The Central Board of Secondary Education conducts the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) to determine the eligibility of candidates for teaching positions in Classes 1 to 8 in schools across the country. Interested candidates can submit their online application forms for the CTET September 2026 session through the official website CTET Official Website before the last date.
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is a national-level teaching eligibility examination conducted twice every year by the Central Board of Secondary Education for candidates aspiring to become teachers in Central Government schools such as Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), and other government or government-aided institutions. Candidates aiming to build a career in the teaching sector for Primary (Classes 1–5) and Upper Primary (Classes 6–8) levels must qualify for the CTET examination. Based on the CTET score, eligible candidates can apply for teaching vacancies in various Central and State Government schools across India.
CTET 2026 Notification Out
The CTET 2026 Notification (Information Bulletin) for the September 2026 cycle has been officially released on the website CTET Official Website. The notification includes complete details regarding the application process, eligibility criteria, important dates, exam pattern, syllabus, and other essential instructions for candidates.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has published this notification for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET), which is conducted to determine the eligibility of candidates for teaching posts in Classes 1 to 8 across Central Government schools such as Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), and other government and government-aided institutions.
Candidates are advised to carefully read the official notification before applying and ensure they meet all eligibility conditions. The CTET Information Bulletin can be downloaded directly from the official website or through the direct link provided in the notification section.
CTET Notification 2026 PDF (Official)- Click to Check
📘 CTET 2026 Exam Summary
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) consists of two papers—Paper I and Paper II. Paper I is conducted for candidates aspiring to teach Classes 1 to 5 (Primary Level), while Paper II is for those who wish to teach Classes 6 to 8 (Upper Primary Level). Candidates who meet the CTET eligibility criteria get a valuable opportunity to build a career in the teaching sector across India.
🧾 CTET Exam 2026 – Summary
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Conducting Body | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Exam Name | Central Teacher Eligibility Test |
| Exam Level | National |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Registration Dates | 11th May to 10th June 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen and Paper) |
| Exam Duration | 150 minutes |
| Language of Paper | English and Hindi |
| Attempt Limit | Unlimited |
| Certificate Validity | Lifetime |
| No. of Test Cities | 136 cities across India |
| Age Limit | No upper age limit (Minimum age: 18 years) |
| Educational Qualification | Graduation / D.El.Ed / B.Ed (as per post) |
| Exam Helpdesk No. | 011-22235774 |
| Official Website | CTET Official Website |
📌 Key Highlights
- 🧑🏫 Two papers: Primary (Class 1–5) & Upper Primary (Class 6–8)
- 🏛️ Conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
- 🌍 National-level eligibility test for teaching jobs in KVS, NVS & other schools
- ♾️ Unlimited attempts with lifetime validity certificate
- 📝 Offline exam (OMR-based test)
📅 CTET 2026 Important Dates
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026 notification has been released on the official website, along with the complete exam schedule. Candidates should carefully note all important dates related to registration, fee payment, correction window, admit card, and examination.
🧾 CTET 2026 – Important Dates
| 📌 Events | 📅 Dates |
|---|---|
| CTET Notification 2026 | 11th May 2026 |
| CTET Online Form 2026 Starts | 11th May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 10th June 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 10th June 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Application Correction Window | 15th to 18th June 2026 |
| CTET Admit Card 2026 | 4th September 2026 |
| CTET Exam Date 2026 | 6th September 2026 |
⚠️ Important Note
- The exam may also be conducted on 5th September 2026, depending on the number of candidates applying for the CTET September session.
- Candidates are advised to regularly visit the official website CTET Official Website for any updates or changes in the schedule.
📌 Key Reminder
Missing any deadline may result in cancellation of application, so candidates must complete registration and fee payment before the last date.
🎓 CTET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026 are different for candidates applying for Primary Level (Classes 1–5) and Upper Primary Level (Classes 6–8) teaching positions. Candidates must carefully check the required educational qualifications before applying.
🧑🏫 Educational Qualification for Classes 1–5 (Primary Stage)
A candidate is eligible for Primary Teacher (PRT) if they fulfill any one of the following conditions:
- Senior Secondary (or equivalent) with at least 50% marks and passed/appearing in 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed)
OR - Senior Secondary with at least 45% marks (as per NCTE Regulations 2002) and passed/appearing in 2-year D.El.Ed
OR - Senior Secondary with at least 50% marks and passed/appearing in 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed)
OR - Senior Secondary with at least 50% marks and passed/appearing in 2-year Diploma in Education (D.Ed)
OR - Graduation degree and passed/appearing in 2-year D.El.Ed
🧑🏫 Educational Qualification for Classes 6–8 (Upper Primary Stage)
A candidate is eligible for TGT (Upper Primary Teacher) if they fulfill any one of the following conditions:
- Graduation and passed/appearing in 2-year D.El.Ed
OR - Graduation with at least 50% marks and passed/appearing in Bachelor of Education (B.Ed)
OR - Graduation with at least 40% marks (as per NCTE norms) and passed/appearing in B.Ed
OR - Senior Secondary with at least 50% marks and passed/appearing in 4-year B.El.Ed
OR - Senior Secondary with at least 50% marks and passed/appearing in B.A.Ed / B.Sc.Ed
OR - Graduation with at least 50% marks and enrolled in 1-year B.Ed program
📌 Important Notes
- Candidates must ensure their qualification is recognized by NCTE (National Council for Teacher Education).
- Final-year students of the required courses can also apply.
- Eligibility must be fulfilled at the time of document verification or as per official CTET guidelines.
- For updates and official details, visit: CTET Official Website
🎯 Key Takeaway
The CTET eligibility structure ensures that only professionally trained teaching candidates qualify for recruitment in schools such as KVS, NVS, and other government or aided institutions.
Click to Check Detailed CTET Eligibility Criteria 2026
📝 CTET 2026 Application Form
Interested teaching aspirants can submit the CTET 2026 Application Form through the official website CTET Official Website from 11th May to 10th June 2026 (11:59 PM). Candidates must carefully fill out the online form and ensure all details are correct to avoid rejection or discrepancies at later stages.
Before starting the application process, candidates should keep all required documents ready, such as educational certificates, identity proof, photograph, and signature.
CTET Application Form 2026- Click to Apply
💳 CTET 2026 Application Fee Details
The application fee for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) varies depending on category and whether the candidate is applying for one or both papers.
📊 CTET Application Fee 2026
| Category | Only Paper I or II | Both Paper I & II |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC | ₹1000 | ₹1200 |
| SC / ST / Differently Abled | ₹500 | ₹600 |
⚠️ Important Note
- GST charges will be applicable extra as per bank rules.
- Application fee is non-refundable under any circumstances.
- Candidates must complete fee payment before the last date: 10th June 2026.
CTET 2026 Selection Process
The selection process for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026 is based solely on the candidate’s performance in the written examination. CTET is an eligibility test, not a recruitment exam, which means qualifying it does not guarantee a job but makes candidates eligible to apply for teaching vacancies in various schools as per available posts. Candidates must secure the minimum qualifying marks, generally 60% or more, to obtain the CTET eligibility certificate, which allows them to apply for teaching positions in government and aided schools such as KVS, NVS, and others.
📘 CTET 2026 Exam Pattern
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026 will be conducted in two papers: Paper I and Paper II. Paper I is for candidates aspiring to become teachers for Classes 1 to 5, while Paper II is for those who wish to teach Classes 6 to 8. Candidates also have the option to appear for both papers. The exam consists of Objective Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), and candidates must score at least 60% marks to qualify. The CTET certificate is now valid for a lifetime, as per the latest CBSE guidelines.
🧑🏫 CTET Paper I Exam Pattern (Classes 1–5)
| Subject | Number of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Language I (Compulsory) | 30 | 30 |
| Language II (Compulsory) | 30 | 30 |
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| Environmental Studies | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
📌 Nature of Questions (Paper I)
- 🧠 Child Development & Pedagogy: Focus on educational psychology of children aged 6–11 years, learning process, and teaching methods
- 📖 Language I: Based on proficiency in the medium of instruction
- 📖 Language II: Focus on comprehension, grammar, and communication skills (different from Language I)
- ➗ Mathematics & Environmental Studies: Concept-based questions from NCERT syllabus (Classes I–V), including application and pedagogy
🌐 CTET Language Options (Paper I)
Candidates can choose two languages from the following:
- English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Garo, Gujarati, Kannada, Khasi, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Mizo, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Tibetan, Urdu
📌 Important Note
- Questions are based on NCERT syllabus (Classes I–V)
- Difficulty level may go up to Secondary level understanding
- Language selection must be filled carefully during application
Check CTET Paper I & II Exam Pattern
📘 CTET 2026 Syllabus
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026 syllabus has been officially revised by CBSE. A clear understanding of the syllabus is the first and most important step for candidates preparing for the exam. The syllabus mainly focuses on Child Development and Pedagogy, along with Languages, Mathematics, Science, Environmental Studies, and Social Studies. Candidates must also prepare for two languages selected from the official list provided in the notification.
🧑🏫 CTET Paper I Syllabus (Classes 1–5)
| Subject | Topics |
|---|---|
| Child Development & Pedagogy | Child Development, Learning & Pedagogy |
| Language I | Comprehension, Pedagogy of Language Development |
| Language II | Comprehension, Pedagogy of Language Development |
| Mathematics | Numbers, Addition & Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, Geometry, Shapes & Spatial Understanding, Solids Around Us |
| Environmental Studies | Family & Friends, Food, Shelter, Water, Travel |
🧑🏫 CTET Paper II Syllabus (Classes 6–8)
| Subject | Topics |
|---|---|
| Child Development & Pedagogy | Child Development, Learning & Pedagogy |
| Language I | Comprehension, Pedagogy of Language Development |
| Language II | Comprehension, Pedagogy of Language Development |
| Mathematics & Science (Optional) | Number System, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration; Food, Materials, Natural Phenomena, Natural Resources |
| Social Studies / Social Science | History, Geography, Social & Political Life, Pedagogical Issues |
📌 Key Highlights
- 📚 Focus on Child Development & Pedagogy (CDP) as the most important section
- 🧠 Strong emphasis on conceptual understanding and teaching methodology
- 🌐 Language sections test comprehension and communication skills
- 🔬 Science, Mathematics, and Social Science based on NCERT syllabus
🎯 Final Note
A well-planned preparation strategy based on the official syllabus of the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is essential for success in the exam.
Read the Complete CTET Syllabus 2026 (Paper I + Paper-II)
📌 CTET Certificate Validity 2026
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) certificate validity has been revised by CBSE, and now it is valid for a lifetime. Earlier, the validity period was 7 years from the date of issue, but the change has been made effective retrospectively from 2011. This means candidates who have already qualified CTET will also benefit from lifetime validity. If any candidate’s certificate validity had expired earlier, the concerned State or UT authorities are responsible for re-validating or re-issuing the certificate. The CTET eligibility certificate is essential for applying to teaching posts in Central Government schools.
💰 CTET Teacher Salary 2026 (After Qualification)
After qualifying the Central Teacher Eligibility Test, candidates become eligible to apply for teaching jobs in schools such as KVS, NVS, and other government institutions. The salary varies depending on the post (Primary Teacher, TGT, PGT).
🧑🏫 Salary Structure (Approx.)
| Components | Primary Teacher | TGT | PGT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay Scale | 9300 – 34800 | 9300 – 34800 | 9300 – 34800 |
| Grade Pay | 4200 | 4600 | 4800 |
| Basic Pay (7th CPC) | 35400 | 44900 | 47600 |
| HRA | 3240 | 3400 | 4350 |
| TA | 1600 | 1600 | 1600 |
| Gross Salary | 40240 | 49900 | 53550 |
| Net Salary (Approx.) | 35000–37000 | 43000–46000 | 48000–50000 |
📌 Key Highlights
- ♾️ CTET certificate is now valid for lifetime
- 🏫 Required for teaching jobs in Central Government & aided schools
- 💼 Salary depends on post: PRT, TGT, PGT
- 📈 Monthly in-hand salary ranges from ₹35,000 to ₹50,000 (approx.)
📌 CTET 2026 Key Points
- To help candidates understand the updated format, CBSE will release sample blueprints and model question papers on the official website CTET Official Website.
2. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that the Central Teacher Eligibility Test 2026 question papers will focus more on conceptual understanding, reasoning, application, problem-solving, and critical thinking instead of only factual knowledge.
3. The revised CTET pattern aims to assess a candidate’s understanding of teaching methodologies, pedagogical content knowledge, and the relevance of subjects in the school curriculum.
4. Additional questions may be included to evaluate planning of teaching-learning experiences and concept-based assessment methods specific to classroom teaching.
📍 CTET 2026 Exam Centre
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026 examination will be conducted across multiple cities in India. During the online application process, candidates must select 4 preferred exam centres from the available list. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will try to allot the first preferred city; however, if seats are unavailable, another nearby centre may be allotted.
🗺️ CTET 2026 Exam Centres (State-wise)
| S. No | State / UT | Major Exam Cities |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andaman & Nicobar | Port Blair |
| 2 | Andhra Pradesh | Guntur, Tirupati, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Kurnool, Nellore |
| 3 | Assam | Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Silchar, Jorhat |
| 4 | Bihar | Patna, Gaya, Bhagalpur, Muzaffarpur |
| 5 | Chhattisgarh | Raipur, Bilaspur, Bhilai Nagar |
| 6 | Chandigarh | Chandigarh |
| 7 | Dadra & Nagar Haveli | Dadra & Nagar Haveli |
| 8 | Daman & Diu | Daman |
| 9 | Delhi | New Delhi |
| 10 | Goa | Panaji |
| 11 | Gujarat | Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot, Vadodara, Gandhinagar |
| 12 | Haryana | Gurugram, Faridabad, Ambala, Karnal |
| 13 | Himachal Pradesh | Shimla, Solan, Mandi, Hamirpur |
| 14 | Jammu & Kashmir | Jammu, Srinagar, Samba |
| 15 | Jharkhand | Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Bokaro, Dhanbad |
| 16 | Karnataka | Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi |
| 17 | Kerala | Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode, Kollam |
| 18 | Lakshadweep | Kavaratti |
| 19 | Madhya Pradesh | Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur |
| 20 | Maharashtra | Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Aurangabad |
| 21 | Manipur | Imphal |
| 22 | Meghalaya | Shillong |
| 23 | Mizoram | Aizawl |
| 24 | Nagaland | Dimapur, Kohima |
| 25 | Odisha | Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela, Sambalpur |
| 26 | Puducherry | Puducherry |
| 27 | Punjab | Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala |
| 28 | Rajasthan | Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Udaipur |
| 29 | Sikkim | Gangtok |
| 30 | Tamil Nadu | Chennai, Coimbatore, Salem, Tiruchirappalli |
| 31 | Tripura | Agartala |
| 32 | Uttar Pradesh | Lucknow, Kanpur, Noida, Varanasi, Prayagraj |
| 33 | Uttarakhand | Dehradun, Haldwani, Roorkee |
| 34 | West Bengal | Kolkata, Howrah, Durgapur, Siliguri, Asansol |
📌 Important Instructions
- Candidates should carefully choose exam centres during registration.
- CBSE reserves the right to change or allot a different centre depending on availability.
- Exam centre details will be mentioned on the CTET admit card.
For official updates and the complete city list, visit:
CTET Official Website
