CTET Exam Date 2026 Out, Check Official Shifts and Schedules

The Central Board of Secondary Education has confirmed the CTET Exam Date 2026 for the 22nd edition of the Central Teacher Eligibility Test which is on 06 September 2026. CTET exam remains one of the biggest gateways for candidates who want to teach in central government schools such as KVS and NVS. With the date now finalised, aspirants across the country can start preparing for their revision plan and travel arrangements without worrying about last-minute surprises. Here is a complete breakdown of the CTET 2026 exam date, shift schedule, admit card, and exam day rules.

CTET Exam Date 2026 Out

CBSE has officially confirmed 06 September 2026 (Sunday) as the exam date for the 22nd edition of CTET, with the notice published on 08 May 2026. Both Paper I and Paper II will be conducted on this single date in two separate shifts. CBSE has also kept the door open for an additional exam date on 05 September 2026 (Saturday), in case the number of registered candidates goes up sharply. Aspirants are advised to keep checking the official CTET website regularly, since CBSE can revise the schedule at short notice.

CTET Exam Date 2026: Overview

Before diving into the shift-wise schedule and exam day rules, here is a quick snapshot of all the key CTET 2026 details in one place. This table covers the conducting body, exam edition, important dates, and mode of examination for easy reference. Candidates can bookmark this section to revisit the essential facts without scrolling through the entire notification.

CTET 2026 Shift-Wise Exam Schedule

CBSE conducts CTET Paper I and Paper II on the same day, but in two different shifts, using offline OMR answer sheets. Paper II runs in the morning and Paper I follows in the afternoon, with each paper lasting 2 hours and 30 minutes. The table below lists the exact shift timings for CTET September 2026.

How to Check the CTET Exam Date 2026 Online

Candidates can verify the official CTET exam date directly from the notification bulletin published by CBSE on the CTET portal. Following the steps below makes it easy to locate the correct information.

• Go to the official CTET website.
• Look for the CTET September 2026 Notification PDF link on the homepage.
• Open the information bulletin released by CBSE.
• Scroll to the “Important Dates” section inside the notification.
• Note down the exam date, admit card release schedule, and shift timings.
• Save a copy of the PDF on your device for future reference.

CTET Exam Timing and Reporting Details

Both shifts of the CTET 2026 exam run for 2 hours and 30 minutes, and candidates must check their personal shift and reporting time on their admit card rather than relying only on the general schedule. CBSE recommends that candidates reach their allotted centre at least 90 minutes before their shift begins, since latecomers are not permitted entry once the gates close.

CTET Admit Card 2026: What Candidates Should Know

The CTET admit card is the most important document for exam day, and CBSE usually releases it a few weeks before the test date. Since CBSE does not entertain requests to change the exam city or centre, treating the admit card as final and planning travel early is the safest approach.

• Download the admit card only from the official CTET website using your application number and date of birth.
• Check your name, photo, exam city, centre address, shift, and reporting time carefully as soon as it is released.
• Carry a printed copy of the admit card to the exam centre; soft copies on mobile phones are not accepted.
• Report any mismatch in personal details to the CTET Unit immediately at ctet.cbse@nic.in or 011-24050477.
• Keep the admit card safe until the result and counselling process are complete, as it may be needed again.

CTET Exam Day Guidelines Candidates Must Follow

CBSE enforces a strict set of exam day rules to keep the test process fair and orderly, and candidates who skip these guidelines risk being turned away at the gate. Reporting on time with the right documents removes most of the stress that builds up on exam day.

• Reach the exam centre at least 120 minutes before the shift starts- by 7:30 AM for Paper II and by 12:30 PM for Paper I.
• Entry closes once the exam begins, and no candidate is allowed inside after that, regardless of the reason for being late.
• Carry a printed admit card along with a valid government photo ID such as Aadhaar, PAN, or passport.
• Mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, earphones, smartwatches, and calculators are banned inside the exam hall.
• Books, notes, and loose papers of any kind cannot be taken into the centre.
• Use only a black or blue ballpoint pen on the OMR sheet; pencils and gel pens are not allowed.
• Keep the OMR sheet free of folds, creases, or stray marks.
• Sign the attendance sheet twice-once at the start of the exam and again while submitting the OMR sheet.
• Follow every instruction given by the invigilator throughout the shift.
• Do not leave the hall without formally handing over the OMR sheet.

Can You Request a Change in CTET Exam Date or Centre?

CBSE allots exam cities randomly, and there is no facility in the CTET application form to choose a preferred city. Once the admit card is out, no request for a change of date, city, or centre is entertained under any circumstance, so candidates must appear exactly where their admit card directs them.

• Exam cities are assigned randomly with no option to select one during registration.
• Requests to change the exam city, centre, or date are not accepted.
• Candidates must appear at the centre and city printed on their admit card.
• Check the admit card thoroughly right after downloading to avoid last-minute issues.
• Report any discrepancy in the admit card, such as an incorrect name, photo, or date of birth, to the CTET Unit right away at ctet.cbse@nic.in or 011-24050477.

How to Prepare in the Time Left Before CTET 2026

With the exam date now confirmed, candidates have a clear runway to organise their revision instead of studying without direction. Focusing on high-weightage areas, practicing full-length mock tests, and reviewing previous years’ papers can help candidates use the remaining time efficiently and walk into the exam hall with more confidence.