Introduction to Topik Exam 2026 Nov 15 Update
The 109th TOPIK is two weeks away. In Nepal it falls on Sunday, 15 November 2026, and the registration window closed in early August. Applicants have since been waiting for one particular step, the registration number. The official TOPIK Nepal announcement said it would be emailed to the address each applicant used when applying, by the end of the week of 30 October 2026.
This guide pulls everything about the 109th TOPIK in Nepal into one place. It covers the registration-number notice, the venue, entry times and ID rules, the exam format, how scores become levels, how to use the final 14 days, what happens when results come out on 22 December, and common mistakes. It also explains what TOPIK is used for, so your result goes to the right place.
One note on sources. Toddle is not the organiser of TOPIK in Nepal and does not take registrations. The exam is run by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Nepal under Korea’s National Institute for International Education (NIIED). For anything that decides whether you can sit the exam, trust the official TOPIK Nepal channels over any summary, including this one.
The 109th TOPIK in Nepal at a Glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Exam | 109th TOPIK (PBT numbering in NIIED’s 2026 plan) |
| Date | Sunday, 15 November 2026 |
| Organiser in Nepal | Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Nepal |
| Registration (closed) | 3 to 7 August 2026, 10:00 to 16:00 Nepal Time, online |
| Fees | TOPIK I: NPR 3,000. TOPIK II: NPR 3,500 |
| Venue | St. Mary’s Secondary School, Jawalakhel, Lalitpur |
| TOPIK I timing | Enter by 09:10, starts 09:40, ends 11:20 |
| TOPIK II timing | Enter by 12:20, starts 12:50, ends 16:20 |
| Registration numbers | To be emailed to the application email address by the end of the week of 30 October 2026, with updates on the official TOPIK Nepal Facebook page |
| Results | 22 December 2026 on the TOPIK website |
| Score validity | 2 years from the score announcement date |
| Next Nepal session | Not announced when we checked |
Schedule, fee and venue details come from the Embassy’s TOPIK notices as summarised in July 2026, and from your own application instructions. Room numbers and final instructions come from the organiser, so confirm them before you travel.
The Registration Number Update, Explained
The latest official notice, posted in English and Nepali, says three things:
- The registration number for the 109th TOPIK will be sent by email to the address used in your application, by the end of that week, which the Nepali text gives as 30 October 2026.
- Applicants should check their inbox and also their spam or junk folder.
- The team asks applicants not to email or message asking for the number before the stated time, so that sending is faster. When all emails have been sent, they will post an update on the official Facebook page.
Nepali summary / नेपाली सारांश: १०९ औं TOPIK का आवेदकहरूलाई आवेदन गर्दा प्रयोग गरिएको इमेल ठेगानामा दर्ता नम्बर पठाइने जानकारी गराइएको थियो (अक्टोबर ३०, २०२६ सम्म)। इनबक्स र स्प्याम/जंक फोल्डर अवश्य जाँच्नुहोस्। तोकिएको समयअघि दर्ता नम्बर मागेर इमेल वा म्यासेज नगर्नुहोस्। सबै इमेल पठाइसकेपछि आधिकारिक फेसबुक पेजमार्फत जानकारी दिइनेछ।
If you have your number
Save the email, take a screenshot and store it in two places. Check that the name, level (TOPIK I or II) and details match your application. If something is wrong, contact the organiser through the official channel as soon as possible. Do not wait for exam week.
If you do not have it yet
The stated deadline has passed, so work through these steps in order:
- Search your inbox for the email address you used in the application, including the promotions and updates tabs.
- Check spam and junk, and search for “TOPIK”.
- Confirm you are checking the right email address. A typo at registration is a common cause.
- Look at the official TOPIK Nepal page for an update. The notice said an update would be posted there after the emails were sent, and you can find it on the official TOPIK Nepal Facebook page named in the announcement.
- If there is still nothing, contact the organiser by the method the page gives. Be polite and include your full name, level and the email address used.
Because the notice asked applicants not to chase the number early, avoid repeated messages. A single clear message after the update is better than five before it.
Protect yourself from scams
Exam periods attract fake pages and fraudulent messages. A few rules help:
- Only follow instructions from the official TOPIK Nepal page and the Embassy.
- Do not pay anyone for a registration number, a seat, a “guaranteed score” or a “paper”.
- Do not post your registration number, ID or admit details publicly.
- Be suspicious of any message that asks for a password or a new payment.
Exam Day: Venue, Timing and Rules
Venue
The 109th TOPIK in Nepal is announced for St. Mary’s Secondary School in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur. The same venue appears in the Embassy’s notices for earlier sessions, including the 106th TOPIK in May 2026. Detailed room allocation was not published in the original notice, so look for your instructions from the organiser.
If you are travelling from outside the valley, such as from Hetauda, plan your journey well before the entry time. Many candidates choose to arrive the day before so that traffic, a late bus or a missed turn cannot cost them the exam.
Entry and exam times
| TOPIK I | TOPIK II | |
|---|---|---|
| Enter by | 09:10 | 12:20 |
| Exam starts | 09:40 | 12:50 |
| Exam ends | 11:20 | 16:20 |
NIIED’s 2026 plan states that test takers cannot enter the test room after the notified entry time. Treat the entry time as the real deadline, not the start time.
What to bring
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Original ID that you registered with | Required. NIIED’s plan says a person who does not bring the required ID cannot take the test. For overseas tests, the local organiser sets the ID rules, and NIIED’s regulation says the ID should show a photo, English name and date of birth |
| Registration number and any admission information from the organiser | Your key reference for the exam |
| Water and a light snack for the break, if allowed | TOPIK II is a long exam |
| A watch is risky | Many exam rooms restrict electronic devices, so follow the organiser’s instructions |
Rules from NIIED’s 2026 plan
- Communication and electronic devices must be switched off and handed to the supervisor before the first session starts.
- PBT answer sheets must be completed with the marking pen provided by the supervisor, so do not rely on your own pen for the answer sheet. Follow the supervisor’s instructions about other writing tools.
- Registration photos follow the Ministry of Justice foreigner-registration photo standard: a recent colour passport-style photo, 3.5 cm by 4.5 cm, with a plain background, no hat and no obstruction of the eyes. If your local office gave stricter rules, follow those.
The night before
- Lay out your ID, registration number and any papers.
- Confirm your route and the entry time.
- Set two alarms.
- Eat normally and sleep. Last-minute cramming rarely helps and a tired brain loses marks in listening.
What Is on the Exam
The 109th is numbered as a paper-based test (PBT) in NIIED’s 2026 plan. The internet-based test (IBT) is numbered separately and has its own sessions in Korea. For your own session, the instructions from the Embassy and TOPIK Nepal tell you the format, and you should not assume a different one.
TOPIK I (Levels 1 and 2)
| Section | Questions | Time | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 30 | 40 minutes | 100 |
| Reading | 40 | 60 minutes | 100 |
| Total | 70 | 100 minutes | 200 |
TOPIK II (Levels 3 to 6)
| Section | Questions | Time | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 50 | 60 minutes | 100 |
| Writing | 4 | 50 minutes | 100 |
| Reading | 50 | 70 minutes | 100 |
| Total | 104 | 180 minutes | 300 |
TOPIK II’s writing section has four questions. Questions 51 and 52 are short-answer sentence completions, Question 53 asks you to describe information from a chart or table in about 200 to 300 characters, and Question 54 is an essay of about 600 to 700 characters. Listening and reading are mostly multiple choice.
If you are choosing between the two tests, Toddle’s article on TOPIK I versus TOPIK II explains the difference.
How Scores Become Levels
TOPIK does not give a pass or fail per section. NIIED’s 2026 plan says the grade is determined by the total score across sections. The official PBT score bands are:
| Test | Score range | Level |
|---|---|---|
| TOPIK I | 80 to 139 out of 200 | Level 1 |
| TOPIK I | 140 to 200 out of 200 | Level 2 |
| TOPIK II | 120 to 149 out of 300 | Level 3 |
| TOPIK II | 150 to 189 out of 300 | Level 4 |
| TOPIK II | 190 to 229 out of 300 | Level 5 |
| TOPIK II | 230 to 300 out of 300 | Level 6 |
Three points avoid the most common confusion:
- TOPIK I can only produce Level 1 or 2. If your goal needs Level 3 or higher, you must sit TOPIK II.
- Scores below the lowest band do not earn a level. Below 80 on TOPIK I or below 120 on TOPIK II, no level is awarded.
- PBT and IBT use different score ranges. Do not read an IBT score against the PBT table.
The official NIIED TOPIK overview lists the structure and bands, and the TOPIK website at topik.go.kr is where results and certificates are handled.
What Your Level Is Used For
A TOPIK result opens different doors depending on your goal. Always check the exact requirement of the institution or route in front of you.
University admission
Many Korean-taught degree programmes ask for TOPIK Level 3 or 4, and some ask for more. Requirements vary by university and department, so read the admission guideline for your programme. English-taught programmes often ask for English scores instead.
Student visas and the October 2026 plan
On 7 October 2026, Korea’s Ministry of Justice announced plans for student visa reform. According to press reports, these include an exemption from proving financial means for students with TOPIK Level 4 or Level 4 of the Korea Immigration and Integration Programme, and screening that takes Korean-language ability into account. These are announced plans, and some measures need further steps, so confirm before you rely on them. Toddle’s guide to Korea student visa new rules tracks the changes.
Part-time work permission
For international students, TOPIK level affects how many hours you may work, because the permitted weekly hours depend on your visa type and your Korean level. In the 2026 framework, for example, a language-course student with TOPIK 2 or the equivalent can work up to 20 hours, compared with 10 hours without it, after the six-month waiting period and with a permit. Degree students need TOPIK 3 or 4 depending on their year and level to reach the higher caps. Rules change, so confirm on HiKorea before you work. Toddle’s guide to part-time jobs for foreign students in Korea explains the practical side.
Long-term residence points
TOPIK also counts for points in Korea’s residence visa systems, such as the F-2-7 points-based visa, where Korean ability earns points. A strong TOPIK result can matter years after the exam.
TOPIK is not EPS-TOPIK
This is the confusion that costs the most time. TOPIK is the general proficiency test used for admission, visas and residence. EPS-TOPIK is a separate exam used to rank job seekers for E-9 work visas under the Employment Permit System. They are run by different bodies, scored differently and not interchangeable. EPS-TOPIK produces no level, and an EPS-TOPIK result does not count for F-2-7 points.
Nepal’s EPS-TOPIK exams for the 2026 round run on their own calendar. Toddle’s article on the EPS-TOPIK 2026 exam schedule covers that timeline, so if your goal is a factory or farm job rather than study, check that page rather than this one.
Your 14-Day Countdown
Today is 1 November, so you have 14 days. Use them for accuracy and calm, not for new material.
| Days | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1 to 2 | Confirm registration number, ID, venue and travel plan. Do one timed full practice paper to find your weak sections |
| 3 to 5 | Fix the biggest weakness. Review wrong answers and write down why you missed each one |
| 6 to 8 | Daily listening at test speed, plus reading practice with a timer |
| 9 to 10 | TOPIK II: practise Questions 53 and 54 by hand, in full. TOPIK I: review core vocabulary and grammar patterns |
| 11 | Second timed full paper. Compare with day 1 |
| 12 | Light review of notes and error list |
| 13 | Rest. Prepare bag, documents and clothes. Early bedtime |
| 14 | Exam day |
For TOPIK I candidates
TOPIK I rewards solid basics: Hangeul reading speed, daily-life vocabulary, numbers, dates, times and common sentence patterns. Do not try to learn a large amount of new grammar in the last week. Review what you know until it is automatic. Toddle’s guide on how to prepare for TOPIK I is a good checklist for this final stretch.
For TOPIK II candidates
TOPIK II rewards stamina, reading speed and writing control. Vocabulary is usually the limiting factor between levels. Toddle lists the book Sok Sok TOPIK II Vocabulary among its resources, and a focused daily vocabulary routine can help you in the last two weeks.
Section-by-Section Strategy
Listening
- Read the options before the audio starts, so you know what to listen for.
- Do not get stuck. If you miss an answer, mark your best guess and move on, because the next audio will not wait.
- Practise with real-speed audio, since slow practice makes the real thing feel fast.
- Write down every listening mistake in a notebook and note the cause: vocabulary, speed or a trap in the options.
Reading
- Manage time by section. TOPIK II reading is 50 questions in 70 minutes, which is under a minute and a half per question on average.
- Skim the question first, then read the passage for the answer.
- Skip long questions that cost too much time, then come back.
- Do not leave blanks. Answer every question before time runs out.
Writing (TOPIK II)
- For Questions 51 and 52, complete the sentence so that it fits the context and register, using the correct ending.
- For Question 53, describe the chart or table: introduce the topic, report the main figures and trends, and conclude. Stay within the length range and stick to the data.
- For Question 54, plan a short outline: introduction, two or three developed points, conclusion. Practise writing by hand within the time, because typing and handwriting feel very different under pressure.
- Check spelling and spacing, since small errors add up.
Whole-exam habits
- Eat lightly and drink water.
- Arrive early and settle your nerves.
- Keep a steady pace. A single hard question is not worth five easy ones.
- Do not discuss answers during breaks. It can unsettle you for the next section.
After the Exam: Results, Certificates and Next Steps
Results
NIIED’s plan lists results for the 109th TOPIK on 22 December 2026, announced through the TOPIK website. Check the official site for the exact time on that day.
Certificates
The score certificate is issued through the website and is not sent by post, fax or email, except that overseas administering institutions may receive one copy per test taker on request. Download and save your certificate as soon as it is available, and keep both a digital and a printed copy.
Validity
TOPIK scores are valid for two years from the score announcement date. That means a result announced on 22 December 2026 is generally valid until 22 December 2028, though you should always confirm the submission rule of the institution you are applying to. If you are close to the limit, check before you apply.
If you need a higher level
Plan the next attempt around a real gap, not a hope. Look at which section held you back, set a target level and choose the next session. Nepal’s next TOPIK session had not been announced when we checked, so watch the official page. If you need a result quickly for a university or visa deadline, ask the institution whether other recognised tests are accepted.
If you registered for the wrong level
Contact the organiser through the official channel as soon as you notice, and do not wait until exam week. Whether changes are possible depends on the organiser’s rules.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Registering for TOPIK I when your goal needs Level 3 or higher | Check the requirement first. TOPIK I cannot produce Level 3 |
| Confusing TOPIK with EPS-TOPIK | They are different exams for different purposes |
| Messaging repeatedly for the registration number | Wait for the official update, then follow the stated process |
| Relying on unofficial pages or paid “seat” offers | Use the Embassy’s and TOPIK Nepal’s official channels only |
| Arriving at the start time | Entry closes earlier, at 09:10 for TOPIK I and 12:20 for TOPIK II |
| Forgetting ID | You cannot sit the exam without the required ID |
| Bringing a phone into the hall | Electronic devices must be switched off and handed in |
| Using a PBT score against IBT tables | PBT and IBT scores are not comparable |
| Leaving blanks | Answer every question |
| Cramming new topics in the last days | Review and rest |
Preparing With Toddle
Toddle, a Korean and Japanese language institute and study-abroad counselling company in Hetauda since 2018, offers TOPIK preparation as part of its language programmes. On its website, Toddle lists TOPIK I and II classes, a dedicated TOPIK I class, a TOPIK page and a seven-level Korean language course from Basic I up to Post Master, with books included in the fee. New students can join a running class at any time, according to the website.
Toddle does not run the TOPIK exam in Nepal and does not take TOPIK registrations. What it can help with is the preparation: building your Korean level, practising in the exam format and planning your next steps after the result. For any notice about dates, venue, ID, fees or your registration number, follow the Embassy and the official TOPIK Nepal page. You can also keep an eye on the Toddle notice board for class updates, but treat it as a supplement, not a replacement.
Prepare for Your Next TOPIK: Talk to Toddle
Whether you are sitting the 109th TOPIK in two weeks or planning your next attempt, a clear plan helps. Toddle can help you choose the right level, build a study routine and connect your TOPIK goal to your study or work plans in Korea.
- Book a free counselling session to plan your level, timeline and next session.
- Explore Toddle’s TOPIK page to see the TOPIK I and II classes.
Message Toddle on WhatsApp: +977 976-9741767
You can also call +977 57-525392 or visit Toddle at School Road, Hetauda-4, Makwanpur.
Frequently Asked Questions about Topik Exam 2026 Nov 15 Update
1. When is the 109th TOPIK in Nepal?
Sunday, 15 November 2026. The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Nepal announced it, and registration ran online from 3 to 7 August 2026.
2. Where is the exam held?
At St. Mary’s Secondary School, Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, the announced venue for the 109th TOPIK. Check your organiser’s instructions for the room.
3. How much did registration cost?
TOPIK I cost NPR 3,000 and TOPIK II cost NPR 3,500, according to the Embassy’s TOPIK notices.
4. Can I still register for the 109th TOPIK in Nepal?
No additional applications were accepted outside 3 to 7 August 2026, and registration could close early when capacity was reached. Watch for a notice about the next session.
5. When will I receive my registration number?
The official notice said it would be emailed to the address used in your application by the end of the week of 30 October 2026. If you have not seen it, check your spam folder and the official TOPIK Nepal page for an update.
6. I did not receive my registration number. What should I do?
Check inbox, spam, junk and promotions folders, confirm you are using the email address from your application, then look for the update on the official TOPIK Nepal Facebook page and contact the organiser if needed.
7. Should I email the team to ask for my number?
The notice asked applicants not to request registration numbers before the stated time, so that sending is faster. After the deadline and the official update, a single polite message is reasonable.
8. What time should I arrive?
TOPIK I candidates must enter by 09:10 and TOPIK II candidates by 12:20, according to the published timetable. NIIED’s plan says you cannot enter the room after the notified entry time.
9. What ID do I need?
The original ID you registered with. NIIED’s plan says candidates without the required ID cannot take the test, and for overseas tests the local organiser sets the rules, with ID showing a photo, English name and date of birth.
10. Can I bring my phone or a smartwatch?
No. Communication and electronic devices must be switched off and handed to the supervisor before the first session starts.
11. What is the difference between TOPIK I and TOPIK II?
TOPIK I covers Levels 1 and 2 with listening and reading. TOPIK II covers Levels 3 to 6 with listening, writing and reading.
12. How is TOPIK scored?
TOPIK I is out of 200 and TOPIK II is out of 300. The level is determined by the total score across sections, not by passing each section separately.
13. What score do I need for each level?
For PBT: TOPIK I Level 1 is 80 to 139 and Level 2 is 140 to 200. TOPIK II Level 3 is 120 to 149, Level 4 is 150 to 189, Level 5 is 190 to 229 and Level 6 is 230 to 300.
14. When are the results?
22 December 2026, announced on the TOPIK website according to NIIED’s plan.
15. How do I get my certificate?
The certificate is issued through the TOPIK website, not by post, fax or email. Download and save it once results are out.
16. How long is a TOPIK score valid?
Two years from the score announcement date.
17. Is TOPIK the same as EPS-TOPIK?
No. TOPIK is the general proficiency test for admission, visas and residence. EPS-TOPIK ranks job seekers for E-9 work visas and produces no level.
18. Which level do I need for a Korean university?
It depends on the university and programme. Many Korean-taught programmes ask for Level 3 or 4, and some ask for more. Check your programme’s guideline.
19. Does TOPIK affect part-time work as a student?
Yes. Permitted weekly hours depend on your visa type and TOPIK level, and a permit is required. Confirm the current rules on HiKorea before you work.
20. Is there a financial-proof exemption for TOPIK 4?
Korea’s Ministry of Justice announced plans on 7 October 2026 to exempt students with TOPIK Level 4 from proving financial means. These are announced plans, so confirm with the Embassy and your university.
21. Is the 109th TOPIK paper-based or internet-based?
It is numbered as a paper-based test in NIIED’s 2026 plan, and IBT sessions are numbered separately. Follow your own instructions from the organiser.
22. Can I use my own pen for the answer sheet?
NIIED’s plan says PBT answer sheets must be completed with the marking pen provided by the supervisor. Follow the supervisor’s instructions for any other writing tools.
23. When is the next TOPIK in Nepal?
It had not been announced when we checked. Watch the Embassy’s notices and the official TOPIK Nepal page.
24. Does Toddle register candidates for TOPIK?
No. Registration and exam administration are handled by the Embassy of Korea in Nepal and TOPIK Nepal. Toddle offers preparation classes and counselling.
Exam dates, venues, fees, ID rules and procedures can change. Before you act, confirm current details with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Nepal, the official TOPIK Nepal page and the TOPIK website.
