The CBSE has officially confirmed the CTET 2026 exam date for the 22nd edition, scheduled for September 06, 2026. This guide provides all aspirants with essential details, including Paper 1 and Paper 2 shift timings, exam duration, reporting protocols, admit card release dates, and critical exam day instructions.
CTET Exam Date 2026 Out
The CBSE has officially scheduled the 22nd edition of the CTET exam for Sunday, September 06, 2026, as per the notification released on May 08, 2026. Both Paper I and Paper II will be held on this date in two distinct shifts. Furthermore, the board has reserved September 05, 2026 (Saturday), as a contingency date should the volume of applicants necessitate additional testing capacity. Candidates are urged to monitor the official CTET portal frequently for any last-minute scheduling updates.
CTET Exam Date 2026: Overview
To help you prepare effectively, we have compiled a comprehensive overview of the CTET 2026 exam details. This snapshot includes the conducting authority, edition specifics, key dates, and the mode of examination. We recommend bookmarking this page for quick access to vital information throughout your preparation journey.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Exam Name | Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) |
| Exam Edition | 22nd CTET |
| Notification Release Date | 08 May 2026 |
| CTET Exam Date | 06 September 2026 (Sunday) |
| Papers Conducted | Paper I and Paper II (same day) |
| Exam Mode | Offline (OMR-based) |
| Exam Duration (Each Paper) | 2 Hours 30 Minutes |
| Official Website | ctet.nic.in |
CTET 2026 Shift-Wise Exam Schedule
The CTET examination is conducted in an offline format using OMR sheets, with both Paper I and Paper II taking place on the same day in two shifts. Generally, Paper II is held in the morning session, followed by Paper I in the afternoon, with each session spanning 2 hours and 30 minutes. Review the table below for the precise shift timings for the September 2026 exam.
| Date of Examination | Paper | Shift Timing | Exam Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06 September 2026 | Paper II | 09:30 AM – 12:00 PM | 2 Hours 30 Minutes |
| 06 September 2026 | Paper I | 02:30 PM – 05:00 PM | 2 Hours 30 Minutes |
How to Check the CTET Exam Date 2026 Online
You can verify the official CTET exam schedule by accessing the information bulletin hosted on the official CTET website. Follow our step-by-step instructions below to locate and confirm your exam details with ease.
- Go to the official CTET website.
- Look for the CTET September 2026 Notification PDF link on the homepage.
- Open the information bulletin released by CBSE.
- Scroll to the “Important Dates” section inside the notification.
- Note down the exam date, admit card release schedule, and shift timings.
- Save a copy of the PDF on your device for future reference.
CTET Exam Timing and Reporting Details
Both shifts for the CTET 2026 exam have a duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes. Candidates should verify their specific shift and reporting time on their personal admit card. It is mandatory to arrive at your assigned exam center at least 90 minutes before the commencement of your shift, as the gates will be closed promptly to prevent unauthorized entry.
| Paper | Shift | Exam Timing | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| CTET Paper II | Morning Shift | 09:30 AM to 12:00 Noon | 2 Hours 30 Minutes |
| CTET Paper I | Afternoon Shift | 02:30 PM to 05:00 PM | 2 Hours 30 Minutes |
CTET Admit Card 2026: What Candidates Should Know
Your CTET admit card serves as the most critical document for exam day entry. Typically released by the CBSE a few weeks prior to the examination, this document is considered final. Since requests for changes to exam cities or centers are not entertained, we advise students to plan their travel arrangements immediately upon receiving their hall ticket.
- Download the admit card only from the official CTET website using your application number and date of birth.
- Check your name, photo, exam city, centre address, shift, and reporting time carefully as soon as it is released.
- Carry a printed copy of the admit card to the exam centre; soft copies on mobile phones are not accepted.
- Report any mismatch in personal details to the CTET Unit immediately at [email protected] or 011-24050477.
- Keep the admit card safe until the result and counselling process are complete, as it may be needed again.
CTET Exam Day Guidelines Candidates Must Follow
The CBSE implements rigorous exam day regulations to ensure a fair and transparent testing process. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in denied entry. By arriving on time with the required documentation, you can significantly reduce exam-day stress and focus entirely on your performance.
- Reach the exam centre at least 120 minutes before the shift starts- by 7:30 AM for Paper II and by 12:30 PM for Paper I.
- Entry closes once the exam begins, and no candidate is allowed inside after that, regardless of the reason for being late.
- Carry a printed admit card along with a valid government photo ID such as Aadhaar, PAN, or passport.
- Mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, earphones, smartwatches, and calculators are banned inside the exam hall.
- Books, notes, and loose papers of any kind cannot be taken into the centre.
- Use only a black or blue ballpoint pen on the OMR sheet; pencils and gel pens are not allowed.
- Keep the OMR sheet free of folds, creases, or stray marks.
- Sign the attendance sheet twice-once at the start of the exam and again while submitting the OMR sheet.
- Follow every instruction given by the invigilator throughout the shift.
- Do not leave the hall without formally handing over the OMR sheet.
Can You Request a Change in CTET Exam Date or Centre?
Exam centers are allocated by the CBSE based on administrative logistics; candidates do not have the option to select a preferred city during the application process. Once your center is assigned on the admit card, it is final. No modifications regarding the date, city, or venue will be permitted under any circumstances.
- Exam cities are assigned randomly with no option to select one during registration.
- Requests to change the exam city, centre, or date are not accepted.
- Candidates must appear at the centre and city printed on their admit card.
- Check the admit card thoroughly right after downloading to avoid last-minute issues.
- Report any discrepancy in the admit card, such as an incorrect name, photo, or date of birth, to the CTET Unit right away at [email protected] or 011-24050477.
How to Prepare in the Time Left Before CTET 2026
With the exam date confirmed, you can now streamline your revision strategy. Prioritize high-weightage topics, engage with full-length mock tests, and review previous years' papers to optimize your study time. Consistent practice will enhance your confidence and readiness for the CTET 2026 exam.
| Preparation Step | What to Focus On |
|---|---|
| Syllabus Revision | Prioritise Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I and II, and subject-specific sections |
| Mock Tests | Attempt full-length mock tests under timed, exam-like conditions every week |
| Previous Year Papers | Solve past CTET papers to understand question difficulty and recurring patterns |
| Weak Area Tracking | Maintain a list of frequently missed topics and revise them on a rotating basis |
| Time Management | Practice completing each paper within 2 hours 30 minutes without skipping revision time |
| Final Revision | Reserve the last two weeks only for revision, not for learning new topics |
CTET Exam Date
The CBSE has officially scheduled the CTET 2026 examination for Sunday, September 06, 2026, with both Paper I and Paper II occurring on this date.
Yes, both papers are conducted on the same day: Paper II is held during the morning shift, while Paper I takes place in the afternoon session.
No, candidates cannot select their preferred exam city; the CBSE allocates test centers randomly based on availability.
Candidates are required to report to their designated center at least 120 minutes prior to the shift start time—specifically by 7:30 AM for Paper II and 12:30 PM for Paper I.
You must carry a printed copy of your admit card along with a valid original government-issued photo ID, such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card, or passport.
Each individual paper (Paper I and Paper II) has a total duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Should you find any discrepancies on your admit card, contact the CTET Unit immediately at [email protected] or call 011-24050477 for assistance.