Knowing the shape of the paper reduces panic more than cramming 50 extra words the night before. Below is a clean summary of the December 2025 new HSK 1–6 sample structures (implementation window: July 2026). Figures are approximate and include the booklet’s note that total time covers personal info / answer sheet handling.
Master table
| Level | Listening | Reading | Writing | Total items ≈ | Total time ≈ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 20 (~12 min) | 20 (20 min) | — | 40 | ~40 min |
| 2 | 25 (~17 min) | 25 (25 min) | 10 (10 min) | 60 | ~60 min |
| 3 | 30 (~23 min) | 30 (30 min) | 10 (20 min) | 70 | ~83 min |
| 4 | 32 (~20 min) | 32 (30 min) | 6 (25 min) | 70 | ~85 min |
| 5 | 35 (~25 min) | 35 (35 min) | 2 (40 min) | 72 | ~110 min |
| 6 | 40 (~30 min) | 40 (40 min) | 2 (45 min) | 82 | ~125 min |
What each skill usually feels like
Listening
Early levels mix picture choices, short Q&A, and mini dialogues. Higher levels add longer talks and denser detail questions. Train with graded → normal speed audio (listening guide).
Reading
Expect matching, sentence completion, short passages, and increasingly long texts. Build character recognition on a schedule (1000 characters).
Writing
From L2 samples: shorter production tasks. Higher levels shift toward fewer but heavier writing tasks (summaries / compositions style load). Practice handwriting + on-screen if your center allows mixed modes — confirm rules when you register.
Speaking is separate sample papers
Paper structure above is written/listening exam samples. Oral sample papers start at HSK 3 — see HSK speaking test.
How to use this page in study plans
- Pick level → note minutes per skill
- Do half-length timed drills weekly
- One full timed set biweekly when ready
- Keep daily speaking even on “paper weeks”
Placement: HSK level test · Hub: HSK guide · Timeline: New HSK 2026.
Disclaimer: Unofficial learner summary for education. Not a substitute for official registration documents.