CTET 2026: If you are preparing for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026, here is a crucial update you cannot afford to miss! While the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) recently concluded the application correction window, a subtle change in an official document has created major buzz among aspirants nationwide.
There is growing speculation that the upcoming examination—originally expected to be conducted under the September cycle—might be rescheduled to December 2026.
Is the CTET 2026 Exam Really Postponed?
The confusion began when sharp-eyed candidates noticed a modification in the file reference number of the latest notification. Previous official communications strictly carried the file number F.No.: CBSE/CTET/SEPTEMBER-2026. However, the recent correction notice unexpectedly displays F.No.: CBSE/CTET/December-2026.
While some experts believe this could simply be a minor clerical error, CBSE has not issued a clarification yet. Consequently, the possibility of the exam moving to December 2026 remains on the table. Candidates are advised to stay focused and continue their preparation without disruption.
CTET 2026 Exam Structure
The examination consists of two papers, each carrying 150 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) for a total of 150 marks.
| Paper | Target Classes | Total Questions | Total Marks | Key Subjects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Primary (Classes 1 to 5) | 150 | 150 | CDP, Mathematics, EVS, Language I & Language II |
| Paper 2 | Elementary (Classes 6 to 8) | 150 | 150 | CDP, Language I, Language II, Science & Math OR Social Studies |
Detailed Exam Pattern
Paper 1 Pattern (Classes 1 to 5)
| Subject | Number of Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development and Pedagogy (Compulsory) | 30 MCQs | 30 |
| Mathematics (Compulsory) | 30 MCQs | 30 |
| Environmental Studies (Compulsory) | 30 MCQs | 30 |
| Language I (Compulsory) | 30 MCQs | 30 |
| Language II (Compulsory) | 30 MCQs | 30 |
| Total | 150 MCQs | 150 Marks |
Paper 2 Pattern (Classes 6 to 8)
| Subject | Number of Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development and Pedagogy (Compulsory) | 30 MCQs | 30 |
| Mathematics & Science OR Social Studies/Social Science | 60 MCQs | 60 |
| Language I (Compulsory) | 30 MCQs | 30 |
| Language II (Compulsory) | 30 MCQs | 30 |
| Total | 150 MCQs | 150 Marks |
Minimum Passing Marks & Qualifying Criteria
To qualify the CTET examination, candidates must secure the minimum prescribed percentage based on their category.
| Candidate Category | Minimum Qualifying Percentage | Required Cut-Off Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (UR) | 60% | 90 out of 150 |
| Reserved Categories (OBC / SC / ST / PwD) | 55% | 82.5 out of 150 |
Exam Timings & Reporting Schedule
CTET examination is conducted in two distinct shifts. Candidates must report at their designated examination centers 2 hours (120 minutes) prior to the commencement of the exam.
| Examination Shift | Timing | Reporting Time |
|---|---|---|
| Shift 1 | 09:30 AM to 12:00 PM | 07:30 AM |
| Shift 2 | 02:30 PM to 05:00 PM | 12:30 PM |
Final Advice for Aspirants
Regardless of whether the exam takes place in September or December, keeping up with your revision is essential. Make sure to regularly check ctet.nic.in for the latest official notifications and press releases.
