CTET September 2026: Application Form, Exam Date, Eligibility & How to Apply
Today is the last day to apply for CTET September 2026. If you have been planning to become a government school teacher, this is your chance — the online application window closes tonight at 11:59 PM.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially announced the 22nd edition of the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) September 2026. The exam is scheduled for 6 September 2026 (Sunday) and covers two levels — Paper I for primary classes and Paper II for upper primary classes.
Here is everything you need to know before applying.
CTET September 2026: Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) September 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Application Start Date | 11 May 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 10 June 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Correction Window | 15 – 18 June 2026 |
| Exam Date | 06 September 2026 (Sunday) |
| Exam Cities | 132 Cities (allotted randomly by CBSE) |
| Official Website | ctet.nic.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Form Opens | 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) |
| Online Correction Window | 15 – 18 June 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Two days before the exam |
| Examination Date | 06 September 2026 (Sunday) |
| Result Declaration | By end of October 2026 (Tentative) |
Note: If candidate registrations are high, the exam may also be held on 05 September 2026 (Saturday).
Eligibility Criteria
There is no age limit to appear for CTET as per CBSE rules.
Paper I — For Classes 1 to 5 (Primary Level): Candidates must have passed Senior Secondary (Class 12) or equivalent with at least 50% marks, along with completion or enrollment in the final year of a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed / JBT / B.El.Ed / D.Ed or equivalent).
Paper II — For Classes 6 to 8 (Upper Primary Level): Candidates must have a Graduation degree with at least 50% marks, along with a B.Ed or B.El.Ed qualification (passed or appearing in the final year).
Candidates can appear for both Paper I and Paper II if they meet the respective eligibility criteria for each.
Application Fee
| Category | Paper I or II Only | Both Papers |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC | ₹1,000 | ₹1,200 |
| SC / ST / PwD | ₹500 | ₹600 |
Payment modes accepted: Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, IMPS, Cash Card, and Mobile Wallet.
How to Apply for CTET September 2026
Follow these steps to complete your application before tonight’s deadline:
- Visit the official website at ctet.nic.in or cbse.gov.in
- Click on the “Apply Online” link for CTET September 2026
- Register with your basic details to generate login credentials
- Fill in your personal, educational, and contact information carefully
- Upload your scanned photograph and signature as per the specified dimensions
- Pay the application fee through any of the available online payment modes
- Submit the form and save a printed copy for future reference
Important: There is no option to select your exam city. CBSE allots exam centres across 132 cities randomly, and no requests for city change will be entertained.
If you make any errors in your form, a correction window will be open from 15 to 18 June 2026.
Documents Required
Keep the following ready before you begin filling the form:
- Scanned passport-size photograph and signature
- Class 10 and Class 12 certificates
- Graduation degree and B.Ed / D.El.Ed certificate (or enrollment proof)
- Category certificate (if applicable — SC/ST/OBC/PwD)
- Valid government-issued ID proof
Exam Pattern
Both papers consist of 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) carrying 1 mark each, to be completed in 2.5 hours.
Paper I (Primary — Classes 1 to 5):
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I | 30 | 30 |
| Language II | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| Environmental Studies | 30 | 30 |
Paper II (Upper Primary — Classes 6 to 8):
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I | 30 | 30 |
| Language II | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics & Science / Social Studies | 60 | 60 |
Qualifying Marks:
- General category: 60% (90 out of 150)
- Reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/PwD): 55% (subject to official bulletin)
There is no negative marking in CTET.
Syllabus Highlights
The exam broadly covers the following areas:
- Child Development & Pedagogy — Understanding how children learn, stages of development, and inclusive education
- Language I & II — Reading comprehension, grammar, and language teaching methodology
- Mathematics — Core concepts and how to teach them effectively at the respective level
- Environmental Studies (Paper I) — Family, food, shelter, water, travel, and basic science
- Science and Social Studies (Paper II) — Subject-specific content for upper primary level
Download the complete topic-wise syllabus from the official information bulletin at ctet.nic.in.
Why CTET Matters
Clearing CTET is a mandatory qualification for appointment as a teacher in central government schools such as Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs), Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVs), and Central Tibetan Schools. Many state governments and private schools also accept CTET scores during their recruitment processes.
A valid CTET certificate is recognised for seven years from the date of result declaration, and candidates can appear multiple times to improve their scores.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When is the last date to apply for CTET September 2026? The last date is 10 June 2026 at 11:59 PM. Today is the final day.
Q. Is there an age limit for CTET 2026? No. CBSE has not set any age limit for CTET.
Q. Can I apply for both Paper I and Paper II? Yes, you can apply for both. The fee for General/OBC candidates applying for both papers is ₹1,200 and for SC/ST/PwD candidates it is ₹600.
Q. How long is the CTET certificate valid? The CTET qualification certificate is valid for seven years from the date of result declaration.
Q. Can I choose my exam city? No. The exam city is allotted randomly by CBSE from a pool of 132 cities, and no change requests will be accepted.
Q. What is the official website for CTET? The official website is ctet.nic.in.
Apply before 11:59 PM today at ctet.nic.in. For the latest government exam updates, stay tuned to GoodFinx.