CTET September 2026: Exam Date, Schedule, Pattern, Syllabus

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the Information Bulletin for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) September 2026. This is a crucial notification for aspiring teachers who wish to qualify for teaching positions in Classes I-VIII. The online application window is open from May 11, 2026, to June 10, 2026. The examination is scheduled for September 06, 2026 (Sunday), with a potential alternative date of September 05, 2026 (Saturday) if the number of candidates increases. Candidates are advised to carefully review all details regarding eligibility, application process, exam pattern, and syllabus to ensure a smooth application and preparation journey.

Quick Overview

Important Dates

Exam Schedule

The CTET September 2026 examination will be conducted in two shifts on September 06, 2026, as per the following schedule:

Note: In case the number of candidates increases, the exam may also be conducted on 05th September, 2026 (Saturday). Candidates must report at the Examination Centre at 7:30 AM for Paper-II and 12:30 PM for Paper-I, which is 120 minutes before the commencement of the examination.

Exam Pattern

The CTET examination consists of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), with four alternatives for each question, out of which one answer will be the most appropriate. Each question carries one mark, and there is no negative marking. The main question paper will be bilingual (Hindi/English).

Paper I (for Classes I to V) Primary Stage

Duration: Two-and-a-half hours (150 minutes)

Paper II (for Classes VI to VIII) Elementary Stage

Duration: Two-and-a-half hours (150 minutes)

Note: A candidate intending to teach both levels (Classes I-V and VI-VIII) must appear for both Paper I and Paper II. Language II must be different from Language I.

Application Fee

The application fee is non-refundable and non-adjustable for future tests. GST will be charged extra by the bank.

Mode of Payment: Online-mode (Debit Card/Credit Card/Net Banking).

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must satisfy the minimum educational qualifications for appearing in CTET as notified by NCTE. Relaxation up to 5% in the qualifying marks in the minimum Educational Qualification for eligibility shall be allowed to candidates belonging to reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled). For detailed and updated eligibility criteria, candidates are advised to visit the official website of NCTE: https://ncte.gov.in.

Note: Appearing in CTET does not guarantee appointment; it is only one of the eligibility criteria for appointment. The eligibility will be finally verified by the concerned recruiting agency.

How to Apply

The application process for CTET September 2026 is entirely online. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Log On: Visit the official CTET website https://ctet.nic.in or CBSE website https://www.cbse.gov.in.
2. Access Application Link: Click on the “Apply Online” link.
3. Fill Online Application Form: Complete the online application form with all required details. Note down the Registration Number/Application Number generated.
4. Upload Scanned Images: Upload your latest scanned photograph and signature in JPG/JPEG format as per the specifications:
   • Photograph: Size between 10 to 100 KB, Dimension 3.5 cm (width) x 4.5 cm (height).
   • Signature: Size between 3 KB to 30 KB, Dimension 3.5 cm (length) x 1.5 cm (height).
5. Pay Examination Fee: Pay the fee using a debit card, credit card, or net banking.
6. Print Confirmation Page: After successful fee submission, print the Confirmation Page for your records. Do not send the hard copy to the CTET Unit.

Important: Candidates should ensure all particulars, especially Name, Father’s Name, Mother’s Name, and Date of Birth, match their Class Xth Certificate. No change requests will be accepted after the online correction period. Submitting more than one application may lead to cancellation of candidature.

Admit Card

The e-Admit Card for CTET September 2026 will be available for download on the official CTET website approximately two days before the examination date. Candidates must download their admit cards and bring a printout to the examination center.

How to Download Admit Card

1. Visit the official CTET website: https://ctet.nic.in.
2. Look for the “Download Admit Card” link for CTET September 2026.
3. Enter your Registration Number/Application Number and Date of Birth/Password.
4. Download and print your admit card.

What to Verify on Admit Card

• Candidate’s Name, Father’s Name, Mother’s Name
• Roll Number/Application Number
• Date and Time of Examination
• Examination Centre Address
• Candidate’s Photograph and Signature
• Category (General/OBC/SC/ST/PwD)

In case of any discrepancy, contact the CTET Unit immediately for corrections.

Exam Centers

The examination city will be allotted by CBSE on a random basis. Candidates will not have the option to select an exam city during the online application. Requests for changing the allotted examination city will not be accepted under any circumstances. Similarly, requests for changing the examination date will not be entertained if the exam is also conducted on September 05, 2026.

Documents Required on Exam Day

Candidates must carry the following items to the examination center:

• Printed Admit Card: A clear printout of the downloaded e-Admit Card.
• Valid Photo Identity Proof: (e.g., Aadhar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Passport, Driving License). While not explicitly listed for entry, it’s standard practice for government exams and highly recommended.
• Black/Blue Ball Point Pen: Candidates must bring their own good quality black/blue ballpoint pens. Pens will NOT be supplied by the Board. Use of pencil is strictly prohibited.

Items NOT Allowed in Exam Centre

• Any textual material (printed or written), bits of paper, Geometry/Pencil Box, Plastic Pouch, Calculator, Scale, Writing Pad, Pen drives, Eraser, Whitener, Log Table, Electronic Pen/scanner, Cardboard etc.
• Communication devices like Mobile phones, Bluetooth, Earphones, Microphones, Pagers, Health bands etc.
• Watch/Wrist watch, wallet, goggles, handbags, Gold/artificial ornaments etc.
• Any other item that could be used for unfair means or for hiding communication devices/gadgets like Camera, Bluetooth device etc.
• Food or beverages (except drinking water, if permitted by center rules).

Exam Day Instructions

Adhering to exam day instructions is crucial for a smooth examination experience:

• Reporting Time: Report at the examination center 120 minutes before the commencement of the test (7:30 AM for Paper-II, 12:30 PM for Paper-I). Candidates reporting after the last entry time will not be permitted to appear for the examination.
• Biometric Authentication: Be prepared for biometric authentication, if introduced, at the exam centers. Reach early to avoid time loss.
• Seat Allocation: Occupy your allocated seat immediately after entering the examination hall. Changing seats is strictly prohibited and may lead to cancellation of candidature.
• Test Booklet & OMR Sheet: Sealed Test Booklet with an OMR Answer Sheet inside will be distributed 15 minutes before the exam starts. Do not open the seal until instructed by the invigilator.
• Filling OMR Sheet: Fill required particulars on the OMR sheet neatly and accurately with a black/blue ballpoint pen. Do not fold, tear, wrinkle, or make stray marks on the OMR sheet.
• Marking Responses: Darken only one circle completely for each question. Changing answers with an eraser or white fluid is not permitted and will invalidate the OMR sheet.
• Confirmation Page: Retain the Confirmation Page for future reference.
• Unfair Means: Indulging in any unfair means or misbehavior will lead to cancellation of candidature and debarment from future examinations.
• Leaving the Hall: No candidate is allowed to leave the examination room without the special permission of the Invigilator until the full duration of the paper is over. Hand over the OMR sheet to the invigilator and sign the attendance sheet twice.

Detailed Syllabus

The CTET syllabus is designed to assess the candidate’s understanding of teaching methodologies and subject-specific knowledge for primary and elementary school levels. The questions for Paper I and Paper II will be based on topics prescribed in the NCERT syllabus for classes I-V and VI-VIII, respectively, but their difficulty level and linkages could be up to the Secondary stage.

Paper I (Classes I-V) Syllabus

1. Child Development and Pedagogy (30 Questions)

• Child Development (Primary School Child) (15 Questions): Concept of development and its relationship with learning, Principles of the development of children, Influence of Heredity & Environment, Socialization processes, Piaget, Kohlberg and Vygotsky, Concepts of child-centered and progressive education, Critical perspective of Intelligence, Multi-Dimensional Intelligence, Language & Thought, Gender as a social construct, Individual differences among learners, Assessment for learning and assessment of learning, Formulating appropriate questions.
• Concept of Inclusive education and understanding children with special needs (5 Questions): Addressing learners from diverse backgrounds, Addressing needs of children with learning difficulties/impairment, Addressing Talented, Creative, Specially abled Learners.
• Learning and Pedagogy (10 Questions): How children think and learn, Basic processes of teaching and learning, Child as a problem solver and a scientific investigator, Alternative conceptions of learning, Cognition & Emotions, Motivation and learning, Factors contributing to learning.

2. Mathematics (30 Questions)

• Content (15 Questions): Geometry, Shapes & Spatial Understanding, Solids around Us, Numbers, Addition and Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, Measurement, Weight, Time, Volume, Data Handling, Patterns, Money.
• Pedagogical issues (15 Questions): Nature of Mathematics/Logical thinking, Place of Mathematics in Curriculum, Language of Mathematics, Community Mathematics, Evaluation, Problems of Teaching, Error analysis, Diagnostic and Remedial Teaching.

3. Environmental Studies (30 Questions)

• Content (15 Questions): Family and Friends, Food, Shelter, Water, Travel, Things We Make and Do.
• Pedagogical Issues (15 Questions): Concept and scope of EVS, Significance of EVS, Environmental Studies & Environmental Education, Learning Principles, Scope & relation to Science & Social Science, Approaches of presenting concepts, Activities, Experimentation/Practical Work, Discussion, CCE, Teaching material/Aids, Problems.

4. Language I (30 Questions)

• Language Comprehension (15 Questions): Reading unseen passages (prose/drama and poem) with questions on comprehension, inference, grammar, verbal ability.
• Pedagogy of Language Development (15 Questions): Learning and acquisition, Principles of language Teaching, Role of listening and speaking, Critical perspective on grammar, Challenges of teaching language in diverse classroom, Language Skills, Evaluating comprehension, Teaching-learning materials, Remedial Teaching.

5. Language II (30 Questions)

• Comprehension (15 Questions): Two unseen prose passages (discursive/literary/narrative/scientific) with questions on comprehension, grammar, verbal ability.
• Pedagogy of Language Development (15 Questions): Learning and acquisition, Principles of language Teaching, Role of listening and speaking, Critical perspective on grammar, Challenges of teaching language in diverse classroom, Language Skills, Evaluating comprehension, Teaching-learning materials, Remedial Teaching.

Paper II (Classes VI-VIII) Syllabus

1. Child Development and Pedagogy (30 Questions)

• Child Development (Elementary School Child) (15 Questions): Concept of development and its relationship with learning, Principles of the development of children, Influence of Heredity & Environment, Socialization processes, Piaget, Kohlberg and Vygotsky, Concepts of child-centered and progressive education, Critical perspective of Intelligence, Multi-Dimensional Intelligence, Language & Thought, Gender as a social construct, Individual differences among learners, Assessment for learning and assessment of learning, Formulating appropriate questions.
• Concept of Inclusive education and understanding children with special needs (5 Questions): Addressing learners from diverse backgrounds, Addressing needs of children with learning difficulties/impairment, Addressing Talented, Creative, Specially abled Learners.
• Learning and Pedagogy (10 Questions): How children think and learn, Basic processes of teaching and learning, Child as a problem solver and a scientific investigator, Alternative conceptions of learning, Cognition & Emotions, Motivation and learning, Factors contributing to learning.

2. Mathematics and Science (60 Questions) OR Social Studies/Social Sciences (60 Questions)

Candidates must choose either Mathematics and Science OR Social Studies/Social Sciences.

Mathematics (30 Questions – if chosen)

• Content (20 Questions): Number System (Knowing Our Numbers, Playing with Numbers, Whole Numbers, Negative Numbers and Integers, Fractions), Algebra (Introduction to Algebra, Ratio and Proportion), Geometry (Basic geometrical ideas, Understanding Elementary Shapes, Symmetry, Construction, Mensuration, Data handling).
• Pedagogical Issues (10 Questions): Nature of Mathematics/Logical thinking, Place of Mathematics in Curriculum, Language of Mathematics, Community Mathematics, Evaluation, Remedial Teaching, Problem of Teaching.

Science (30 Questions – if chosen)

• Content (20 Questions): Food (Sources, Components, Cleaning), Materials (Materials of daily use), The World of the Living, Moving Things People and Ideas, How things work (Electric current and circuits, Magnets), Natural Phenomena, Natural Resources.
• Pedagogical Issues (10 Questions): Nature & Structure of Sciences, Natural Science/Aims & objectives, Understanding & Appreciating Science, Approaches/Integrated Approach, Observation/Experiment/Discovery, Innovation, Text Material/Aids, Evaluation, Problems, Remedial Teaching.

Social Studies/Social Sciences (60 Questions – if chosen)

• Content (40 Questions): History (When, Where and How, The Earliest Societies, First Farmers and Herders, First Cities, Early States, New Ideas, First Empire, Contacts with Distant lands, Political Developments, Culture and Science, New Kings and Kingdoms, Sultans of Delhi, Architecture, Creation of an Empire, Social Change, Regional Cultures, Establishment of Company Power, Rural Life and Society, Colonialism and Tribal Societies, The Revolt of 1857-58, Women and reform, Challenging the Caste System, Nationalist Movement, India After Independence), Geography (Geography as a social study and as a science, Planet: Earth in the solar system, Globe, Environment, Air, Water, Human Environment, Resources, Agriculture), Social and Political Life (Diversity, Government, Local Government, Making a Living, Democracy, State Government, Understanding Media, Unpacking Gender, The Constitution, Parliamentary Government, The Judiciary, Social Justice and the Marginalised).
• Pedagogical Issues (20 Questions): Concept & Nature of Social Science/Social Studies, Class Room Processes, Developing Critical thinking, Enquiry/Empirical Evidence, Problems of teaching Social Science/Social Studies, Sources, Projects Work, Evaluation.

3. Language I (30 Questions)

• Language Comprehension (15 Questions): Reading unseen passages (prose/drama and poem) with questions on comprehension, inference, grammar, verbal ability.
• Pedagogy of Language Development (15 Questions): Learning and acquisition, Principles of language Teaching, Role of listening and speaking, Critical perspective on grammar, Challenges of teaching language in diverse classroom, Language Skills, Evaluating comprehension, Teaching-learning materials, Remedial Teaching.

4. Language II (30 Questions)

• Comprehension (15 Questions): Two unseen prose passages (discursive/literary/narrative/scientific) with questions on comprehension, grammar, verbal ability.
• Pedagogy of Language Development (15 Questions): Learning and acquisition, Principles of language Teaching, Role of listening and speaking, Critical perspective on grammar, Challenges of teaching language in diverse classroom, Language Skills, Evaluating comprehension, Teaching-learning materials, Remedial Teaching.

Note: For a more detailed breakdown of topics, candidates should refer to the NCERT syllabus and textbooks for classes I-VIII.

Qualifying Marks & Certificate Validity

As per NCTE Notification, a candidate who scores 60% or more in the TET exam will be considered as TET pass. The CTET qualifying certificate will have a lifetime validity for appointment. There is no restriction on the number of attempts a person can make to acquire a CTET Certificate or to improve their score.

Recommended Books

To prepare effectively for CTET September 2026, candidates should refer to the following standard books, in addition to NCERT textbooks:

Note: Always cross-reference topics with the official syllabus and prioritize NCERT textbooks for foundational understanding.

Preparation Strategy

A well-structured preparation strategy is key to cracking CTET. Here’s a general approach:

3-Month Study Plan

• Month 1: Foundation Building: Focus on understanding core concepts from Child Development & Pedagogy, and your chosen subjects (Maths, EVS, Science, Social Studies). Read NCERT textbooks thoroughly. Make concise notes for quick revision.
• Month 2: Practice & Analysis: Solve topic-wise questions. Identify your strong and weak areas. Dedicate more time to weak topics. Start practicing previous year’s question papers to understand the exam pattern and question types.
• Month 3: Mock Tests & Revision: Take full-length mock tests regularly to improve speed and accuracy. Analyze your performance in each mock test. Revise all important concepts, formulas, and pedagogical principles. Focus on time management.

Daily Study Routine

Dedicate 6-8 hours daily, divided into slots for different subjects. Start with challenging subjects when your mind is fresh. Incorporate short breaks to avoid burnout. Regular revision is paramount.

Key Tips

• Understand Pedagogy: CTET heavily emphasizes pedagogical understanding. Focus on how children learn, teaching methods, and classroom management.
• NCERT is Key: For subject-specific content, NCERT books for classes I-VIII are the primary resource.
• Language Focus: Practice comprehension passages and grammar rules for both Language I and Language II.
• Time Management: Practice solving questions within the given time limit. Identify questions that take more time and work on improving efficiency.
• Stay Updated: Keep an eye on any official announcements or corrigendum from CBSE CTET.

What to Expect on Exam Day

The CTET exam is an OMR-based test, requiring careful handling of the answer sheet. Expect a controlled environment with strict adherence to instructions. Questions will range from easy to moderate difficulty, primarily testing conceptual understanding and application of pedagogical principles. Be prepared for a long duration of 2.5 hours per paper, requiring sustained concentration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I apply for both Paper I and Paper II?

Yes, candidates who intend to teach both Classes I-V and Classes VI-VIII must apply for both Paper I and Paper II.

Q2: Is there negative marking in CTET September 2026?

No, there is no negative marking in the CTET examination. Each correct answer fetches one mark.

Q3: What documents are required to apply online?

You need scanned images of your latest photograph (10-100 KB, 3.5cm x 4.5cm) and signature (3-30 KB, 3.5cm x 1.5cm) in JPG/JPEG format.

Q4: Can I change my exam city after submitting the application?

No, the examination city is allotted on a random basis by CBSE, and requests for change will not be accepted. However, there is a correction window (June 15-18, 2026) for other particulars, but not for the city of examination.

Q5: What is the validity period of the CTET certificate?

The CTET qualifying certificate has lifetime validity for appointment for all categories.

Q6: What should I do if there is a discrepancy in my admit card?

If you find any discrepancy in your e-Admit Card regarding particulars, photograph, or signature, you should immediately contact the CTET Unit for necessary corrections.

Q7: What is the minimum qualifying percentage for CTET?

A candidate scoring 60% or more in the TET exam will be considered as TET pass. Concessions up to 5% in qualifying marks are allowed for reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled).

Q8: Can I use a pencil to mark answers on the OMR sheet?

No, the use of a pencil is strictly prohibited. You must use only a black/blue ballpoint pen to mark answers on the OMR sheet. OMR sheets filled with pencils will be rejected.

Q9: What happens if I submit multiple online applications?

If a candidate submits more than one online application, their candidature will be liable to be cancelled, and they may also be debarred from future examinations.

Q10: Where can I find the detailed syllabus for specific subjects for classes I-VIII?

For a detailed breakdown of topics within each subject, candidates are advised to refer to the NCERT syllabus and textbooks for classes I-VIII, as mentioned in the notification.

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