CBSE has released the CTET September 2026 Online Application Form. Apply online for Paper 1 & 2 before June 10. Check eligibility, & rules.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially released the notification for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) September 2026 session. This marks the 22nd edition of the national-level exam, which is a mandatory milestone for anyone looking to secure a teaching job in government schools (like KVS, NVS, and central affiliated schools) from Class 1 to Class 8.
The online registration window opened on May 11, 2026, and will close on June 10, 2026. If your dream is to shape young minds, here is everything you need to know in simple words about deadlines, fees, and the step-by-step application process.
CTET September 2026: Key Dates to Remember
Missing a deadline means waiting for the next cycle. Keep these essential dates handy:
| Event | Important Dates |
| Online Application Start Date | May 11, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online & Pay Fee | June 10, 2026 (by 11:59 PM) |
| Online Form Correction Window | June 15 to June 18, 2026 |
| CTET September Exam Date | September 06, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Declaration of Results | Late October 2026 (Tentative) |
Note on Exam Date: If the number of applicants significantly increases, CBSE may additionally conduct the exam on September 05, 2026 (Saturday).
Who Can Apply? Simple Eligibility Rules
The CTET exam is divided into two distinct levels based on the classes you wish to teach:
Paper I (For Primary Stage: Classes I to V)
- You must have cleared Senior Secondary (Class 12th) with at least 50% marks and be passed or appearing in the final year of a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed).
- Alternatively, graduation with a D.El.Ed or B.Ed qualification is eligible.
Paper II (For Elementary Stage: Classes VI to VIII)
- You must hold a Graduation degree and have passed or be in the final year of a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed).
- Alternatively, Graduation or Post-Graduation with at least 50% marks and a Bachelor in Education (B.Ed) degree fulfills the mandate.
There is no upper age limit to apply for the CTET exam.
Application Fee Structure
The form fee depends on whether you are taking one single paper or choosing to attempt both papers on the same day.
| Category | Fee for Only Paper I or II | Fee for Both Papers (I & II) |
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹1,000 | ₹1,200 |
| SC / ST / PwD | ₹500 | ₹600 |
Important Changes in 2026: No Exam City Choice
Crucial Update: For the September 2026 session, CBSE has explicitly stated that candidates will not have the option to choose their preferred examination city in the online application portal. The allotment of the exam city will be done by CBSE on a completely random basis to streamline center coordination. Requests for center changes will not be entertained.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fill the CTET Online Form
- Visit the Official Hub: Go to the official website: ctet.nic.in.
- New Registration: Click on the link “Apply for CTET Sept 2026”. Choose “New Registration”, read the instruction bulletin carefully, and click the checkbox to proceed.
- Enter Personal Details: Fill out your basic details like name, mother’s name, date of birth, identity type (Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN card), and your active email and mobile number.
- Choose Papers & Languages: Select whether you are applying for Paper I, Paper II, or both. Choose your Language-I and Language-II carefully, as your exam test booklets will reflect these choices.
- Upload Clear Scanned Images: Upload a recent passport-size colored photograph and your signature in JPG/JPEG format. Make sure the scans are crisp and clean to avoid rejection.
- Pay Fee & Print Confirmation: Deposit your required application fee using Net Banking, Debit Card, or Credit Card. Once the transaction completes successfully, download and print the Confirmation Page. Keep this page safe as it serves as your proof of application.