Japan With Adi
JLPT N5 is the first of the five levels of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test. It checks that you can read hiragana, katakana and basic kanji and follow slow, everyday conversations. The test has three sections lasting 90 minutes in all, is held in July and December, and you pass with 80 of 180 points plus a minimum score in each section.
By Aditya Dewangan · Updated 1 November 2026
What does JLPT N5 test?
The JLPT describes N5 as the ability to understand some basic Japanese.
- Reading: typical expressions and sentences written in hiragana, katakana and basic kanji.
- Listening: short conversations about daily life and the classroom, spoken slowly.
What is the JLPT N5 exam pattern?
Three test sections, every question multiple choice. The JLPT notes that section times may change.
- Language Knowledge (Vocabulary): 20 minutes.
- Language Knowledge (Grammar) and Reading: 40 minutes.
- Listening: 30 minutes.
What are the JLPT N5 passing marks?
You need the pass mark overall and the minimum in each section. Missing any test section means you fail, whatever your total.
- Total: scored 0 to 180. You need 80 to pass.
- Language Knowledge and Reading: scored 0 to 120, with a minimum of 38.
- Listening: scored 0 to 60, with a minimum of 19.
Is there an official N5 syllabus?
No. Since its 2010 revision the JLPT has not published official vocabulary, kanji or grammar lists. Its official practice workbooks and sample questions show the level. Word and kanji counts you see online are estimates.
When and where can you take JLPT N5 in India?
The JLPT is held twice a year, on a Sunday in July and in December. In 2026 the dates were 5 July and 6 December.
In India local host organisations run it in New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Karur and Santiniketan. Each host sets its own fee and application dates, and applications close well before the test, so check your city’s host early.
How should you prepare?
- Learn hiragana and katakana first. Everything on the test is written with them.
- Build basic grammar, everyday vocabulary and your first kanji together, a little every day.
- Listen every day. N5 listening is slow, but you need practice hearing real speech.
- In the last month, practise against the clock with the official sample questions.