The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially released the notification for CTET September 2026. The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is one of the most important examinations for candidates aspiring to become teachers in central government schools and various private institutions across India.
The online application process has started from 11 May 2026, and eligible candidates can apply through the official CTET website. Candidates preparing for teaching jobs in schools like Kendriya Vidyalaya (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalaya (NVS), Army Public Schools, and CBSE-affiliated institutions should carefully read the notification and complete the application process before the last date.
This article provides complete information regarding CTET September 2026 including important dates, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, fees, application process, correction window, qualifying marks, validity, and all official links.
What is CTET?
CTET (Central Teacher Eligibility Test) is a national-level eligibility examination conducted by CBSE under the guidelines of the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE).
The examination is conducted to determine the eligibility of candidates for teaching positions in Classes I to VIII.
CTET qualification is mandatory for recruitment in many central government schools and is also accepted by several state governments and private schools.
According to the official information bulletin, the purpose of CTET is to maintain national standards and improve teacher quality in India.
CTET September 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start Date | 11 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 10 June 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 10 June 2026 |
| Correction Window | 15 June to 18 June 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Two days before exam |
| CTET Exam Date | 06 September 2026 |
| Tentative Result Declaration | End of October 2026 |
The official notification also mentions that if the number of applicants increases significantly, the examination may additionally be conducted on 05 September 2026.
CTET September 2026 Official Links
Official Notification PDF
Download CTET September 2026 Notification PDF
Official CTET Website
CBSE Official Website
CTET Apply Online
Apply Online for CTET September 2026
Candidate Login Portal
Conducting Authority
The examination is conducted by:
- Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
The CTET Unit office is located at:
CBSE Integrated Office Complex, Sector-23, Phase-1, Dwarka, New Delhi – 110077
CTET Papers
CTET consists of two papers.
| Paper | Teaching Level |
|---|---|
| Paper I | Classes I to V |
| Paper II | Classes VI to VIII |
Candidates who want to teach Classes I to VIII can appear for both papers.
CTET September 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must fulfill the minimum educational qualifications prescribed by NCTE.
Eligibility for Paper I (Classes I to V)
Candidates should have:
- Senior Secondary with at least 50% marks and Diploma in Elementary Education
OR
- Graduation with Diploma in Elementary Education
OR
- Senior Secondary with 50% marks and Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed.)
Eligibility for Paper II (Classes VI to VIII)
Candidates should possess:
- Graduation with Diploma in Elementary Education
OR
- Graduation with at least 50% marks and B.Ed.
OR
- Senior Secondary with 50% marks and four-year integrated teacher education programme
The official bulletin clearly states that candidates not fulfilling eligibility conditions will not be considered eligible for CTET.
CTET September 2026 Application Process
The application process is completely online.
Candidates can apply through the official CTET website.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply Online
Step 1: Visit Official Website
Visit the official portal:
Step 2: Click on “Apply Online”
Open the “Apply Online” link available on the homepage.
Step 3: Complete Registration
Fill details such as:
- State
- Candidate name
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Identification details
After submission, a registration number/application number is generated.
Step 4: Fill Application Form
Enter:
- Personal details
- Educational qualifications
- Address
- Category
- Paper selection
- Language preferences
Step 5: Upload Photograph and Signature
According to the official notification:
Photograph Requirements
- Format: JPG/JPEG
- Size: 10 KB to 100 KB
- Dimension: 3.5 cm × 4.5 cm
Signature Requirements
- Format: JPG/JPEG
- Size: 3 KB to 30 KB
- Dimension: 3.5 cm × 1.5 cm
Step 6: Pay Application Fee
Payment can be made through:
- Debit card
- Credit card
- Net banking
Step 7: Print Confirmation Page
After successful submission, candidates must download and print the confirmation page for future reference.
CTET September 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Only Paper I or II | Both Papers |
|---|---|---|
| General/OBC(NCL) | ₹1000 | ₹1200 |
| SC/ST/PwD | ₹500 | ₹600 |
GST charges may additionally apply according to bank policies.
CTET Exam Schedule 2026
| Date | Paper | Shift | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06 September 2026 | Paper II | Morning | 9:30 AM – 12:00 Noon |
| 06 September 2026 | Paper I | Evening | 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM |
CTET Exam Pattern 2026
All questions in CTET are objective-type multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Important highlights:
- 150 Questions
- 150 Marks
- No Negative Marking
- Offline OMR-based examination
CTET Paper I Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| Environmental Studies | 30 | 30 |
| Language I | 30 | 30 |
| Language II | 30 | 30 |
Total:
- 150 Questions
- 150 Marks
CTET Paper II Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I | 30 | 30 |
| Language II | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics & Science OR Social Science | 60 | 60 |
Total:
- 150 Questions
- 150 Marks
CTET Syllabus 2026
The syllabus mainly focuses on:
- Child psychology
- Pedagogy
- Mathematics
- Environmental Studies
- Science
- Social Studies
- Language comprehension
The official notification advises candidates to refer to NCERT syllabus and textbooks from Classes I to VIII for preparation.
CTET Language Options
Candidates can choose different language combinations for Language I and Language II.
Some available languages include:
- English
- Hindi
- Sanskrit
- Punjabi
- Malayalam
- Urdu
- Assamese
- Bengali
- Tamil
- Telugu
- Kannada
- Marathi
Language I and Language II must be different.
CTET Admit Card
The admit card will be released online before the examination.
Candidates can download it from the official portal using:
- Registration number
- Password
According to the official bulletin, admit cards will be available approximately two days before the examination.
CTET Correction Window
Candidates will get a correction facility from:
15 June 2026 to 18 June 2026
During this period, candidates can edit certain details except examination city.
No corrections will be allowed after the correction window closes.
CTET Qualifying Marks
Generally:
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Percentage |
|---|---|
| General | 60% |
| Reserved Categories | Relaxation as per rules |
CTET qualification only makes candidates eligible for recruitment and does not guarantee employment.
Validity of CTET Certificate
The CTET certificate has lifetime validity.
Candidates qualifying the examination can use the certificate permanently for future teaching recruitments.
CTET Result 2026
The result is expected to be declared by the end of October 2026.
Candidates can download:
- Scorecard
- Eligibility certificate
- Digital marksheet
The official notification mentions that digital certificates will be available through DigiLocker.
Important Instructions for Candidates
Candidates should remember the following instructions:
- Fill correct details as per Class 10 certificate
- Upload recent photograph
- Keep registered mobile number active
- Use only official website
- Preserve confirmation page carefully
- Avoid multiple applications
The notification clearly states that multiple applications may lead to cancellation of candidature.
Why CTET is Important?
CTET qualification provides multiple career advantages.
Candidates become eligible for recruitment in:
- Kendriya Vidyalayas
- Navodaya Vidyalayas
- Army Public Schools
- Central Government Schools
- Many Private Schools
It also improves teaching career opportunities and professional recognition.
Best Preparation Strategy for CTET 2026
Candidates should follow a smart preparation strategy.
Focus on Pedagogy
Pedagogy carries significant weightage in both papers.
Study NCERT Books
NCERT books from Classes I to VIII are highly useful.
Practice Previous Year Papers
Previous papers help in understanding question trends.
Attempt Mock Tests
Mock tests improve:
- Accuracy
- Speed
- Confidence
Revise Regularly
Consistent revision is essential for success.
Final Words
CTET September 2026 is a major opportunity for candidates aspiring to build a career in the teaching profession. Since lakhs of candidates appear every year, systematic preparation and proper understanding of the syllabus are essential.
Candidates are advised to carefully read the official notification, complete the online application before the deadline, and begin preparation early.
For latest updates, always rely on official websites only.

