CTET September 2026 Notification Out: Apply Online for Paper 1 & 2
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially set the stage for the CTET September 2026 examination. Aspiring teachers across India can now take a significant step toward their career goals. Whether you aim to teach primary classes (I-V) or upper primary classes (VI-VIII), the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) remains the most critical qualification in the Indian education sector.
The online application process commenced on May 11, 2026, following the release of the comprehensive Information Bulletin.
CTET September 2026: Important Dates
Staying updated with the official timeline is crucial to ensure you don't miss out on any deadlines.
- Notification Release: May 11, 2026
- Online Application Starts: May 11, 2026
- Last Date to Apply: June 10, 2026 (11:59 PM)
- Correction Window: June 15 – June 18, 2026
- Admit Card Release: 2 days before the exam
- CTET 2026 Exam Date: September 06, 2026 (Sunday)
Eligibility Criteria for Aspirants
Before filling out the form, ensure you meet the minimum qualifications:
- For Paper I (Primary Stage): Senior Secondary with at least 50% marks and a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) or equivalent.
- For Paper II (Elementary Stage): Graduation and a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education or a Bachelor in Education (B.Ed).
- Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for CTET, making it accessible for career changers and experienced educators alike.
Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
The CTET September 2026 exam will be conducted in two shifts (Paper I and Paper II).
- Duration: 2.5 hours per paper.
- Format: 150 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
- Marking: 1 mark per correct answer; No Negative Marking.
Subject Breakdown:
- Child Development and Pedagogy (30 Marks)
- Language I (Compulsory) (30 Marks)
- Language II (Compulsory) (30 Marks)
- Mathematics/Science or Social Studies (60 Marks)
- Environmental Studies (For Paper I only) (30 Marks)
How to Apply Online for CTET 2026
- Visit the Website: Go to the official portal at ctet.nic.in.
- Registration: Click on "Apply for CTET Sept 2026" and fill in your basic details to generate an Application Number.
- Upload Documents: Upload your latest scanned photograph and signature in JPG/JPEG format.
- Fee Payment: Pay the examination fee (₹1000 for one paper, ₹1200 for both for Gen/OBC) via online mode.
- Confirmation: Download and print the confirmation page for your records.
Preparation Tips for Success
- Focus on Pedagogy: Nearly 50% of the questions across all subjects focus on "how to teach" rather than just subject facts.
- Solve Previous Papers: Analyze the September and January papers from the last three years to understand the difficulty level.
- Master NCERTs: For subject-specific sections, stick strictly to NCERT textbooks from Class 1 to 8.
Conclusion
Qualifying for the CTET is not just about a certificate; it’s about proving your readiness to shape the future of India. With the September 06 exam date approaching, now is the time to streamline your study plan.