CTET Exam Date 2026: Official Schedule, Shift Timings & Exam Guidelines

CTET Exam Date 2026 Out

The CBSE has officially announced that the 22nd edition of the Central Teacher Eligibility Test will be conducted on 06 September 2026 (Sunday). Detailed in the public notice released on 08 May 2026, the schedule confirms that both Paper I and Paper II will occur on this date. Should candidate registration volume necessitate, the board reserves the right to conduct the exam on 05 September 2026 (Saturday) as an additional date. We advise candidates to monitor the official CTET website regularly for any updates.

Please note that the CBSE has explicitly stated that candidates cannot choose their preferred examination city within the online application portal. Exam city allocation is managed by the CBSE on a randomized basis.

CTET Exam Schedule 2026

The CBSE administers both Paper I and Paper II on the same day across two distinct shifts. Typically, Paper II is scheduled for the morning shift, while Paper I takes place in the afternoon. Each paper allows for a 2-hour and 30-minute duration, with the test administered in an offline format using OMR sheets. Find the comprehensive, shift-wise CTET September 2026 schedule below.

How to Check CTET Exam Date 2026

Candidates registered for the CTET September 2026 examination can verify the official exam date via the notification PDF published by the Central Board of Secondary Education. Per the latest directives, the CTET 2026 exam is firmly set for 06 September 2026 for both Paper I and Paper II.

• Visit the official CTET website: CTET Official Website
• On the homepage, click on the link for CTET September 2026 Notification PDF.
• Open the official information bulletin released by CBSE.
• Check the “Important Dates” section mentioned in the notification.
• The CTET Exam Date 2026, admit card schedule, and exam timings will appear on the screen.
• Download and save the notification PDF for future reference.

CTET Exam Time & Shift

The CTET September 2026 Exam is organized by the Central Board of Secondary Education in two shifts. To ensure a smooth experience, candidates must review the reporting time, shift details, and exam duration on their CTET Admit Card 2026. As the test is conducted offline at various centers across India, candidates are strictly advised to arrive at the venue at least 90 minutes before the exam begins.

CTET Exam Day Instructions

All examinees must strictly adhere to the exam day protocols issued by the CBSE. These regulations ensure a fair and efficient testing environment. Entry is governed by the reporting time displayed on the admit card; late arrivals will not be permitted. Carrying the necessary documentation and arriving punctually is critical for a stress-free experience.

• Candidates must report to the examination center at least 120 minutes before the exam starts – that is, by 7:30 AM for Paper II and by 12:30 PM for Paper I.
• Entry to the exam hall will be closed at the start of the exam. Candidates arriving late will not be allowed to enter under any circumstances.
• Carry a printed copy of the CTET Admit Card 2026 along with a valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, etc.).
• Electronic devices like mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, earphones, smartwatches, and calculators are strictly not allowed inside the exam center.
• Study material, notes, books, or bits of paper of any kind must not be carried into the examination hall.
• Candidates must use only a Black or Blue Ball Point Pen to fill in the OMR sheet. Use of pencil or gel pen is strictly prohibited.
• Do not fold, wrinkle, or put any stray marks on the OMR answer sheet.
• Candidates must sign the attendance sheet twice – once at the start of the exam and again while handing over the OMR sheet.
• Follow all instructions given by the invigilator throughout the exam.
• Candidates must not leave the exam hall without handing over the OMR sheet to the invigilator.

Request a change in CTET exam Date or Centre?

Many candidates inquire about changing their exam city or center after the admit card release. Please be aware that such requests cannot be accommodated. We strongly recommend verifying all details upon downloading your admit card and finalizing travel and accommodation plans immediately.

• CBSE allots examination cities on a random basis – there is no option to choose your city during registration.
• No request for change of exam city, centre, or date will be accepted for any reason.
• Candidates must appear strictly at the centre and city mentioned on their admit card.
• Check your admit card details immediately after downloading it to avoid any last-minute issues.
• Any discrepancy in the admit card such as wrong name, photo, or date of birth must be reported to the CTET Unit immediately by contacting CBSE at [email protected] or calling 011-24050477.