The CTET September Exam Date 2026 has been announced for candidates preparing for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test. The examination is scheduled to be conducted on 12 and 13 December 2026.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) conducts CTET for candidates seeking eligibility for teaching positions at the applicable school levels. The examination is divided into Paper-I for Classes 1 to 5 and Paper-II for Classes 6 to 8.
The application process initially opened in May 2026 and was later reopened in August for eligible candidates. Candidates who completed the application and correction process should now focus on preparation for the December examination and keep checking for the admit card release.
CTET September Exam Date 2026 Latest Update
The CTET September 2026 examination will be conducted on 12 and 13 December 2026. The admit card will be made available before the examination.
Candidates should check their individual admit card carefully once released because it will contain important details such as the examination date, shift, reporting time and examination centre.
The examination date is particularly important for candidates who applied during the reopened application window from 25 August to 01 September 2026. Candidates should use the remaining preparation period for systematic revision and practice.
CTET September 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination | Central Teacher Eligibility Test |
| Conducting Body | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Session | September 2026 |
| Current Update | Exam Date Announced |
| CTET Exam Date | 12–13 December 2026 |
| Admit Card | Before Exam |
| Paper-I | Classes 1–5 |
| Paper-II | Classes 6–8 |
| Total Posts | Not Applicable |
| Age Limit | No Age Limit |
| Exam Category | Teacher Eligibility Test |
CTET Exam Date 2026
The CTET examination is scheduled for:
12 December 2026 and 13 December 2026
The examination may be conducted in different shifts depending on the paper and candidate allocation. The individual admit card will provide the candidate-specific examination details.
Candidates should avoid relying solely on the general examination date when planning their travel. Once the admit card is released, check the exact centre address and reporting time.
CTET September 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start Date | 11 May 2026 |
| Online Application Last Date | 10 June 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 10 June 2026 |
| Re-Open Application Start Date | 25 August 2026 |
| Re-Open Application Last Date | 01 September 2026 |
| Re-Open Fee Payment Last Date | 01 September 2026 |
| Correction Window | 07–10 September 2026 |
| CTET Exam Date | 12–13 December 2026 |
| Admit Card | Before Exam |
| Result | Will Be Updated |
CTET September 2026 Application Fee
The fee depends on whether the candidate applies for one paper or both papers.
| Category | Paper-I | Both Papers |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC | ₹1,000 | ₹1,200 |
| SC / ST / PwD | ₹500 | ₹600 |
The fee can be paid through the prescribed online payment options.
Online Payment Methods
Available payment methods include:
-
Debit Card
-
Credit Card
-
Internet Banking
-
IMPS
-
Cash Card
-
Mobile Wallet
CTET September 2026 Age Limit
There is no prescribed maximum age limit for appearing in CTET under the stated examination rules.
Candidates should, however, check the eligibility conditions for the particular teaching recruitment they intend to apply for after qualifying CTET, because individual recruiting organizations may prescribe their own age limits and requirements.
CTET September 2026 Eligibility
CTET eligibility differs according to the paper selected. Candidates should carefully match their educational qualification with the applicable teacher-training qualification.
CTET Paper-I Eligibility – Classes 1 to 5
Candidates may qualify through various combinations of Senior Secondary, Graduation and teacher-education qualifications.
Major eligibility routes include:
-
Senior Secondary with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a 2-year D.El.Ed.
-
Senior Secondary with at least 45% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a 2-year D.El.Ed. under the applicable NCTE regulations.
-
Senior Secondary with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a 4-year B.El.Ed.
-
Senior Secondary with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a 2-year Diploma in Education (Special Education).
-
Graduation with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in B.Ed.
-
Post-Graduation with at least 55% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a 3-year integrated B.Ed.-M.Ed.
The teacher-education qualification must satisfy the applicable rules for the selected CTET paper.
CTET Paper-II Eligibility – Classes 6 to 8
Candidates applying for Paper-II may qualify through the following educational and professional combinations:
-
Graduation and passed or appearing in the final year of a 2-year D.El.Ed.
-
Graduation with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in B.Ed.
-
Graduation with at least 45% marks and passed or appearing in B.Ed. under the applicable NCTE regulations.
-
Senior Secondary with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a 4-year B.El.Ed.
-
Senior Secondary with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a 4-year B.A./B.Sc.Ed. or B.A.Ed./B.Sc.Ed.
-
Graduation with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in B.Ed. (Special Education).
-
Post-Graduation with at least 55% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a 3-year integrated B.Ed.-M.Ed.
Candidates should verify the qualification combination applicable to their particular academic background before relying on eligibility for a specific teaching recruitment.
CTET Paper-I and Paper-II: Which One Should You Take?
The two CTET papers correspond to different school levels.
| Paper | Teaching Level |
|---|---|
| Paper-I | Classes 1 to 5 |
| Paper-II | Classes 6 to 8 |
| Both Papers | Classes 1 to 8 |
Candidates who want eligibility for both primary and upper-primary teaching levels can choose both papers if they meet the required eligibility conditions.
CTET September 2026 Preparation Strategy
With the examination scheduled for December, candidates have a useful preparation window to strengthen their concepts and improve speed.
A practical preparation plan should include:
Revise Child Development and Pedagogy
This section is important for both papers. Focus on child development concepts, learning theories, inclusive education and classroom-related situations.
Strengthen Language Sections
Regularly practice comprehension, grammar and language-pedagogy questions. Candidates should focus on accuracy rather than simply attempting a large number of questions.
Practice Mathematics and Environmental Studies
Paper-I candidates should revise fundamental Mathematics and Environmental Studies concepts according to the prescribed level.
Prepare the Paper-II Subject
Paper-II candidates should devote additional preparation time to their selected subject area, such as Mathematics & Science or Social Studies/Social Science.
Solve Previous Questions
Regular practice can help candidates understand question patterns and improve time management. After every practice session, review incorrect answers instead of simply moving on to another test.
CTET Admit Card 2026
The CTET September 2026 Admit Card will be released before the examination. Candidates should download it once available and check all examination-related information carefully.
Important details generally include:
-
Candidate name
-
Roll number
-
Examination date
-
Shift
-
Reporting time
-
Examination centre
-
Centre address
-
Candidate instructions
Candidates should download a clear copy and carry the documents required by the examination instructions.
CTET Exam Day Tips
Candidates appearing on 12 or 13 December should reach the examination centre well before the reporting time.
Useful exam-day steps include:
-
Keep the admit card ready the night before.
-
Carry the required original identification document.
-
Check the centre route in advance.
-
Avoid carrying prohibited electronic items.
-
Read the examination instructions carefully.
-
Manage time according to the number of questions.
-
Avoid spending too much time on one difficult question.
-
Keep calm and review answers where permitted.
What After CTET September 2026 Exam?
After the examination, CBSE will process the candidate responses and subsequently release the answer key and result according to the examination schedule.
Candidates should retain their admit card and other examination records until the result and certificate-related formalities are complete.
Qualifying CTET provides eligibility for consideration in applicable teaching recruitments, but appointment depends on the recruitment rules, vacancies and selection process of the respective school or recruiting organization.
CTET September Exam Date 2026 FAQs
When will the CTET September 2026 exam be conducted?
- The CTET September 2026 examination will be held on 12 and 13 December 2026. Candidates should check their admit card for the exact date, shift and examination centre.
Is there any age limit for CTET September 2026?
- There is no age limit for appearing in CTET under the stated examination rules. However, individual teaching recruitments may have their own age criteria.
What is the CTET application fee for General and OBC candidates?
- The fee is ₹1,000 for one paper and ₹1,200 for both papers for General and OBC candidates. SC, ST and PwD candidates pay ₹500 for one paper or ₹600 for both papers.
Who can apply for CTET Paper-I?
- Paper-I is intended for candidates seeking eligibility for teaching Classes 1 to 5. Several educational combinations involving Senior Secondary or Graduation along with D.El.Ed., B.El.Ed., B.Ed. or other specified teacher-education qualifications are accepted.
Who can apply for CTET Paper-II?
- Paper-II is intended for Classes 6 to 8. Candidates may qualify through specified Graduation/Senior Secondary combinations along with B.Ed., D.El.Ed., B.El.Ed., B.A./B.Sc.Ed. or other accepted teacher-education qualifications.
Can a candidate apply for both CTET papers?
- Yes. Candidates who satisfy the eligibility conditions for both levels can apply for Paper-I and Paper-II together. The applicable fee for both papers is higher than the fee for a single paper.
When will the CTET September 2026 admit card be released?
- The CTET admit card will be released before the examination. Candidates should regularly check the official examination updates once the admit-card release process begins.
Final Update
The CTET September Exam Date 2026 has been announced, and the examination will be conducted on 12 and 13 December 2026. Candidates who completed the application and correction process should now concentrate on revision, mock practice and subject-wise preparation.
The CTET examination does not have a fixed number of vacancies because it is a teacher eligibility test rather than a direct recruitment examination. Candidates who qualify can subsequently use their CTET qualification for applicable teaching recruitment opportunities, subject to the eligibility and selection rules of the recruiting organization.