DNC Common Test runs 16–17 January 2027. Check Japan paper times, durations, registration deadlines and what to bring.
Japan · DNC · 2027 / Reiwa 9
16–17 January 2027
Japan Standard Time
The Common Test for University Admissions exam timetable for 2027 / Reiwa 9 covers Japan’s main examination weekend on 16–17 January 2027. The National Center for University Entrance Examinations (DNC) publishes separate start times for candidates registered for one or two geography, history and civics subjects, and for one or two science subjects. Check your registered combination before planning your journey. Japanese Language and foreign languages take place on Saturday; sciences, mathematics and Information I follow on Sunday. All times below are Japan Standard Time. This guide brings together paper times, session lengths, application deadlines and admission-ticket information, so you can organise revision around the subjects you will actually sit. Read your admission ticket and DNC’s final candidate instructions before travelling.
132 days to go as of 6 September 2026. Plan revision around your registered subjects.
Common Test 2027 paper timetable
Choose the morning row that matches your registered number of subjects. Makeup and re-examination attendance requires confirmation; the two dates below are not an extra attempt available to every candidate.
| Paper | Date | Day of week | Time | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geography/History/Civics — two-subject candidates | 16 January 2027 | Saturday | 09:30–11:40 JST | 130-minute session: 2 × 60 minutes + 10-minute interval |
| Geography/History/Civics — one-subject candidates | 16 January 2027 | Saturday | 10:40–11:40 JST | 60m |
| Japanese Language | 16 January 2027 | Saturday | 13:00–14:30 JST | 90m |
| Foreign Languages — English Reading; German; French; Chinese; Korean | 16 January 2027 | Saturday | 15:20–16:40 JST | 80m |
| English Listening | 16 January 2027 | Saturday | 17:20–18:20 JST | 60-minute session; 30 minutes answering |
| Sciences — two-subject candidates | 17 January 2027 | Sunday | 09:30–11:40 JST | 130-minute session: 2 × 60 minutes + 10-minute interval |
| Sciences — one-subject candidates | 17 January 2027 | Sunday | 10:40–11:40 JST | 60m |
| Mathematics 1 — Mathematics I/A or Mathematics I | 17 January 2027 | Sunday | 13:00–14:10 JST | 70m |
| Mathematics 2 — Mathematics II/B/C | 17 January 2027 | Sunday | 15:00–16:10 JST | 70m |
| Information I | 17 January 2027 | Sunday | 17:00–18:00 JST | 60m |
| Make-up/re-examination — first day | 23 January 2027 | Saturday | Check DNC confirmation | Check DNC confirmation |
| Make-up/re-examination — second day | 24 January 2027 | Sunday | Check DNC confirmation | Check DNC confirmation |
Key things to know
- Match your start time to your registration. Two-subject candidates must attend the full registered morning session; do not plan to arrive only for its second half.
- Print your admission ticket and pack valid photo ID, H/F/HB black pencils and a plastic eraser. Mechanical pencils are for notes and calculations only, not marking answers.
- Keep calculators and electronic devices off the desk. Switch off phones and store them in your bag; a pocket is not an acceptable storage place during testing.
- Arrive by the room-entry deadline in the final candidate instructions. For English Listening, you must be in the room by 17:20; do not rely on a late-arrival allowance.
- Save the application and payment deadlines separately. Check any approved accessibility arrangements and download the final candidate instructions with your admission ticket.
Application and admission-ticket dates
All clock times in this table also use JST.
| Step | Date and time |
|---|---|
| My Page creation opens | 1 July 2026, 10:00 |
| Accessibility applications | 1 July–2 October 2026; check submission requirements |
| Application registration | 15 September 2026, 10:00–2 October 2026, 17:00 |
| Fee payment deadline | 2 October 2026, 23:59 |
| Review and corrections | 9–16 October 2026 |
| Admission ticket download | From 4 December 2026, 10:00 |
| Individual score viewing, if requested | 1 April 2027, 10:00–30 April 2027, 17:00 |
Common Test for University Admissions 2027 FAQs
When is the Common Test for University Admissions in 2027 / Reiwa 9?
The main examination is on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 January 2027. Makeup and re-examination dates are 23–24 January; eligibility and arrangements must be confirmed with DNC.
What time does the Common Test start?
For geography/history/civics on Saturday and sciences on Sunday, two-subject candidates start at 09:30 and one-subject candidates at 10:40. Your first paper depends on your registered subjects. All times are JST (UTC+9).
How long is Japanese Language?
Japanese Language lasts 90 minutes, from 13:00 to 14:30 on Saturday 16 January 2027.
When are English Reading and Listening?
English Reading runs 15:20–16:40 on 16 January. English Listening is scheduled 17:20–18:20 the same day. The listening session includes equipment checks and volume adjustment; answering takes 30 minutes.
How long are the two mathematics papers?
Mathematics 1 runs 13:00–14:10 and Mathematics 2 runs 15:00–16:10 on 17 January. Each lasts 70 minutes.
When is Information I?
Information I is on Sunday 17 January 2027, from 17:00 to 18:00 JST. Its standard duration is 60 minutes.
Why is a two-subject session 130 minutes?
The geography/history/civics and science two-subject sessions contain two 60-minute answering periods and a 10-minute interval. They run 09:30–11:40. The interval is not an opportunity to leave the room.
When does registration close?
Application registration is open from 15 September 2026 at 10:00 to 2 October at 17:00 JST. Pay the examination fee by 23:59 on 2 October. Registration alone does not complete an application without payment.
When can I download my admission ticket?
Admission tickets are available through My Page from 4 December 2026 at 10:00 JST. Download and print yours, check the venue, and read the accompanying candidate instructions.
What should I bring to the Common Test?
Bring your printed admission ticket, valid photo identification showing your name and date of birth, H, F or HB black pencils, and a plastic eraser. Check DNC’s final instructions for the complete permitted-items list.
Are calculators and smartwatches allowed?
Calculators, smartphones and smartwatches are not permitted during testing. Switch off electronic devices and store them in your bag as instructed. A suitable ordinary watch is allowed subject to DNC’s restrictions.
When can I see my individual scores?
Candidates who requested score viewing when applying can view their results in My Page from 1 April 2027 at 10:00 until 30 April at 17:00 JST.
Official DNC information
Use the candidate guide for the full timetable and rules, and check My Page for individual notices.
