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 official 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.

🎓 Preparing for the NAT exam? TLS — The Japanese Language School in Delhi is your best starting point. Our structured NAT/JLPT preparation courses take you from complete beginner to exam-ready. 📍 2/81-82, 2nd Floor, Lalita Park, Gali No-2, Laxmi Nagar, New Delhi – 110092 📞  91 8700956038 | ✉️ tls@teamlanguages.com 👉 Enroll Now | View Courses

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).

Official Website: nat-test.jp | English version

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. Wondering which exam is right for you? Read our NAT vs JLPT comparison guide and JLPT vs NAT — Which Japanese Language Test Is Right for You?

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

NAT Exam 2026 — All Test Dates for India

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

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

India — Complete 2026 Test Schedule

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

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

For the full global schedule including Nepal, Vietnam, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, see our NAT Japanese Test 2026 Schedule by Country and NAT Test 2026 Schedule in India.

NAT Exam Registration Last Dates 2026 — Key Deadlines

Missing the deadline means missing the exam. Here are the remaining 2026 deadlines at a glance:

For a dedicated deadline tracker, see our NAT Exam Registration Last Date and NAT Japanese Test Registration Dates 2026 pages.

NAT Exam Test Centres in India — Official Contact Details

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

1. New Delhi (Gurgaon) — UNICOSMOS School

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

For details on the New Delhi centre and exam location guide, see our New Delhi NAT Test Center and NAT Test Centers in India pages.

2. Chennai

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

3. Mumbai

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

4. Pune

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

5. Kolkata (Newly added in 2026)

• Centre: Jadavpur University NAT Center
• Contact: sites.google.com/jadavpuruniversity.in/nat-center-kolkata

💡 TLS Students in Delhi NCR: The New Delhi NAT centre is in Gurgaon (Sector 55). TLS — The Japanese Language School is conveniently located in Laxmi Nagar, East Delhi — easily reachable from across NCR. We provide full NAT preparation with mock tests, study material, and result analysis.

📍 TLS Address: 2/81-82, 2nd Floor, Lalita Park, Gali No-2, Laxmi Nagar, New Delhi – 110092 📞  91 8700956038 | ✉️ tls@teamlanguages.com 👉 Call Now | Enroll Now

NAT Exam Fees 2026

This fee is identical for all levels (5Q to 1Q) across all Indian test centres.

⚠️ Official NAT-TEST Warning: "No additional fees other than the test fee is charged. Please apply for the test at your local office only." Never pay any agent, intermediary, or third party.

For a comparison with JLPT fees, see our JLPT exam dates and registration guide. TLS course fees are completely separate — contact us at tls@teamlanguages.com for course pricing.

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

There is no single national registration portal. Each city centre handles registration independently.

Step 1 — Choose your test date and city Use the schedule table above. Confirm your city is offering the exam on your desired 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 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 is issued. Carry original photo ID on exam day — proctors verify identity.

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

📌 Register early. Seats are strictly limited and the deadline can close early.

For month-specific registration guides, see our NAT Japanese Exam May Registration, NAT Test Registration for December, NAT Test Registration March, and How to Check NAT Test Result 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. TLS offers level-wise structured courses:

• Basic Japanese N5 Course — for 5Q
• Intermediate Japanese N4 Course — for 4Q
• Pre-Advanced Japanese N3 Course — for 3Q
• Advanced Japanese N2 Course — for 2Q
• Super Advanced Japanese N1 Course — for 1Q

For more on NAT levels and sections, see our dedicated Levels and Sections of NAT Exam, NAT Test Levels, and Complete Guide of Japanese Language Levels articles.

NAT Exam Syllabus 2026 — What Is Tested at Each Level

The NAT exam tests across three sections:

Section 1 — Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)

Section 2 — Language Knowledge (Grammar) Reading Comprehension

Section 3 — Listening Comprehension

Prepare with TLS study resources:

• JLPT Syllabus
• JLPT N5 Study Guide
• JLPT N5 Kanji List
• JLPT N3 Kanji List
• Free JLPT N5 Sample Questions with Answers
• Sample Questions for JLPT N5
• JLPT Sample Questions
• Free JLPT Practice Tests Online N5 to N1
• NAT Japanese Study Material Free Resources

NAT Exam — Time Allotted and Number of Questions

For the detailed exam pattern analysis, see our Exam Pattern of NAT Japanese Test article.

NAT Exam Passing Marks 2026

You must meet both conditions simultaneously to pass:

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

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

Preparation resources from TLS:

• How to Prepare for JLPT N5 in 30 Days
• Study Plan for Japanese Language Exams
• JLPT Preparation Guide for Beginners
• Crack JLPT Exam in First Attempt
• How to Study for JLPT
• Common Mistakes in the JLPT
• JLPT N3 Mock Test

📞 Not sure which level to start at? Speak to a TLS counsellor today — free guidance call. Call:  91 8700956038 | Email: tls@teamlanguages.com Visit us: 2/81-82, 2nd Floor, Lalita Park, Gali No-2, Laxmi Nagar, New Delhi – 110092 👉 Book a Free Demo Class

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

Recent results:

• April 14, 2026 — April 2026 NAT-TEST results published
• April 23, 2026 — Summary of April 2026 results published

For previous result announcements, see:

• NAT Japanese Test March 2026 Results
• NAT Test February Results Are Out
• NAT Japanese Test April 2025 Results
• How to Check NAT Test Result Online
• CBT NAT Test 2025 Results

What Your Score Report Shows

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

NAT Exam vs JLPT — Side-by-Side Comparison

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

Read more:

• NAT vs JLPT Comparison
• JLPT vs NAT — Which Is Right for You?
• JLPT vs NAT Japanese Test
• Japanese Language NAT Test in India
• About the NAT Test

CBT NAT-TEST — Online Computer-Based Option

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

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

For more details, see our What Is CBT NAT Test and CBT NAT Test Results Out pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the next NAT exam in India in 2026?

The next major all-India exam is August 16, 2026, with registration closing July 17, 2026 — available in New Delhi, Pune, Chennai, Mumbai, and Kolkata.

What is the NAT exam registration last date for 2026?

Deadlines fall 4–6 weeks before each test. Register early — seats close before the listed deadline if capacity is reached. See our NAT Exam Registration Last Date page.

What are the NAT exam fees in India 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 in 2026?

Up to 10 times across Indian cities. Not all cities offer every date. Chennai and Kolkata have the most frequent schedule. See How Many Times Is the NAT Exam Held in a Year?

Is the NAT exam the same as JLPT?

No — they are separate exams. However, both test equivalent content at matching levels. NAT 5Q = JLPT N5, and so on. See our full comparison.

What is the passing score for NAT 5Q?

A minimum total of 80 out of 180 points, plus at least 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. See our result-checking guide.

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 SSW Visa Japan from India, SSW Visa Documents Checklist, and Japan Visa Assistance guides.

What level should a complete beginner take?

Start with 5Q (equivalent to N5). After 3–6 months of study, you can sit 4Q. See our Japanese Language Courses for Beginners and Learn Japanese from Scratch pages.

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. You must appear at the city you registered for on exam day.

How quickly can I pass NAT 5Q from zero?

Most learners with consistent daily study of 1–2 hours can pass 5Q in 2–3 months. See our Learn Japanese in 2 Months with Expert Trainers guide. TLS offers an intensive NAT preparation track — call  91 8700956038 for details.

Does TLS provide NAT preparation classes?

Yes. TLS — The Japanese Language School in Laxmi Nagar, Delhi offers dedicated NAT Japanese Test Coaching in Delhi with structured batch schedules, study material, and mock tests.

How to Prepare for the NAT Exam 2026 — Complete Study Plan

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

Foundation (Start Here — Before Any Level)

• Hiragana — Learn the script first
• Katakana
• Kanji
• Kaiwa — Conversation practice
• Learn Hiragana Japanese Alphabet Guide
• Japanese Alphabets — A Beginner Friendly Guide
• Japanese Language Basics for Beginners
• Basic Japanese Words for Beginners
• Simple Sentences in Japanese

Grammar and Structure

• Japanese Vocabulary
• Understanding the Te-Form and Its Many Uses
• How to Ask Questions in Japanese
• Role of Kanji in JLPT
• Intermediate Japanese Vocabulary Guide

Level-Specific Preparation

• JLPT N5 Course | JLPT N5 Complete Course
• JLPT N5 Exam Pattern
• JLPT N5 Study Guide
• JLPT N5 Kanji List
• JLPT N4 Exam Pattern
• JLPT N4 Complete Guide 2025
• JLPT N3 Exam Pattern
• JLPT N3 Level Complete Guide 2025
• JLPT N3 Mock Test
• JLPT N2 Syllabus
• JLPT N2 Exam Pattern
• JLPT N2 Ultimate Guide 2025

Free Practice Resources

• Free JLPT Practice Tests Online N5 to N1
• Free JLPT N5 Sample Questions with Answers
• JLPT Sample Questions
• NAT Japanese Study Material Free Resources

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

After the NAT Exam — What Comes Next?

Passing the NAT exam opens real career and study opportunities in Japan. Here is what learners do after each level:

• After 5Q / 4Q: Move to the next NAT level or register for JLPT. Follow our Japanese Language Learning Roadmap.
• After 3Q (N3): Eligible for many Japanese language jobs in India, and can begin SSW visa preparation. See Career After Learning Japanese Language.
• After 2Q (N2): Salary and job scope increase significantly — see Salary After JLPT N2 in India and Japan and Earn After Learning Japanese in India.
• After 1Q (N1): University entry in Japan, top corporate roles, and embassy-level positions. See Job Opportunities After JLPT Certification and How to Get a Job in Japan After JLPT.
• SSW Visa: NAT results are accepted for the Specified Skilled Worker visa. See SSW Visa Japan from India, SSW Visa Requirements, SSW Visa Age Limit & Salary.
• Study in Japan: Read our Study in Japan guide, Japan Student Visa Process for Indian Students, and explore Japan Visa Assistance at TLS.
• MEXT Scholarship: A strong NAT/JLPT result strengthens your MEXT scholarship application. See our MEXT Scholarship 2026 Guide, MEXT Scholarship Eligibility for Indian Students.

Why Prepare at TLS — The Japanese Language School, Delhi

TLS (Team Language School) is one of Delhi's most trusted Japanese language institutes. Located in Laxmi Nagar, East Delhi, TLS offers structured, exam-focused Japanese courses from N5 to N1 with experienced instructors and proven results.

Why students choose TLS:

• Structured NAT JLPT aligned curriculum
• Experienced and qualified Japanese language faculty
• Regular mock tests with performance analysis
• Small batch sizes for personal attention
• Japan Visa Assistance and placement support
• Both offline classroom and online options available

See what students say: TLS Result Gallery | TLS Gallery

Read more about us: Why Choose TLS for Learning Japanese | TLS — Best Japanese Language Institute in Delhi | Why Choose TLS Learning Japanese

🎓 Enroll at TLS Today — Start Your NAT Journey

Whether you are a complete beginner or preparing to clear a specific NAT level, TLS has the right course for you.

📍 Visit Us: 2/81-82, 2nd Floor, Lalita Park, Gali No-2, Laxmi Nagar, New Delhi – 110092 📞 Call Now:  91 8700956038 ✉️ Email: tls@teamlanguages.com 🌐 Website: www.teamlanguages.com

👉 Enroll Now | View All Courses | Free Japanese Quiz

Find TLS — Japanese Language Institute Near You

TLS offers Japanese language courses across Delhi NCR and online. Find your nearest TLS centre:

• Laxmi Nagar (Main Centre)
• Nirman Vihar
• East Delhi
• Shahdara
• Rohini
• Pitampura
• Karol Bagh
• Dwarka
• Janakpuri
• Rajouri Garden
• Connaught Place
• South Delhi
• North Delhi
• West Delhi
• Noida
• Greater Noida
• Gurgaon
• Ghaziabad
• Faridabad
• Online Japanese Course

More cities: Chandigarh | Jaipur | Lucknow | Mumbai | Pune | Bangalore | Chennai | Kolkata | Near Me

Related Reading from TLS Blog

NAT Exam Specific:

• NAT Japanese Test Complete Guide
• About the NAT Test
• Levels and Sections of NAT Exam
• Exam Pattern of NAT Japanese Test
• NAT Test Levels
• Japanese Language NAT Test
• Japanese Language NAT Test in India
• NAT Test Registration
• NAT Japanese Test Coaching in Delhi
• NAT Japanese Test Coaching

Work, Visa & Career:

• Work in Japan from India
• Job Opportunities After JLPT Certification
• Career After Learning Japanese Language
• Is Learning Japanese Language Worth It?
• Japan Visa Assistance
• Japan Visa for Indians
• Specified Skilled Worker
• Jobs in Embassies

JLPT Preparation:

• JLPT
• Complete Guide on JLPT
• JLPT 2026 Exam Dates
• JLPT July 2026
• JLPT Registration
• JLPT Result
• JLPT Coaching in Laxmi Nagar
• JLPT N5 Classes Delhi NCR
• Best JLPT Coaching Near Me
• Self Introduction in Japanese

📞 Ready to start? Call TLS now for free counselling.  91 8700956038 | tls@teamlanguages.com 📍 2/81-82, 2nd Floor, Lalita Park, Gali No-2, Laxmi Nagar, New Delhi – 110092 👉 Enroll Now | View Courses | Free Japanese Quiz