Exam Schedule and HSK Info
Examination Schedule 2025
Test Date | Test Level | ||
|---|---|---|---|
January 12 2025, Sunday | HSK 1, 2, 3, 4 | ||
March 9, 2025, Sunday | HSK 5 | ||
May 17, 2025, Saturday | HSK 1, 2, 3, 4 | ||
June 22, 2025, Sunday | HSK 5, 6 | ||
August 17, 2025, Saturday | HSK 1, 2, 3, 4 | ||
October 18, 2025, Saturday | YCT 1, 2, 3, 4 | ||
November 15, Saturday | HSK 5, 6 |
For more information, see here.
Authorized Test Centers in India
- India China Academy, Mumbai
What is HSK?
The HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi, which means Chinese Level Exam) is a standardized Chinese proficiency test introduced in 1992 to assess non-native speakers’ skills in standardised Mandarin Chinese. HSK 3.0 is currently in effect, and has nine levels. HSK 1 (beginner) to HSK 6 (advanced) evaluate listening, reading, and writing abilities. HSK 7-9 are in beta testing, and are only required for students interested in studying literature, translation, law, or any speciality that requires research. The HSK is widely recognized by Chinese institutions, employers, and government bodies, serving as a key measure of language proficiency for learners and those seeking academic or work opportunities in China.
Level | Characters | Proficiency | |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 300 | Designed for learners who can understand and use some simple Chinese characters and sentences to communicate. | |
2 | 500 | Designed for elementary learners who can use Chinese in a simple and direct manner, applying it in a basic fashion in their daily lives. | |
3 | 1000 | Designed for elementary-intermediate learners who can use Chinese to serve the demands of their personal lives, studies and work, and are capable of completing most of the communicative tasks they experience during a visit to China. | |
4 | 2000 | Designed for intermediate learners who can discuss a relatively wide range of topics in Chinese and are capable of communicating with Chinese speakers at a high standard. | |
5 | 3600 | Designed for learners who can read Chinese newspapers and magazines, watch Chinese films and are capable of writing and delivering a lengthy speech in Chinese. | |
6 | 5400 | Designed for learners who can easily understand any information communicated in Chinese and are capable of smoothly expressing themselves in written or oral form. |
On The Horizon
HSK 3.0 has formally been introduced, and new textbooks for HSK 1, 2, and 3 have been released. The textbooks and workbooks are being released in phases.
HSK 2.0 examinations continue to be in effect, and exam dates have been announced for 2025. However, post December 2026, it has been stated that the new HSK will be in effect.