CTET December 2026 Exam Dates Announced: Check Paper I & II Schedule, Reporting Time, Admit Card and Exam City Details

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the examination schedule for the 22nd edition of the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET). As per the official examination notice, the CTET 2026 examination will be conducted on December 12 and 13, 2026.

The Central Teacher Eligibility Test is one of the most important eligibility examinations for candidates aspiring to pursue teaching opportunities in schools under the Central Government and other institutions where CTET qualification is applicable. Candidates preparing to appear in the upcoming examination should carefully check the examination dates, paper-wise timings, reporting time, examination city information, admit card release schedule and other important instructions.

According to the examination schedule, CTET 2026 will be conducted in two shifts. Paper II will be held in the morning shift from 9:30 AM to 12:00 noon, while Paper I will be conducted in the evening shift from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM.

Candidates appearing for the examination must reach their allotted examination centre well before the commencement of the examination. The official instructions specify that candidates appearing for Paper II must report to the examination centre at 7:30 AM, while candidates appearing for Paper I must report at 12:30 PM. This means candidates are required to reach the examination centre 120 minutes before the scheduled start of their respective examination.

Candidates should note that late entry will not be permitted. Those who report after the prescribed entry time will not be allowed to appear in the examination. Therefore, candidates are advised to plan their journey to the examination centre in advance and make adequate arrangements to avoid delays on the examination day.

CTET December 2026 Exam Date

The 22nd edition of CTET is scheduled to be conducted on December 12 and 13, 2026.

The examination will be conducted in two shifts, with Paper II scheduled in the morning and Paper I scheduled in the evening. Candidates should carefully check the paper allotted to them and make note of the relevant examination date and shift.

The detailed examination centre information will not be available at the time of the initial examination date announcement. CBSE will subsequently release information regarding the examination city and the date of examination allotted to each candidate through the official CTET portal.

Candidates should therefore regularly visit the official CTET website and keep checking for further announcements.

CTET 2026 Paper I and Paper II Schedule

The CTET examination consists of two papers:

• Paper I
• Paper II

Paper I is generally intended for candidates who wish to become teachers for the primary stage, while Paper II is relevant for candidates aspiring to teach at the elementary stage, subject to the applicable eligibility requirements.

For the upcoming CTET examination, the paper-wise schedule is as follows:

Candidates should carefully distinguish between reporting time, examination commencement time and last permissible entry time.

For Paper II, candidates must report at the examination centre at 7:30 AM. The examination will begin at 9:30 AM. Candidates arriving after 9:30 AM will not be permitted to appear in Paper II.

For Paper I, candidates must report at the examination centre at 12:30 PM. The examination will begin at 2:30 PM. Candidates arriving after 2:30 PM will not be allowed to enter the examination for Paper I.

The two-hour gap between reporting and the examination commencement has been provided to facilitate the necessary examination-centre procedures. Candidates should not assume that they can arrive shortly before the examination begins.

CTET Paper II Morning Shift

As per the official schedule, CTET Paper II will be conducted in the morning shift from 9:30 AM to 12:00 noon.

Candidates appearing for Paper II are required to report to their examination centre at 7:30 AM. The reporting time is 120 minutes before the commencement of the examination.

Candidates should plan their travel accordingly. Since examination centres may be located away from a candidate’s residence, it is advisable to identify the centre location as soon as the admit card becomes available and estimate the travel time beforehand.

Candidates should also take into account possible traffic congestion, public transport delays, weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances. Reaching the centre early can help candidates avoid last-minute stress and ensure that they complete all required entry procedures within the permitted time.

The official instructions make it clear that candidates who report after 9:30 AM for Paper II will not be allowed to appear in the examination.

Therefore, candidates should treat 9:30 AM as the final permissible reporting/entry deadline for Paper II, rather than as a suggested arrival time.

CTET Paper I Evening Shift

Paper I will be conducted in the evening shift from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM.

Candidates appearing for Paper I must report at their allotted examination centre at 12:30 PM, which is 120 minutes before the examination begins.

Candidates must ensure that they reach the centre well in advance. According to the official instructions, candidates arriving after 2:30 PM will not be permitted to appear in Paper I.

Candidates should therefore avoid scheduling other activities close to the examination time. Those travelling from another city or from distant areas should preferably make their travel arrangements in advance.

The examination centre address mentioned on the admit card should be checked carefully because examination centres may be located in different parts of a city.

Important CTET 2026 Reporting Time

Reporting time is an important aspect of the CTET examination schedule.

The reporting requirements are:

For Paper II:

• Reporting time: 7:30 AM
• Examination begins: 9:30 AM
• Examination ends: 12:00 noon
• Candidates arriving after 9:30 AM will not be allowed to appear.

For Paper I:

• Reporting time: 12:30 PM
• Examination begins: 2:30 PM
• Examination ends: 5:00 PM
• Candidates arriving after 2:30 PM will not be allowed to appear.

Candidates should understand that reaching the centre exactly at the last permissible entry time is risky. They may need additional time for verification, security checks and other examination-related formalities.

It is therefore strongly advisable to reach the examination venue as early as possible within the prescribed reporting window.

CTET Examination City Information

CBSE will make information regarding the Examination City and the date of examination allotted to each candidate available through the CTET portal 15 days before the examination.

This information will help candidates determine the city in which they have been allotted an examination centre and the date on which they are required to appear.

Candidates should carefully check the examination city information once it is released. Those who need to travel to another city should make their travel and accommodation arrangements after checking the allotted city and other relevant details.

The examination city information should not be confused with the final admit card.

The city information is intended to inform candidates about the examination city and allotted examination date. The detailed examination centre information will be provided through the admit card.

CTET Admit Card 2026 Release Date

The CTET 2026 admit card will be made available for download two days before the examination through the official CTET portal.

The admit card will contain important information, including details of the Examination Centre.

Candidates should download their admit cards as soon as they are made available. They should carefully check the information printed on the admit card and ensure that the examination centre details are clearly visible.

Candidates should also keep a printed copy of the admit card for the examination day and follow all instructions mentioned on it.

The admit card is an important examination document. Candidates should not wait until the last minute to download or print it.

What Candidates Should Check on the Admit Card

Once the CTET admit card is released, candidates should carefully verify all details.

These may include:

• Candidate’s name
• Roll number
• Application-related information
• Examination date
• Paper
• Examination shift
• Examination centre
• Examination centre address
• Reporting time
• Examination commencement time
• Other examination-day instructions

If a candidate notices any discrepancy or faces difficulty downloading the admit card, they should follow the instructions issued by CBSE and contact the concerned authority through the official channels, wherever applicable.

Candidates should also avoid relying on unofficial social media posts for important examination information. Any change in examination schedule, centre details or instructions should be verified through the official CTET portal.

CTET 2026 Examination Pattern

The CTET examination comprises two papers—Paper I and Paper II.

Candidates who intend to qualify for teaching positions at the relevant levels should select the appropriate paper or papers based on their eligibility and career plans.

The CTET qualification is relevant to recruitment and eligibility processes in various schools and institutions where CTET is prescribed as an eligibility requirement. However, qualifying CTET by itself does not automatically guarantee appointment. Recruitment is carried out by the respective recruiting authorities and schools according to their applicable rules and vacancies.

Candidates should therefore distinguish between qualifying the eligibility test and obtaining a teaching appointment.

CTET serves as an eligibility qualification for candidates seeking teaching opportunities in institutions where CTET is applicable.

Where CTET Applies

The CTET is applicable to schools of the Central Government, including institutions such as:

• Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS)
• Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS)
• Central Tibetan Schools
• Other schools and institutions where CTET qualification is prescribed

The CTET also applies to schools under the administrative control of certain Union Territories, including:

• Chandigarh
• Dadra & Nagar Haveli
• Daman & Diu
• Andaman & Nicobar Islands
• Lakshadweep
• National Capital Territory of Delhi

Candidates should check the recruitment rules of the particular school or institution before applying for any teaching position, as eligibility requirements may vary depending on the post and recruiting authority.

Why CTET Is Important for Teacher Aspirants

The Central Teacher Eligibility Test is an important examination for candidates who wish to build a career in school education.

A CTET qualification can be an important eligibility component for candidates seeking teaching opportunities in schools where the qualification is required. Because several major government and government-controlled school systems consider CTET as part of their eligibility framework, a large number of candidates participate in the examination.

However, candidates should remember that different recruitment notifications may prescribe additional qualifications, experience requirements, age limits or other conditions.

Therefore, after qualifying CTET, candidates should continue monitoring official recruitment notifications issued by the relevant school organizations and government authorities.

CTET 2026 Preparation Tips

With the examination scheduled for December 12 and 13, 2026, candidates have an opportunity to prepare systematically.

The first step should be understanding the syllabus and examination requirements. Candidates should divide the syllabus into manageable sections and create a realistic study schedule.

Instead of trying to cover the entire syllabus at once, candidates can prepare a weekly plan that includes:

1. Concept building
2. Revision
3. Previous-year question practice
4. Mock tests
5. Error analysis
6. Regular revision

Candidates should pay particular attention to topics in which they consistently make mistakes.

Prepare According to the Paper

Candidates appearing for Paper I and Paper II should focus on the syllabus relevant to their selected paper.

A candidate should not simply study everything available online. Preparation should be based on the prescribed CTET syllabus and examination requirements.

Using the syllabus as a checklist can help candidates determine which topics have been covered and which still require attention.

Practice Previous-Year Questions

Previous-year question papers can help candidates become familiar with the style and level of questions.

Regular practice can also improve time management. Candidates should not limit themselves to reading study material; they should attempt questions under examination-like conditions.

After completing a practice paper, candidates should analyse incorrect answers and identify the reason for the mistake.

Attempt Mock Tests

Mock tests can help candidates improve speed and accuracy.

A useful approach is to take a full-length mock test after completing sufficient preparation. Candidates should then analyse:

• Questions answered incorrectly
• Questions left unanswered
• Questions that consumed too much time
• Topics where mistakes were repeated
• Areas requiring additional revision

Simply taking a mock test without analysing performance may not provide maximum benefit.

Focus on Time Management

CTET candidates should develop the habit of managing time effectively.

During preparation, candidates can practise answering questions within the expected examination environment. This helps them determine how much time they are spending on different sections.

If a question appears difficult, candidates should avoid spending excessive time on it. They can move ahead and return to it later if permitted by the examination process.

Plan Your Examination-Day Travel

Candidates should not wait until examination day to determine how to reach the centre.

Once the examination centre details are available on the admit card, candidates should:

• Check the exact location.
• Identify the nearest transport options.
• Estimate travel time.
• Check alternative routes.
• Consider traffic conditions.
• Plan to reach well before reporting time.

Candidates travelling from another city should make appropriate arrangements in advance.

For Paper II, the reporting time is 7:30 AM, which means candidates may need to leave their accommodation considerably earlier depending on the location of the centre.

For Paper I, the reporting time is 12:30 PM, but candidates should still leave sufficient time for unexpected delays.

Do Not Rely on Last-Minute Travel

One of the most common mistakes candidates can make is leaving home just before the examination begins.

The CTET instructions clearly state that candidates reporting after the prescribed final entry time will not be allowed to appear.

Therefore, candidates should consider the reporting time rather than only the examination start time when planning their journey.

For example, a Paper II candidate should plan to reach the centre around the prescribed reporting time of 7:30 AM rather than planning the journey to arrive at 9:20 AM.

Similarly, Paper I candidates should plan to reach the centre around 12:30 PM rather than attempting to arrive just before 2:30 PM.

CTET Examination City and Admit Card: Difference

Candidates should understand the difference between examination city information and the admit card.

The examination city information will be made available 15 days before the examination.

The admit card containing the Examination Centre details will be available for download two days before the examination.

Therefore, candidates should not assume that the city information itself contains the complete examination-centre address.

Candidates should download the admit card once it is released and check the exact centre information before travelling.

CTET 2026: Important Dates at a Glance

The important details related to the upcoming CTET examination are summarized below:

Candidates should continue to check the official CTET portal for any subsequent updates, instructions or changes.

How to Check CTET 2026 Exam Date Notice

Candidates who want to check the official CTET examination date notice can follow the steps given below.

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Candidates should first visit the official CBSE CTET website at ctet.nic.in.

Candidates are advised to use the official website for examination-related information rather than relying on unofficial websites or social media posts.

Step 2: Look for the Examination Dates Notice

After opening the official website, candidates should look for the relevant CTET 2026 examination dates notice available on the homepage or notification section.

The exact placement of the notice may change depending on updates made to the website.

Step 3: Open the Notice

Click on the relevant CTET examination dates notification.

A new page or document will open containing the examination schedule and related information.

Step 4: Check the Examination Schedule

Candidates should carefully read the notice and verify:

• Examination dates
• Paper I timing
• Paper II timing
• Reporting time
• Late-entry restrictions
• Examination city information schedule
• Admit card schedule
• Other instructions

Step 5: Download the Notice

Candidates can download or save the notice for future reference.

It is advisable to keep a copy of the official examination schedule so that important dates and timings can be checked during the preparation period.

Important Instructions for CTET Candidates

Candidates should keep several points in mind before the examination.

First, the examination date should be noted carefully. The upcoming CTET examination is scheduled for December 12 and 13, 2026.

Second, candidates should remember their respective paper and shift.

Third, candidates must reach the centre according to the prescribed reporting time.

Fourth, candidates should carefully check their examination centre once the admit card is released.

Fifth, candidates should read every instruction printed on the admit card.

Finally, candidates should rely on official communications for any subsequent changes.

Candidates Must Avoid Late Arrival

The late-entry rule is particularly important.

For Paper II, candidates who report after 9:30 AM will not be allowed to appear in the examination.

For Paper I, candidates who report after 2:30 PM will not be allowed to appear.

This means candidates should not treat the examination commencement time as their arrival target.

The reporting time has been specified as two hours before the examination:

• Paper II: 7:30 AM reporting for a 9:30 AM examination
• Paper I: 12:30 PM reporting for a 2:30 PM examination

Candidates should plan accordingly.

Keep Checking the Official CTET Portal

The announcement of the examination dates is only one stage of the CTET examination process.

Candidates should continue checking the official CTET portal for additional notifications and updates.

Important information related to the examination city, admit card, examination-centre details and other instructions will be released through the official portal according to the schedule announced by CBSE.

Candidates should also ensure that they do not miss any communication concerning the examination.

What to Do Before the Admit Card Is Released

Before the admit card becomes available, candidates can use the time to focus on preparation.

They should revise the syllabus, practise questions and take mock examinations.

Candidates should also keep their application-related information safely available so that they can access the relevant examination portal when required.

If they are travelling for the examination, they can begin considering possible travel arrangements once the examination city information is released.

However, candidates should confirm the exact examination centre from the admit card before finalizing their travel route.

What to Do After Receiving the Admit Card

Once the admit card is available, candidates should immediately download it.

They should verify the examination centre and address.

Candidates should then identify the location on a map or other navigation service and determine the most convenient route.

If possible, candidates can visit or identify the centre location in advance, especially when the venue is unfamiliar.

This can help reduce uncertainty on examination day.

Candidates should also carefully read all instructions printed on the admit card because centre-specific or examination-specific instructions may be provided there.

CTET 2026: Key Takeaways

The most important points for candidates preparing for CTET 2026 are:

• The upcoming examination is the 22nd edition of CTET.
• The examination will be conducted on December 12 and 13, 2026.
• CTET will comprise Paper I and Paper II.
• Paper II will be conducted from 9:30 AM to 12:00 noon.
• Paper II candidates must report at 7:30 AM.
• Paper I will be conducted from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM.
• Paper I candidates must report at 12:30 PM.
• Candidates arriving after the prescribed examination commencement time will not be permitted to appear.
• Examination city and allotted examination-date information will be available 15 days before the examination.
• The admit card containing examination-centre details will be available two days before the examination.
• Candidates should regularly check the official CTET website for updates.
• CTET is applicable to schools under the Central Government and specified Union Territories as per the applicable rules.
• Qualifying CTET does not by itself guarantee appointment; candidates must meet the recruitment requirements of the concerned organization.

CTET 2026 Frequently Asked Questions

When will CTET 2026 be conducted?

As per the official notice provided by CBSE, the 22nd edition of the Central Teacher Eligibility Test will be conducted on December 12 and 13, 2026.

How many papers are there in CTET?

The CTET examination comprises Paper I and Paper II.

What is the timing of CTET Paper II?

Paper II will be conducted in the morning shift from 9:30 AM to 12:00 noon.

What is the reporting time for Paper II?

Candidates appearing for Paper II are required to report at the examination centre at 7:30 AM.

What is the timing of CTET Paper I?

Paper I will be conducted in the evening shift from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM.

What is the reporting time for Paper I?

Candidates appearing for Paper I must report at the examination centre at 12:30 PM.

What happens if a candidate reaches late?

Candidates who report after the prescribed examination commencement time will not be allowed to appear. For Paper II, candidates arriving after 9:30 AM will not be allowed to appear, while for Paper I, candidates arriving after 2:30 PM will not be allowed.

When will the CTET examination city information be released?

According to the official notice, information regarding the examination city and the date of examination allotted to each candidate will be made available on the CTET portal 15 days before the examination.

When will the CTET admit card be released?

The admit card containing details of the examination centre will be made available for download through the CTET portal two days before the examination.

Where can candidates check the CTET 2026 exam date notice?

Candidates can check the examination date notice through the official CTET website at ctet.nic.in.

Does CTET qualification guarantee a government teaching job?

No. CTET is an eligibility test. Qualifying the examination does not by itself guarantee appointment. Candidates must meet the eligibility conditions and selection requirements prescribed by the respective recruiting organization or school.

Which schools come under CTET?

CTET applies to schools of the Central Government, including KVS, NVS and Central Tibetan Schools, among others, as well as schools under the administrative control of specified Union Territories, subject to the applicable rules.

Final Word

The announcement of the CTET 2026 examination schedule gives teacher aspirants an important timeline for their preparation. With the 22nd edition of CTET scheduled for December 12 and 13, 2026, candidates should now focus on completing the syllabus, revising important concepts, practising previous-year questions and attempting mock tests.

Candidates should pay special attention to the examination-day schedule. Paper II will be conducted from 9:30 AM to 12:00 noon, with reporting at 7:30 AM, while Paper I will be conducted from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM, with reporting at 12:30 PM.

The reporting requirements should not be overlooked. CBSE has clearly stated that candidates arriving after the specified examination commencement time will not be allowed to appear. Therefore, candidates should plan their journey well in advance and reach the examination centre on time.

The examination city and allotted examination-date information will be made available on the CTET portal 15 days before the examination, while the admit card containing the examination-centre details will be released two days before the examination.

Candidates should regularly visit ctet.nic.in for official announcements and updates. They should also rely on the information printed on their admit card for the final examination-centre details and examination-day instructions.

With proper planning, consistent preparation and careful attention to official instructions, candidates can approach the CTET 2026 examination with greater confidence.

As per the official notice, the 22nd edition of the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) will be conducted on December 12 and 13, 2026.

The CTET September 2026 examination will comprise two papers- Paper I and Paper II. Paper II will be held in the morning shift from 9.30 am to 12 noon, and Paper I will be held in the evening shift from 2.30 pm to 5 pm.

The candidates shall report at the Examination Centre at 7:30 AM for Paper – II (Morning) and at 12:30 PM for Paper– I (Evening) i.e. 120 minutes before the commencement of the examination. Candidate(s) who report(s) at the examination centre after 09:30 AM in PAPER-II (Morning) and after 02:30 PM in PAPER- I (Evening) shall not be allowed to appear in the examination.

The information regarding the Examination City and the date of examination allotted to each candidate will be made available on the CTET portal 15 days before the examination. The Admit Card, containing details of the Examination Centre, will be made available for download from the CTET portal two days before the examination.

The CTET shall apply to schools of the Central Government (KVS, NVS, Central Tibetan Schools, etc.) and schools under the administrative control of UT‟s of Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu and Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep and NCT of Delhi.

Official Notice Here