CBSE CTET September 2026: 22nd Edition Notification Out – Apply Online by 10 June, Exam on 6 September

CBSE CTET September 2026 notification has been officially released by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), marking the 22nd edition of the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET). The online application window opened on 11 May 2026 and will remain active until 10 June 2026. If you are planning a career in government teaching — whether at the primary or upper primary level — this is your next big opportunity, and the deadline is closer than it looks.

The exam is scheduled for 06 September 2026 (Sunday) across 132 cities in India. Both Paper I (for Classes I–V) and Paper II (for Classes VI–VIII) will be held on the same day, in offline pen-and-paper mode. Candidates who want to be eligible for teaching both levels must appear for both papers.

📌 Also Read: Latest Government Job Notifications 2026 – Full List

⚠️ Don’t wait for the last day. Government exam portals often slow down near deadlines. Apply at least 4–5 days before 10 June 2026 to avoid technical issues.

CTET September 2026 – Quick Overview

Important Dates for CTET September 2026

Mark all of these in your calendar before you do anything else.

💡 Pro Tip: Use the correction window (15–18 June) carefully. Once it closes, no changes will be accepted under any circumstances, even if there is a spelling mistake in your name.

Who Can Apply? CTET September 2026 Eligibility Criteria

CTET eligibility differs depending on whether you want to teach at the primary level (Classes I–V, Paper I) or the upper primary level (Classes VI–VIII, Paper II). Here is a plain-English breakdown.

Age Limit

There is no upper age limit for appearing in CTET. Candidates must be at least 17 years old. This is one of the most open-access national-level eligibility exams in India — final-year diploma students can also apply.

Educational Qualification for Paper I (Classes I–V)

Candidates must meet any one of the following:

• Class 12 with at least 50% marks + 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed)
• Class 12 with at least 45% marks + 2-year D.El.Ed (under NCTE Regulations 2002)
• Class 12 with at least 50% marks + 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed)
• Class 12 with at least 50% marks + 2-year Diploma in Special Education
• Graduation degree + 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education

Educational Qualification for Paper II (Classes VI–VIII)

Candidates must meet any one of the following:

• Graduation with at least 50% marks + 2-year D.El.Ed
• Graduation with at least 50% marks + B.Ed from an NCTE-recognised institution
• Graduation with at least 45% marks + B.Ed (under NCTE Regulations 2002)
• Class 12 with at least 50% marks + 4-year B.El.Ed
• Class 12 with at least 50% marks + 4-year B.A./B.Sc. B.Ed or B.A. Ed/B.Sc. Ed
• Post-graduation with at least 55% marks + 3-year integrated B.Ed.-M.Ed.

✅ Currently pursuing your teacher training course? You can still apply. Candidates enrolled in the final year of any Teacher Training Course (TTC) recognised by NCTE are eligible to appear in CTET September 2026.

📌 Also Read: BPSC 72nd CCE Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 1230 Bihar Civil Services Posts

Candidates Holding Special Education Degrees

If you hold a Diploma or Degree in Special Education, make sure your programme is accredited by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). Holders of a D.Ed (Special Education) must also have completed a 6-month NCTE-approved bridge course in Elementary Education.

Reservation in Marks (Not in Seats)

There is no seat reservation in CTET. However, candidates from SC, ST, OBC, and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) categories receive a 5% relaxation in the qualifying marks of the required educational qualification.

CTET September 2026 Application Fee

The fee depends on how many papers you are applying for. Pay only through online modes — debit card, credit card, or net banking.

⚠️ Note: Additional bank charges or GST may apply depending on your payment method. Check the final amount before confirming the transaction.

CTET September 2026 Exam Pattern – Paper I and Paper II

Both papers follow the same format: 150 MCQ questions for 150 marks, with a 2-hour 30-minute duration. There is no negative marking, so it is always worth attempting every question.

Paper I – Primary Stage (Classes I to V)

Paper II – Elementary Stage (Classes VI to VIII)

💡 Which subject to choose for the 60-mark section? If you want to teach Maths or Science in Classes VI–VIII, pick Mathematics & Science. If you prefer Social Studies or Social Science, pick that. You must decide at the time of application itself.

What Are the Qualifying Marks for CTET 2026?

Passing the CTET exam requires meeting these minimum thresholds:

One of the most important things to know: clearing CTET does not guarantee a teaching appointment. It makes you eligible to apply for teaching jobs in central government schools such as Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), and CBSE-affiliated schools. The actual hiring is done separately by these organisations.

📌 Also Read: Coal India Limited Recruitment 2026 – Apply for 660 Management Trainee Posts

How Long Is the CTET Certificate Valid?

The Ministry of Education revised the rules in June 2021. A CTET qualifying certificate is now valid for a lifetime — for all categories. This applies retrospectively from 2011. If your earlier 7-year certificate has expired, contact your respective State or UT authority for revalidation.

You can also re-appear in CTET to improve your score, even after qualifying. There is no cap on the number of attempts.

How to Apply for CTET September 2026 – Step by Step

1. Visit the official website at ctet.nic.in
2. Click on “Apply Online” under the New Candidate Registration section
3. Complete your registration by entering your name, email ID, and mobile number
4. Log in using the Application Number and the password generated during registration
5. Fill the application form — enter personal, educational, and communication details accurately
6. Upload your photograph and signature — in JPG/JPEG format, within the size limits specified in the Information Bulletin
7. Select your paper(s) — Paper I, Paper II, or both
8. Pay the application fee online through debit card, credit card, or net banking
9. Review everything carefully, then submit the form
10. Download and print the confirmation page — keep it safe

💡 Before you begin: Keep the following ready — scanned passport-size photograph (JPG/JPEG), scanned signature in running handwriting (not block letters), a government-issued photo ID, Class 10/12 certificates, your B.Ed/D.El.Ed certificate or enrolment proof, and your category certificate if applicable.

CTET September 2026 – What Jobs Does It Open?

Clearing CTET is the first and mandatory step toward teaching jobs in:

• Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) — one of the largest government school networks in India
• Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) — residential schools for talented rural students
• Central Tibetan Schools Administration (CTSA)
• Army Public Schools and other centrally-administered institutions
• Many state government schools also accept CTET for their Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) requirements

While CTET is not compulsory for private school appointments, a large number of private CBSE-affiliated schools prefer or require CTET-qualified candidates — making it a valuable credential even in the private sector.

Important Links

⚠️ The detailed Information Bulletin containing the complete syllabus, fee structure, exam city list, and language options will be available soon on ctet.nic.in. Do not apply until you have read it.

Frequently Asked Questions – CTET September 2026

Summing Up…

CBSE CTET September 2026 is a strong opportunity for anyone planning a teaching career in India’s central government school system. With the application window now open until 10 June 2026 and the exam set for 06 September 2026, you have roughly a month to register and nearly three months to prepare.

Two things are worth acting on right now: apply early (don’t risk the last-minute rush), and download the Information Bulletin from ctet.nic.in as soon as it is published — it contains the detailed syllabus, subject options, and city list you need before planning your preparation.

Stay ahead — bookmark this page and follow Karmasandhan for the latest updates on the Information Bulletin release, admit card download, and result dates.

Disclaimer

This article is based on the official CTET September 2026 Public Notice released by CBSE (F. No. CBSE/CTET/Sept./2026/e-73233). All details — dates, fee structure, and eligibility — are sourced from the official notification at ctet.nic.in and cbse.gov.in. The detailed Information Bulletin has not yet been released; candidates should download it from the official website before submitting their application. Karmasandhan does not accept responsibility for any discrepancy between this article and the official notification. Always refer to the official CBSE/CTET website for final, binding information.