CTET 2026: Important Exam Dates, Eligibility, Application Process

The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026 is a national-level examination conducted for individuals aspiring to become teachers for classes I to VIII. The CTET September 2026 exam is scheduled to be held on 6th September 2026, with a possibility of an additional examination day on 5th September 2026 if the number of candidates increases.

The exam is organized online and aims to set a standard for teacher recruitment consistent with the guidelines framed by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE). CTET certification is a mandatory eligibility criterion for teaching positions in various government and private schools across India.

Also read: UGC-NET June 2026: Application Portal is now open; Know complete details and apply now

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualifications

The minimum qualifications for appearing in the CTET are as notified by the NCTE. Candidates must satisfy eligibility criteria as per the Recruitment Rules framed by the Appropriate Government or educational bodies like Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti. The qualifying examination guidelines are based on NCTE Regulations.

Relaxation up to 5% in qualifying marks is available for candidates belonging to reserved categories such as SC, ST, OBC, and Differently-abled persons.

Selection Process

Selection is based on the candidate’s score in the CTET examination. The CTET certification is valid for lifetime and considered during teacher recruitment processes by Central Government schools and other affiliated institutions. However, qualifying the CTET does not guarantee recruitment or employment.

Exam Pattern

Each paper consists of 150 MCQs with one mark each and no negative marking. Candidates can appear for one or both papers depending on their teaching aspirations.

Documents Required

While applying for CTET 2026, candidates need to keep the following documents ready with them:

• Aadhaar Card
• 10th pass certificate
• 12th pass certificate
• Certificate of highest qualification
• Valid identity proof
• Photograph of the candidate in jpg/jpeg format, 3.5 cm (width) x 4.5 cm (height) and the size of the file should be between 10 kb and 100 kb
• Scanned signature of the candidate in jpeg/ jpg format, 3.5 cm (width) x 1.5 cm (height) and the size of the file should be between 3 kb and 30 kb

Steps to Apply

• Firstly, the candidate should visit the official website of the CTET September 2026 (scroll down for the direct link)
• Click on the “Apply for CTET-Sep 2026” link
• On the new page, again click on “Apply for CTET-Sep 2026”
• You will be then redirected to the application portal
• Click on the ‘New Registration’ button
• Read the Instructions and Procedures mentioned there and then get yourself registered on the portal
• Once the registration process is completed, log in and fill out the application form
• Upload the necessary documents in the prescribed format
• Then proceed to the payment section and pay the applicable fees
• Lastly, download and take a printout of the application form and payment receipt of CTET 2026 for future reference

Applicable Fees

Candidates who are interested in registering for CTET 2026 will have to pay an application fee, which is categorized as follows:

Key Dates

Important Links

Frequently Asked Questions

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