CTET September 2026 is being conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for candidates seeking teacher eligibility for Classes 1 to 8.
The application process has been completed, and the examination is scheduled for 06 September 2026. Candidates can check the exam date, eligibility, paper pattern, fee and other details below.
CTET September 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) |
| Conducting Body | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Session | September 2026 |
| Edition | 22nd Edition |
| Paper | Paper I & Paper II |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Status | Closed |
| Exam Date | 06 September 2026 |
| Paper II Timing | 09:30 AM to 12:00 Noon |
| Paper I Timing | 02:30 PM to 05:00 PM |
| Official Website | ctet.nic.in |
CTET September 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start Date | 11 May 2026 |
| Original Last Date | 10 June 2026 |
| Extended Last Date | 01 September 2026 |
| Paper II Examination | 06 September 2026 |
| Paper I Examination | 06 September 2026 |
| Additional Exam Date | 05 September 2026, if required |
| Admit Card | To Be Announced |
| Result | To Be Announced |
What is CTET?
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is conducted by CBSE for candidates seeking eligibility to teach at the primary and elementary levels, subject to the applicable recruitment rules.
Paper I is for candidates who intend to teach Classes 1 to 5, while Paper II is for candidates who intend to teach Classes 6 to 8.
Candidates who want to be considered for both levels can appear for both papers if they meet the prescribed eligibility conditions.
CTET September 2026 Eligibility
The eligibility for CTET is based on the teacher education qualifications prescribed by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) and the applicable recruitment rules.
Paper I – Classes 1 to 5
Candidates should have the prescribed Senior Secondary qualification along with the required teacher education qualification such as D.El.Ed, B.El.Ed or another recognized qualification under the applicable rules.
Paper II – Classes 6 to 8
Candidates should have the prescribed Bachelor’s Degree along with the required teacher education qualification such as B.Ed, D.El.Ed or another recognized qualification, depending on the applicable eligibility route.
Candidates should check the official CTET Information Bulletin for the exact qualification applicable to their educational background.
CTET September 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Paper I or II | Both Papers |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC (NCL) | ₹1,000 | ₹1,200 |
| SC / ST / Differently Abled Person | ₹500 | ₹600 |
The examination fee was payable online through the payment facility provided during the application process. GST and applicable bank charges may also apply.
CTET Paper I Exam Pattern 2026
Paper I is for candidates intending to teach Classes 1 to 5.
| 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 |
The duration of Paper I is 2 hours 30 minutes. All questions are multiple-choice questions carrying one mark each.
CTET Paper II Exam Pattern 2026
Paper II is for candidates intending to teach Classes 6 to 8.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I | 30 | 30 |
| Language II | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics & Science | 60 | 60 |
| OR Social Studies / Social Science | 60 | 60 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
Candidates appearing for Paper II have to choose either Mathematics & Science or Social Studies/Social Science according to their intended teaching area.
CTET September 2026 Language Options
Candidates have to select two languages for the examination. Language II must be different from Language I.
| Code | Language | Code | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | English | 02 | Hindi |
| 03 | Assamese | 04 | Bengali |
| 05 | Garo | 06 | Gujarati |
| 07 | Kannada | 08 | Khasi |
| 09 | Malayalam | 10 | Manipuri |
| 11 | Marathi | 12 | Mizo |
| 13 | Nepali | 14 | Odia |
| 15 | Punjabi | 16 | Sanskrit |
| 17 | Tamil | 18 | Telugu |
| 19 | Tibetan | 20 | Urdu |
| 21 | Bodo | 22 | Dogri |
| 23 | Kashmiri | 24 | Konkani |
| 25 | Maithili | 26 | Santhali |
| 27 | Sindhi | — | — |
Is There Negative Marking in CTET?
No. There is no negative marking in CTET September 2026.
Each correct answer carries one mark, and no marks are deducted for an incorrect answer.
CTET September 2026 Qualifying Marks
A candidate who scores 60% or more in the CTET examination is considered to have passed the CTET.
Schools may provide concessions to candidates belonging to reserved categories according to their applicable reservation policies.
Qualifying CTET does not by itself guarantee appointment. Recruitment depends on the eligibility conditions and selection process of the concerned authority.
CTET September 2026 Exam Schedule
| Paper | Level | Timing | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper II | Classes 6 to 8 | 09:30 AM to 12:00 Noon | 2 Hours 30 Minutes |
| Paper I | Classes 1 to 5 | 02:30 PM to 05:00 PM | 2 Hours 30 Minutes |
The main examination is scheduled for 06 September 2026. Candidates should follow the reporting time and centre instructions mentioned on the admit card.
CTET September 2026 Admit Card
CBSE will provide the CTET September 2026 admit card through the official CTET website. Candidates who successfully registered for the examination can download it using their login details once it is released.
The admit card will contain important details such as the candidate’s roll number, examination centre, paper, date, timing and instructions.
Candidates should download the admit card before the examination and check all details carefully.
CTET September 2026 Exam Day
- Carry the CTET admit card to the examination centre.
- Carry the required original photo identity proof.
- Reach the examination centre according to the reporting instructions.
- Follow the instructions given by the examination centre staff.
- Do not carry prohibited items inside the examination hall.
- Check the paper and examination shift before leaving for the centre.
CTET Certificate Validity
The CTET qualifying certificate is valid for lifetime for all categories.
There is no restriction on the number of attempts a candidate can make for acquiring a CTET certificate.
Candidates who have already qualified CTET can also appear again to improve their score.
Where is CTET Applicable?
CTET is applicable to schools of the Central Government such as Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, along with other schools where CTET is accepted under the applicable rules.
Unaided private schools may also consider CTET. State Government and local-body schools generally consider the TET conducted by the concerned State Government, although a State Government may also consider CTET where applicable.
CTET September 2026 Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| CTET September 2026 Login | Login / Application |
| Information Bulletin | View Notification |
| Public Notices | View Notices |
| CTET Official Website | Official Website |
CTET September 2026 FAQs
1. What is CTET September 2026?
CTET September 2026 is the Central Teacher Eligibility Test conducted by CBSE for candidates seeking teacher eligibility for Classes 1 to 8.
2. When will CTET September 2026 be conducted?
The main CTET September 2026 examination is scheduled for 06 September 2026.
3. What is the difference between Paper I and Paper II?
Paper I is for candidates intending to teach Classes 1 to 5, while Paper II is for candidates intending to teach Classes 6 to 8.
4. Can a candidate appear for both CTET papers?
Yes. Candidates who meet the applicable eligibility conditions can appear for both Paper I and Paper II.
5. Is there negative marking in CTET?
No. There is no negative marking in either Paper I or Paper II.
6. How many questions are asked in each CTET paper?
Both Paper I and Paper II contain 150 multiple-choice questions for a total of 150 marks.
7. Is the CTET certificate valid for lifetime?
Yes. The CTET qualifying certificate is valid for lifetime for all categories.
8. Does passing CTET guarantee a teaching job?
No. CTET is an eligibility test. Final appointment depends on the recruitment process and eligibility conditions of the concerned authority.
CTET September 2026 – Conclusion
CTET September 2026 is an important eligibility examination for candidates preparing for teaching opportunities at the primary and elementary levels. The main examination is scheduled for 06 September 2026.
Candidates appearing for the examination should download their admit card when available and follow the instructions issued by CBSE. For further updates regarding the examination, answer key and result, candidates should refer to the official CTET website.
