What is TOPIK II (Intermediate + Advanced)?
The Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) is the official Korean language proficiency exam administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED). TOPIK II is the combined intermediate and advanced level test, covering levels 3 through 6. It is designed for learners who have completed at least 400 hours of Korean study or have equivalent proficiency.
TOPIK II assesses your ability to understand and use Korean in academic, professional, and social contexts. A score of Level 3 or 4 qualifies you for university admission in Korea, while Level 5 or 6 is often required for graduate programs, professional jobs, or teaching Korean. The exam is held multiple times a year in India (e.g., at the Korean Cultural Centre in New Delhi, and other centres).
Exam Format at a Glance
- Listening: 60 minutes, 50 questions (multiple choice) – covers conversations, announcements, lectures, and news.
- Writing: 50 minutes, 4 questions – includes sentence completion, paragraph writing, and a 600–700 word essay on a given topic.
- Reading: 70 minutes, 50 questions (multiple choice) – passages on social issues, science, literature, and editorial texts.
Total time: 180 minutes. Total questions: 104. Maximum score: 300 (200 for Level 3–4, 230 for Level 5–6).
| Level | Score Range | Description | |-------|-------------|-------------| | 3 | 120–149 | Can handle daily life and simple social topics with some fluency. | | 4 | 150–189 | Can use Korean in public settings and some work contexts. | | 5 | 190–229 | Can perform professional tasks and understand academic discourse. | | 6 | 230–300 | Near-native fluency; can engage in complex discussions and research. |
Take a free TOPIK II (Intermediate + Advanced) demo mock to find out where you stand: Try the demo
Who Takes It / Who Accepts It?
- University aspirants: Most Korean universities require TOPIK Level 3 or 4 for undergraduate admission and Level 4 or 5 for graduate programs.
- Job seekers: Companies in Korea (Samsung, LG, Hyundai) and Korean subsidiaries abroad often ask for TOPIK Level 4+ for non-technical roles.
- Immigration / visa: The Korean government uses TOPIK for the EPS-TOPIK (employment) and for certain residency visas.
- Self-assessment: Learners who want an internationally recognised benchmark of their Korean skills.
Quick Prep Roadmap (3–6 Months)
- Month 1–2: Foundation. Review grammar points for Levels 3–4 (e.g., indirect speech, passive voice, connectors). Build vocabulary with 20–30 new words daily. Focus on listening to Korean news (YTN, KBS) and reading simple editorials.
- Month 3: Intensive practice. Solve past TOPIK II papers (available on the official TOPIK website). Time yourself for each section. Identify weak areas (e.g., essay writing, long reading passages).
- Month 4–5: Mock tests & writing. Take 2–3 full-length mock tests per week. Practice writing essays on common topics (environment, technology, culture). Get feedback on your writing (use AI-graded mocks or a tutor).
- Month 6: Final revision. Review error logs, memorise key expressions for writing, and take 1–2 full mocks under exam conditions. Focus on time management.
See TOPIK II (Intermediate + Advanced) mock-test packs and pricing: View plans
Why Mock Tests Matter
Mock tests simulate real exam pressure, reveal your weak spots, and help you pace yourself. With AI grading, you get instant feedback on your writing and listening – no waiting. Take at least 5–6 full mocks before the real test.