CTET Exam Date 2026: A major update has arrived for millions of teaching aspirants across India! The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) released an official public notice announcing the revised examination schedule for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026 (22nd Edition, September Cycle).
Following recent directions from the Supreme Court, CBSE reopened the application portal to allow candidates who missed the previous registration window another chance to apply. Due to this extended registration process, the examination will now be conducted on December 12 and December 13, 2026.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the revised exam dates, shift timings, exam pattern, and important guidelines.
CTET Exam Date 2026 Officially Announced
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Exam Name | CTET September 2026 Cycle (22nd Edition) |
| Revised Exam Dates | December 12 & December 13, 2026 |
| City Intimation Slip Release | 15 Days Before the Exam |
| Admit Card Release Date | 2 Days Before the Exam |
| Official Website | ctet.nic.in |
Exam Schedule & Shift Timings
The CTET 2026 exam will be held in two shifts across both days. Please note that Paper II (for Classes 6 to 8) will be held in the morning shift, while Paper I (for Classes 1 to 5) will be conducted in the afternoon shift.
| Exam Date | Paper | Shift & Exam Timing |
|---|---|---|
| December 12 & 13, 2026 | Paper II (Classes VI to VIII) | Morning Shift: 09:30 AM to 12:00 PM |
| December 12 & 13, 2026 | Paper I (Classes I to V) | Afternoon Shift: 02:30 PM to 05:00 PM |
CTET 2026 Exam Pattern
There are no structural changes to the examination pattern. Both papers consist of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), and there is no negative marking.
| Particulars | Paper 1 (Classes 1 to 5) | Paper 2 (Classes 6 to 8) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Questions | 150 MCQs | 150 MCQs |
| Total Marks | 150 Marks | 150 Marks |
| Duration | 2.5 Hours (150 Minutes) | 2.5 Hours (150 Minutes) |
| Negative Marking | None | None |
How to Download the Official Schedule & Exam Day Rules
Candidates can check the official notification by following these quick steps:
- Visit the official CTET portal at ctet.nic.in.
- Locate and click on the link titled “Public Notice: CTET Revised Exam Date 2026”.
- Download the PDF schedule to view official confirmation.
Important Exam Day Guidelines
- Candidates must carry a printed copy of their Admit Card along with a valid Government Photo ID Proof to the examination hall.
- It is advised to report to the examination center at least 30 to 45 minutes prior to the reporting time to complete verification smoothly.
