DELF Exam Dates, Centres, and Registration in India 2026 – Complete Guide

Knowing when and where to register for the DELF exam in India is often the first practical challenge candidates face. Unlike a single national exam centre, DELF registrations are handled independently by each Alliance Française and Institut Français centre across India – with different schedules, fees, and processes at each location.

This guide compiles the key exam dates, official examination centres, registration process, fees, and practical tips for taking the DELF exam in India in 2026.

DELF Exam Sessions in India – 2026 Overview

Most Alliance Française centres in India offer the DELF exam in two to three sessions per year. The most common schedule is:

SessionApproximate Registration OpeningApproximate Exam Dates
Session 1 (Spring)January – FebruaryMarch – April
Session 2 (Summer/Monsoon)April – MayJune – July
Session 3 (Autumn)September – OctoberNovember – December

Important: Not all centres offer all three sessions, and dates vary between cities. The June/July and November/December sessions are the most widely available across India. Always confirm directly with your nearest Alliance Française for the current year’s schedule.

DELF Examination Centres in India – City by City

Mumbai

• Alliance Française de Bombay – Theosophy Hall, New Marine Lines, Mumbai 400020

• Exams offered: DELF A1, A2, B1, B2; DALF C1, C2

• Sessions: Typically March, June/July, November

• Website: afbombay.com

New Delhi

• Alliance Française de Delhi – 72 Lodhi Estate, New Delhi 110003

• Exams offered: Full DELF/DALF range including Scolaire versions

• Sessions: Typically March, June, November

• Website: afdelhifrancais.com

Bengaluru

• Alliance Française de Bangalore – Thimmaiah Road, Vasanth Nagar, Bengaluru 560052

• Exams offered: DELF A1 to DALF C2

• Sessions: Typically June, November (check for March availability)

• Website: afbangalore.com

Chennai

• Alliance Française de Madras – 24 College Road, Chennai 600006

• Exams offered: DELF A1 to DALF C2

• Sessions: Typically June, November

• Website: afmadras.com

Hyderabad

• Alliance Française de Hyderabad – 6-3-871 Greenlands Road, Hyderabad 500016

• Exams offered: DELF A1 to DALF C1 (C2 check directly)

• Sessions: Typically November; some centres add June

• Website: afhyd.com

Kolkata

• Alliance Française du Bengale – Park Mansions, Park Street, Kolkata 700016

• Exams offered: DELF A1 to DALF C2

• Sessions: Typically June, November

• Website: afbengale.com

Pune

• Alliance Française de Pune – Boat Club Road, Pune 411001

• Exams offered: DELF A1, A2, B1, B2

• Sessions: Typically June, November

• Website: afpune.com

Other cities with Alliance Française centres

• Ahmedabad – Alliance Française d’Ahmedabad

• Chandigarh – Alliance Française de Chandigarh

• Goa – Alliance Française de Goa

• Jaipur – Alliance Française de Jaipur

• Thiruvananthapuram – Alliance Française de Trivandrum

Not all smaller centres offer the full DELF/DALF range. For DALF C2 or specialised Scolaire versions, you may need to travel to a major city centre. Contact your nearest Alliance Française to confirm which levels they examine.

🔗 Related: DELF vs DALF – Which Should You Take? | DELF B2 Complete Guide | DALF C1 Complete Guide

DELF Registration Process – Step by Step

Step 1: Choose your level

Decide which DELF level matches your current proficiency and your target institution’s requirements. If unsure, take a placement test or CEFR self-assessment. Common targets: B2 for French university admissions, B1 for intermediate learners, A1/A2 for beginners or basic visa requirements.

Step 2: Find your nearest examination centre

Go to the France Éducation International website (ciep.fr or france-education-international.fr) and use the official centre locator, or search directly for the Alliance Française in your city. Confirm the following:

• Which DELF levels they offer

• Session dates for the current year

• Registration deadline for your chosen session

• Current fee for your level

Step 3: Register and pay

Registration is done directly with the local Alliance Française centre – there is no centralised national registration system. Most centres offer:

• Online registration via their website with online payment

• In-person registration at the centre with cash, card, or bank transfer

You will need to submit: a completed registration form, a passport-sized photograph, a copy of a valid ID (passport or Aadhaar), and payment of the examination fee.

Step 4: Receive your convocation

After successful registration, the centre will issue a convocation (admit card) that confirms your exam date, time, and venue. This document is mandatory – you will not be allowed into the exam without it.

Step 5: Attend all components

The DELF exam is split into written components (Listening, Reading, Writing – held on one day) and oral component (Speaking – held on a separate day, often a few days to a week after the written exam). Check your convocation carefully for both dates.

Step 6: Results and diploma

Results are typically available 4–8 weeks after the exam, depending on the session and centre. If you pass (50/100 overall with at least 5/25 per component), you will receive an official diploma. The diploma is sent to the centre and you collect it in person, or it is posted to you. Some centres also share results via their candidate portal.

DELF Exam Fees in India 2026

LevelApprox. Fee Range (INR)Notes
DELF A1₹5,500 – ₹7,500Lowest fee; available at most centres
DELF A2₹6,000 – ₹8,000Widely available
DELF B1₹7,000 – ₹9,500Including Scolaire version for school students
DELF B2₹8,000 – ₹11,000Most popular level for university applicants
DALF C1₹10,000 – ₹13,000Higher oral marking complexity
DALF C2₹12,000 – ₹16,000Highest fee tier

Fees listed are approximate and vary by centre and year. Alliance Française centres set their own fees within guidelines from France Éducation International. Always confirm current fees directly with your registration centre.

DELF Scolaire and Junior – Special Versions for School Students

There are two special editions of the DELF designed for younger learners:

• DELF Scolaire: Same format as standard DELF but uses content themes appropriate for school-age candidates (topics related to school, youth culture, technology). Offered in India through partner schools and Alliance Française. Levels: A1, A2, B1, B2

• DELF Junior: Similar to DELF Scolaire, designed specifically for teenagers (11–17 years). Exam content uses age-appropriate topics

If you are a school student or parent enrolling a student, ask your school whether it is a registered DELF Scolaire centre, or contact your nearest Alliance Française for availability.

Key Dates to Watch in 2026

While official 2026 dates must be confirmed with your local centre, the typical annual calendar looks like this:

MonthAction
JanuarySession 1 registration opens at most major centres
FebruaryDeadline for Session 1 registration; begin final preparation
March–AprilSession 1 written and oral exams
April–MaySession 2 registration opens
MayDeadline for Session 2 registration
June–JulySession 2 written and oral exams (most popular)
July–AugustSession 1 results released; Session 2 marking
SeptemberSession 2 results; Session 3 registration opens
OctoberDeadline for Session 3 registration
November–DecemberSession 3 exams

What to Bring on Exam Day

• Your convocation (admit card) – printed or digital, depending on centre policy

• Original government-issued photo ID (passport, Aadhaar, PAN card, or driving licence)

• Black or blue ballpoint pens (bring at least two)

• A watch (phones are typically not permitted in the examination hall)

• Water bottle (confirm whether allowed; rules vary by centre)

Arrive at least 20–30 minutes before the scheduled start time. Late entry is typically not permitted once the examination has begun.

Tips for a Smooth Registration Experience

• Register as early as possible – popular sessions at major centres like Mumbai and Delhi fill up quickly, especially for B2 and above

• Double-check your name spelling on the registration form – it must match your ID exactly, as the diploma will be issued in that name and is difficult to correct after the fact

• Keep a copy of your payment receipt and registration confirmation

• Save the centre’s contact number and email – last-minute questions about your convocation or exam time are common

• If you need to change your session or level after registration, contact the centre immediately – most have a fee and deadline for modifications

🔗 Related: How to Prepare for DELF B2 in 3 Months | Alliance Française India – What Indian Students Need to Know | DELF vs DALF – Which Level Do You Need?

Conclusion

Registering for the DELF exam in India is a straightforward process once you know your target level, your nearest Alliance Française centre, and the session calendar. The key is acting early: registration windows close quickly for popular sessions, and exam dates are fixed well in advance.

Use this guide as your starting checklist, confirm the current-year specifics with your local Alliance Française, and you will be on your way to DELF success. With the right preparation, the diploma is absolutely within reach.

🔗 Start practising for your DELF exam with mock tests at languagetest.in | Explore our full French exam preparation series

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