The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has rescheduled the 22nd edition of the CTET 2026 exam from September to December 12 and 13, 2026. Candidates can now use the extra time to bolster their preparation.

  • CTET 2026 exams are rescheduled to December 12 and 13, 2026.
  • The examination will follow an offline pen-and-paper mode.
  • Two papers are available: Paper I (Classes 1-5) and Paper II (Classes 6-8).
  • Admit cards will be released two days prior to the exam date.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially announced the revised schedule for the 22nd edition of the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026. According to a public notice released on its official portal, the second session of the exam, which was originally slated for September, has been postponed to December 12 and 13, 2026.

This rescheduling follows a period of administrative adjustments, including the reopening of the application window on August 25 to accommodate candidates who missed the initial deadline. The postponement provides a strategic window for aspirants to refine their teaching methodologies and subject knowledge.

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Exam Structure and Format

The CTET 2026 examination will be conducted in an offline, pen-and-paper format. The test is bifurcated into two distinct papers to cater to different teaching eligibility requirements:

  • Paper I: Aimed at candidates aspiring to teach Classes 1 to 5.
  • Paper II: Designed for those seeking eligibility to teach Classes 6 to 8.

Both papers consist of 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) totaling 150 marks. The total duration allotted for each paper is 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the CTET is a critical gateway for educators in India. Qualifying this exam is a mandatory prerequisite for securing teaching positions in premier institutions such as Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVS), and various high-profile private CBSE-affiliated schools. The shift in dates may alter the competitive landscape and the preparation timeline for millions of aspirants.

The postponement serves as a critical buffer for candidates to transition from rote learning to pedagogical mastery.

Candidates must stay vigilant regarding official updates. The board will release the city intimation slip 15 days before the exam, while admit cards will be available for download via ctet.nic.in exactly two days before the commencement of the examination.

Did You Know?: While a CTET certificate is essential for teaching jobs, it serves as a qualifying credential rather than a direct guarantee of employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the new dates for CTET 2026?
The exam will now be held on December 12 and 13, 2026.

2. How can I download my admit card?
Admit cards can be downloaded from the official website, ctet.nic.in, using your application number and date of birth.