• Updated on 1 Sept, 2026 by Paulami Chandra
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The CTET application process 2026 was closed on September 1, 2026, after CBSE reopened the online application portal for the 22nd edition of the Central Teacher Eligibility Test. The reopening window was available from August 25 to September 1, 2026, providing another opportunity to eligible candidates who had missed the earlier registration period. The decision was taken following a CBSE public notice issued in the larger interest of candidates and in accordance with directions related to the Supreme Court judgment. Candidates who had already successfully submitted their CTET 2026 application were not required to apply again. The revised CTET 2026 exam date is expected to be announced separately by CBSE.
The 22nd edition of CTET was earlier scheduled for September 6, 2026, but the examination has now been postponed. As stated in the latest CBSE notice, the revised CTET exam date will be announced after the reopened application portal closes. Accordingly, the schedule for the CTET City Intimation Slip and Admit Card will also be updated after the new exam date is decided. Based on the pattern followed in previous CTET examinations, the test is expected to be conducted in two shifts, with Paper II from 9:30 AM to 12:00 Noon and Paper I from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM. These timings are indicative and will be confirmed by CBSE along with the revised examination schedule.
The CTET Correction Window 2026 was opened from June 15 to June 18, 2026, allowing registered candidates to review and edit selected details in their application forms, including personal details, category, paper selection, language opted, and exam city preferences. Before the application correction period, CBSE conducted the CTET application process 2026 from May 11 to June 10, 2026, during which candidates could submit their applications online. The CTET 2026 application form filling began with the release of the CTET notification 2026 for the September session on May 11, 2026.
Table of Contents
- What is the CTET 2026 Examination?
- CTET 2026: Exam Overview
- CTET 2026: Notification
- CTET 2026: Application Process
- CTET 2026: Eligibility Criteria
- CTET 2026: Exam Pattern
- CTET 2026: Syllabus
- CTET 2026: Preparation Tips
- CTET 2026: Admit Card
- CTET 2026: Result
- CTET 2026: Answer Key
- CTET 2026: Cutoff
- CTET 2026: Mock Tests
- CTET 2026: Previous Year Question Papers
- CTET 2026 FAQs
What is the CTET 2026 Examination?
The CTET Full Form is Central Teacher Eligibility Test, and it is a national-level exam conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education. It certifies the teaching eligibility of candidates from Classes 1 to 8. It is held every year to assess whether candidates are eligible to become teachers in central government schools like Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, and other affiliated institutions. CTET is conducted in offline mode, and so far, 21 editions of the exam have been successfully held. The exam is divided into two papers:
- Paper 1 is for those who wish to teach Classes 1 to 5 (Primary level)
- Paper 2 is for those aiming to teach Classes 6 to 8 (Elementary level)
If students want to be eligible to teach Classes 1 to 8, they'll need to appear for both papers.
CTET 2026: Exam Overview
CTET 2026 is a national-level examination conducted by the CBSE for aspiring teachers. It is mandatory for candidates who wish to teach in Central Government schools, such as KVS, NVS, and others. The exam is held twice a year, and lakhs of candidates appear for it across the country. Here’s a quick overview of the key details for CTET 2026:
CTET Notification 2026
CTET Notification 2026 for the September session has been released on the official website on May 11, 2026. CTET notification PDF contains complete details regarding the CTET eligibility criteria 2026, CTET syllabus 2026, exam pattern, application process, admit card, exam centres, qualifying marks, and certificate validity. Below are the important dates as specified in the official CTET Notification 2026:
CTET Application Process 2026
The CTET 2026 online application window closed on September 1, 2026, after CBSE reopened the registration portal from August 25 to September 1, 2026, to provide eligible candidates with an additional opportunity to submit their applications. Earlier, CBSE had invited applications for the 22nd edition of CTET from May 11 to June 10, 2026, through the official website. Applicants were required to fill in personal, educational, and communication details carefully while submitting the CTET online form 2026.
How to Fill Out the CTET 2026 Application Form?
CTET 2026 Registration must be filled out through online mode only. Candidates can follow the steps mentioned below:
- Visit the official website, ctet.nic.in.
- Click on the ‘Apply for CTET 2026’ link.
- Select ‘New Registration’.
- Read the instructions carefully, tick the acknowledgement box, and click ‘Proceed’.
- Register by entering the basic details.
- Fill out the CTET Application Process 2026 with personal, contact, and educational details.
- Upload scanned images of the passport-size photograph and signature.
- Pay the application fee online through debit/credit card or net banking.
- Submit the form and download/save the confirmation page for future reference.
CTET Apply Online 2026: Application Fee
CTET Application Fee 2026 varies depending on the category and the number of papers students choose to appear for. Payment must be made online. The fee is non-refundable. Tabulated below are the category-wise fees for CTET 2026:
CTET Form Correction 2026
The CTET 2026 application process is now closed, with the final opportunity to submit online applications ending on September 1, 2026. Candidates who successfully completed their registration should now wait for the revised CTET 2026 exam date, which will be announced separately by CBSE following the postponement of the examination. The facility was available online from June 15 to June 18, 2026. With the application correction process now closed, candidates are required to appear for the CTET 2026 September session examination scheduled for September 6, 2026. The steps to edit the CTET application form 2026 are provided below:
Step 1: Visit the official website: ctet.nic.in
Step 2: Click on the ‘Edit/Make Changes to Application Form’ link available on the homepage.
Step 3: Log in using the Application Number, Password, and Security Pin of the candidate.
Step 4: Select the ‘Application Correction’ option from the dashboard and make the required corrections in the application form
Step 5: Review all updated details thoroughly before submission and click on Final Submit to confirm the changes
CTET Eligibility 2026
CTET Eligibility Criteria 2026 must be checked carefully by candidates before filling out the application form. The eligibility conditions for CTET Paper 1 and Paper 2 differ based on the level of teaching the candidate is applying for. While Paper 1 is conducted for candidates aspiring to teach Classes 1 to 5, Paper 2 is meant for candidates who wish to teach Classes 6 to 8. Candidates can check the detailed CTET Eligibility Criteria 2026 below:
| Criteria | Details |
| Paper 1 Eligibility | Candidates must have passed Class 12 (or equivalent) with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) and completed or be pursuing a 2-year D.El.Ed, 4-year B.El.Ed, 2-year Diploma in Education (Special Education), or a Graduation with a B.Ed qualification. |
| Paper 2 Eligibility | Candidates must hold a Graduation degree with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) along with D.El.Ed, B.Ed, or B.El.Ed qualification. Candidates pursuing the final year of B.A.Ed/B.Sc.Ed or integrated B.Ed courses are also eligible. |
| Educational Qualification | Candidates must have completed or be pursuing a recognised teacher training course such as D.El.Ed, B.Ed, or B.El.Ed from a recognised institution. |
| Nationality | Candidates applying for CTET 2026 must be citizens of India. |
| Age Limit | The minimum age required is 18 years. There is no upper age limit for appearing in the CTET exam. |
CTET Exam Pattern 2026
CTET Exam Pattern 2026 includes two papers conducted for different teaching levels. CTET Paper 1 is for candidates aspiring to teach Classes 1 to 5, while CTET Paper 2 is meant for candidates who wish to teach Classes 6 to 8. Both papers consist of 150 multiple-choice questions, carrying one mark each, with no negative marking in the examination. The duration of each paper is 2 hours and 30 minutes. Candidates can appear for the exam in English, Hindi, or any language selected during the CTET Application Process 2026. The detailed CTET Exam Pattern 2026 for both papers is provided below:
CTET 2026: Paper 1 Pattern (Classes 1 to 5)
CTET Paper 1 Exam Pattern 2026 is designed for candidates aspiring to teach Classes 1 to 5. The examination is conducted for a duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions carrying one mark each. There is no negative marking in the CTET Paper 1 exam. The detailed section-wise CTET Paper 1 exam pattern is provided below:
CTET 2026: Paper 2 Pattern (Classes 6 to 8)
CTET Paper 2 Exam Pattern 2026 is designed for candidates aspiring to teach Classes 6 to 8. The examination consists of 150 multiple-choice questions carrying one mark each and is conducted for a duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes. In Paper 2, candidates must choose either Mathematics & Science or Social Studies/Social Science based on their subject specialisation. The detailed section-wise CTET Paper 2 exam pattern is provided below:
CTET Syllabus 2026
CTET Syllabus 2026 covers key subjects that assess a candidate’s understanding of teaching concepts, subject knowledge, and pedagogical approaches. While Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I, and Language II are common to both Paper 1 and Paper 2, the level and depth of questions vary. Given below is the CTET Syllabus 2026 for all sections:
CTET 2026: Preparation Tips
CTET Preparation Tips 2026 can help candidates improve their preparation strategy and increase their chances of qualifying for the examination on the first attempt. Candidates preparing for the CTET 2026 exam should follow a structured study plan covering the syllabus, exam pattern, previous year papers, and mock tests regularly. Suggested below are some of the CTET Preparation Tips 2026 that students must follow when preparing for this exam:
- Understand the Exam Pattern: Before anything else, take time to familiarise yourself with the CTET exam pattern. Knowing how many questions come from which sections and what kind of questions to expect will help students plan smarter.
- Go through the Syllabus Thoroughly: The CTET exam syllabus covers subjects like Child Development & Pedagogy, Languages, Maths, EVS, Science, and Social Studies. Students should make sure they are comfortable with each topic listed under these sections.
- Prioritise Child Development & Pedagogy: This section is often the most scoring and forms the core of the CTET exam. Understand theories, concepts, and their classroom applications. Along with memorising, students should know how to apply them.
- Use NCERT Books as the Foundation: Before diving into advanced preparation books, revise the NCERT textbooks, especially for Classes 1–8. They’re aligned with the CTET syllabus and help build strong conceptual clarity.
- Solve Previous Year Papers: Practice with real exam questions to understand the paper style and difficulty level. It also helps candidates spot their weak areas.
- Attempt Mock Tests Regularly: Simulate actual test conditions with mock tests. They help improve time management, build exam stamina, and boost overall confidence.
- Analyse Mistakes: After every mock test or practice session, take time to review the performance. Students must understand where they went wrong and revise those topics again.
CTET Admit Card 2026
The CTET Admit Card 2026 will be released after CBSE announces the revised examination schedule. As the CTET 2026 exam, which was earlier scheduled for September 6, 2026, has been postponed, the admit card release date is also yet to be confirmed. Candidates can expect the CTET admit card to be issued approximately two days before the revised exam date. Candidates can follow the steps below for CTET Hall Ticket Download 2026:
- Visit the official CTET website, ctet.nic.in.
- Click on the ‘Download Admit Card’ link.
- Enter the application number, date of birth, and the security pin displayed.
- Click ‘Submit’.
- The admit card will appear on the screen. Download and save it.
- Print a copy to carry to the exam centre.
Note: It’s mandatory to carry a hard copy of the CTET Admit Card 2026 to the exam centre along with a valid photo ID.
CTET City Intimation Slip 2026
The CTET September 2026 City Intimation Slip release date is yet to be announced, as the exam scheduled for September 6, 2026, has been postponed. Based on past CTET sessions, the CBSE has issued the exam city intimation slip between 9 and 19 days before the scheduled exams. The slip will allow candidates to check their allotted examination city and make travel arrangements before the exam. Candidates should not treat the city intimation slip as an admit card, as they are not allowed to entry to exam halls. CBSE has not yet announced the exact release date for the September 2026 city intimation slip.
CTET Result 2026
The CTET Result 2026 release date is yet to be announced, as the examination scheduled for September 6, 2026, has been postponed. CBSE is expected to declare the result after conducting the CTET 2026 examination on the revised date. Candidates will be able to download their CTET 2026 scorecards online through the official CTET portal once the result is released. Candidates securing 60 per cent or more marks will be considered CTET qualified. However, qualifying for the CTET alone does not guarantee teacher recruitment. Follow the steps mentioned below to download the result:
- Visit the official website, ctet.nic.in.
- Click on the ‘CTET 2026 Result’ link, i.e., cbseresults.nic.in.
- Enter the roll number in the login field.
- The scorecard will appear on the screen, and then download it.
- Take a printout for future reference.
CTET Answer Key 2026
CTET Answer Key 2026 for the September session is expected to be released by the Central Board of Secondary Education a few days after the examination on the official website. Candidates who appear for the CTET September 2026 exam will be able to use the answer key to calculate their expected scores and evaluate their performance before the declaration of the result. The answer key will contain the correct responses to all questions asked in both Paper 1 and Paper 2. Given below are the steps to download the answer key for CTET 2026:
- Go to the official CTET website, ctet.nic.in
- Search for the link that says "CTET Answer Key 2026"
- Click on it and download the PDF file for the paper and shift
CTET Cutoff 2026
The CTET Answer Key 2026 release date will be announced after CBSE conducts the postponed CTET examination on the revised date. Since the exam that was initially scheduled for September 6, 2026, has been postponed, the answer key schedule is also yet to be confirmed. Candidates will be able to download the CTET 2026 answer key from the official website a few days after the examination to calculate their expected scores and assess their performance before the result is declared. General category candidates are required to secure at least 60 per cent marks to qualify, while candidates belonging to reserved categories such as SC, ST, OBC, and PwD are given relaxation as per official guidelines. The detailed CTET Cutoff 2026 has been provided below:
CTET 2026: Mock Tests
CTET Mock Test 2026 helps candidates understand the actual exam pattern and improve their preparation for both Paper 1 and Paper 2. Since the CTET exam is conducted in offline mode, solving mock tests regularly can help candidates improve time management, accuracy, and question-solving speed. Candidates should also analyse their performance after every mock test to identify weak areas and improve their overall exam strategy before the CTET 2026 examination.
CTET 2026: Previous Year Question Papers
CTET Previous Year Question Papers are an important resource for candidates preparing for the examination. Solving previous year papers helps candidates understand the exam pattern, question types, difficulty level, and marking scheme of both Paper 1 and Paper 2. Regular practice with the CTET previous year question papers can also improve speed, accuracy, and time management before the final examination.
CTET 2026 FAQs
Who is eligible for the CTET exam as per the CTET Eligibility Criteria 2026?
Candidates should have passed Class 12 or hold a bachelor’s degree or diploma with at least 50% marks. Reserved category candidates get 5% relaxation as per NCTE rules. The CTET exam age limit is 18 years (minimum).
What is the last date to fill the CTET Online Form 2026?
The CTET 2026 application process closed on September 1, 2026. CBSE had reopened the online application window from August 25 to September 1, 2026, providing eligible candidates with another opportunity to submit their forms. Earlier, the CTET 2026 application process was open from May 11 to June 10, 2026.
When will the CTET 2026 City Intimation Slip be released?
The CTET 2026 city intimation slip release date is yet to be announced by the CBSE, as the examination scheduled for September 6, 2026, has been postponed. CBSE is expected to release the city intimation slip after announcing the revised CTET exam date, following the closure of the reopened application window on September 1, 2026.
Is there any negative marking in CTET 2026?
There is no negative marking in CTET 2026. Each correct answer carries one mark, and wrong answers do not reduce the score.
When is the CTET Form Correction 2026 window open?
The CTET Form Correction 2026 window was opened on June 15, 2026. Candidates who had successfully submitted their application forms could use the correction facility through the official CTET website to make changes to the permitted details. The facility was available only for the specified period, and candidates had to complete their corrections by June 18, 2026.
Can a candidate become a teacher without CTET?
In some cases, candidates without the CTET exam 2026 may be considered if CTET-qualified teachers are unavailable. This depends on the specific recruitment rules of the authority.
What is the mode of the CTET exam 2026?
The CTET 2026 exam will be held in offline mode. It will be conducted using OMR-based answer sheets.
What is the fee for CTET 2026?
The CTET 2026 application fee varies by category and number of papers. General category candidates need to pay more than reserved category candidates.
Are 82 marks qualified for CTET 2026?
Yes, 82 marks are considered qualified in CTET 2026 for reserved category candidates. General category candidates usually need higher marks.
Is D.El.Ed. compulsory for CTET 2026?
D.El.Ed. is not compulsory for all candidates appearing in CTET 2026. Eligibility depends on the teaching level and educational qualification.


