CTET September 2026 – CBSE Notification Out: Apply Online, Exam on 06 September, Paper-I & Paper-II Schedule, Fees & Pattern
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Delhi has released the much-awaited Central Teacher Eligibility Test – September 2026 (CTET-September, 2026) Information Bulletin. Lakhs of aspiring teachers across India can now apply online for CTET September 2026 from 11 May 2026 to 10 June 2026 (before 11:59 PM), with the exam scheduled on Sunday, 06 September 2026. CTET is the single most important national teacher eligibility test, mandatory for appointment in KVS, NVS, Central Tibetan Schools, ERDO, schools under UT administrations and accepted by many State Governments. This is one of the most-followed teaching & faculty government job notifications of the year.
Like every cycle, CTET is conducted in two papers – Paper-I for Classes I to V (Primary Teacher) and Paper-II for Classes VI to VIII (Elementary / Upper Primary Teacher). Each paper has 150 MCQs / 150 marks, duration 2 hours 30 minutes, no negative marking. The exam is held in CBT/OMR mode at multiple centres across India in 20 languages. This GovtJobsAlert.in CTET September 2026 guide takes you through eligibility, exam fee, paper pattern, language list, validity of CTET certificate, qualifying marks, application steps and important dates – everything you need before you start your CTET September 2026 application.
Key Highlights — CTET September 2026
CTET 2026 is conducted by CBSE on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Government of India. The CTET certificate is now valid for a lifetime for teaching appointments under the relevant authorities.
- Exam Name: Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) – September 2026
- Conducting Body: CBSE, Delhi – CTET Unit
- Eligibility Test for: Primary (Class I–V) & Elementary (Class VI–VIII) Teachers
- Total Marks: 150 per paper (150 MCQs)
- Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes per paper
- Negative Marking: NIL
- Exam Date: 06 September 2026 (Sunday)
- Backup Date: 05 September 2026 (Saturday) if candidate numbers increase
- Application Window: 11 May 2026 to 10 June 2026
- Apply Mode: Online only at ctet.nic.in or cbse.gov.in
- Mode of Examination: As per CBSE notification (OMR / CBT)
- CTET Certificate Validity: Lifetime
- Reservation / Relaxation: As per Government of India rules
Vacancy & Exam Schedule Breakdown — CTET September 2026
CTET is an eligibility test (not a vacancy-based recruitment) – every candidate who scores the minimum qualifying marks gets the CTET certificate. The exam is conducted in two shifts on 06 September 2026. Candidates can appear in either Paper-I, Paper-II, or both depending on the level they want to teach.
| Paper / Shift | Reporting | Examination Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Paper-II (Classes VI–VIII) – Morning | 08:00 AM | 09:30 AM – 12:00 NOON |
| Paper-I (Classes I–V) – Evening | 01:00 PM | 02:30 PM – 05:00 PM |
| Backup Date if required | – | 05 September 2026 (Saturday) |
A candidate who intends to teach both levels (Classes I to VIII) must appear in both Paper-I and Paper-II.
Eligibility Criteria — CTET September 2026
CTET 2026 eligibility is governed by NCTE norms (Notification dated 23 August 2010, as amended). Detailed conditions are in the Information Bulletin – please confirm yours before applying.
Educational Qualification – Paper-I (for Classes I–V)
- Senior Secondary (50%) + 2-Year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) / B.El.Ed
- OR Senior Secondary (50%) + 4-Year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed)
- OR Senior Secondary (45%) + 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (as per NCTE 2002 norms)
- OR Graduation + 2-Year Diploma in Elementary Education
Browse all related 12th pass government jobs on GovtJobsAlert.in.
Educational Qualification – Paper-II (for Classes VI–VIII)
- Graduation (50%) + 2-Year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed)
- OR Graduation (45%) + 1-Year Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) as per NCTE 2002 norms
- OR Senior Secondary (50%) + 4-Year B.El.Ed
- OR Senior Secondary (50%) + 4-Year BA/B.Sc.Ed or BA.Ed/B.Sc.Ed
- OR Graduation with 50% marks + 1-Year B.Ed (Special Education)
For all related openings, see the graduate government jobs page on GovtJobsAlert.in.
Note: A relaxation of up to 5% in the qualifying marks is admissible to candidates belonging to SC / ST / OBC / Differently-abled categories. Final B.Ed / D.El.Ed appearing candidates are also allowed, subject to NCTE conditions.
What is the Salary After Clearing CTET September 2026?
CTET itself is only an eligibility test – it does not by itself confer a right to recruitment or employment. However, after qualifying CTET you become eligible to apply for:
- KVS (Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan) – Primary / TGT teaching posts (Pay Level 6 onwards, Basic ₹35,400+)
- NVS (Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti) – TGT, Trained Graduate Teacher posts
- Delhi DSSSB & other UT Government schools
- State Government Teachers Recruitment – wherever CTET is accepted (UP, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Rajasthan, etc.)
Approximate In-hand Salary of a regular government primary / upper primary teacher post-CTET: ₹40,000 – ₹70,000 per month (Basic + DA + HRA + TA + medical), depending on the state / Central school authority.
In addition, CTET is valid for life for the purpose of teacher appointment, and is one of the most powerful credentials a B.Ed / D.El.Ed holder can earn in India.
What is the Selection Process for CTET September 2026?
CTET is a single-stage Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) examination conducted by CBSE.
- Paper-I (Classes I–V) – 150 MCQs, 150 marks, 2.5 hours, no negative marking. Sub-divided as Child Development & Pedagogy (30), Language-I (30), Language-II (30), Mathematics (30), Environmental Studies (30).
- Paper-II (Classes VI–VIII) – 150 MCQs, 150 marks, 2.5 hours, no negative marking. Sub-divided as Child Development & Pedagogy (30), Language-I (30), Language-II (30) + 60 marks for Mathematics & Science OR Social Studies / Social Science based on your option.
- Qualifying Marks – A person who scores 60% or more (90/150) is considered as having “passed” CTET. 5% relaxation is admissible to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled candidates as per NCTE Guidelines.
- Result & Certificate – CBSE issues a CTET Certificate with lifetime validity for those who clear the exam.
For detailed topic-wise preparation strategy and previous year analysis, check the exam syllabus and exam calendar sections on GovtJobsAlert.in.
How to Apply Online for CTET September 2026?
- Visit the CTET official website ctet.nic.in or CBSE website cbse.gov.in.
- Click on the “Apply Online” link for CTET September 2026.
- Fill the Authentication Form – State, Identification type, Name, DoB, Gender.
- Complete the Online Application Form – education, paper opted, language-I and language-II, exam city preferences.
- Upload scanned images – Photograph (10–100 KB, 3.5 × 4.5 cm) and Signature (3–30 KB, 3.5 × 1.5 cm) in JPG/JPEG format.
- Pay the examination fee via Debit Card / Credit Card / Net Banking.
- Submit and download the Confirmation Page. Do NOT send any hard copy to CBSE.
Documents / details to keep ready before applying:
- Date of Birth proof (Class 10 certificate)
- Educational qualification details (Sr. Sec. / Graduation / B.Ed / D.El.Ed marks)
- Valid mobile number and email ID (CTET alerts come on these)
- Scanned photograph and signature in correct dimensions
- Net banking / Debit / Credit card for fee payment
Important Dates — CTET September 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 11 May 2026 |
| Online Application Opens | 11 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 10 June 2026 (Before 11:59 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 10 June 2026 (Before 11:59 PM) |
| Admit Card Download | To be notified on ctet.nic.in |
| CTET September 2026 Exam Date | 06 September 2026 (Sunday) |
| Backup Exam Date (if required) | 05 September 2026 (Saturday) |
Admit cards will be released on the official CTET website. You can track all related updates on the admit cards section of GovtJobsAlert.in.
Application Fees — CTET September 2026
CTET September 2026 application fee depends on the paper(s) opted and category. GST will be charged extra by the Bank.
| Category | Only Paper-I or II | Both Paper-I & II |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC (NCL) | ₹1,000 | ₹1,200 |
| SC / ST / Differently-abled | ₹500 | ₹600 |
Mode of payment is online only – Debit Card / Credit Card / Net Banking. Fees paid through Demand Draft / Money Order / IPO / Offline modes will be rejected. Fee once paid is non-refundable under any circumstances.
Essential Links — CTET September 2026
- Download Official Notification PDF
- Apply Online (CTET Official Portal)
- Visit CTET Official Website (ctet.nic.in)
- Join WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram Channel for Government Jobs
CTET September 2026 is your single biggest opportunity this year to unlock teaching jobs at KVS, NVS and dozens of state school recruitments. Apply online before 10 June 2026, prepare smartly for 06 September 2026, and bookmark this page for the admit card and result announcements. Keep visiting GovtJobsAlert.in for more other government jobs and teaching exam updates across India.