Knowing the official DELE diploma dates in India is an important step in your Spanish learning journey. These well-known Spanish exams are held several times a year at Instituto Cervantes and its partner centers in major cities.
Since seats fill up fast, you should register early to secure a spot at your preferred DELE test center and have enough time to prepare with confidence. You can create your study plans around a set DELE schedule.
Whether you are preparing for the DELE General for adults or for young learners, the 2026 DELE schedule, along with enrollment deadlines and result timelines, will help you stay organized. Let’s find all the key DELE dates for India!
When Is the DELE Exam Held in India this year?
The DELE is held four to five times a year in India, often in February, May, October, and November. The general exam (A1 to C2) is held across these sessions, while the young learners’ version is mostly held in May and November. Not every level is offered in every session, so the right date depends on the level you want.
The Instituto Cervantes sets the calendar each year. Some sessions cover a wide range of levels, and others are limited to one or two. That’s why you can’t assume your level is available on the nearest date. Check the level-and-date pairing first, then plan.
DELE 2026 Exam Schedules in India
Here’s the working 2026 calendar for India. Each row shows the exam date, the levels offered, and the registration deadline. Confirm every detail on the official DELE dates page, since dates and level availability can shift between sessions.
The May and November sessions cover the most levels, so they’re the busiest. If you need a specific level, those two dates give you the best odds of finding it. You can take Young learners: A1, A2/B1, B2/C1 only in May and November.
| Exam Dates 2026 | Levels offered | Registration Deadlines |
|---|---|---|
| 13 February | Adults: A2 | Until 7 January 2026 |
| 22 May | Young learners: A1, A2/B1, B2/C1 | Until 8 April 2026 |
| 23 May | Adults: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2 | Until 8 April 2026 |
| 16 October | Adults: B1, B2, C1 | Until 2 September 2026 |
| 17 October | Adults: A2 | Until 2 September 2026 |
| 13 November | Young learners: A1, A2/B1, B2/C1 | Until 30 September 2026 |
| 14 November | Adults: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2 | Until 30 September 2026 |
What Time Do the DELE Exams Start?
The DELE written exams usually start at 9:00 am on the exam date. The speaking test is scheduled separately, and its time varies based on your level and the number of candidates. They will email each candidate their exact schedule about a week after registration closes.
The date on the calendar is for your written exam. Your speaking slot may be on the same day or a different one. Check your email after the registration deadline and keep both dates flexible until the center confirms.
What Are the 2026 DELE Registration Opening & Deadlines?
Registration for DELE 2026 opens 5 to 8 weeks before each exam session and closes 3 to 4 weeks before the exam. Below is the rough timeline for 2026.
- February session: Opens mid-December. Closes early January.
- May session: Opens early March. Closes early April.
- October session: Opens early August. Closes early September.
- November session: Opens early September. Closes at the end of September.
Seats are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Once a registration window closes, you have to wait until the next window opens. It is better to book in advance, as popular cities and levels fill quickly.
I always advise treating the registration deadline as the real last date. The gap between registration and the exam is when most people miss their chance. Late decisions lead to closed windows and missed applications.
To register, choose your target level and exam date, then sign up as soon as registration opens. Enroll through the Instituto Cervantes exam portal or an authorized center with a government photo ID, passport photo, and the fee. For more details, check our guide to the Spanish DELE exam.
When Will You Get Your DELE Results and Diploma?
DELE results usually arrive about two months after the written exam. For the busy May and November sessions, it might take up to three months. You can check your grade on the Instituto Cervantes exam portal using the email you registered with.
If you have a deadline, such as a university or company requiring your diploma by a certain date, count back at least 3 months and choose an earlier session. Waiting until the last session is a common mistake that you can avoid.
How to Choose the Right DELE Test Date
Choose the best DELE dates in India based on your preparation time and any last date. Align the session with your level, allow ample time to prepare, and register promptly. Planning backward from your goal is more effective than opting for the soonest date.
Here’s the planning order I use with students:
- Fix your goal first. A job, an admission, or a personal target sets your real deadline.
- Subtract three months for results. That tells you the latest session you can sit.
- Check which date offers your level. Not every level runs in every session.
- Count back to the registration deadline. Register the day it opens, not the day it closes.
- Give yourself real prep time. Rushing a level rarely pays off.
If you’d like help mapping a date to a study plan, our Spanish offline course in Noida and live online Spanish classes are built around exam targets. We start from your chosen date and work backward, so you walk in ready.
Ready to lock a date? Message us or visit our center, and we’ll help you pick the session that fits your goal.