CTET September 2026 Notification Out: Apply Online for Paper 1 & Paper 2, Check Exam Date, Eligibility, Syllabus, Fees & Latest Updates
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 such as Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVS), and other CBSE-affiliated institutions across India.
As per the latest public notice, the 22nd edition of the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) will be conducted on 06 September 2026 (Sunday). The online application process starts from 11 May 2026 and eligible candidates can apply through the official CTET website.
This detailed article covers everything you need to know about CTET September 2026 including exam dates, eligibility criteria, syllabus, exam pattern, application process, fees, certificate validity, language options, qualifying marks, and important instructions.
CTET September 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) |
| Conducting Authority | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Edition | 22nd Edition |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Exam Mode | Offline (OMR Based) |
| Exam Date | 06 September 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | ctet.nic.in |
| Papers | Paper I & Paper II |
| Validity of Certificate | Lifetime |
| Exam Languages | 27 Languages |
| Exam Cities | 132 Cities Across India |
CTET 2026 Notification Released
CBSE officially announced that CTET September 2026 will be conducted for candidates who wish to become teachers for Classes I to VIII in schools affiliated with the Central Government.
According to the notification:
- Paper I is for candidates intending to teach Classes I to V.
- Paper II is for candidates intending to teach Classes VI to VIII.
- Candidates who want to teach both levels must appear for both papers.
The examination may also be conducted on 05 September 2026 if the number of candidates increases.
CTET September 2026 Important Dates
The official schedule has already been released by CBSE.
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release Date | 08 May 2026 |
| 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 Date | End of October 2026 |
What is CTET?
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is a national-level eligibility examination conducted by CBSE under the guidelines of the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE).
The purpose of CTET is to ensure quality teachers are recruited in schools across India. According to the Information Bulletin, CTET helps establish national standards and benchmarks for teacher quality in the recruitment process.
CTET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The minimum qualifications for CTET are prescribed by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE). Candidates must check the eligibility criteria carefully before applying.
Eligibility for Paper I (Classes I to V)
Candidates should possess qualifications related to elementary education such as:
- Senior Secondary with Diploma in Elementary Education
OR - Graduation with D.El.Ed/B.Ed
Eligibility for Paper II (Classes VI to VIII)
Candidates generally need:
- Graduation Degree
- B.Ed or equivalent teacher training qualification
Relaxation in Marks
Candidates belonging to reserved categories such as:
- SC
- ST
- OBC
- Differently Abled
will receive up to 5% relaxation in qualifying marks as per NCTE norms.
CTET 2026 Application Process
Candidates can apply online through the official CTET portal.
Steps to Apply Online
Step 1: Visit Official Website
Go to:
- ctet.nic.in
- cbse.gov.in
Step 2: Click on “Apply Online”
Step 3: Fill Registration Details
Enter:
- Name
- Date of Birth
- Gender
- Identification Details
Step 4: Upload Documents
Upload scanned:
- Photograph
- Signature
Step 5: Pay Application Fee
Step 6: Download Confirmation Page
Candidates are advised to keep a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.
CTET 2026 Application Fee
The examination fee differs category-wise.
| Category | Only Paper I or II | Both Papers |
| General/OBC | ₹1000 | ₹1200 |
| SC/ST/PwD | ₹500 | ₹600 |
GST charges may be applicable additionally.
CTET 2026 Exam Pattern
All questions in CTET will be Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). Each question carries one mark and there will be no negative marking.
CTET Paper I Exam Pattern (Classes I to V)
| 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 | 150 |
CTET Paper II Exam Pattern (Classes VI to VIII)
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics & Science OR Social Science | 60 | 60 |
| Language I | 30 | 30 |
| Language II | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
CTET 2026 Syllabus Details
The CTET syllabus is designed according to NCERT curriculum standards.
Major Subjects Included
Child Development & Pedagogy
Topics include:
- Learning theories
- Inclusive education
- Child psychology
- Assessment methods
- Intelligence theories
Mathematics
Includes:
- Geometry
- Numbers
- Fractions
- Algebra
- Mensuration
- Data Handling
Environmental Studies
Topics include:
- Family & Friends
- Food
- Shelter
- Water
- Travel
- Environment
Science
Includes:
- Food
- Materials
- Natural Resources
- Electric Circuits
- Magnets
Social Science
Topics include:
- History
- Geography
- Political Science
- Constitution
- Democracy
Languages
Focus areas:
- Reading comprehension
- Grammar
- Language pedagogy
- Communication skills
CTET 2026 Language Options
Candidates can choose from 27 languages in CTET.
Some popular language options include:
- English
- Hindi
- Sanskrit
- Urdu
- Bengali
- Tamil
- Telugu
- Marathi
- Punjabi
- Gujarati
Candidates must choose different languages for Language I and Language II.
CTET 2026 Qualifying Marks
As per NCTE guidelines:
- Candidates scoring 60% or more will be considered CTET qualified.
School managements may provide relaxation to reserved category candidates according to reservation policies.
Validity of CTET Certificate
One of the biggest advantages for candidates is that the CTET certificate now has lifetime validity.
Candidates can also reappear to improve their scores without any limit on attempts.
CTET 2026 Exam Centres
CBSE has made an important announcement regarding examination centres.
Important Update
- Candidates cannot choose their exam city manually.
- Examination cities will be allotted randomly by CBSE.
- Requests for changing the exam city will not be accepted.
The examination will be conducted in 132 cities across India.
CTET Admit Card 2026
Candidates will be able to download their admit cards from the official CTET website.
Reporting Time
Candidates must report:
| Paper | Reporting Time |
| Paper II | 7:30 AM |
| Paper I | 12:30 PM |
Late entry after exam commencement will not be allowed.
CTET Certificate and Marksheet
CBSE will provide:
- Digital Marksheet
- Eligibility Certificate
through DigiLocker accounts.
These certificates will contain:
- Digital Signature
- QR Code Verification
making them legally valid under the IT Act.
CTET 2026 Answer Key
The CTET answer key will be uploaded on the official website after the examination.
Candidates can:
- Download answer keys
- Challenge answers online
Challenge fee:
- ₹1000 per question
Refunds will be provided if the challenge is accepted.
Benefits of Qualifying CTET
Qualifying CTET offers several advantages:
- Eligibility for Central Government Teaching Jobs
- Recruitment in KVS and NVS
- Better Job Opportunities
- Improved Teaching Career Prospects
- Valid Lifetime Certificate
- Eligibility in CBSE-affiliated schools
Important Instructions for Candidates
Candidates should remember the following points:
- Fill details exactly as per Class 10 certificate
- Upload proper scanned photo and signature
- Keep mobile number and email active
- Retain confirmation page safely
- Avoid multiple applications
CBSE may cancel candidature in case of incorrect information.
Documents Required for CTET Application
Applicants should keep these documents ready:
- Passport Size Photograph
- Signature Scan
- Class 10 Certificate
- Graduation Certificate
- B.Ed/D.El.Ed Certificate
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Valid ID Proof
CTET 2026 Preparation Tips
Here are some useful preparation strategies:
Understand the Syllabus
Read the official syllabus thoroughly.
Focus on NCERT Books
NCERT books are highly important for CTET preparation.
Practice Previous Year Papers
Solve mock tests and previous year questions regularly.
Improve Pedagogy Concepts
Pedagogy carries significant weightage in both papers.
Time Management
Practice solving papers within the allotted time.
Official Websites
Candidates can apply online through:
FAQs on CTET September 2026
What is the CTET 2026 exam date?
CTET September 2026 will be held on 06 September 2026.
What is the last date to apply for CTET 2026?
The last date for online application is 10 June 2026.
Is CTET certificate valid for lifetime?
Yes, CTET certificate validity is lifetime.
Is there negative marking in CTET?
No, there is no negative marking.
Can I apply for both Paper I and Paper II?
Yes, candidates intending to teach Classes I to VIII can apply for both papers.
What is the CTET passing mark?
Candidates need 60% marks to qualify CTET.
Conclusion
The CTET September 2026 notification has brought a major opportunity for aspiring teachers across India. Candidates aiming for teaching jobs in Central Government schools should begin their preparation immediately and complete the online application before the deadline.
With lifetime certificate validity, national recognition, and growing demand for qualified teachers, clearing CTET can significantly boost your teaching career.
Candidates are advised to regularly visit the official CTET website for latest updates regarding admit card, answer key, and examination announcements.
