CTET Exam Date 2026 Out, Check Paper 1, 2 Shift Timings and Exam Duration

CTET 2026 is one of the most awaited teacher eligibility exams in the country, and the Central Board of Secondary Education has now officially released the exam date for its 22nd edition. Lakhs of teaching aspirants across India apply for CTET every year to become eligible to teach in central government schools like KVS and NVS. Knowing the exam date, shift timings, and exam duration well in advance helps candidates plan their preparation and travel without any last-minute confusion. This article covers everything you need to know about the CTET September 2026 exam date, schedule, and important instructions for exam day.

CTET Exam Date 2026 Out

CBSE has officially announced that the 22nd edition of the Central Teacher Eligibility Test will be conducted on 06th September 2026 (Sunday). The official public notice was released on 08 May 2026, confirming the exam date along with all other key schedule details. Both Paper I and Paper II will be held on the same day. CBSE has also clarified that if the number of candidates increases significantly, the examination may also be conducted on 05th September 2026 (Saturday) as an additional date. Candidates must keep checking the official CTET website for any updates regarding the exam date and schedule.

It is important to note that CBSE has clearly stated that there is no provision to select an examination city in the online application portal. The exam city will be allotted by CBSE on a random basis.

CTET Exam Schedule 2026

CBSE conducts both Paper I and Paper II on the same day in two different shifts. Paper II is held in the morning shift and Paper I is held in the evening shift. Each paper is 2 hours and 30 minutes long, and the exam is conducted in offline mode using OMR answer sheets. The detailed shift-wise exam schedule for CTET September 2026 is given below.

CTET Exam Day Instructions

Candidates appearing for CTET 2026 must follow the exam day instructions issued by CBSE without exception. These guidelines are in place to ensure a smooth and fair conduct of the examination. Entry to the examination centre is strictly based on the reporting time mentioned on the admit card, and no candidate will be allowed to enter after the exam has started. Reaching the centre on time and carrying the required documents is essential to avoid last-minute stress.

• Candidates must report to the examination center at least 120 minutes before the exam starts – that is, by 7:30 AM for Paper II and by 12:30 PM for Paper I.
• Entry to the exam hall will be closed at the start of the exam. Candidates arriving late will not be allowed to enter under any circumstances.
• Carry a printed copy of the CTET Admit Card 2026 along with a valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, etc.).
• Electronic devices like mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, earphones, smartwatches, and calculators are strictly not allowed inside the exam center.
• Study material, notes, books, or bits of paper of any kind must not be carried into the examination hall.
• Candidates must use only a Black or Blue Ball Point Pen to fill in the OMR sheet. Use of pencil or gel pen is strictly prohibited.
• Do not fold, wrinkle, or put any stray marks on the OMR answer sheet.
• Candidates must sign the attendance sheet twice – once at the start of the exam and again while handing over the OMR sheet.
• Follow all instructions given by the invigilator throughout the exam.
• Candidates must not leave the exam hall without handing over the OMR sheet to the invigilator.

Request a change in CTET exam Date or Centre?

Many candidates wonder whether they can request a change in their exam date, city, or centre after the admit card is released. Candidates are therefore strongly advised to check all details on their admit card as soon as it is released and make necessary travel and accommodation arrangements well in advance.

• CBSE allots examination cities on a random basis – there is no option to choose your city during registration.
• No request for change of exam city, centre, or date will be accepted for any reason.
• Candidates must appear strictly at the centre and city mentioned on their admit card.
• Check your admit card details immediately after downloading it to avoid any last-minute issues.
• Any discrepancy in the admit card such as wrong name, photo, or date of birth must be reported to the CTET Unit immediately by contacting CBSE at ctet.cbse@nic.in or calling 011-24050477.