The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially released the CTET September 2026 Notification for candidates aspiring to become teachers in Central Government schools such as KVS, NVS, Army Public Schools, and other CBSE-affiliated institutions. The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is one of the most important teaching eligibility examinations in India.
Candidates planning to appear for CTET 2026 must check the latest eligibility criteria, exam pattern, important dates, and preparation strategy to maximize their chances of qualifying.
CTET 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a Year |
| Session | September 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Official Website | CTET |
CTET 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 11 May 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 11 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 10 June 2026 |
| Correction Window | June 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 2–3 Days Before Exam |
| CTET 2026 Exam Date | 06 September 2026 |
| Result Declaration | October 2026 (Expected) |
CBSE has released the detailed notification on the official CTET portal.
What is CTET?
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is conducted by CBSE to determine the eligibility of candidates for teaching positions in Classes I to VIII.
- Paper I: For candidates aspiring to teach Classes I to V
- Paper II: For candidates aspiring to teach Classes VI to VIII
- Candidates intending to teach Classes I to VIII can appear for both papers.
CTET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
CTET Paper I Eligibility (Classes I–V)
Candidates should have:
- Senior Secondary (or equivalent) with at least 50% marks and passed/appearing in the final year of D.El.Ed, or
- Senior Secondary with at least 45% marks and passed/appearing in D.El.Ed as per NCTE norms, or
- Senior Secondary with 50% marks and passed/appearing in B.El.Ed, or
- Graduation and passed/appearing in D.El.Ed.
CTET Paper II Eligibility (Classes VI–VIII)
Candidates should have:
- Graduation and passed/appearing in B.Ed, or
- Graduation with 50% marks and passed/appearing in B.Ed (Special Education), or
- Graduation with D.El.Ed/B.El.Ed as per prescribed norms.
Candidates must verify their eligibility from the official information bulletin before applying.
CTET 2026 Exam Pattern
Paper I (Classes I–V)
| Subject | 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 (Classes VI–VIII)
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I | 30 | 30 |
| Language II | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics & Science (for Science Teachers) | 60 | 60 |
| Social Studies/Social Science (for SST Teachers) | 60 | 60 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
CTET 2026 Qualifying Marks
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Percentage | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General | 60% | 90/150 |
| SC/ST/OBC/PwD | 55% | 82/150 (as per applicable rules) |
CTET 2026 Syllabus
Child Development & Pedagogy
- Learning Theories
- Inclusive Education
- Child Psychology
- Teaching Methods
Language I & II
- Reading Comprehension
- Grammar
- Language Pedagogy
Mathematics
- Number System
- Geometry
- Measurement
- Data Handling
- Pedagogical Issues
Environmental Studies
- Family and Friends
- Food and Shelter
- Transportation
- EVS Pedagogy
Social Studies
- History
- Geography
- Political Science
- Economics
- Pedagogy
Science
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Pedagogical Concepts
CTET 2026 Preparation Strategy
1. Understand the Latest Syllabus
Study only the topics prescribed in the official notification.
2. Focus on Pedagogy
Pedagogy carries significant weight in both papers.
3. Solve Previous Year Papers
Analyze the pattern and identify frequently asked topics.
4. Attempt Mock Tests
Regular practice improves speed and accuracy.
5. Revise NCERT Books
NCERT books from Classes III to VIII are highly beneficial.
6. Strengthen Language Sections
Practice comprehension passages and grammar questions daily.
Benefits of Qualifying CTET
✅ Eligibility for KVS Recruitment
✅ Eligibility for NVS Recruitment
✅ Opportunities in Central Government Schools
✅ Preference in many Private Schools
✅ Lifetime Validity of CTET Certificate
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is CTET 2026 Notification released?
Yes, CBSE has released the CTET September 2026 Notification on its official website.
Q2. What is the CTET 2026 exam date?
The CTET September 2026 examination will be conducted on 06 September 2026.
Q3. What is the last date to apply for CTET 2026?
The last date to submit the application form was 10 June 2026.
Q4. Is there any age limit for CTET?
No, there is no upper age limit to appear for the CTET examination.
Q5. How many papers are there in CTET?
There are two papers:
- Paper I (Classes I–V)
- Paper II (Classes VI–VIII)
Q6. What are the qualifying marks in CTET?
General category candidates need 90 out of 150 marks to qualify.
Q7. Is the CTET certificate valid for a lifetime?
Yes, the CTET certificate has lifetime validity.
Q8. Can a candidate appear for both CTET papers?
Yes, candidates eligible for both levels can appear for Paper I and Paper II simultaneously.