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

CTET Exam Date 2026 Out

The CBSE has confirmed that the 22nd edition of the Central Teacher Eligibility Test will take place on 06 September 2026 (Sunday). Formally announced on 08 May 2026, this schedule covers both Paper I and Paper II. To accommodate a high volume of applicants, the CBSE reserves the right to hold the examination on 05 September 2026 (Saturday) as well. Candidates are encouraged to monitor the official CTET portal for any real-time updates.

Please be advised that the CBSE does not provide an option to select a preferred examination city during the online registration process. Examination centers are assigned by the board on a random basis to ensure administrative efficiency.

CTET Exam Schedule 2026

The CBSE conducts Paper I and Paper II on the same day in two distinct shifts, with Paper II scheduled for the morning and Paper I for the afternoon. The test is administered offline using OMR sheets, with each paper lasting exactly 2 hours and 30 minutes. View the detailed shift-wise schedule for the September 2026 session below.

How to Check CTET Exam Date 2026

Candidates can verify the official CTET September 2026 exam date by downloading the notification PDF from the official CBSE website. Current directives confirm that the examination is 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 prevent any issues, candidates should strictly adhere to the reporting times and instructions detailed on their CTET Admit Card 2026. Since the test is in offline mode, it is mandatory to arrive at the designated exam center at least 90 minutes prior to the start time.

CTET Exam Day Instructions

All candidates must comply with the CBSE exam-day protocols to ensure a fair testing environment. Entry to the venue is strictly regulated based on the reporting time; late arrivals will not be permitted. Carrying the required documentation is essential for a stress-free exam 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?

Candidates frequently inquire about modifying their assigned exam city or center. Please note that no such requests are entertained after the admit card release. We strongly recommend verifying all details upon receipt of your admit card to arrange travel and accommodation proactively.

• 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.