The CTET 2026 Exam Date has been officially rescheduled by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to December 12 and December 13, 2026 across nationwide examination centres. This 22nd edition of the Central Teacher Eligibility Test was earlier planned for September 6, 2026, but CBSE shifted the examination following Supreme Court directions that granted extra time for eligible candidates to apply online. Aspiring primary (Classes 1 to 5) and upper primary (Classes 6 to 8) teachers can now access the full revised schedule, city allocation dates, and admit card download rules on the official portal at ctet.nic.in.
Latest status — verified on September 22, 2026: CBSE has confirmed the revised dates for the CTET 2026 examination as December 12 and December 13, 2026. Exam city intimation slips will be published 15 days before the exam, and final admit cards will be available 2 days before the test date on ctet.nic.in.
Here are the 3 most important takeaways every candidate needs to know right now:
- Two-Day Exam Window: The exam takes place on Saturday, December 12, and Sunday, December 13, 2026 in two shifts daily (Morning Shift: 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM; Afternoon Shift: 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM).
- Individual Date and City Allocation: CBSE has clarified that Paper 1 and Paper 2 are not locked to a single day for all students. Your exact date and city will appear on your advance city slip 15 days before the test.
- No Negative Marking: Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 contain 150 multiple-choice questions for 150 total marks with zero negative marking.
CTET 2026 Exam Date and Schedule Highlights
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test serves as the national benchmark qualifying examination for teaching appointments in Central Government schools, including Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVS), Central Tibetan Schools, and schools under the administrative control of Union Territories like Delhi (DSSSB), Chandigarh, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Many private and state-aided institutions also mandate CTET qualification for teaching positions.
| Event Detail | Official Information |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET 2026 – 22nd Edition) |
| Conducting Authority | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Exam Level | National Level Teacher Eligibility Test |
| Revised Exam Dates | December 12 and December 13, 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Offline (OMR Sheet Based Pen and Paper Test) |
| Exam Papers | Paper 1 (Classes 1 to 5) and Paper 2 (Classes 6 to 8) |
| Shift 1 Timing | 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM (2 Hours 30 Minutes) |
| Shift 2 Timing | 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM (2 Hours 30 Minutes) |
| City Intimation Slip Date | 15 Days Before Exam (Late November 2026) |
| Admit Card Release Date | 2 Days Before Exam Date (December 10, 2026) |
| Validity of Certificate | Lifetime Validity Across India |
| Official Website | ctet.nic.in |
| Last Verified Date | September 22, 2026 |
Source: CBSE CTET Official Notification and Public Notice Ref No. CBSE/CTET/2026.
Why Was the CTET 2026 Exam Postponed to December?
CBSE initially scheduled the CTET 2026 test for September 6, 2026. However, multiple teacher training candidates filed petitions regarding eligibility and application accessibility. Following directions issued by the Supreme Court of India, CBSE agreed to grant a one-time opportunity to eligible candidates who could not complete their forms during the first cycle.
To implement this directive smoothly, the board reopened the online registration window between August 25 and September 1, 2026, followed by an official correction window from September 7 to September 10, 2026. If you previously modified your details, you can review our historical guide on the CTET September correction window for context on verified form changes.
Because over 25 lakh applicants registered across hundreds of test cities in 20 official languages, CBSE rescheduled the nationwide examination to December 12 and 13, 2026. This gives test centres sufficient logistical time to organize secure OMR sheet handling, biometric verification systems, and invigilation teams.
CTET 2026 Shift Timings and Reporting Rules
The examination will run in two distinct shifts across both days. Candidates appearing for Paper 1, Paper 2, or both papers must strictly adhere to the reporting schedules printed on their hall tickets. Entry gates close precisely 30 minutes before the test begins, and no candidate will be allowed inside the venue after the closure time under any circumstance.
| Activity | Shift 1 (Morning) | Shift 2 (Afternoon) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry and Reporting Time | 7:30 AM | 12:30 PM |
| Admit Card and ID Verification | 9:00 AM to 9:15 AM | 2:00 PM to 2:15 PM |
| Test Booklet Distribution | 9:15 AM | 2:15 PM |
| Seal Breaking of Question Booklet | 9:25 AM | 2:25 PM |
| Last Entry (Gate Closure) | 9:30 AM Strict | 2:30 PM Strict |
| Test Commencement | 9:30 AM | 2:30 PM |
| Test Conclusion | 12:00 PM (Noon) | 5:00 PM |
| Total Duration | 150 Minutes (2.5 Hours) | 150 Minutes (2.5 Hours) |
Source: CBSE Information Bulletin CTET 2026 Examination Procedures.
Understanding Paper Allocation on December 12 and 13
A common question among registered applicants is whether Paper 1 will be held exclusively on Saturday (December 12) and Paper 2 on Sunday (December 13). CBSE has clarified that paper allocation depends on candidate volume and city-wise capacity. In major metropolitan zones with high applicant counts, both papers may be conducted across both days in staggered shifts.
Each applicant will receive an exact date, shift, and city assignment via their advance city intimation slip. If you applied for both Paper 1 and Paper 2, CBSE schedules both papers on the same day whenever possible (one in the morning shift and one in the afternoon shift) to avoid unnecessary hotel stays and travel stress.
CTET 2026 Paper 1 Exam Pattern (Classes 1 to 5)
Paper 1 evaluates candidates intending to teach primary classes (Class 1 to Class 5). The paper comprises five compulsory sections with 30 multiple-choice questions each. Every question carries 1 mark, bringing the total to 150 marks. There is no penalty for incorrect answers.
| Subject Section | Number of MCQs | Total Marks | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child Development and Pedagogy (Compulsory) | 30 Questions | 30 Marks | Child psychology (6 to 11 years), inclusive education, learning concepts |
| Language I (Compulsory – Medium of Instruction) | 30 Questions | 30 Marks | Reading comprehension, grammar, verbal ability, language pedagogy |
| Language II (Compulsory – Second Chosen Language) | 30 Questions | 30 Marks | Comprehension prose/poetry, basic grammar, language learning principles |
| Mathematics (Compulsory) | 30 Questions | 30 Marks | Numbers, geometry, measurement, weight, data handling, math pedagogy |
| Environmental Studies (Compulsory) | 30 Questions | 30 Marks | Family and friends, food, shelter, water, travel, EVS pedagogical issues |
| Total for Paper 1 | 150 Questions | 150 Marks | Standard Duration: 150 Minutes |
Source: National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) and CBSE Guidelines.
CTET 2026 Paper 2 Exam Pattern (Classes 6 to 8)
Paper 2 is meant for candidates aspiring to teach upper primary or elementary classes (Class 6 to Class 8). Candidates must choose between Mathematics and Science (for science/math teachers) or Social Studies/Social Science (for humanities/social science teachers).
| Subject Section | Number of MCQs | Total Marks | Syllabus Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child Development and Pedagogy (Compulsory) | 30 Questions | 30 Marks | Adolescent psychology (11 to 14 years), diverse learners, pedagogy |
| Language I (Compulsory) | 30 Questions | 30 Marks | Language proficiency, unseen passages, pedagogical foundations |
| Language II (Compulsory) | 30 Questions | 30 Marks | Second language comprehension, grammar rules, communicative skills |
| Mathematics and Science (For Math/Science Teachers) | 60 Questions | 60 Marks | 30 MCQs Mathematics + 30 MCQs Science (Content + Pedagogy) |
| Social Studies / Social Science (For Social Science Teachers) | 60 Questions | 60 Marks | History, Geography, Social and Political Life, Subject Pedagogy |
| Total for Paper 2 | 150 Questions | 150 Marks | Standard Duration: 150 Minutes |
Source: CBSE CTET Syllabus Framework for Elementary Stage Teachers.
Qualifying Marks, Cutoff Percentages, and Certificate Validity
CTET is a pure qualifying examination. Scoring higher marks does not guarantee a direct government job, but passing CTET is a mandatory eligibility condition to apply for teaching vacancies in KVS, NVS, EMRS, Army Public Schools, and state recruitment drives.
Here is how the qualifying marks break down across different candidate categories:
- General (Unreserved) Category: Candidates must score at least 60% marks, which equals 90 out of 150 marks.
- OBC, SC, ST, and Differently Abled Candidates: State and Central school management authorities provide a 5% relaxation in qualifying marks. The minimum qualifying benchmark is 55% marks, which equals 82 out of 150 marks (82.5 rounded down by most hiring bodies).
- Lifetime Validity: The CTET qualifying certificate remains valid for life across all states and Union Territories in India. There is no restriction on the number of attempts a candidate can make to improve their score.
- DigiLocker Digital Certificates: CBSE does not send paper certificates by post. All mark sheets and eligibility certificates with verifiable digital signatures and QR codes will be uploaded directly to candidates’ Aadhaar-linked DigiLocker accounts within 4 weeks of result declaration.
If you are also tracking other major national government recruitment processes, check out our guide on AIIMS NORCET hall ticket updates for examination timing and centre protocols.
Advance Exam City Slip vs Final Admit Card Release Timeline
CBSE follows a two-tier release mechanism for the CTET exam to prevent malpractice while helping students plan their outstation travel smoothly.
| Document Type | Expected Release Date | Key Information Contained | Is It Permitted at Exam Hall? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advance Exam City Intimation Slip | 15 Days Before Exam (Late Nov 2026) | Allotted City, State, Allotted Exam Date, and Paper Shift | No (Only for travel and stay planning) |
| Final CTET Admit Card (Hall Ticket) | 2 Days Before Exam (Dec 10, 2026) | Exact Centre Name, Complete Address, Roll Number, Photo, Instructions | Yes (Mandatory printed copy required with original ID) |
Source: CBSE CTET Examination Notice on Candidate Admit Cards.
Step-by-Step Guide to Download CTET 2026 City Slip and Admit Card
When the download links go live on the official portal, follow these simple steps to retrieve your documents:
- Open your web browser and visit the official website at ctet.nic.in.
- Scroll down to the “Candidate Activity” section on the homepage.
- Click on the active link titled “View Date and City (Pre Admit Card) for CTET 2026” or “Download Admit Card for CTET 2026”.
- Enter your Application Number, Date of Birth (DD-MM-YYYY), and the security PIN shown on screen.
- Click the Submit button to open your document.
- Verify that your name, photograph, signature, chosen language combination (e.g., Hindi/English), and paper selection match your application confirmation page.
- Download the PDF and print at least two clear copies on clean white A4 paper.
What Items Are Allowed and Banned Inside the CTET Exam Centre?
CBSE enforces strict security guidelines at all examination venues. To avoid disqualification or delays at the security checkpoint, review the list of permitted and prohibited items:
Permitted Items Inside the Hall:
- Printed copy of your CTET Admit Card downloaded from ctet.nic.in.
- One original, valid government photo identity card (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, Passport, or Driving Licence).
- Good quality Blue or Black Ballpoint Pen for darkening OMR circles.
- Transparent water bottle (500 ml without any labels or markings).
Strictly Prohibited Items:
- Mobile phones, Bluetooth earphones, smartwatches, fitness bands, or digital health trackers.
- Calculators, geometry boxes, pencil pouches, log tables, or scrap paper.
- Wallets, handbags, goggles, gold ornaments, or electronic key fobs.
- Food items, tea, snacks, or beverages (except plain water in a clear bottle).
Smart 80-Day Preparation Strategy for the December Exam
The postponement from September to December gives you nearly 80 bonus preparation days. Here is a practical, step-by-step revision routine to maximize your score:
- Master NCERT Textbooks (Classes 3 to 8): Over 70% of questions in Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies come directly from standard NCERT textbooks. Read every chapter summary and solve end-of-chapter exercises thoroughly.
- Focus on Pedagogy Concepts: Each subject section carries 15 marks dedicated exclusively to teaching pedagogy (30 marks in CDP + 60 marks across other sections = 90 total pedagogy marks). Master concepts from Piaget, Vygotsky, Kohlberg, Chomsky, and NEP 2020.
- Solve Previous 5 Years Question Papers: CBSE repeats core concepts and question phrasing patterns. Practicing full-length papers will improve your question comprehension speed.
- Practice OMR Sheet Darkening: Because CTET is an offline exam, bubbling errors cost marks. Practice darkening OMR circles using a thick 0.7 mm black ballpoint pen to save 10 to 15 minutes during the actual test.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the revised CTET 2026 exam date?
Answer: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially rescheduled the CTET 2026 examination to December 12 and December 13, 2026 across nationwide test centres. The exam will run in two shifts each day in offline OMR mode.
Q2: Why was the CTET 2026 examination postponed from September to December?
Answer: The examination was postponed following directions from the Supreme Court to allow extra time for eligible candidates who missed the initial registration window. CBSE reopened the application form from August 25 to September 1, 2026 and rescheduled the test to December.
Q3: When will CBSE release the CTET 2026 exam city intimation slip?
Answer: CBSE will release the advance exam city intimation slip on ctet.nic.in approximately 15 days before the examination (expected in late November 2026). This slip informs candidates of their allotted city, exam date, and paper shift.
Q4: When can candidates download the final CTET 2026 admit card?
Answer: The final CTET 2026 admit card containing the exact examination centre address and roll number will be available for download on ctet.nic.in exactly 2 days before the examination date, around December 10, 2026.
Q5: What are the shift timings for CTET Paper 1 and Paper 2?
Answer: Shift 1 runs from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM (Morning), and Shift 2 runs from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM (Afternoon). Each shift lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes). Gates close strictly 30 minutes before the test begins.
Q6: Is there any negative marking in the CTET 2026 examination?
Answer: No, there is zero negative marking in both Paper 1 and Paper 2. Candidates receive 1 mark for each correct answer and lose zero marks for incorrect or unattempted questions.
Q7: What are the minimum qualifying marks for CTET 2026?
Answer: General category candidates must score at least 60% (90 marks out of 150). Candidates belonging to OBC, SC, ST, and differently abled categories require 55% marks (82 marks out of 150) to pass the examination.
Q8: How long is the CTET qualifying certificate valid?
Answer: The CTET eligibility certificate is valid for a lifetime across all states and Union Territories in India. Candidates can also retake the exam at any time to upgrade their marks.
Q9: How will candidates receive their CTET certificate and mark sheet?
Answer: CBSE uploads digital mark sheets and eligibility certificates with verifiable cryptographic QR codes directly to candidates’ DigiLocker accounts within 4 weeks of result declaration. No physical paper copy is sent by post.
Q10: Can a candidate appear for both Paper 1 and Paper 2 on the same day?
Answer: Yes, candidates who applied for both papers will have them scheduled on the same date whenever possible, with Paper 1 in one shift and Paper 2 in the other shift at the same or nearby centre.
Sources Checked and Editorial Verification
- Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) Official Portal
- Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Official Website
- National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) Official Guidelines
Update Policy: This page will be revised immediately when CBSE releases the active city intimation download link or official admit card notification.