Following a Supreme Court directive to accommodate additional applicants, the CBSE has rescheduled the CTET 2026 exam to October 9, 2026. The extended application window concluded on September 1, 2026, and official admit cards are slated for release by October 4, 2026.
Official CTET Exam Date 2026
The CBSE announced the 22nd edition of the CTET on May 8, 2026. While the examination was originally scheduled for September 6, 2026, the board has officially confirmed October 9, 2026, as the revised date for the CTET 2026 exam. All logistical arrangements for this new date have been solidified. Candidates—both from the initial cycle and the reopened window—are encouraged to align their study schedules accordingly.
CTET Exam Date 2026: Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Exam Name | Central Teacher Eligibility Test () |
| Exam Edition | 22nd CTET |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Notification Release Date | 08 May 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Offline (OMR-based) |
| Papers Conducted | Paper I and Paper II |
| Exam Duration (Each Paper) | 2 Hours 30 Minutes |
| Exam Date | 09 October 2026 (New Updated Exam Date) |
| Official Website | ctet.nic.in |
Key CTET 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 08 May 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 11 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online (First Window) | 10 June 2026 |
| Correction Window | 15 to 18 June 2026 |
| Application Form Reopen Start Date | 25 August 2026 |
| Application Form Reopen Last Date | 01 September 2026 |
| Originally Scheduled Exam Date | |
| Revised Exam Date | 09 October 2026 |
| Admit Card Release Date | 04 October 2026 |
How to Verify Your CTET Exam Date 2026
Candidates can confirm the official CTET exam schedule by visiting the official CTET portal and reviewing the latest notification bulletin. Follow these steps to stay informed about any real-time updates.
- 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.
Essential CTET Exam Day Guidelines
To ensure a seamless testing environment, the CBSE enforces strict examination protocols. Candidates must adhere to these guidelines to avoid disqualification. Arriving early with all required documentation is critical to a stress-free exam experience.
- 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.
CTET Exam Date FAQs
When is the rescheduled CTET Exam Date 2026?
The CBSE has officially rescheduled the CTET 2026 exam for October 9, 2026, encompassing both Paper I and Paper II.
Are Paper 1 and Paper 2 held on the same day?
Yes, both papers take place on the same day. Typically, Paper II is conducted during the morning shift, while Paper I is held in the afternoon.
Can I select my preferred CTET exam city?
No, CBSE allocates exam centers randomly. Candidates do not have the option to choose or request a specific exam city during the application process.
What is the required reporting time for CTET 2026?
Candidates are required to reach the exam center at least 120 minutes prior to the start of their shift—by 7:30 AM for Paper II and 12:30 PM for Paper I.
Which documents are mandatory for the exam?
You must carry a printed copy of your admit card along with a valid, government-issued photo ID such as your Aadhaar card, PAN card, or passport.
What is the duration of the CTET exam?
Each paper (Paper I and Paper II) has a total duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Who should I contact regarding admit card discrepancies?
If you encounter any errors on your admit card, contact the CTET Unit immediately at [email protected] or by calling 011-24050477.