CTET December 2026: Exam Dates, Papers, Eligibility and What to Do Next

Quick answer

The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is run by CBSE. Its 22nd edition is scheduled for 12 and 13 December 2026, according to a CBSE notice that other reports date to 14 September 2026. The CTET site lists public notices for the 22nd edition, including an exam dates notice and an information bulletin. The CTET is the national test that teachers need for classes 1 to 8 in central, state and many private schools, subject to each state's rules.

Why CTET matters

Under the Right to Education rules, a teacher for classes 1 to 8 needs a teacher eligibility qualification. CTET is one route, and many states run their own TET. Some states accept CTET, and some require their own test too. Check your state's rules before you assume a CTET pass is enough.

Important dates

Earlier reports said a single-day exam on 6 September was deferred after the Supreme Court asked the board to give more candidates a chance to apply. Use the notices on the official site as the final word.

Papers and who should take them

• Paper I: For teaching classes 1 to 5.
• Paper II: For teaching classes 6 to 8.

Each paper has 150 multiple-choice questions for 150 marks, in the bulletin's format. The subjects are child development and pedagogy, language I and II, mathematics, environmental studies (Paper I), and the subject you choose for Paper II.

Eligibility basics

Eligibility depends on your qualification and the paper you take. The general rules, as in earlier sessions, are:

• Paper I: Senior secondary with a two-year diploma in elementary education, or a four-year B.El.Ed, as per NCTE rules.
• Paper II: Graduation with a B.Ed, or the other combinations listed in the bulletin.

These are the earlier norms. Check the 2026 bulletin for the exact list.

Pass criteria

Earlier sessions used a pass mark for general candidates and a lower one for reserved categories. Check the bulletin for the current pass rule, because it decides what a pass means for your job application.

How to prepare

1. Read the bulletin's syllabus for your paper first.
2. Build a timetable that covers child development and pedagogy, then language and maths.
3. Use the official sample papers and the last few papers released by the board.
4. Practise on paper. The exam is OMR-based in the earlier format.

How to apply (steps to check)

1. Open the CTET site and read the September 2026 bulletin and the exam dates notice.
2. Watch for the December session application notice. Do not pay a fee on a site that is not the CTET portal.
3. Register with a valid mobile number and email. Fill the form and choose your paper and medium.
4. Upload the photograph, signature and documents in the required format.
5. Pay the fee and save the confirmation.

Documents to keep ready

• Class 10, Class 12 and degree or diploma marksheets
• Teacher training certificate, if the paper needs it
• Photograph and signature in the format specified
• Category and disability certificate, if applicable

Common mistakes

• Assuming CTET is enough for every state job. States have their own rules.
• Choosing the wrong paper. Paper I and II are for different classes.
• Ignoring the correction window. Check dates on the official site.

Who should take CTET

CTET suits a candidate who wants a teaching job in a central school or a state school that accepts the test, and who has the qualification for the paper. A teacher already in service needs CTET only if the state or the rules ask for it. Check your state's TET rule first, because some states need their own test, and others accept CTET.

Paper I and Paper II compared

The table is a guide. The bulletin decides the eligibility and the subject list for the 2026 session.

Documents to keep ready

• Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets, with the date of birth as shown there
• Degree and teacher training marksheets, with the same name spelling
• Photograph and signature in the size and format in the bulletin
• Category certificate and disability certificate, if claimed

Name mismatches are one of the most common reasons for a correction later. Check each document against your application before you submit.

A realistic study plan

• First month: Child development and pedagogy, because it carries weight in both papers.
• Second month: Language and maths, with timed practice.
• Third month: Environmental studies for Paper I, or your Paper II subject.
• Final weeks: Sample papers and the last papers the board released.

Practise with a pen, because the format is OMR-based in earlier sessions. Write the answer, then check your marking.

What a CTET pass does and does not guarantee

A pass gives you eligibility to apply for teaching posts that accept CTET. It does not give you a job. Selection still depends on the school's process, the state rule, the vacancy and your performance in the interview or other stage. Keep the result document safe, because the board can take time to issue duplicates.

Common questions

Is CTET the same as a state TET? No. CTET is run by CBSE and is national. A state TET is run by the state and applies in that state.

Does a CTET pass expire? Earlier rules gave a validity period. Confirm the validity in the 2026 bulletin.

Can I change my paper after applying? Check the correction window rules in the bulletin. Changes are often limited.