The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially released the CTET September 2026 Notification for candidates aspiring to become teachers in Central Government schools and CBSE-affiliated institutions. The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is one of the most important teacher eligibility examinations in India, conducted to determine the eligibility of candidates for teaching Classes I to VIII.
CTET September 2026 Important Dates
Candidates planning to appear for CTET September 2026 must note the following important dates:
- Online Application Start Date: 11 May 2026
- Last Date to Apply Online: 10 June 2026 (11:59 PM)
- Last Date for Fee Payment: 10 June 2026 (11:59 PM)
- CTET Exam Date: 06 September 2026 (Sunday)
CBSE has also mentioned that if the number of applicants increases, the examination may additionally be conducted on 05 September 2026 (Saturday).
CTET September 2026 Exam Schedule
Paper II (Classes VI to VIII)
- Shift: Morning
- Timing: 09:30 AM to 12:00 Noon
Paper I (Classes I to V)
- Shift: Evening
- Timing: 02:30 PM to 05:00 PM
Each paper will be conducted for 2.5 hours.
What is CTET?
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is conducted by CBSE on behalf of the Government of India to ensure quality teaching standards across schools. The examination is mandatory for teaching positions in Central Government schools such as Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVS), and several CBSE-affiliated institutions.
CTET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The minimum eligibility qualifications for CTET are prescribed by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE). Candidates are advised to verify their eligibility before applying because appearing in CTET does not automatically confirm eligibility for recruitment. Final eligibility verification is carried out by the concerned recruiting authority.
Reserved category candidates including SC, ST, OBC and differently-abled candidates may receive relaxation of up to 5% in qualifying educational marks as per NCTE rules.
CTET 2026 Application Process
Candidates can apply online through the official CTET or CBSE websites. The application process includes:
- Visit the CTET website
- Click on “Apply Online”
- Fill the online application form
- Upload photograph and signature
- Pay examination fee online
- Download and print confirmation page for future reference
Candidates must ensure they upload scanned images in the required JPG/JPEG format and size specifications.
CTET 2026 Application Fee
For One Paper (Paper I or Paper II)
- General/OBC (NCL): ₹1000
- SC/ST/Differently Abled: ₹500
For Both Papers
- General/OBC (NCL): ₹1200
- SC/ST/Differently Abled: ₹600
GST and bank charges may apply additionally.
CTET 2026 Exam Pattern
CTET consists of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with no negative marking.
Paper I (Classes I to V)
Includes:
- Child Development and Pedagogy
- Mathematics
- Environmental Studies
- Language I
- Language II
Total: 150 Questions | 150 Marks
Paper II (Classes VI to VIII)
Includes:
- Child Development & Pedagogy
- Mathematics & Science OR Social Studies/Social Science
- Language I
- Language II
Total: 150 Questions | 150 Marks
CTET Qualifying Marks
According to NCTE guidelines, candidates securing 60% or more marks will be considered CTET qualified. However, qualifying CTET does not guarantee recruitment and is only one of the eligibility conditions for teaching appointments.
Lifetime Validity of CTET Certificate
One of the biggest advantages for candidates is that the CTET certificate remains valid for lifetime. There is also no restriction on the number of attempts, allowing candidates to improve their scores whenever they wish.
Important Instructions for Candidates
- Examination city will be allotted randomly by CBSE
- Requests for change in city or examination date will not be accepted
- Mobile phones, smart watches, calculators and electronic devices are strictly prohibited
- Candidates must report 120 minutes before exam commencement
- Ball point pen (Blue/Black) must be brought by candidates themselves
Conclusion
The release of the CTET September 2026 notification is a significant opportunity for lakhs of aspiring teachers across India. Candidates should carefully read the official information bulletin, verify eligibility, and complete the online application before the deadline. Early preparation and understanding of the exam pattern can greatly improve success chances.
FAQs
Q1. What is the last date to apply for CTET September 2026?
The last date for online application is 10 June 2026.
Q2. When will CTET September 2026 exam be conducted?
The exam is scheduled for 06 September 2026.
Q3. Is there negative marking in CTET?
No, CTET has no negative marking.
Q4. What is the validity of CTET certificate?
The CTET certificate is valid for lifetime.
Q5. Can candidates apply for both Paper I and Paper II?
Yes, candidates intending to teach Classes I–VIII can apply for both papers.
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