CTET September 2026 invites online applications from aspiring teachers seeking eligibility for teaching positions at the primary and upper-primary levels in Central Government schools across India. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) conducts this national-level eligibility test, scheduled for 06 September 2026. Notably, the application window runs from 11 May 2026 to 10 June 2026. Candidates appearing for Level-1 (Class 1–5) must hold a 12th pass with a D.El.Ed or equivalent qualification, while those appearing for Level-2 (Class 6–8) must hold a Graduation degree with B.Ed.
Admission Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Institute/University | Central Government & Aided Schools across India |
| Admission Authority | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Course Name(s) | CTET Paper-I (Level 1 — Class 1–5), CTET Paper-II (Level 2 — Class 6–8) |
| Total Seats | Not Applicable — Eligibility-Based Test |
| Mode of Admission | Written Examination |
| Official Website | ctet.nic.in |
Course & Seat Breakdown
| Paper | Level | Classes | Eligibility Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | Level-1 | Class 1 to 5 (Primary) | 12th Pass + D.El.Ed / JBT / B.El.Ed / D.Ed |
| Paper-II | Level-2 | Class 6 to 8 (Upper Primary) | Graduation + B.Ed / B.El.Ed |
| Both Papers | Level-1 & Level-2 | Class 1 to 8 | As applicable per paper |
Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit
No minimum or maximum age limit has been prescribed for CTET September 2026. Candidates of any age who meet the academic qualification requirements are eligible to apply as per CBSE rules.
Qualification
Level-1 — Paper-I (Primary Stage: Class 1–5):
- Candidates must have passed the Senior Secondary (Class 12 / 10+2) examination with at least the minimum prescribed marks.
- Additionally, candidates must hold a D.El.Ed (Diploma in Elementary Education), JBT (Junior Basic Training), B.El.Ed (Bachelor of Elementary Education), or D.Ed (Diploma in Education) from a recognised institution.
Level-2 — Paper-II (Upper Primary Stage: Class 6–8):
- Candidates must hold a Graduation Degree in any stream from a recognised university.
- Furthermore, candidates must possess a B.Ed (Bachelor of Education) or B.El.Ed (Bachelor of Elementary Education) qualification from a recognised institution.
Entrance Exam
Candidates must appear in the CTET September 2026 written examination conducted by CBSE on 06 September 2026; eligibility for teaching appointments is determined solely on the basis of qualifying marks in the respective paper.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 25 May 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 11 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 10 June 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 10 June 2026 |
| Online Correction Window | 15 June 2026 to 18 June 2026 |
| Admit Card Date | Before Exam |
| Exam Date | 06 September 2026 |
Application Fee
| Paper | General / OBC | SC / ST / PwD |
|---|---|---|
| Paper-I Only | ₹1,000/- | ₹500/- |
| Paper-II Only | ₹1,000/- | ₹500/- |
| Both Paper-I & Paper-II | ₹1,200/- | ₹600/- |
Accepted Payment Modes: Debit Card, Credit Card, Internet Banking, IMPS, Cash Card, Mobile Wallet (all online modes).
Selection Process
- Submit the online application form at ctet.nic.in before 10 June 2026, selecting Paper-I, Paper-II, or both as applicable.
- Use the Online Correction Window (15–18 June 2026) to rectify any errors in the submitted application form if needed.
- Download the Admit Card from the official CTET portal before the examination date and verify centre, date, and shift details.
- Appear in the CTET September 2026 Written Examination on 06 September 2026 for the selected paper(s).
- Await Result Declaration on the official CTET portal and verify qualifying status against the minimum passing marks.
- Download the CTET Eligibility Certificate upon qualifying, which remains valid for teaching appointments as per CBSE and government norms.
How to Apply Online
- Visit the official CTET portal at ctet.nic.in.
- Find and click the CTET September 2026 Online Application link on the homepage.
- Register with a valid email ID and active mobile number to create a new applicant account.
- Fill in the multi-step application form with accurate personal, academic, and paper-preference details.
- Upload a scanned passport-size photograph and signature in the prescribed format and file size as directed on the portal.
- Pay the applicable examination fee — ₹1,000 (single paper) or ₹1,200 (both papers) for General/OBC, and ₹500/₹600 for SC/ST/PwD — using any accepted online payment mode before 10 June 2026.
- Submit the final application and download the confirmation page for future reference and admit card verification.
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Short Notice PDF | Click Here |
| CTET February Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
FAQs
Q1. What are the application start and end dates for CTET September 2026?
The online application for CTET September 2026 opened on 11 May 2026 and closes on 10 June 2026, with a correction window available from 15 to 18 June 2026.
Q2. What is the minimum eligibility to apply for CTET September 2026?
For Paper-I, candidates need a 12th pass certificate with a D.El.Ed/JBT/B.El.Ed/D.Ed qualification; for Paper-II, candidates need a Graduation degree with B.Ed or B.El.Ed.
Q3. Is there a separate exam for CTET September 2026 Paper-I and Paper-II?
Yes, CTET September 2026 conducts separate papers for Level-1 (Class 1–5) and Level-2 (Class 6–8); candidates may additionally appear in both papers if they wish to obtain eligibility for both levels.
Q4. How many seats are available under CTET September 2026?
CTET September 2026 is a teacher eligibility test and not a direct recruitment; consequently, there is no fixed seat count — qualifying candidates become eligible for teaching appointments as per available vacancies at Central Government schools.
Q5. What is the selection process for CTET September 2026?
Selection is based entirely on performance in the written examination on 06 September 2026; candidates who qualify receive a CTET eligibility certificate valid for teaching appointment as per CBSE norms.