CTET September 2026: Reopen Application Form, Eligibility & Exam Date

CTET September 2026 application has been reopened by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for eligible candidates who could not apply during the earlier application window. The reopened application facility is available from 25 August 2026 to 1 September 2026. Candidates who have already successfully submitted their CTET application do not need to apply again.

The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is conducted for candidates who want to become teachers for Classes I to V and Classes VI to VIII. The examination is conducted by CBSE and qualifying the CTET makes candidates eligible to apply for teaching positions where CTET qualification is required.

CTET September 2026 Overview

CTET Application Reopened

CBSE has reopened the CTET September 2026 application portal following the relevant Supreme Court proceedings mentioned in its notice. The reopened window gives eligible candidates another opportunity to submit their applications.

The reopened application facility is available from 25 August 2026 to 1 September 2026. Candidates who already completed and submitted their applications successfully are not required to submit a fresh application.

Candidates should carefully check their eligibility, select the appropriate paper and complete the fee payment before the deadline.

CTET Eligibility Criteria

The minimum educational qualifications for CTET are based on the requirements notified by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE). Candidates should verify their eligibility before submitting the application.

Paper I Eligibility for Classes I to V

Candidates can qualify for Paper I through prescribed combinations of Senior Secondary and teacher education qualifications. These include:

• Senior Secondary with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education.
• Senior Secondary with at least 45% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education under applicable NCTE regulations.
• Senior Secondary with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education.
• Senior Secondary with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a 2-year Diploma in Education (Special Education).
• Graduation with at least 50% marks and Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), subject to applicable conditions.

Candidates should check the latest NCTE requirements for the exact qualification applicable to them.

Paper II Eligibility for Classes VI to VIII

For Paper II, candidates may qualify through combinations such as:

• Graduation with a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education.
• Graduation with at least 50% marks and a 1-year B.Ed.
• Graduation with at least 45% marks and a 1-year B.Ed. under applicable NCTE regulations.
• Senior Secondary with at least 50% marks and a 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education.
• Senior Secondary with at least 50% marks and a 4-year B.A./B.Sc.Ed. or B.A.Ed./B.Sc.Ed.
• Graduation with at least 50% marks and a 1-year B.Ed. (Special Education).

Candidates pursuing eligible teacher education programmes may also be permitted to appear in CTET according to applicable rules.

CTET Application Fee 2026

The application fee depends on the candidate’s category and whether they apply for one paper or both papers.

The examination fee can be paid online using methods such as debit card, credit card or net banking.

How to Apply for CTET September 2026

Eligible candidates can apply online through the official CTET portal. The basic application process is:

1. Visit the official CTET website.
2. Open the online application form.
3. Enter personal and educational information.
4. Upload the required photograph, signature and documents.
5. Select the appropriate CTET paper.
6. Pay the application fee according to the category.
7. Submit the application form.
8. Download and keep a copy of the submitted application for future reference.

Candidates should make sure that all details entered in the application form are correct before final submission.

Important Web-Links

CTET Important Dates 2026

CTET Exam Pattern

CTET consists of two papers. Paper I is for candidates who intend to teach Classes I to V, while Paper II is for candidates who intend to teach Classes VI to VIII.

Candidates who want to teach both levels have to appear for both Paper I and Paper II.

The examination contains multiple-choice questions. Each question carries one mark and there is no negative marking.

Paper I Exam Pattern

The duration of Paper I is 2 hours 30 minutes.

The questions are based mainly on the NCERT syllabus for Classes I to V. Child Development and Pedagogy focuses on educational psychology, learning, diverse learners and teaching approaches.

Paper II Exam Pattern

Paper II is also conducted for 2 hours 30 minutes. Questions are primarily based on the NCERT syllabus for Classes VI to VIII, with the difficulty level and linkages potentially extending to the Senior Secondary stage.

CTET September 2026 Exam Schedule

If the number of candidates increases, CBSE may also conduct the examination on 5 September 2026.

CTET Certificate Validity

The CTET certificate has lifetime validity. Candidates who qualify can use their CTET qualification for recruitment opportunities where CTET is an eligibility requirement, subject to the recruitment rules of the concerned organisation.

CTET Exam Centres in Assam

Candidates from Assam can find CTET examination centres in cities including:

• Dibrugarh
• Guwahati
• Silchar

The final examination centre allotted to a candidate will be mentioned in the relevant examination documents.

Important Instructions for Candidates

Candidates applying during the reopened window should complete their applications before the deadline. It is important to carefully verify personal information, educational qualifications, paper selection, category details and uploaded documents.

Candidates should also retain their application confirmation page and payment details. Regularly checking the official CTET website is recommended for updates regarding the admit card, examination centre, correction facility and result.

CTET September 2026 FAQs

What is the last date to apply for CTET September 2026?

The reopened application window is available until 1 September 2026.

When did the CTET September 2026 application process start?

The original online application process started on 11 May 2026.

When was the CTET application portal reopened?

The CTET September 2026 application portal was reopened from 25 August 2026 to 1 September 2026.

Do candidates who already submitted their CTET application need to apply again?

No. Candidates who have already successfully completed and submitted their applications do not need to submit a fresh application.

What is the CTET application fee for General and OBC-NCL candidates?

The fee is Rs. 1,000 for one paper and Rs. 1,200 for both papers.

What is the fee for SC, ST and PWD candidates?

SC, ST and PWD candidates have to pay Rs. 500 for one paper or Rs. 600 for both papers.

How many papers are there in CTET?

There are two papers. Paper I is intended for teaching Classes I to V, while Paper II is intended for teaching Classes VI to VIII.

Is there negative marking in CTET?

No. CTET does not have negative marking.

What is the duration of the CTET examination?

Each CTET paper has a duration of 2 hours 30 minutes.

What is the validity of the CTET certificate?

The CTET certificate is valid for a lifetime.

Where can candidates apply for CTET September 2026?

Candidates can apply through the official CTET website at ctet.nic.in.