CTET September 2026 Registration Ends Today: Important Dates, Eligibility and What Candidates Should Know
CTET September 2026 registration ends today, 1 September 2026. Candidates who were unable to apply during the original application window have been given another opportunity by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to submit their applications for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test.
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test, conducted by CBSE, is an important qualification for candidates aspiring to teach at the primary and elementary levels in eligible schools across India.
However, candidates should take note of an important update: the CTET September 2026 examination, originally scheduled for 6 September 2026, has been postponed. CBSE has not yet announced the revised examination date.
With the application deadline ending today, eligible candidates who still want to appear should complete the application process without waiting until the last minute.
CTET September 2026 Registration Ends Today
CBSE initially opened the CTET September 2026 application process on 11 May 2026, with the original deadline set for 10 June 2026.
The application window was subsequently reopened from 25 August to 1 September 2026, giving eligible candidates another opportunity to apply. Candidates who had already successfully submitted their applications during the earlier window do not need to apply again.
CTET September 2026: Current Status
| Particular | Current Status |
|---|---|
| Examination | CTET September 2026 |
| Conducting Body | CBSE |
| Reopened Registration | 25 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 1 September 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Earlier Exam Date | 6 September 2026 |
| Current Exam Status | Postponed |
| Revised Exam Date | To be announced |
| Official Website | ctet.nic.in |
The official CTET website currently displays the September 2026 application link with the notice that the application date has been extended until 1 September 2026.
Why Was the CTET Application Window Reopened?
CBSE reopened the application window following a direction related to the requirement for eligible teachers to obtain the prescribed Teacher Eligibility Test qualification.
According to the reopening notice, the opportunity was provided in the larger interest of candidates who could not use the earlier application window.
This means candidates who missed the original June deadline now have a final opportunity to submit their applications during the reopened window.
For candidates who have not yet applied, 1 September 2026 is therefore an important deadline.
CTET September 2026 Exam Date: Important Update
One of the most important things candidates should know before making travel or examination arrangements is that the originally announced CTET examination date has changed.
The initial CTET September 2026 Information Bulletin scheduled the examination for 6 September 2026, with Paper II in the morning and Paper I in the afternoon.
However, CBSE subsequently postponed the examination.
Current position:
The CTET September 2026 exam has been postponed, and the revised examination date has not yet been announced.
Candidates should therefore not rely on the earlier 6 September date for travel, accommodation or other arrangements.
The revised schedule should be checked through the official CTET website when CBSE announces it.
What Is CTET?
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education on behalf of the Ministry of Education.
The test is designed to assess the eligibility of candidates seeking teaching positions for Classes I to VIII under applicable recruitment rules.
CTET is particularly relevant for candidates interested in teaching opportunities in schools such as:
- Kendriya Vidyalayas
- Navodaya Vidyalayas
- Central Tibetan Schools
- Schools under certain Union Territories
- CBSE-affiliated private schools that consider CTET
- Other schools where CTET is accepted under applicable rules
The official CTET website states that the examination is connected with the minimum teacher qualifications prescribed under the relevant NCTE framework.
CTET Paper I vs Paper II
Candidates need to choose their paper carefully based on the teaching level they intend to qualify for.
Paper I – Classes I to V
Paper I is intended for candidates who wish to become teachers for the primary stage, Classes I to V.
The paper contains 150 multiple-choice questions carrying 150 marks.
The major sections are:
- Child Development and Pedagogy – 30 questions
- Mathematics – 30 questions
- Environmental Studies – 30 questions
- Language I – 30 questions
- Language II – 30 questions
The examination duration is 2 hours 30 minutes.
Paper II – Classes VI to VIII
Paper II is intended for candidates who wish to teach Classes VI to VIII.
It also consists of 150 MCQs carrying 150 marks.
The paper includes:
- Child Development and Pedagogy – 30 questions
- Language I – 30 questions
- Language II – 30 questions
- Mathematics and Science – 60 questions
OR
- Social Studies/Social Science – 60 questions
The duration is 2 hours 30 minutes.
Can Candidates Apply for Both Papers?
Yes.
Candidates who intend to teach both Classes I to V and Classes VI to VIII need to appear for both Paper I and Paper II.
The CTET information bulletin specifies that candidates seeking eligibility for both levels have to take both papers.
This makes the choice of paper particularly important while completing the application.
CTET September 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must carefully check their educational and professional qualifications before applying.
The eligibility requirements are based on the applicable NCTE regulations and teacher recruitment rules.
The official CTET eligibility page specifically states that candidates are responsible for ensuring that they meet the required eligibility conditions before applying. Appearing in CTET does not itself mean that a candidate’s eligibility has been verified. Final verification is carried out by the relevant recruiting or appointing authority.
Eligibility for Paper I
Candidates seeking eligibility for Classes I to V generally need an appropriate combination of:
- Senior Secondary qualification with the prescribed minimum marks and a recognised teacher-training qualification such as a Diploma in Elementary Education;
- Senior Secondary qualification with the prescribed marks and a four-year B.El.Ed;
- Senior Secondary qualification with the prescribed marks and a Diploma in Special Education;
- Graduation with an appropriate teacher-education qualification; or
- Other combinations specifically recognised under the applicable NCTE provisions.
Candidates who are currently pursuing the final year of an eligible teacher-education programme may also be eligible under the relevant provisions.
Because eligibility depends on the exact qualification combination, candidates should consult the CTET September 2026 Information Bulletin rather than relying on a simplified eligibility chart.
Eligibility for Paper II
For Classes VI to VIII, candidates generally need a graduation qualification along with an appropriate teacher-education qualification, such as:
- Two-year Diploma in Elementary Education
- Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.)
- Four-year integrated teacher-education programmes
- Bachelor in Elementary Education
- Diploma in Special Education
- Other qualifications recognised under applicable NCTE provisions
The exact qualification combination and marks requirement should be checked against the official bulletin before applying.
Is There Relaxation for Reserved Categories?
Yes.
The CTET September 2026 information bulletin notes that, as notified by NCTE, candidates belonging to reserved categories such as SC, ST, OBC and differently-abled candidates may receive up to 5% relaxation in the minimum qualifying marks of the educational qualification, subject to applicable rules.
Candidates should carefully verify the category-specific requirements applicable to their qualification.
Is There an Age Limit for CTET?
CTET is an eligibility examination rather than a direct recruitment examination.
Candidates should therefore distinguish between:
CTET eligibility and eligibility for a particular teaching vacancy.
Even after qualifying CTET, candidates must satisfy the age, educational, professional and other requirements specified by the recruiting organisation or school.
The official CTET website also makes clear that qualifying or being allowed to appear for CTET does not itself confer a right to appointment.
CTET September 2026 Application Fee
The fee specified in the CTET September 2026 information bulletin is:
| Category | Paper I or II | Both Papers |
|---|---|---|
| General/OBC (NCL) | ₹1,000 | ₹1,200 |
| SC/ST/Differently Abled | ₹500 | ₹600 |
GST and applicable banking charges may be extra.
Candidates should complete the payment through the permitted online payment methods and retain the confirmation details.
What Documents Should Candidates Keep Ready?
Candidates completing their application should keep the necessary information and scanned documents ready.
These generally include:
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Scanned signature
- Educational qualification details
- Teacher-training qualification details
- Category information, where applicable
- Valid identification details
- Communication address
- Payment method
The CTET bulletin specifies that the photograph and signature must be uploaded in the prescribed JPG/JPEG format and within the specified file-size and dimension limits.
Candidates should check the official application portal for the exact upload specifications before submitting the form.
How to Apply for CTET September 2026
Candidates who have not yet submitted their application can follow these general steps:
Step 1: Visit the Official CTET Website
Go to the official CTET website:
Step 2: Select the September 2026 Application Link
Look for the current CTET SEP 2026 application link.
Step 3: Register/Login
Complete the registration process and generate the required application credentials.
Step 4: Fill in Personal Details
Enter your:
- Name
- Father’s name
- Mother’s name
- Date of birth
- Contact details
- Address
- Other required information
Candidates should ensure that important personal information is entered correctly and consistently with their official documents.
Step 5: Select the Paper
Choose:
- Paper I
- Paper II
- Both Paper I and Paper II
depending on your teaching objective and eligibility.
Step 6: Upload Documents
Upload the photograph and signature according to the prescribed specifications.
Step 7: Pay the Examination Fee
Complete the online payment.
Step 8: Submit the Application
Review all information carefully before final submission.
Step 9: Save the Confirmation Page
Download and preserve the confirmation page and payment details for future reference.
What Should Candidates Do If They Have Already Applied?
Candidates who successfully completed and submitted their CTET September 2026 application during the earlier application window do not need to submit another application merely because the registration window has reopened.
However, they should regularly check the official CTET website for:
- Revised examination date
- Admit card
- Examination city information
- Exam instructions
- Any correction-related notice
- Further public notices
What Should Candidates Do Today?
Since the reopened application window closes today, 1 September 2026, candidates who have not yet applied should treat this as an urgent deadline.
Before submitting the application:
1. Verify your eligibility
Do not apply simply because the portal accepts your form.
2. Select the correct paper
Choose Paper I, Paper II or both based on your intended teaching level.
3. Check your personal details
Make sure your name, date of birth and other information are correct.
4. Prepare the required documents
Have your photograph and signature ready in the prescribed format.
5. Complete payment
An incomplete fee payment can prevent successful submission.
6. Download confirmation
Keep proof of successful application.
7. Do not wait until the final minutes
Heavy website traffic or payment problems can create unnecessary difficulties near the deadline.
Important: Do Not Assume the Exam Is on 6 September
This is one of the most important updates for CTET September 2026 candidates.
The original information bulletin listed 6 September 2026 as the examination date.
However, CBSE has since postponed the examination.
Therefore, candidates should wait for the revised official examination date before making travel bookings or other arrangements.
Do not rely solely on older CTET preparation articles, social-media posts or previously published schedules.
The official CTET website should be treated as the primary source for the revised date.
CTET Exam Pattern: What Candidates Should Remember
Both CTET papers contain objective-type questions.
Key features:
- Multiple-choice questions
- Four alternatives for each question
- One mark per question
- 150 questions
- 150 marks
- 2 hours 30 minutes
- No negative marking
The official information bulletin confirms that there is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
This means candidates should develop a strategy that allows them to attempt questions efficiently while maintaining accuracy.
Why Child Development and Pedagogy Is Important
Child Development and Pedagogy is a compulsory component of both Paper I and Paper II.
Candidates should therefore give serious attention to topics related to:
- Child development
- Learning theories
- Individual differences
- Inclusive education
- Learning difficulties
- Teaching and learning processes
- Assessment
- Classroom practices
- Educational psychology
Understanding concepts is generally more useful than simply memorising definitions.
For CTET aspirants, pedagogy preparation should therefore be integrated into the overall study plan rather than treated as a last-minute subject.
How Candidates Can Prepare While Waiting for the New Exam Date
The postponement gives candidates additional preparation time—but only if they use it effectively.
1. Revise the CTET Syllabus
Start with the official syllabus and identify strong and weak areas.
2. Solve Previous-Year Questions
Previous CTET papers can help candidates understand:
- Question style
- Difficulty level
- Repeated concepts
- Time requirements
- Pedagogy-based questions
3. Take Mock Tests
Regular mock tests can improve speed and accuracy.
4. Strengthen NCERT Concepts
The CTET bulletin recommends authentic textbooks and syllabus material, with NCERT content forming an important foundation for relevant subject areas.
5. Focus on Pedagogy
Do not spend all preparation time on subject knowledge.
Pedagogy can make a substantial difference in both papers.
6. Monitor Official Updates
Since the examination date has been postponed, candidates should regularly check the official CTET portal for the revised schedule.
CTET Qualification Does Not Guarantee a Government Job
Candidates should understand an important distinction.
CTET is a Teacher Eligibility Test, not a direct recruitment examination.
Passing CTET does not automatically guarantee appointment as a teacher.
Recruitment depends on the vacancies, recruitment rules, qualifications, selection procedures and requirements of the particular school or recruiting organisation.
The official CTET eligibility page specifically states that appearing in or qualifying the examination does not itself confer a right to appointment.
Therefore, candidates should view CTET qualification as an important eligibility credential rather than a guaranteed government job.
Why CTET Is Important for Aspiring Teachers
CTET qualification can be an important step for candidates seeking teaching opportunities in schools where CTET is applicable.
It can strengthen a candidate’s eligibility profile for relevant recruitment processes and is particularly important for aspirants targeting teaching careers in the central-school ecosystem and other institutions that recognise CTET.
For students pursuing D.El.Ed., B.Ed., B.El.Ed. and related teacher-education programmes, CTET can therefore be an important examination to plan for.
What Happens After CTET?
After qualifying CTET, candidates may use their eligibility in recruitment processes where CTET is accepted.
However, they must still meet the requirements of the particular recruitment notification.
Candidates should therefore monitor:
- KVS recruitment
- NVS recruitment
- CBSE-affiliated school opportunities
- Central and other applicable school recruitment
- State-level teaching opportunities where CTET is accepted
The acceptance of CTET can vary depending on the school and recruitment rules.
Key Takeaways for CTET September 2026 Candidates
Here are the most important points candidates should remember:
Registration deadline:
1 September 2026
Reopened application window:
25 August–1 September 2026
Original examination date:
6 September 2026
Current examination status:
Postponed
Revised examination date:
Not announced yet
Paper I:
Classes I–V
Paper II:
Classes VI–VIII
Both papers:
Required for candidates seeking eligibility for both teaching levels
Application mode:
Online
Conducting body:
CBSE
Official website:
ctet.nic.in
The official CTET portal currently confirms the extended application deadline of 1 September 2026.
Conclusion
The CTET September 2026 registration deadline is today, 1 September 2026, making this a crucial day for candidates who have not yet submitted their applications.
CBSE reopened the application window from 25 August to 1 September to provide another opportunity to eligible candidates who missed the earlier application period.
At the same time, candidates should be aware that the examination originally scheduled for 6 September 2026 has been postponed, and a new examination date is yet to be announced.
For those applying today, the priority should be simple:
Check eligibility → complete the application → pay the fee → download confirmation → monitor official updates.
For candidates who have already applied, there is no need to submit another application. Instead, they should focus on preparation and wait for CBSE’s revised examination schedule.
With the exam date now postponed, aspirants have an opportunity to use the additional time productively. Strengthening pedagogy, revising subject concepts, solving previous-year papers and taking mock tests can help candidates enter the examination with greater confidence.
Most importantly, candidates should rely on the official CTET website and CBSE notices for the revised examination date and other important announcements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When does CTET September 2026 registration end?
The reopened CTET September 2026 application window closes on 1 September 2026.
2. Can candidates still apply for CTET September 2026 today?
Yes. CBSE has extended/reopened the online application facility until 1 September 2026.
3. Has the CTET September 2026 exam date changed?
Yes. The examination originally scheduled for 6 September 2026 has been postponed. CBSE has not yet announced the revised date.
4. Do candidates who already applied need to apply again?
No. Candidates who successfully completed and submitted their applications during the earlier window do not need to apply again.
5. Who should take CTET Paper I?
Paper I is intended for candidates seeking eligibility to teach Classes I to V.
6. Who should take CTET Paper II?
Paper II is intended for candidates seeking eligibility to teach Classes VI to VIII.
7. Can a candidate take both CTET papers?
Yes. Candidates who want eligibility for both Classes I–V and Classes VI–VIII must appear for both papers.
8. Is there negative marking in CTET?
No. The CTET September 2026 information bulletin specifies that there is no negative marking.
9. Does passing CTET guarantee a teaching job?
No. CTET qualification does not itself guarantee appointment. Final eligibility and recruitment depend on the rules and selection process of the concerned recruiting authority or school.
10. Where can candidates check the latest CTET updates?
Candidates should use the official CTET website:
CTET Official Website — ctet.nic.in
- CTET registration 2026
- CTET September 2026 last date
- CTET 2026 eligibility
- CTET September 2026 exam date
- CTET application form 2026
- CTET Paper 1 eligibility
- CTET Paper 2 eligibility
- CTET September 2026 postponed
- CTET registration last date today
- CTET exam postponed 2026
- CTET application deadline
- CTET September 2026 notification
