CTET Exam Date 2026 — Paper 1 & 2 Schedule, Shift Timings, Official Notification
CTET Exam Date 2026 has been officially announced by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). The 22nd edition of the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) will be conducted on 6 September 2026 (Sunday) in offline (pen-and-paper) mode across various examination centres[reference:0][reference:1]. Paper 2 (for Classes VI–VIII) will be held in the morning shift from 9:30 AM to 12:00 Noon, while Paper 1 (for Classes I–V) will take place in the afternoon shift from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM[reference:2][reference:3]. The notification was released on 11 May 2026 at the official website ctet.nic.in[reference:4].
📅 Exam Date: 6 September 2026 | 🕐 Paper 2: 9:30 AM – 12 PM | 🕐 Paper 1: 2:30 – 5 PM | 📍 Offline Mode | 🏫 CBSE
📑 Table of Contents
- CTET Exam Date 2026 — Overview
- Exam Schedule & Shift Timings
- Eligibility Criteria 2026
- 🎂 Age Calculator — Check Your Eligibility
- How to Apply Online for CTET 2026
- Application Fee 2026
- Selection Process & Certificate Validity
- Exam Pattern 2026 — Paper 1 & 2
- CTET Syllabus 2026
- 💰 Salary Structure After CTET
- 📈 Previous Year Cut‑off Trends
- 📄 Official Notification PDF Download
- Frequently Asked Questions
📘 CTET Exam Date 2026 — Overview
📘 CTET September 2026 — Key Details
| Exam Name | Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Session | September 2026 (22nd Edition) |
| Exam Date | 6 September 2026 (Sunday) |
| Notification Release | 11 May 2026 |
| Application Start | 11 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 10 June 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Exam Duration | 2 Hours 30 Minutes (Each Paper) |
| Total Questions | 150 MCQs (150 Marks) |
| Negative Marking | No Negative Marking |
| Official Website | ctet.nic.in |
💡 Important Update
✅ CTET Exam Date 2026 announced — 6 September 2026 ✅ Paper 2: 9:30 AM – 12 PM (Morning) ✅ Paper 1: 2:30 – 5 PM (Afternoon) ✅ Notification released on 11 May 2026 ✅ Apply Online closed on 10 June 2026 ✅ No negative marking — attempt all questions!
🎯 Quick Links
🕐 Exam Schedule & Shift Timings — CTET 2026
📘 CTET 2026 — Paper-wise Schedule
The CTET 2026 examination will be conducted on 6 September 2026 in two shifts[reference:5]. Candidates must report to their exam centres as per the timings mentioned on their admit cards.
| Paper | Target Classes | Shift | Timing | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 2 | Classes VI–VIII | Morning | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM | 2.5 Hours |
| Paper 1 | Classes I–V | Afternoon | 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM | 2.5 Hours |
⚠️ Important Note
In case the number of candidates increases, the examination may also be conducted on 5 September 2026 (Saturday). Candidates are advised to check their admit cards carefully for the exact date and shift.
📋 CTET Eligibility Criteria 2026 — Age Limit & Educational Qualification
📘 Age Limit
The minimum age to apply for CTET 2026 is 18 years. There is no upper age limit for appearing in the CTET exam[reference:6][reference:7]. Candidates from all age groups can apply unlimited times.
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| All Categories | 18 Years | No Upper Limit |
📘 Educational Qualification — Paper 1 (Classes I–V)
| Option | Qualification |
|---|---|
| 1 | Senior Secondary (12th) with at least 50% marks + 2-year D.El.Ed (passing or appearing in final year)[reference:8] |
| 2 | Senior Secondary (12th) with at least 45% marks + 2-year D.El.Ed (as per NCTE norms) |
| 3 | Senior Secondary (12th) with 50% marks + 4-year B.El.Ed |
| 4 | Senior Secondary (12th) with 50% marks + Diploma in Special Education |
| 5 | Graduation with 50% marks + B.Ed (for candidates applying for both papers) |
📘 Educational Qualification — Paper 2 (Classes VI–VIII)
| Option | Qualification |
|---|---|
| 1 | Graduation with at least 50% marks + 1-year B.Ed (passing or appearing in final year) |
| 2 | Graduation with at least 45% marks + 1-year B.Ed (as per NCTE norms) |
| 3 | Senior Secondary (12th) with 50% marks + 4-year B.El.Ed / B.A.Ed / B.Sc.Ed |
| 4 | Post-graduation with 55% marks + 3-year integrated B.Ed-M.Ed[reference:9] |
💡 Key Update for CTET 2026
The National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) has revised eligibility rules. Candidates currently enrolled in a Teacher Training Course (TTC) are now eligible to apply for CTET while “pursuing” the course.
🎂 Age Calculator — Check Your Eligibility Instantly
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📌 Reference Date: 6 September 2026 (CTET Exam Date) | Minimum Age: 18 Years | No Upper Age Limit
💻 How to Apply Online for CTET 2026
📘 Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit Official Website: Go to ctet.nic.in
- Find Apply Link: Click on “CTET Apply Online” or “New Registration” on the homepage.
- Register: Fill in basic details to generate your application number and password.
- Log In: Use the credentials to access the CTET application form.
- Fill Details: Enter personal, academic, and exam preference details (Paper 1, Paper 2, or both).
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned photograph (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm, 10–100 KB, JPG/JPEG) and signature (3.5 cm x 1.5 cm, 3–30 KB, JPG/JPEG).
- Pay Fee: Pay the application fee online via Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
- Submit & Print: Submit the form and download the confirmation page for future reference.
⚠️ Important Dates
- Notification Release: 11 May 2026
- Application Start: 11 May 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 10 June 2026
- Exam Date: 6 September 2026
- Admit Card Release: A few weeks before the exam (likely August 2026)
- Result Declaration: Last week of October 2026 (expected)
💰 CTET Application Fee 2026
| Category | Only One Paper (₹) | Both Papers (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC (NCL) | ₹1,000 | ₹1,200 |
| SC / ST / PwD / Third Gender | ₹500 | ₹600 |
💡 Payment Modes
💳 Credit Card • 💳 Debit Card • 🏦 Net Banking • 📱 UPI (all major platforms supported)
📝 CTET Selection Process & Certificate Validity
CTET Selection Flow
📝 Written Examination (Paper 1 or Paper 2) ↓ 📊 Qualifying Marks (60% General / 55% Reserved) ↓ 📜 CTET Certificate (Lifetime Validity) ↓ 💼 Apply for Teaching Jobs
📝 Written Examination (Paper 1 or Paper 2) ↓ 📊 Qualifying Marks (60% General / 55% Reserved) ↓ 📜 CTET Certificate (Lifetime Validity) ↓ 💼 Apply for Teaching Jobs
📘 Selection Stages
- Written Examination: Candidates appear for Paper 1 (Classes I–V) or Paper 2 (Classes VI–VIII) or both. Each paper has 150 MCQs for 150 marks.
- Qualifying Marks: General category candidates must score 60% (90/150 marks); reserved category candidates (SC/ST/OBC/PwD) need 55% (82/150 marks)[reference:10].
- CTET Certificate: Successful candidates are issued a CTET certificate, which is now valid for a lifetime[reference:11][reference:12].
- Job Application: The CTET certificate is an eligibility criterion for teaching positions in central government schools (KVS, NVS, etc.) and many state schools.
🎓 Important — Certificate Validity
The CTET certificate is now valid for a lifetime (previously it was valid for only 7 years). This change was introduced by the NCTE in 2021[reference:13]. Qualified candidates can use their CTET certificate at any point in their career to apply for teaching vacancies[reference:14].
📖 CTET Exam Pattern 2026 — Paper 1 & Paper 2
📘 Exam Pattern Overview
- Total Questions: 150 MCQs (Each Paper)
- Total Marks: 150 (Each Paper)
- Duration: 2 Hours 30 Minutes (Each Paper)
- Marking: +1 for correct answer, No Negative Marking
- Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (Objective)
📘 CTET Paper 1 — Subject-wise Breakup (Classes I–V)
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I (compulsory) | 30 | 30 |
| Language II (compulsory) | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| Environmental Studies (EVS) | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
📘 CTET Paper 2 — Subject-wise Breakup (Classes VI–VIII)
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I (compulsory) | 30 | 30 |
| Language II (compulsory) | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics & Science (Option A) | 60 | 60 |
| Social Studies / Social Science (Option B) | 60 | 60 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
💡 Did You Know?
CTET questions are based on NCERT syllabus for Classes I–V (Paper 1) and VI–VIII (Paper 2). However, the difficulty level can be up to secondary/senior secondary level for some subjects.
📚 CTET Syllabus 2026 — Paper 1 & 2
📘 CTET Paper 1 Syllabus (Classes I–V)
- Child Development & Pedagogy: Educational psychology, learning theories, child development (6–11 years), inclusive education, assessment.
- Language I: Comprehension, grammar, language pedagogy (chosen language).
- Language II: Comprehension, grammar, language pedagogy (chosen language — different from Language I).
- Mathematics: Number system, arithmetic, geometry, mensuration, data handling, math pedagogy.
- Environmental Studies (EVS): Family, food, shelter, water, travel, things we make and do, EVS pedagogy.
📘 CTET Paper 2 Syllabus (Classes VI–VIII)
- Child Development & Pedagogy: Educational psychology, learning theories, child development (11–14 years), inclusive education, assessment.
- Language I: Comprehension, grammar, language pedagogy (chosen language).
- Language II: Comprehension, grammar, language pedagogy (chosen language — different from Language I).
- Mathematics & Science (Option A): Mathematics (number systems, algebra, geometry, mensuration, data handling) + Science (physics, chemistry, biology).
- Social Studies / Social Science (Option B): History, Geography, Political Science, Economics, and Social Studies pedagogy.
💰 CTET Salary Structure 2026 — PRT, TGT & PGT Pay Scale
📘 Post-wise Pay Scale (7th Pay Commission)
💡 CTET is an eligibility test — the salary depends on the post you are recruited for (PRT, TGT, or PGT) in KVS, NVS, or other government schools.
| Post | Pay Level | Pay Scale (₹) | Approx. Gross (₹) | Approx. In-hand (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRT (Primary Teacher) | Level 6 | ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 | ~₹52,000 | ~₹42,000 |
| TGT (Trained Graduate Teacher) | Level 7 | ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 | ~₹65,000 | ~₹52,000 |
| PGT (Post Graduate Teacher) | Level 8 | ₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100 | ~₹72,000 | ~₹58,000 |
💡 Additional Allowances
In addition to the basic pay, government teachers receive Dearness Allowance (DA) (currently ~46%), House Rent Allowance (HRA) (up to 24%), Medical Allowance, NPS pension, and Leave Travel Concession (LTC).
📈 CTET Previous Year Cut‑off Trends (What Others Don’t Tell You)
📘 CTET Qualifying Marks — Category-wise
CTET is a qualifying exam, not a competitive ranking exam. Candidates must score the minimum qualifying marks to be eligible for a CTET certificate[reference:15].
| Category | Qualifying Marks (Out of 150) | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| General | 90 | 60% |
| OBC (NCL) | 82 | 55% |
| SC / ST | 82 | 55% |
| PwD | 82 | 55% |
🎓 PHD Teacher Insight — Exam Strategy
While the qualifying marks are 60% (General) and 55% (Reserved), scoring 110–130 marks gives you a stronger edge in the job market[reference:16]. Many KVS and NVS recruitment processes give weightage to CTET scores. Focus on Child Development & Pedagogy and Language I & II — these sections carry 90 marks combined and are often the differentiator.
📈 Previous Year Cut-off Trends (2019–2025)
- 2019–2021: General 90/150, Reserved 82/150 (stable)[reference:17]
- 2022–2024: General 90/150, Reserved 82/150 (no change)
- 2025 (Expected): General 88–90, Reserved 82–87[reference:18]
- 2026 (Expected): General 90, Reserved 82 — likely to remain stable as it’s a qualifying exam[reference:19]
📄 CTET Notification 2026 PDF Download
📘 Download the Official CTET Notification
📥 Download CTET Notification 2026 PDF
(Visit ctet.nic.in → Public Notices / Information Bulletin section)
📰 CTET September 2026 Notification — Key Highlights
- Exam Name: Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026 — 22nd Edition
- Conducting Body: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
- Exam Date: 6 September 2026 (Sunday)
- Paper 2 (Morning): 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
- Paper 1 (Afternoon): 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM
- Notification Release: 11 May 2026
- Application Period: 11 May – 10 June 2026
- Exam Mode: Offline (Pen & Paper)
- Total Questions: 150 MCQs (150 marks per paper)
- Negative Marking: None
- Qualifying Marks: General 60% (90/150), Reserved 55% (82/150)
- Certificate Validity: Lifetime
📦 Summary — CTET 2026 Key Takeaways
✅ Exam Date: 6 September 2026 ✅ Paper 2: 9:30 AM – 12 PM (Morning) ✅ Paper 1: 2:30 – 5 PM (Afternoon) ✅ Eligibility: 18+ years, no upper age limit ✅ Qualification: 12th + D.El.Ed (Paper 1) / Graduation + B.Ed (Paper 2) ✅ No negative marking ✅ Certificate valid for lifetime
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — CTET Exam Date 2026
1. What is the CTET Exam Date 2026?
The CTET Exam Date 2026 is 6 September 2026 (Sunday). The exam will be conducted in offline mode across India[reference:20][reference:21].
2. What are the shift timings for CTET 2026?
Paper 2 (Classes VI–VIII) will be held in the morning shift from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Paper 1 (Classes I–V) will be held in the afternoon shift from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM[reference:22][reference:23].
3. What is the age limit for CTET 2026?
The minimum age to apply for CTET 2026 is 18 years. There is no upper age limit[reference:24][reference:25]. Candidates can appear unlimited times.
4. What is the educational qualification for CTET Paper 1?
For CTET Paper 1 (Classes I–V), candidates must have Senior Secondary (12th) with 50% marks + 2-year D.El.Ed (or equivalent as per NCTE norms)[reference:26].
5. What is the educational qualification for CTET Paper 2?
For CTET Paper 2 (Classes VI–VIII), candidates must have Graduation with 50% marks + 1-year B.Ed (or equivalent as per NCTE norms).
6. Is there negative marking in CTET 2026?
No, there is no negative marking in the CTET exam. Candidates are awarded 1 mark for each correct answer, and there is no penalty for incorrect answers.
7. What are the qualifying marks for CTET 2026?
General category candidates need 60% (90/150 marks). Reserved category candidates (SC/ST/OBC/PwD) need 55% (82/150 marks)[reference:27].
8. How long is the CTET certificate valid?
The CTET certificate is now valid for a lifetime. Earlier it was valid for only 7 years[reference:28][reference:29].
9. What is the application fee for CTET 2026?
For General/OBC candidates: ₹1,000 for one paper, ₹1,200 for both papers. For SC/ST/PwD candidates: ₹500 for one paper, ₹600 for both papers[reference:30][reference:31].
10. Where can I download the CTET Notification 2026 PDF?
You can download the official CTET Notification 2026 PDF from the CTET official website: ctet.nic.in → Public Notices / Information Bulletin section[reference:32].