Teaching aspirants, this is the moment you’ve been waiting for. The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) September 2026 notification is officially out — and the application window is already open.
If you want to teach in central government schools, this is the exam that opens the door. Here’s everything you need to know right now.
Breaking: CTET September 2026 Application Form Is LIVE
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released a notification for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) September Examination 2026 on its official website. The CTET application form has started on May 11, 2026, and candidates can apply until June 10, 2026.
You have exactly one month from notification to apply. Don’t procrastinate — the last few days always crash the portal.
CTET September 2026 — All Important Dates
The key dates for CTET September 2026 are as follows: Online Apply Start Date is May 11, 2026; Online Apply Last Date is June 10, 2026; Last Date for Fee Payment is June 10, 2026; Correction Date is June 15–18, 2026; CTET Exam Date is September 6, 2026; and Admit Card will be released before the exam.
| Event | Date |
| Application Form Opens | May 11, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | June 10, 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | June 10, 2026 |
| Form Correction Window | June 15–18, 2026 |
| CTET Exam Date | September 6, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Before Exam |
| Result | To be Updated |
Critical: The correction window is June 15–18 only. If you make a mistake in your form — name, category, paper selection — this is your ONLY chance to fix it before the exam.
CTET September 2026 — Application Fee
For Paper-I only, General and OBC candidates pay ₹1,000, and SC, ST, and PWD candidates pay ₹500. For both papers, General and OBC candidates pay ₹1,200, and SC, ST, and PWD candidates pay ₹600. Payment can be made online through Debit Card, Credit Card, Internet Banking, IMPS, or Cash Card and Mobile Wallet.
| Paper | General / OBC | SC / ST / PWD |
| Paper I Only (Class 1–5) | ₹1,000 | ₹500 |
| Paper II Only (Class 6–8) | ₹1,000 | ₹500 |
| Both Papers | ₹1,200 | ₹600 |
Planning to teach both primary and upper primary levels? Apply for both papers in one shot — the combined fee saves you money compared to two separate applications.
CTET September 2026 — Eligibility Criteria
This is the most important section. Read it carefully before applying.
For Level 1 (Class 1–5), candidates must have 12th Pass and a D.El.Ed, JBT, B.El.Ed, or B.Ed teaching qualification. For Level 2 (Class 6–8), candidates must have a Graduation Degree along with B.Ed or B.El.Ed qualification.
Paper I — For Primary Level Teachers (Class 1 to 5)
- Minimum Education: 12th Pass (Senior Secondary)
- Teaching Qualification Required: D.El.Ed / JBT / B.El.Ed / B.Ed
Paper II — For Upper Primary Level Teachers (Class 6 to 8)
- Minimum Education: Graduation (any stream from a recognised university)
- Teaching Qualification Required: B.Ed or B.El.Ed
Age Limit
There is no age limit for CTET September 2026 as per CBSE rules.
No upper age limit — this is open to everyone who meets the academic and teaching qualification requirements.
What Is CTET — And Why Do You Need It?
If you’re new to CTET, here’s the essential background.
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is a national-level eligibility exam conducted by CBSE. It is mandatory for anyone who wants to teach in:
- Kendriya Vidyalayas (KV) — across India
- Navodaya Vidyalayas (NV) — residential central schools
- Central Government Schools — in Union Territories and Delhi
- Many state government schools — that also accept CTET scores
Clearing CTET does not mean you get a job directly. It makes you eligible to apply for teaching posts whenever recruitment happens at the central or state level.
The CTET certificate is valid for lifetime — once you clear it, you don’t need to reappear unless you want to improve your score.
CTET September 2026 — Exam Pattern
CTET has two papers:
Paper I (Primary Level — Class 1 to 5)
| Section | Questions | Marks |
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I | 30 | 30 |
| Language II | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| Environmental Studies | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
Paper II (Upper Primary Level — Class 6 to 8)
| Section | Questions | Marks |
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I | 30 | 30 |
| Language II | 30 | 30 |
| Subject-Specific (Maths/Science or Social Studies) | 60 | 60 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
- Duration: 2.5 hours per paper
- Negative Marking: None — attempt every question
CTET Passing Marks 2026 — What Score Do You Need?
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
| General / Unreserved | 90 out of 150 (60%) |
| SC / ST / OBC / PWD | 82 out of 150 (55%) |
How to Apply for CTET September 2026 — Step by Step
Interested candidates who wish to apply for the CTET post can submit their application online before June 10, 2026. Use the official website of CTET to complete the application process online.
Step 1 → Visit the official CTET website: ctet.nic.in
Step 2 → Click on “Apply Online” for CTET September 2026
Step 3 → Register with your mobile number and email ID
Step 4 → Fill the application form — choose Paper I, Paper II, or both
Step 5 → Upload scanned photo and signature as per specifications
Step 6 → Pay the application fee online (Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI)
Step 7 → Submit and download the confirmation page — save it immediately
Step 8 → Check back June 15–18 for corrections if needed
Direct Apply Link: examinationservices.nic.in/ExamSysCTET
Documents to Keep Ready Before Applying
- Class 10 & 12 Marksheets
- Graduation Certificate (for Paper II)
- D.El.Ed / B.Ed / B.El.Ed Certificate
- Caste Certificate (SC / ST / OBC — if applicable)
- PwD Certificate (if applicable)
- Valid ID Proof (Aadhaar / Voter ID / Passport)
- Scanned Passport Photo (recent, white background)
- Scanned Signature
Already Cleared CTET? Here’s What You Should Know
Since 2021, CTET certificates are valid for lifetime — you never need to reappear unless you want to improve your score.
However, many candidates reappear to:
- Improve their percentage for a competitive edge in recruitment
- Appear for a subject they missed in earlier attempts
- Apply for both papers in a single sitting this time
If you’re appearing to improve, select the paper carefully — your best score from any attempt will be considered.
CTET September 2026 — FAQs
Q. When does the CTET September 2026 form open?
The application form opened on May 11, 2026 and closes June 10, 2026.
Q. What is the CTET September 2026 exam date?
The exam is scheduled for September 6, 2026.
Q. What is the fee for CTET September 2026?
₹1,000 for General/OBC (single paper), ₹1,200 for both papers. SC/ST/PWD pay ₹500 and ₹600 respectively.
Q. Is there any age limit for CTET 2026?
No — there is no upper or lower age limit for CTET as per CBSE rules.
Q. What is the official CTET website?
ctet.nic.in — only apply through this official portal.
Q. How long is the CTET certificate valid?
Lifetime validity since 2021.
Q. Can I apply for both papers?
Yes — many candidates apply for both papers in a single application at a combined fee of ₹1,200 (General/OBC).
