The DELF B1 calendar
DELF B1 follows the same 4–6 sessions-per-year rhythm as A1/A2. Sessions cluster around March, May, June, September and November, with each metro Alliance Française hosting all of them. Tier-2 centres skip 1–2 sessions per year; check the specific centre.
For candidates targeting a specific submission deadline (French residency application, Quebec Immigration, university admission), plan the sitting at least 3 months before the deadline. Results take 4–6 weeks and the physical diploma another 2–3 months.
Session windows and registration dates
| Session window | Registration opens | Registration closes | Typical exam week |
|---|---|---|---|
| March | Mid-January | End February | 3rd–4th week of March |
| May | Mid-March | End April | 2nd–3rd week of May |
| June | Mid-April | End May | 3rd–4th week of June |
| September | Mid-July | End August | 3rd–4th week of September |
| November | Mid-September | End October | 2nd–3rd week of November |
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Centres that host DELF B1
- Every metro: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune — all 6 sessions per year.
- Tier-2 (2–3 sessions/year): Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Coimbatore, Trivandrum, Bhopal.
- Occasional tier-3: Jaipur, Lucknow, Vadodara, Kochi — 1–2 sessions per year, sometimes referred to metros.
How to pick your session for residency or Quebec Immigration
For French residency applications, most prefectures require a certified translation of the diploma or the original attestation. The attestation arrives 4–6 weeks after the exam and is sufficient for most applications; the physical diploma is a 2–3 month wait beyond that.
For Quebec Immigration PSTQ applications, the attestation is accepted as proof of language competence at CLB equivalent, but the diploma is preferred. Plan the sitting at least 4 months before submission if you want the physical diploma in hand.
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Common scheduling mistakes
- Registering for a session where the results arrive after your visa deadline. Attestation is 4–6 weeks; add 2–3 months for physical diploma.
- Assuming the June session is the safest ‘summer’ option. It is one of the busier sessions — book early.
- Choosing the November session for a January application. Physical diploma often arrives after mid-January.
- Not checking oral date. Some centres schedule speaking 1–7 days after the written paper.
- Booking travel or flights before registration confirmation email arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is DELF B1 held in India?
4–6 sessions per year — March, May, June, September, November — mirroring DELF A1/A2. Metro centres host all sessions; tier-2 centres 2–3 per year. Check your local Alliance Française for exact dates.
Which Alliance Française centres host DELF B1?
All metro centres (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune) host every session. Tier-2 centres (Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Coimbatore, Trivandrum, Bhopal) host 2–3 sessions per year.
When should I sit DELF B1 for a French residency application?
At least 3–4 months before your prefecture appointment. The attestation arrives 4–6 weeks after the exam and is accepted by most prefectures; the physical diploma follows 2–3 months later if required.
Do all sessions have equal difficulty at DELF B1?
Yes — France Éducation international standardises the exam across sessions. There is no ‘easier’ month. The choice depends on when you need results, not perceived difficulty.
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