If you're planning to study, work, or migrate to South Korea in 2026, the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) will be one of the most important steps in your journey. As competition rises every year and Korean universities—especially the top five: Seoul National University, KAIST, Yonsei University, Sungkyunkwan University, and Korea University—tighten their Korean-language requirements, students worldwide are actively searching for a TOPIK 2026 complete guide that is simple, accurate, and practical.
Key Reasons TOPIK is Becoming More Important in 2026
University Admissions:
SNU, KAIST, Yonsei, SKKU, and Korea University increasingly use TOPIK levels to shortlist international applicants.
Scholarships:
Many scholarships (including GKS) require TOPIK Levels and Passing Score such as TOPIK Level 3 or above.
Work Opportunities:
Over 150,000 foreign workers in South Korea require TOPIK for job eligibility, especially in IT, manufacturing, and services.
Cultural Influence:
K-culture, OTT platforms, and K-pop are driving massive interest in Korean language learning worldwide.
Stat Insight:
According to NIIED, over 330,000+ candidates appeared for TOPIK globally in 2024—a number expected to rise to 400,000+ in 2026.
What Is TOPIK?
TOPIK stands for Test of Proficiency in Korean, a standardized exam conducted by the National Institute for International Education.
Two Types of TOPIK Exam
TOPIK I
Levels: 1–2
Format: Beginner
Ideal for university language programs & basic eligibility
TOPIK II
Levels: 3–6
Required for:
Undergraduate admissions
Graduate programs at SNU, KAIST, Yonsei, SKKU, Korea University
Work permits
Scholarships
TOPIK 2026 Exam Dates, Registration & Eligibility
This section covers the most searched keywords including TOPIK exam dates, TOPIK test registration, and TOPIK result announcement dates.
TOPIK 2026 Expected Exam Dates
Based on previous cycles:
TOPIK Session | Expected Exam Month | Result Announcement |
90th TOPIK | April 2026 | May 2026 |
91st TOPIK | July 2026 | August 2026 |
92nd TOPIK | October 2026 | November 2026 |
(Official dates will be announced by NIIED.)
TOPIK 2026 Registration Guidelines
Visit the official TOPIK website
Select test center (India, Nepal, Bangladesh, etc.)
Upload passport photo
Pay registration fees
Download confirmation slip
TOPIK Applicant Qualification
Anyone—student, professional, or immigrant—can apply.
No age, educational, or nationality restrictions.
TOPIK Levels, Score System & Exam Structure (Fully Updated for 2026)
TOPIK Levels and Passing Score
Level | Score Range | Skill Description |
Level 1 | 80–139 | Basic reading/phrases |
Level 2 | 140–199 | Simple communication |
Level 3 | 120–169 (TOPIK II) | Everyday conversations |
Level 4 | 170–209 | Academic readiness |
Level 5 | 210–249 | Work & university lectures |
Level 6 | 250–300 | Advanced fluency |
TOPIK Exam Structure
TOPIK I
2 Sections: Reading + Listening
Total: 100 minutes
TOPIK II
3 Sections: Listening + Writing + Reading
Total: 180 minutes
TOPIK Preparation Guide: Books, Tools & Study Plan
This includes “How to prepare for TOPIK” and “guidebooks to prepare for TOPIK”.
Best Study Materials
TOPIK Official Sample Papers (NIIED)
TOPIK Master Final
EPS-TOPIK Guides
Yonsei Korean Textbook Series
Seoul National University Korean Textbooks
Recommended Free Tools
Talk To Me In Korean (TTMIK)
HowToStudyKorean.com
TOPIK Guide Practice Tests
Memrise / Duolingo Korean courses
12-Week Study Plan
Week 1–4: Grammar, beginner vocabulary
Week 5–8: Reading + Listening tests
Week 9–12: Writing practice, mock tests
Do’s & Don’ts for TOPIK 2026
Do’s
Solve timed mock tests
Use NIIED past papers
Study vocabulary roots
Don’ts
Don’t skip writing (most students fail here)
Don’t memorize without understanding sentence patterns
Don’t rely solely on apps
TOPIK Test Centres in India & Abroad
Popular TOPIK test centres in India include:
Delhi University
Bangalore University
Hyderabad University
Madras University
Korean Cultural Centre India (KCCI)
Other major Asian centers:
Kathmandu (Nepal)
Dhaka (Bangladesh)
Colombo (Sri Lanka)
TOPIK IBT vs PBT 2026: What’s Changing?
Internet-Based Test (IBT)
Faster evaluation
Computer-based interface
Ideal for tech-friendly test takers
Paper-Based Test (PBT)
Traditional format
Fewer technical issues
Preferred in many Asian centers
NIIED is expected to expand TOPIK IBT in 2026, but PBT remains widely used.
FAQs
Q1: Is TOPIK mandatory for Korean university admissions?
Top universities like SNU, KAIST, Yonsei, SKKU, and Korea University strongly prefer or require TOPIK II Level 3–5 depending on the program.
Q2: How long is the TOPIK certificate valid?
2 years from the date of the exam.
Q3: Can I take TOPIK in India?
Yes, multiple centers conduct the exam.
Q4: Is TOPIK difficult?
Beginners find writing challenging; however, consistent practice makes it manageable.
Mastering the Korean language through the TOPIK 2026 complete guide can unlock your dream of studying or working in South Korea. Whether your goal is to enter Seoul National University or to secure a top scholarship, proper preparation is your strongest asset.
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