CTET 2026 Registration: Application Window Closed for September Session

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has closed the CTET September 2026 application window on June 10, 2026. The registration process started on May 11, and thousands of candidates applied for this important teaching eligibility test.

If you're planning to become a teacher in central government schools, you need to pass CTET. The exam will take place on September 6, 2026. While the application window has closed, understanding the process will help you prepare for future sessions.

Key Dates You Should Know

The CBSE follows a strict schedule for CTET. Here are the important dates for the September 2026 session:

• Application Start Date: May 11, 2026
• Application End Date: June 10, 2026 (11:59 PM)
• Exam Date: September 6, 2026
• Correction Window: Opens from June 15, 2026

The board extended the deadline once, giving candidates more time to complete their applications. If you missed this window, don't worry. CTET conducts exams twice a year, so another opportunity will come soon.

How Much Does CTET Cost?

The application fee varies based on your category and the number of papers you apply for:

General and OBC Candidates:

• One Paper: Rs. 1,000
• Both Papers: Rs. 1,200

SC, ST, and Differently Abled Candidates:

• One Paper: Rs. 500
• Both Papers: Rs. 600

The fee covers the cost of conducting the exam across multiple cities. You can pay through debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI.

Who Can Apply for CTET?

CTET has two papers. Paper 1 is for those who want to teach classes 1 to 5. Paper 2 is for those who want to teach classes 6 to 8.

You need specific educational qualifications to apply. For Paper 1, you must have completed at least a two-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed). For Paper 2, you need a Bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks and a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) degree.

There's no age limit for CTET. Whether you're fresh out of college or changing careers, you can take the exam.

The Application Process Explained

Though the current window has closed, here's how the process worked. This will help you when the next session opens.

First, you visit the official website at ctet.nic.in. On the homepage, you click the registration link. The system asks for basic details like your name, date of birth, and contact information.

You need to create a password and choose a security question. Keep these safe because you'll need them to log in again.

After registration, you fill out the main application form. This includes your educational details, the paper you want to attempt, and your preferred exam language.

The system asks you to upload a recent photograph and signature. Make sure these are clear and meet the size requirements mentioned on the website.

Next comes the fee payment. The website accepts multiple payment methods. After successful payment, you get a confirmation page. Save this page and take a printout for your records.

Documents You Need

Keep these ready before starting your application:

• Valid email ID (active and checked regularly)
• Mobile number
• Identity proof (Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, or ration card)
• Scanned photograph (recent passport size)
• Scanned signature
• Class 10 and 12 mark sheets
• Graduation degree and mark sheets
• B.Ed or D.El.Ed certificate
• Debit or credit card for fee payment

Understanding the Exam Pattern

CTET is an offline exam. You write it with pen and paper, using OMR sheets to mark your answers.

Paper 1 Structure:

The exam has 150 questions, each carrying one mark. You get 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete it. The subjects are:

• Child Development and Pedagogy (30 questions)
• Language 1 (30 questions)
• Language 2 (30 questions)
• Mathematics (30 questions)
• Environmental Studies (30 questions)

Paper 2 Structure:

This paper also has 150 questions with the same time limit. The subjects are:

• Child Development and Pedagogy (30 questions)
• Language 1 (30 questions)
• Language 2 (30 questions)
• Mathematics and Science OR Social Studies (60 questions)

You choose either Mathematics and Science or Social Studies based on what you want to teach.

What Topics Should You Study?

For Paper 1, focus on basic concepts. Mathematics covers number systems, geometry, and basic calculations. Environmental Studies includes topics like family, food, water, and travel.

For Paper 2, Mathematics goes deeper into algebra and mensuration. Science covers food, materials, and natural resources. Social Studies includes history, geography, and civics.

Both papers test your understanding of child development and how children learn. This section is crucial because teaching is not just about knowing subjects but understanding young minds.

How to Prepare Well

Start by downloading the official syllabus from the CTET website. Make a study plan that covers all subjects.

Practice previous year question papers. These give you a real feel of the exam and help you manage time better. The exam pattern has remained consistent over the years, so old papers are valuable.

Focus on understanding concepts rather than memorizing facts. CTET tests your ability to apply knowledge, not just recall it.

Take mock tests regularly. This builds your speed and accuracy. It also helps you identify weak areas that need more attention.

What Happens After You Apply?

The CBSE allocates exam cities randomly. You can't choose your preferred city, but you can select a state. The board considers this while assigning centers.

A few weeks before the exam, the board releases admit cards. Download yours from the official website using your registration number and date of birth.

The admit card contains your exam center address, reporting time, and important instructions. Read everything carefully.

If you made any mistakes in your application, the board opens a correction window. For the September 2026 session, this window opens on June 15. You can update limited details during this period.

Scoring and Results

To pass CTET, you need at least 90 marks out of 150 if you belong to the general category. Reserved category candidates need 82 marks.

The board usually declares results within six weeks of the exam. You can check your result on the official website using your roll number.

If you pass, you get a certificate valid for life. Earlier, CTET certificates were valid for seven years, but the government changed this rule in 2022.

The certificate makes you eligible to apply for teaching positions in Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, and other central government schools.

Common Questions Answered

Can I apply for both papers?
Yes, you can apply for both papers in the same session. The exams happen in different shifts on the same day.

Is CTET difficult?
The exam is considered moderate in difficulty. With proper preparation and regular practice, most candidates can clear it.

What if I don't have a B.Ed degree yet?
You can appear for CTET if you're in the final year of your B.Ed course. However, you must complete the degree before joining any teaching position.

Can I change my exam language?
You choose your exam language during application. If you need to change it, you can do so during the correction window.

Tips for Exam Day

Reach your exam center at least 30 minutes before reporting time. Carry your admit card and a valid photo ID. You won't be allowed inside without these.

Bring a black or blue ballpoint pen. Don't use gel pens or markers on OMR sheets.

Read instructions carefully before starting. Fill in your details correctly on the OMR sheet. Wrong bubbling can lead to errors in evaluation.

Manage your time well. Don't spend too long on difficult questions. Answer the easy ones first, then return to tougher ones.

Stay calm throughout the exam. If you've prepared well, you'll do fine.

Planning for the Next Session

Since the September 2026 application window has closed, start preparing for the next session. CTET typically conducts exams in February and September every year.

Set up email alerts from the official CTET website. This way, you'll know immediately when the next notification releases.

Use this time to strengthen your preparation. Work on your weak subjects and take practice tests regularly.

Join online forums or study groups. Discussing topics with fellow aspirants helps clarify doubts and provides new perspectives.

Remember, teaching is a noble profession. CTET is your gateway to shaping young minds and contributing to education. The preparation might seem challenging now, but it's worth the effort when you stand in front of your first classroom.

Keep checking the official website at ctet.nic.in for updates about the next session. Good preparation today leads to success tomorrow.