HSK (Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshì, 汉语水平考试) is the official Chinese Proficiency Test for non-native speakers. It evaluates Chinese skills across listening, reading, and writing, with six levels (HSK 1 to HSK 6).

For Indian students and professionals, HSK certification is more than just an exam—it’s a gateway to higher education, jobs in India, and global career opportunities.

1. What is HSK?

The HSK exam, developed by the Chinese Proficiency Test Center of Beijing Language and Culture University, is divided into:

• Basic → HSK 1 & 2

• Intermediate → HSK 3 & 4

• Advanced → HSK 5 & 6

Certificates are valid for 2 years academically, but remain useful career-wise long term as proof of proficiency.

2. Why Should Indians Take HSK?

Career Value of HSK Certification

• Chinese MNCs in India: Companies like OPPO, vivo, Xiaomi, Huawei, and Haier hire Chinese language experts, interpreters, and translators.

• Indian IT companies: Infosys, TCS, Wipro, and Tech Mahindra recruit bilingual associates for Chinese client projects.

• Export-import firms: Mumbai, Chennai, and Delhi-based trading firms need Mandarin speakers for vendor negotiations.

• Government & Research: UPSC recruits Chinese Translators; MEA and the Indian Army hire Chinese Interpreters.

• Abroad: Countries such as Singapore, UAE, Thailand, Vietnam, Germany, and the US actively hire Chinese-speaking professionals in trade, tourism, education, and business operations.

🔗 Verified Job Opportunities

Here are direct links to current Mandarin/Chinese-speaking job listings:

• India: Chinese/Mandarin Jobs in India – Indeed

• Singapore: Chinese-speaking Jobs – JobStreet Singapore

• Thailand: Chinese-speaking Jobs – JobsDB Thailand

• Vietnam: Chinese-speaking Jobs – Glassdoor Vietnam

• UAE (Dubai): Chinese-speaking Jobs – Indeed UAE

• Germany: Chinese-speaking Jobs – Indeed Germany

• USA: Bilingual Mandarin Jobs – Indeed USA

3. HSK Exam Structure

HSK Level 1

• Passing Score: 120 / 200

• Sections: Listening (20), Reading (20)

• Total: 40 questions, ~40 minutes

HSK Level 2

• Passing Score: 120 / 200

• Sections: Listening (35), Reading (25)

• Total: 60 questions, ~55 minutes

HSK Level 3

• Passing Score: 180 / 300

• Listening: 40 questions (~35 min)

• Reading: 30 questions (25 min)

• Writing: 10 items (15 min)

• Total: 80 questions, ~85 minutes

HSK Level 4

• Passing Score: 180 / 300

• Listening: 45 questions (~30 min)

• Reading: 40 questions (35 min)

• Writing: 15 items (25 min)

• Total: 100 questions, ~100 minutes

HSK Level 5

• Passing Score: 180 / 300

• Listening: 45 questions (~30 min)

• Reading: 45 questions (40 min)

• Writing: 10 items (40 min)

• Total: 100 questions, ~120 minutes

HSK Level 6

• Passing Score: 180 / 300

• Listening: 50 questions (~35 min)

• Reading: 50 questions (45 min)

• Writing: 1 essay (45 min)

• Total: 101 questions, ~135 minutes

4. HSK Test Locations in India

Official test centers are located in:

• Langma School of Languages, New Delhi

• Mumbai University – Confucius Institute

• Chennai Chinese Language Center

• Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi

• Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan (West Bengal)

👉 Always confirm the latest test sites at ChineseTest.cn.

5. HSK Exam Fees in India

• HSK 1 & 2: ₹1,500 – ₹2,000

• HSK 3: ₹2,000 – ₹2,500

• HSK 4: ₹2,500 – ₹3,500

• HSK 5: ₹3,500 – ₹4,500

• HSK 6: ₹4,500 – ₹5,500

(Fees vary slightly by test center.)

📌 Read Next

• [📅 HSK Exam Dates in India 2025 – Registration & Test Centers]

• [📝 How to Prepare for HSK 4: Study Plan + Resources]

• [🎧 HSK Listening Practice with Audio and Transcript]