges apply.

How many times is the NAT exam held in India per year?

Up to 10 times in 2026 across Indian cities. Not all cities offer every date. Chennai and Kolkata have the most frequent schedule. For more details, see our article How Many Times Is the NAT Exam Held in a Year?

Is the NAT exam the same as JLPT?

No — they are separate exams by different organisations. However, the content and difficulty at each level are equivalent: NAT 5Q = JLPT N5, NAT 4Q = JLPT N4, and so on. See our full NAT vs JLPT comparison.

What is the passing score for NAT 5Q (N5 level)?

You need a total of at least 80 out of 180 points, plus a minimum of 38 in the combined Vocabulary Grammar Reading section and 19 in Listening.

How do I check my NAT exam result?

Visit nat-test.jp/contents/result.html within 3 weeks of your exam date. Search by your examinee number. See our result checking guide for step-by-step instructions.

Is the NAT exam accepted for Japan visa applications?

Yes — the NAT-TEST is accepted for the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa and other Japan visa pathways. Read our complete SSW Visa Japan from India guide and SSW Visa Documents Checklist for Indians.

What level should a complete beginner take?

Start with 5Q (equivalent to N5). After 3–6 months of study, you can sit 4Q. Our Japanese Language Courses for Beginners and Learning Japanese for Beginners guides will help you get started.

Can I register for the Chennai exam while living in Delhi?

Yes — you can register at any city's centre regardless of where you live. However, you must appear at the exam city you registered for on test day.

How long does it take to pass the NAT 5Q from scratch?

Most learners with consistent daily study of 1–2 hours can pass 5Q in 2–3 months. Our article Learn Japanese in 2 Months with Expert Trainers provides a structured plan.

How to Prepare for the NAT Exam 2026

Since the NAT and JLPT test the same content, all JLPT preparation resources apply directly to NAT preparation.

Foundation Skills (Start Here)

• Japanese Language Basics for Beginners
• Learn Hiragana and Katakana
• How to Learn Hiragana and Katakana
• Hiragana Chart
• Master Katakana
• Learn Kanji and Japanese Words
• Top Kanji Learning Tips
• Basic Japanese Words for Beginners

Grammar and Reading

• Japanese Grammar Overview
• Japanese Grammar Rules
• Japanese Grammar Points

Level-Specific Study Materials

• JLPT N5 Syllabus
• JLPT N4 Syllabus
• JLPT N3 Syllabus
• JLPT N5 Study Material
• JLPT N5 Study Guide
• Practice Questions for JLPT N5
• JLPT N3 Grammar Guide
• JLPT N3 Vocabulary List
• Free JLPT Practice Tests Online N5 to N1

Exam Strategy

• How to Prepare for JLPT Exam
• Crack JLPT Exam in First Attempt
• How to Pass the JLPT
• JLPT Preparation Books and Online Resources
• JLPT Preparation in Delhi NCR

Official NAT-TEST textbook: The 学ぼう！にほんご (Manabo! Nihongo) series published by Senmon Kyouiku is available on Amazon India for all five levels.

After the NAT Exam — What Next?

Passing the NAT exam opens real doors. Here is what you can do after clearing each level:

• After 5Q / 4Q: Move to the next NAT level or register for JLPT. Read our Japanese Language Learning Roadmap.
• After 3Q (N3): You are eligible for many Japanese language jobs in India and can begin working toward Japan visa pathways. See Career After Learning Japanese Language.
• After 2Q (N2): Salary jumps significantly. Read our Salary After JLPT N2 in India and Japan guide.
• After 1Q (N1): University entry in Japan, top corporate roles, interpreter-level positions. See Passed JLPT — Next Steps in Learning Japanese.
• SSW Visa: NAT-TEST results are accepted for the Specified Skilled Worker visa. Read our SSW Visa Japan from India and How to Apply for SSW Visa in Japan from India guides.
• Study in Japan: See our Study in Japan and Japan Student Visa Process from India guides.

Start Your NAT Exam Preparation — Japanese Classes in Delhi

At Study Japanese Language, our courses are structured around NAT and JLPT exam milestones. Experienced instructors take you from hiragana to exam-ready in a focused classroom and online environment.

Find a course or centre near you:

• Best Japanese Language Courses in Delhi
• Japanese Language Course in Delhi
• Japanese Language Institute in Delhi
• Best Japanese Language Institute in Delhi
• Top 10 Best Japanese Language Institutes in Delhi
• JLPT N5 Classes in Delhi NCR
• NAT Japanese Test Coaching in Delhi
• JLPT Coaching in Laxmi Nagar
• Japanese Language Course in Laxmi Nagar
• Japanese Language Institute in Laxmi Nagar
• Japanese Language Course in Nirman Vihar
• Japanese Language Course in East Delhi
• Japanese Language Course near West Delhi
• Japanese Language Course near Gurgaon
• Japanese Language Course near Rohini
• Japanese Language Course near Mayur Vihar
• Affordable Japanese Classes Near Me
• Japanese Language Classes Near Me
• Japanese Language Course Fees Delhi
• Japanese Language Courses Fees in Delhi

More useful reading:

• About the NAT Test
• Levels and Sections of NAT Exam
• NAT Japanese Test 2026 Schedule by Country
• NAT Test 2026 Schedule in India
• NAT Japanese Test Registration Dates 2026
• How Many Times Is the NAT Exam Held in a Year?
• Work in Japan from India — Complete 2026 Guide
• Top Job Opportunities After JLPT Certification
• Japanese Language Jobs in India
• Is Japanese Difficult for Indians?
• Benefits of Learning Japanese
• Japanese Language Learning Roadmap