DELF vs DALF: What is the difference?

If you’re learning French, you’ve likely heard about the French proficiency tests available in India. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about French proficiency tests like DELF and DALF. Learn about exam centers, 2025 schedules, fees, and the global recognition and benefits of taking these official French language exams.

What is the French Proficiency Test

French language proficiency tests are specifically designed for non-native speakers to evaluate their ability to use the language effectively.

Popular exams like DELF, DALF, TEF, and TCF provide an internationally recognized standard to measure and certify a candidate’s ability to communicate proficiently and independently in French. Unlike traditional language exams, these tests focus on assessing practical communication skills in real-life scenarios rather than purely theoretical or grammatical knowledge.

What is DELF ?

The DELF (Diploma in French Language Studies) is an official certification designed for non-native French speakers to assess their proficiency in the language. Managed by France Éducation International on behalf of the French Ministry of Education, the DELF consists of four distinct diplomas, each aligned with the initial levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR): A1, A2, B1, and B2. For advanced proficiency, the higher-level certifications fall under the DALF (Diploma in Advanced French Language Studies).

What are the different levels of French proficiency certifications?

French proficiency certifications are divided into specific levels, each indicating a candidate’s language ability. These levels are aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and are represented through exams like DELF and DALF:

1. DELF A1: Breakthrough or Beginner (CEFR Level A1)
2. DELF A2: Waystage or Elementary (CEFR Level A2)
3. DELF B1: Threshold or Intermediate (CEFR Level B1)
4. DELF B2: Vantage or Upper Intermediate (CEFR Level B2)
5. DALF C1: Effective Operational Proficiency or Advanced (CEFR Level C1)
6. DALF C2: Mastery or Proficiency (Near-Native, CEFR Level C2)

These levels are designed to assess different stages of proficiency, from basic communication to near-native mastery of the French language.

List of various French diplomas

DALF Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française (For All Age Groups) – A diploma for advanced learners, covering levels C1 and C2. After passing the DALF exams, candidates are able to use French for academic and high-level professional purposes, achieving near-native proficiency.

DELF Prim (Ages 8-11) – An official diploma awarded by the French Ministry of Education for children aged 8 to 12 to certify their French knowledge as a Foreign Language. Levels include A1.1, A1, and A2.

DELF Junior (Ages 12+) – A version of the DELF diploma specially adapted for teenagers. It evaluates language proficiency from A1 to B2.

DELF Pro – Designed to assess communicative skills in professional and business contexts. This diploma helps non-francophone adults improve their French for work-related situations. The levels are A1, A2, B1, and B2.

DELF Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française (For All Age Groups) – The general DELF diploma covering levels A1 to B2. All exams (A1, A2, B1, and B2) share the same structure. Only candidates over the age of 17 are eligible to take the test.

DELF and DALF exam centers in India

The Alliance Française organizes DELF exams at various centers across India. Here’s a breakdown by region:

• North India: Chandigarh, Delhi, Jaipur, Dehradun, Lucknow
• East India: Bhubaneswar, Kolkata
• West India: Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Indore, Bhopal, Mumbai, Pune, Panjim
• South India: Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Pondicherry, Mysore, Mangalore, Trichy, Trivandrum

Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and exam centers may change annually. It’s advisable to confirm with Alliance Française for the most up-to-date information.

A limited number of centers in India also offer DALF, DELF Pro, Prim, and Junior exams. For example, in New Delhi/NCR, Delhi Public School students can take the DELF Junior exams at DPS Mathura Road and DPS Noida.

DELF / DALF exam dates in 2025

Generally, DELF exams are conducted four times a year: March, June, September, and December.

Exams for DELF Pro, DALF, DELF Prim, and DELF Junior are also held a few times annually, though all Alliance Française centers.

It’s important to note that the registration deadlines vary by center. Be sure to check with your nearest DELF/DALF test center in India for the specific levels and sessions available at that location.

DELF scoring system

While the difficulty may vary by level, the scoring system for DELF exams remains the same across all levels. Each section of the exam is scored out of 25 points, contributing to a total of 100 marks for the entire test.

To pass the DELF exam, candidates must achieve:

• A minimum of 5/25 in each section`
• A minimum of 50/100 overall

This ensures a balanced proficiency across all areas of language use.

Duration of DELF and DALF exam answering time

Exam	Listening	Reading	Writing	Total of Epreuves Collectives	Speaking
DELF A1	20 mins	30 mins	30 mins	80 mins	5–7 mins and 10 mins prep.
DELF A2	25 mins	30 mins	45 mins	100 mins	6–8 mins and 10 mins prep.
DELF B1	25 mins	45 mins	45 mins	115 mins	15 mins and 10 mins prep.
DELF B2	30 mins	60 mins	60 mins	150 mins	20 mins and 30 mins prep.

Test fees for DELF and DALF exams

For DELF/DALF exams, the fees vary depending on whether you are an internal student (studying at Alliance Française) or an external student.

• Internal Students (at Alliance Française): Fees range between Rs. 5,310 and Rs. 8,260
• External Students: Fees range between Rs. 8,850 and Rs. 11,800

Here are the fees for each specific level (Delhi center fees, other locations may differ):

• DELF A1: Internal – Rs. 6,612 | External – Rs. 10,172
• DELF A2: Internal – Rs. 7,120 | External – Rs. 10,172
• DELF B1: Internal – Rs. 7,944 | External – Rs. 12,036
• DELF B2: Internal – Rs. 7,944 | External – Rs. 12,036
• DALF C1: Internal – Rs. 8,800 | External – Rs. 13,334
• DALF C2: Internal – Rs. 8,800 | External – Rs. 13,334

For more details, you can also explore other articles related to French proficiency tests like TEF Canada, TCFQ, TEFAQ, TCF, and TEF Exam.