CBSE issues revised CTET 2026 dates, exam scheduled for December 12, 13
CBSE has revised the CTET 2026 schedule, shifting the examination from September 6 to December 12 and 13. The update gives registered candidates more preparation time, while city slips and admit cards will be released closer to the examination.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has revised the schedule for the 22nd edition of the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET), moving the examination from September to December 2026.
The test, earlier scheduled for September 6, will now be held on December 12 and 13, according to a public notice issued by CBSE on September 14.
CTET SEPTEMBER EXAM MOVED TO DECEMBER
CBSE’s original notification had fixed September 6 as the examination date, with September 5 as an additional day if candidate numbers increased. The board has now replaced those dates with December 12 and 13.
The postponement follows a fresh application opportunity opened by CBSE in August. Candidates who had missed the earlier application window were allowed to register from August 25 to September 1.
CTET CITY SLIP, ADMIT CARD DATES
CBSE said information about the examination city and the date allotted to each candidate will be available on the CTET portal 15 days before the examination.
The admit card, containing examination centre details, will be available for download two days before the exam.
Candidates should keep checking the official CTET portal for updates rather than relying on unofficial information.
TWO PAPERS, TWO TEACHING LEVELS
The examination will continue to have two papers. Paper I is for candidates seeking eligibility to teach Classes 1 to 5, while Paper II is for those aiming to teach Classes 6 to 8.
Both papers will have 150 multiple-choice questions carrying 150 marks. Candidates will get two hours and 30 minutes for each paper and will appear separately for Paper I and Paper II.
The examination will be conducted in offline, pen-and-paper mode.
WHAT QUALIFYING MEANS
A qualifying certificate can be used while applying for teaching positions in schools such as Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas and private schools affiliated with CBSE. However, clearing the examination does not guarantee appointment.
Candidates should follow the latest official notice for all future updates. No fresh application process has been announced yet.