Overview
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has reopened the online application window for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) September 2026. Eligible candidates can submit applications from August 25 to September 1, 2026, through the official CTET portal. CTET is an eligibility examination and does not advertise a fixed number of posts or vacancies.
Candidates seeking teaching eligibility for Classes I to V can apply for Paper I, while those intending to teach Classes VI to VIII can take Paper II. Applicants may also register for both papers if they fulfil the prescribed qualifications.
Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|
| Organization | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Post Name | Teacher Eligibility Certification — Paper I and Paper II |
| Total Vacancies | Not applicable; CTET is an eligibility examination |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | Visit Official Website |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|
| Application Start | August 25, 2026 (reopened window) |
| Last Date | September 1, 2026 |
| Exam Date | TBA |
| Result Date | TBA |
Candidates should complete registration well before the deadline, as applications submitted after the closing date are unlikely to be accepted. The detailed examination schedule, admit card date and shift timings will be announced separately.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
The qualification requirements depend on the paper selected and must comply with the applicable National Council for Teacher Education rules.
- Paper I — Classes I to V: Candidates should have passed Senior Secondary or an equivalent examination with the required marks and completed or be appearing in the final year of a recognised Diploma in Elementary Education, Bachelor of Elementary Education or Diploma in Education (Special Education), as applicable.
- Paper II — Classes VI to VIII: Candidates should possess a bachelor’s degree with a recognised Diploma in Elementary Education, B.Ed., B.Ed. (Special Education) or another approved teacher-education qualification.
- Candidates with a Senior Secondary qualification and an eligible four-year integrated programme such as B.El.Ed. or B.A./B.Sc.Ed. may also qualify for the relevant paper.
- Applicants appearing in the final year of an eligible teacher-training programme may apply, subject to the conditions in the official information bulletin.
- Passing CTET does not automatically provide a teaching appointment. Recruitment eligibility will also depend on the rules of the appointing school or authority.
Age Limit
- CBSE does not prescribe a specific upper age limit for appearing in CTET.
- Candidates must meet the educational qualification requirements for the paper selected.
- Any age requirement for a teaching post will be governed by the relevant recruiting authority, not by the CTET certificate alone.
Fees
- General/OBC-NCL: ₹1,000 for one paper and ₹1,200 for both papers.
- SC/ST/PwD: ₹500 for one paper and ₹600 for both papers.
- Applicable bank or payment gateway charges may be collected separately.
- The application fee should be paid online using the payment options available on the portal. Candidates should verify the fee shown on the payment page before completing the transaction.
Selection Process
- Written examination: Candidates must appear for Paper I, Paper II or both. Each paper generally carries 150 multiple-choice questions for 150 marks.
- Answer key and evaluation: CBSE will release a provisional answer key and provide an objection facility before preparing the final result. Paper I covers Child Development and Pedagogy, Languages, Mathematics and Environmental Studies. Paper II includes Child Development and Pedagogy, Languages, and Mathematics and Science or Social Studies/Social Science.
- Result and eligibility certificate: Candidates securing the prescribed qualifying marks will receive a CTET eligibility certificate. Category-based relaxation may apply under the relevant rules, but final recruitment remains subject to the employer’s selection criteria.
How to Apply
- Visit the official CTET website at ctet.nic.in and open the September 2026 application link.
- Read the information bulletin and reopened-window notice carefully before starting registration.
- Select New Registration and enter the required personal details, contact information and identity particulars.
- Note the system-generated application number and create a secure password for future login.
- Sign in and provide educational qualifications, examination city preferences, category details and the paper choice—Paper I, Paper II or both.
- Upload a recent photograph, signature and any required documents in the prescribed format and file size.
- Review all entries carefully. The name, date of birth and category should match the candidate’s official records.
- Pay the examination fee through the available online payment method and wait for successful transaction confirmation.
- Download the confirmation page and retain a copy of the completed form and payment receipt. A submitted form should not be treated as complete unless the fee status is shown as successful.
Important Links
FAQs
1. What is the last date to apply for CTET September 2026?
The reopened online application window will close on September 1, 2026.
2. Has the CTET September 2026 exam date been announced?
The examination date is TBA. Candidates should monitor the official portal for the schedule and admit card notice.
3. Can a candidate apply for both CTET papers?
Yes. Candidates who meet the relevant educational qualifications may apply for both Paper I a
