The CTET Exam Date 2026 has officially been announced by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), bringing relief to lakhs of teaching aspirants who have been waiting for confirmation of the 22nd edition of the Central Teacher Eligibility Test. As per the official notification, the CTET Exam Date 2026 is fixed for 6 September 2026 (Sunday), covering both Paper 1 and Paper 2 in a single day across the country. The examination will be conducted in offline, pen-and-paper mode using OMR answer sheets, spanning 132 cities and 27 languages, making it one of the most accessible teacher eligibility tests in India.
Since CTET qualification is mandatory for teaching positions in central government schools such as Kendriya Vidyalaya and Navodaya Vidyalaya, and is widely accepted by many private and state-run institutions as well, understanding the complete exam schedule is essential for every aspirant. This article covers all confirmed details about the CTET Exam Date 2026, including Paper 1 and Paper 2 shift timings, admit card schedule, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and answers to the most frequently asked questions, giving candidates a single, reliable reference point for their final phase of preparation.
What Is CTET Exam 2026?
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is a national-level examination conducted by CBSE to determine whether a candidate is eligible to teach Classes 1 to 8 in central government schools across India. Passing CTET is a compulsory requirement for teacher recruitment in institutions such as Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), and the qualifying certificate is also recognized by numerous state and private schools nationwide.
CBSE conducts CTET twice every year, once in the first half and once in the second half. The CTET Exam Date 2026 for the September session marks the 22nd edition of this test, and the official notification confirming this schedule was released on 11 May 2026, alongside the opening of the online application window.
CTET Exam Date 2026 – Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Exam Name | Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) – 22nd Edition |
| CTET Exam Date 2026 | 6 September 2026 (Sunday) |
| Additional Date (if required) | 5 September 2026 (Saturday) |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen and Paper, OMR-based) |
| Number of Papers | Paper 1 (Classes 1–5) and Paper 2 (Classes 6–8) |
| Number of Cities | 132 cities across India |
| Number of Languages | 27 languages |
| Application Dates | 11 May 2026 to 10 June 2026 |
| Official Website | ctet.nic.in |
CTET Exam Date 2026 – Paper 1 and Paper 2 Shift Timings
One of the most searched details among candidates is the exact shift timing for each paper on the CTET Exam Date 2026. According to the official notification, both papers will be conducted on the same day but in different shifts:
- Paper 2 (Classes 6 to 8): Morning Shift, from 9:30 AM to 12:00 Noon
- Paper 1 (Classes 1 to 5): Evening Shift, from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Each paper carries a duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes. Candidates who wish to teach both Primary (Classes 1–5) and Upper Primary (Classes 6–8) levels can appear for both papers on the same day, since the shift timings are structured to allow this. Candidates are strongly advised to reach their allotted exam centre at least 90 minutes before the reporting time to complete security checks and verification formalities without any last-minute rush.
CTET Exam Date 2026 – Important Dates at a Glance
Alongside the confirmed CTET Exam Date 2026, CBSE has also released the complete schedule for other key stages of the recruitment process:
- Notification Release Date: 11 May 2026
- Online Application Start Date: 11 May 2026
- Last Date to Apply Online: 10 June 2026
- Correction Window: 15 to 18 June 2026
- Admit Card Release: Expected 2 to 4 days before the exam, around early September 2026
- CTET Exam Date: 6 September 2026 (Sunday), with 5 September 2026 as a possible additional date if the number of applicants is very high
- Provisional Answer Key: Expected a few weeks after the exam
- Result Declaration: Expected within six weeks of the exam, around the end of October 2026
Since application numbers for CTET typically range between 35 to 40 lakh candidates per session, CBSE occasionally extends the exam to an additional day to manage capacity, so candidates should keep checking the official website for the final confirmation of their specific exam date.
CTET Exam Date 2026: Admit Card Details
The CTET admit card for the September 2026 session is expected to be released around 2 to 4 days before the exam, which places its release close to the first few days of September 2026. Candidates can download their admit card from the official website, ctet.nic.in, by logging in with their application number and date of birth or password. It is important to note that, unlike some other exams, CTET does not offer an exam city preference option once the application is submitted; the exam city is allotted by CBSE on a random basis, though candidates were required to select up to four city preferences at the time of application. The admit card contains essential details such as the candidate’s name, roll number, exam date, shift timing, reporting time, and exam centre address, all of which must be verified carefully before exam day.
CTET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, candidates should confirm they meet the eligibility conditions relevant to the paper they wish to appear for, as prescribed by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE).
Eligibility for CTET Paper 1 (Classes 1 to 5)
Candidates must have passed or be appearing in their final year of Senior Secondary (Class 12) with at least 50% marks, along with a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed), or should have completed a Bachelor’s Degree along with a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education, among other recognized qualification combinations specified in the official notification.
Eligibility for CTET Paper 2 (Classes 6 to 8)
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree along with a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education, or a Bachelor’s Degree with at least 50% marks along with a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) degree, among other qualification routes recognized by NCTE norms.
Age Limit
The minimum age to apply for CTET is 18 years, and there is no upper age limit specified for the exam, allowing candidates of any age to appear as long as they meet the educational qualification criteria.
Nationality
Applicants must be Indian citizens, subjects of Nepal or Bhutan, Tibetan refugees who settled in India before 1 January 1962, or persons of Indian origin who migrated from specified countries such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Ethiopia, Vietnam, or Burma with the intention of permanently settling in India.
CTET Exam Pattern 2026
Understanding the exam pattern helps candidates plan their final revision strategy around the confirmed CTET Exam Date 2026. Both papers are objective, multiple-choice type, conducted in offline mode.
- Total Questions: 150 in each paper
- Total Marks: 150 in each paper
- Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes per paper
- Negative Marking: None; candidates are encouraged to attempt every question since there is no penalty for wrong answers
Paper 1 Sections (Classes 1 to 5)
- Child Development and Pedagogy – 30 questions
- Language I – 30 questions
- Language II – 30 questions
- Mathematics – 30 questions
- Environmental Studies – 30 questions
Paper 2 Sections (Classes 6 to 8)
- Child Development and Pedagogy – 30 questions
- Language I – 30 questions
- Language II – 30 questions
- Mathematics and Science (for Mathematics/Science teachers) or Social Studies (for Social Studies teachers) – 60 questions
Candidates aiming to teach Mathematics or Science at the upper primary level must attempt the Mathematics and Science section in Paper 2, while those aiming for Social Studies teaching roles must attempt the Social Studies section instead.
CTET Qualifying Marks and Cutoff
To qualify the exam conducted on the CTET Exam Date 2026, candidates from the General category must score at least 60%, which translates to 90 marks out of 150 in each paper. Candidates belonging to reserved categories, such as SC, ST, OBC, and differently-abled candidates, are generally required to score around 55%, or approximately 82 marks out of 150, in line with government reservation norms. It is important to remember that qualifying CTET makes a candidate eligible for teacher recruitment but does not guarantee an actual teaching job; candidates must still go through the separate recruitment process conducted by the respective schools or education departments.
CTET Certificate Validity
One of the most candidate-friendly updates in recent years is the change in CTET certificate validity. Earlier, the certificate was valid for 7 years from the date of result declaration, but CBSE has since revised this policy so that the CTET Exam Date 2026 certificate, once earned, remains valid for a lifetime for all categories. This means candidates who qualify in the September 2026 session will not need to reappear for CTET again to maintain their eligibility, though they may still choose to reattempt the exam voluntarily if they wish to improve their score.
How to Download CTET Admit Card 2026
Once released, candidates can download their admit card for the confirmed CTET Exam Date 2026 by following these steps:
- Visit the official website, ctet.nic.in.
- Click on the “CTET Admit Card 2026” link on the homepage.
- Log in using your application number and date of birth or password.
- Your admit card will be displayed on the screen with your exam date, shift, and centre details.
- Download the admit card and take a clear printout to carry to the examination centre.
Candidates should carry their admit card along with a valid photo ID proof to the exam hall, as entry will not be permitted without these documents.
Important Links
| CTET Official Website | Central Teacher Eligibility Test |
| Home Page | cbtexams.in |
FAQs
What is the CTET Exam Date 2026?
The CTET Exam Date 2026 is confirmed as 6 September 2026 (Sunday) for both Paper 1 and Paper 2. An additional date of 5 September 2026 may be used if the number of applicants is very high.
What are the shift timings for Paper 1 and Paper 2 in CTET 2026?
Paper 2 (Classes 6–8) will be held in the morning shift from 9:30 AM to 12:00 Noon, while Paper 1 (Classes 1–5) will be held in the evening shift from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM.
Is there negative marking in the CTET exam?
No, there is no negative marking in CTET. Candidates are advised to attempt all questions since there is no penalty for incorrect answers.
When will the CTET Admit Card 2026 be released?
The admit card is expected to be released around 2 to 4 days before the exam date, placing it in the first few days of September 2026.
What is the qualifying percentage for CTET 2026?
General category candidates need to score at least 60% (90 out of 150), while reserved category candidates need around 55% (82 out of 150) in each paper.
Can a candidate appear for both Paper 1 and Paper 2 on the same CTET Exam Date 2026?
Yes, since both papers are held on the same day in different shifts, candidates aiming to teach both Primary and Upper Primary levels can appear for both papers.
What is the validity of the CTET certificate?
The CTET certificate is now valid for a lifetime for all categories, following the recent policy update by CBSE.
Does clearing CTET guarantee a teaching job?
No, clearing CTET only makes a candidate eligible to apply for teaching positions. Final selection depends on a separate recruitment process conducted by the respective schools or departments.