Anita Rai
The CBSE has officially released the CTET September 2026 notification. If you dream of teaching in Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, or any central government school, this is your moment. This guide covers everything — important dates, eligibility, application fee, syllabus, preparation strategy, and common mistakes to avoid.
What Is CTET & Why Does It Matter?
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is a national-level qualifying exam conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). It determines whether a candidate is eligible to teach in central government schools — including Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), and CBSE-affiliated schools across India.
CTET is conducted twice a year, typically in February and September. The September 2026 session marks the 22nd edition of this prestigious exam. Clearing CTET doesn’t guarantee a job — it certifies your eligibility to apply for teaching vacancies in Classes I to VIII in central institutions.
Why CTET Certificate is Valuable
The CTET eligibility certificate now has lifetime validity (changed from 7 years). Once you qualify, you never have to reappear unless you want to improve your score. This makes it a one-time investment in your teaching career.
Important Dates at a Glance
Mark these dates in your calendar right now. Missing any deadline — especially the application last date — means waiting for the next cycle.
Notification Released11 May 2026Official website: ctet.nic.in
Application Opens11 May 2026Online registration is LIVE now
Last Date to Apply10 June 2026Fee payment closes same day
Correction Window15–18 June 2026Limited edits only — no extensions
Admit Card Download~2 Days Before ExamDownload from ctet.nic.in
Exam Date6 September 2026Sunday | Offline pen-and-paper mode
Paper 2 (Morning Shift)9:30 AM – 12:00 NoonClasses 6–8
Paper 1 (Evening Shift)2:30 PM – 5:00 PMClasses 1–5
Result DeclarationLast Week of Oct 2026Expected on cbse.gov.in
Alternate Date: If candidate registrations exceed expected numbers, the exam may also be held on 5 September 2026 (Saturday). Keep an eye on the official website for updates.
Eligibility Criteria (Paper 1 & Paper 2)
CTET has two papers depending on the class level you wish to teach. Before filling the form, confirm which paper — or both — applies to your qualifications.
Age Limit
There is no minimum or maximum age limit to appear for CTET. Candidates of any age who meet the educational qualification can apply.
Number of Attempts
There is no cap on attempts. You can appear as many times as you want to improve your score.
| Paper | For Classes | Educational Qualification Required |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Classes 1–5 (Primary) | Senior Secondary (10+2) with at least 50% marks + passed or appearing in final year of 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) OR 4-year B.El.Ed OR B.Ed (Special Education) |
| Paper II | Classes 6–8 (Upper Primary) | Graduation with at least 50% marks + passed or appearing in final year of B.Ed or equivalent recognised qualification. OR Graduation with 45%+ (if 2-year D.Ed from RCI recognised institution) |
| Both Papers | Classes 1–8 | Must independently meet the criteria for both Paper I and Paper II |
Reserved Category Relaxation
SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates may get relaxation in qualifying marks as per NCTE and state government norms. Always verify the latest CTET Information Bulletin (PDF) on ctet.nic.in for your category-specific requirements.
Application Fee Structure
The fee varies by category and whether you’re applying for one paper or both. Payment can be made online via Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
General / OBC (NCL) — One Paper
₹1,000
Paper I or Paper II
General / OBC (NCL) — Both Papers
₹1,200
Paper I + Paper II
SC / ST / PwD — One Paper
₹500
Paper I or Paper II
SC / ST / PwD — Both Papers
₹600
Paper I + Paper II
Pro Tip: Apply for Both Papers If You Qualify
If you meet the eligibility for both papers, applying for both at ₹1,200 (General) is a smart move. It broadens your job options across Classes 1–8 in all central schools.
How to Apply Online — Step-by-Step
The entire process is online. Follow these steps carefully to avoid rejections or errors in your form:
Visit the Official WebsiteGo to ctet.nic.in or cbse.gov.in. Look for the “Apply for CTET September 2026” link on the homepage.
New RegistrationClick “New Registration” and fill in your name, date of birth, mobile number, and email ID. Keep these credentials safe — you’ll need them to log in again.
Fill the Application FormEnter your personal, educational, and contact details. Select Paper I, Paper II, or both. Choose your preferred exam city carefully — changes are NOT allowed later.
Upload DocumentsUpload a recent passport-size photograph and your scanned signature in the specified format (JPEG/PNG, size as per guidelines). Blurry or incorrectly sized images can lead to rejection.
Pay the Application FeePay online through Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI. Save the payment receipt/transaction ID as proof.
Submit & Download ConfirmationReview all details before the final submission. After submitting, download and print the confirmation page. This serves as proof of your application.
Correction Window (15–18 June 2026): CBSE offers a limited correction window after the last date. You can fix specific fields like photo, signature, category, or subject choices. No corrections are allowed after 18 June 2026 under any circumstances.
Exam Pattern & Syllabus Highlights
CTET is a pen-and-paper (offline) MCQ-based exam. Each paper has 150 questions, each carrying 1 mark. There is no negative marking, so attempt every question.
Paper I
Classes 1–5 (Primary)
- Child Development & Pedagogy — 30 Qs
- Language I (Hindi/English) — 30 Qs
- Language II — 30 Qs
- Mathematics — 30 Qs
- Environmental Studies (EVS) — 30 Qs
- Total: 150 Qs | 150 Marks
- Duration: 2 hrs 30 mins
Paper II
Classes 6–8 (Upper Primary)
- Child Development & Pedagogy — 30 Qs
- Language I — 30 Qs
- Language II — 30 Qs
- Maths & Science OR Social Studies — 60 Qs
- Total: 150 Qs | 150 Marks
- Duration: 2 hrs 30 mins
Qualifying Marks
| Category | Minimum Marks Required | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| General | 90 out of 150 | 60% |
| OBC / SC / ST / PwD | 82–83 out of 150 | ~55% (as per state norms) |
Preparation Strategy for CTET September 2026
With the exam on 6 September 2026 and forms closing on 10 June 2026, you have roughly 3–4 months after registration to prepare seriously. Here’s how to use that time well:
- Start with Child Development & Pedagogy (CDP): This section appears in both papers and carries 30 marks each. It’s theory-heavy but very scoring. Focus on Piaget, Vygotsky, Kohlberg, and RTEAct concepts.
- Practice Previous Year Question Papers: The last 5–6 CTET papers follow predictable patterns. Solving them daily improves speed and reveals your weak areas. Aim for at least one full paper per week.
- Language Section Strategy: For Language I (usually Hindi or English), focus on comprehension, grammar, and pedagogy of language teaching. Vocabulary and reading comprehension passages are regular features.
- Use NCERT Books for Subject Knowledge: CTET subject questions are largely based on NCERT textbooks of Classes 1–8. If you’re appearing for Paper II (Maths/Science or Social Studies), revise relevant NCERT chapters thoroughly.
- Attempt Mock Tests Under Timed Conditions: Since there’s no negative marking, time management is about attempting all 150 questions in 150 minutes — that’s just 1 minute per question. Practice builds this habit.
- Revision in Final Month: August should be dedicated to revision, not new topics. Create short notes for CDP and pedagogy — these are the highest-scoring sections for most candidates.
Conclusion
The CTET September 2026 notification is a golden opportunity for anyone aiming to build a career in government school teaching. With lifetime certificate validity and no attempt restrictions, CTET is one of the most candidate-friendly national exams in India.
Apply before 10 June 2026, plan your preparation for the three months that follow, and walk into the exam hall on 6 September 2026 with confidence. The path from aspirant to eligible teacher starts with a single click at ctet.nic.in.