The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially released the notification for CTET September 2026, inviting aspiring teachers across India to register for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test scheduled on 06 September 2026. Notably, the application window opened on 11 May 2026 and closes on 10 June 2026 — leaving very few days to complete your registration. Candidates seeking eligibility to teach Classes 1 to 5 or Classes 6 to 8 in central government schools must hold the appropriate teaching qualification. Furthermore, there is no age limit for this examination, making it accessible to all eligible teaching aspirants regardless of age.
Exam Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Exam Name | Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) September 2026 |
| Papers Available | Paper I (Class 1–5) and Paper II (Class 6–8) |
| Total Posts | Not Applicable — Eligibility Certificate Examination |
| Exam Location | Pan-India |
Paper-wise Applicant Breakdown
CTET September 2026 offers two independent papers targeting different teaching levels. Specifically, candidates who wish to teach both primary and upper primary classes may appear for both Paper I and Paper II in a single examination cycle, subject to meeting the eligibility criteria for each.
| Paper | Teaching Level | Applicable Classes |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Primary Stage | Class 1 to Class 5 |
| Paper II | Upper Primary Stage | Class 6 to Class 8 |
| Both Papers | Primary + Upper Primary | Class 1 to Class 8 |
Eligibility Criteria
Many teaching aspirants feel uncertain about whether their current qualification — a B.Ed or a D.El.Ed — is sufficient for their target paper. Here is the precise breakdown for each level, so you can confirm your standing before applying.
Age Limit
- No minimum or maximum age limit — all eligible candidates may apply regardless of age, as per CBSE rules
Educational Qualification
Level 1 — Paper I (Class 1 to 5):
- Passed 12th (Senior Secondary) from a recognised Board
- Additionally, one of the following teaching qualifications is mandatory:
- D.El.Ed (Diploma in Elementary Education)
- JBT (Junior Basic Training)
- B.El.Ed (Bachelor of Elementary Education)
- D.Ed (Diploma in Education)
Level 2 — Paper II (Class 6 to 8):
- Graduation Degree from a recognised university in any stream
- Additionally, one of the following teaching qualifications is mandatory:
- B.Ed (Bachelor of Education)
- B.El.Ed (Bachelor of Elementary Education)
Nationality
- Candidates must be Indian citizens, as specified in the official notification
Important Dates
Your deadline to apply is imminent, so act today without further delay. Consequently, candidates who miss the 10 June 2026 cutoff will have to wait for the next CTET cycle to register.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 11 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 10 June 2026 |
| Fee Payment Deadline | 10 June 2026 |
| Correction Window | 15 – 18 June 2026 |
| CTET Exam Date | 06 September 2026 |
| Admit Card Date | Before Exam |
| Result Date | To Be Announced |
Application Fee
The fee structure for CTET September 2026 varies by both category and the number of papers you choose to attempt. Importantly, applying for both papers together is more economical than treating them as separate examinations in future cycles.
| Paper | General / OBC | SC / ST / PWD |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I Only | ₹ 1,000/- | ₹ 500/- |
| Both Paper I & Paper II | ₹ 1,200/- | ₹ 600/- |
Accepted payment modes include Debit Card, Credit Card, Internet Banking, IMPS, and Cash Card / Mobile Wallet.
Exam Pattern
The selection process for CTET September 2026 consists solely of a Written Examination — there is no interview, physical test, or document verification at the application stage. Furthermore, the detailed subject-wise question distribution and marking scheme are available on the official CTET website for your preparation reference.
| Stage | Mode | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | Offline / Online | 06 September 2026 |
In addition, candidates who qualify the CTET examination receive a validity certificate that is recognised for teaching appointments in central government schools across India.
How to Apply Online
Applying for CTET September 2026 is straightforward, provided your teaching qualification documents and payment method are ready before you begin. Make sure you complete your registration before 10 June 2026 without fail.
- Visit the official CTET website at https://ctet.nic.in/
- Find and open the notification for CTET September 2026
- Register using your valid email address and mobile number
- Fill in the online application form carefully, selecting Paper I, Paper II, or both as applicable
- Upload your recent passport-size photograph and signature in the prescribed format
- Pay the applicable application fee through your preferred online payment mode
- Submit the completed form and save the acknowledgement slip for all future reference
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Short Notice | Click Here |
| CTET February Notification | Click Here |
| CTET Official Website | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the last date to apply for CTET September 2026?
The final deadline to submit your application and complete fee payment is 10 June 2026 — if you have not yet registered, today is the day to act immediately.
Q2. Is there any age limit for appearing in CTET September 2026?
No – CTET September 2026 carries no minimum or maximum age restriction. Consequently, teaching aspirants of all ages who meet the educational qualification requirements are fully eligible to apply.
Q3. Can a candidate appear for both Paper I and Paper II in the same cycle?
Yes, absolutely. Moreover, applying for both papers together costs only ₹1,200 for General and OBC candidates — significantly more convenient than registering for separate examination cycles.
Q4. Is a B.Ed degree sufficient to apply for Paper I targeting primary classes?
Paper I requires a 12th pass along with D.El.Ed, JBT, B.El.Ed, or D.Ed – a standalone B.Ed qualification does not meet the Paper I criteria. Therefore, B.Ed holders should apply for Paper II, which covers Classes 6 to 8 and fully accepts the B.Ed qualification.
Q5. When is the CTET September 2026 examination scheduled?
The examination is confirmed for 06 September 2026. In other words, you have approximately three months from the application deadline to prepare thoroughly – a well-structured study plan started today will make a measurable difference to your score.