The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has commenced the online registration for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) for the September 2026 session. Individuals looking to pursue a career in teaching and secure positions in government schools can now apply via the official CTET portal.
In addition to opening the application process, CBSE has implemented several significant changes to this year's CTET examination, including updates to exam city assignments and an increase in language options.
Eligible candidates have until June 10, 2026, to submit their applications.
Application Process Details
The registration for the 22nd edition of CTET began on May 11, 2026.
Candidates can apply through the official websites:
CTET Official Website
CBSE Official Website
As per the official notification:
- Online application process started: May 11, 2026
- Last date to apply: June 10, 2026 (11:59 PM)
- Last date for fee payment: June 10, 2026 (11:59 PM)
CBSE has advised candidates to avoid waiting until the last minute to prevent server issues and heavy traffic on the website.
CTET September 2026 Exam Schedule
According to the official schedule, the CTET September 2026 examination for both Paper I and Paper II is set for:
Main Exam Date
- September 6, 2026 (Sunday)
CBSE has indicated that if the number of applicants is exceptionally high, an additional examination may be held on:
Additional Possible Exam Date
- September 5, 2026 (Saturday)
The examination will take place in 132 cities across India.
Significant Changes in CTET 2026
This year, CBSE has introduced several important changes that candidates should be aware of before applying.
1. No Choice of Preferred Exam City
One of the most notable changes this year pertains to exam city allocation.
Unlike previous years, candidates will not have the option to select their preferred examination city during the application process.
According to CBSE:
- Exam cities will be assigned randomly by the board.
- Requests for changes in exam cities will not be entertained later.
This adjustment aims to enhance exam management and minimize logistical challenges. Candidates should be prepared for the possibility of being assigned to any available exam city.
2. CTET Offered in 27 Languages
Another significant update is the expansion of language options.
Previously, CTET was conducted in 20 languages. Now, CBSE has increased this to 27 languages for the September 2026 session.
Newly Added Languages
- Bodo
- Dogri
- Kashmiri
- Konkani
- Maithili
- Santhali
- Sindhi
This initiative is seen as a crucial step towards enhancing inclusivity and supporting candidates from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
Existing CTET Language Options
The previous 20 languages included:
- English
- Hindi
- Assamese
- Bengali
- Garo
- Gujarati
- Kannada
- Khasi
- Malayalam
- Manipuri
- Marathi
- Mizo
- Nepali
- Odia
- Punjabi
- Sanskrit
- Tamil
- Telugu
- Tibetan
- Urdu
With the addition of seven new languages, the total number of language options has now reached 27.
Key Dates for CTET September 2026
| Online Application Start Date | May 11, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | June 10, 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | June 10, 2026 |
| Correction Window | June 15 to June 18, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Two days before exam |
| CTET Exam Date | September 6, 2026 |
| Possible Additional Exam Date | September 5, 2026 |
| Expected Result Declaration | End of October 2026 |
Candidates are encouraged to regularly check the official websites for updates regarding admit cards and exam instructions.
Understanding Paper I and Paper II
CTET consists of two distinct papers based on the teaching levels candidates wish to pursue.
Paper I
Paper I is designed for those intending to teach:
- Classes 1 to 5
Paper II
Paper II is for candidates aiming to teach:
- Classes 6 to 8
Candidates seeking eligibility for teaching Classes 1 to 8 can take both papers.
Qualifying Marks for CTET 2026
As per CBSE guidelines:
- Candidates achieving 60 percent or higher will be deemed CTET qualified.
However, passing the CTET does not guarantee immediate recruitment. Schools and educational institutions utilize CTET scores during their recruitment processes based on available vacancies and their selection criteria.
Importance of CTET for Teaching Aspirants
CTET is a crucial eligibility examination for those aspiring to become teachers in central government schools and various state-affiliated institutions.
CTET qualification is often a prerequisite for recruitment in:
- Kendriya Vidyalayas
- Navodaya Vidyalayas
- Central government schools
- Numerous private schools
- State government schools that recognize CTET eligibility
Consequently, a large number of candidates participate in the examination annually.
Candidates Advised to Review Notification Thoroughly
Experts recommend that applicants carefully read the official notification before completing the application, especially due to the newly introduced changes.
Candidates should specifically check:
- Eligibility criteria
- Paper selection
- Language preference
- Uploaded documents
- Application details
- Fee payment status
before finalizing their submission.
With registration now open and significant updates in place, the CTET September 2026 is anticipated to attract a substantial number of applicants nationwide.
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