CBSE Announces CTET September 2026 Dates

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially confirmed that the 22nd edition of the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) will be held on September 6, 2026. The online registration window is set to open on May 11.

According to a public notice issued on May 8, the application process will continue until June 10, closing at 11:59 PM. The exam will be conducted across 132 cities nationwide in twenty-seven different languages.

Random City Allotment Rule Introduced

In a significant shift from previous practice, the Board has clarified that candidates will not be allowed to choose their preferred exam city. The examination city will be allotted on a random basis.

Officials have made it clear that no requests for a change of allotted city will be entertained under any circumstances. This move is likely aimed at streamlining logistics and preventing overcrowding at specific centres, though it has already sparked some anxiety among aspirants in smaller towns who may have to travel further.

Two-Day Exam Possibility

While September 6, a Sunday, is the primary date, the notice carries a crucial caveat. "In case the number of candidates increases, the examination may also be conducted on September 5, 2026 (Saturday)," the official notification reads.

Sources familiar with the matter said a final decision on a second day will be taken closer to the deadline based on applicant volume. This flexibility mirrors the pattern seen in other large-scale recruitment exams managed by agencies like the NTA.

How to Apply and Fee Deadline

Aspiring candidates can submit their forms through the official websites—ctet.nic.in or cbse.gov.in. The detailed Information Bulletin, which includes the syllabus, language options, eligibility criteria, and category-wise fee structure, will be released shortly.

The last date to pay the application fee using debit card, credit card, or net banking is also June 10, up to 23:59 hrs.

Correction Window and Admit Cards

CBSE will provide a limited window for online corrections from June 15 to June 18. Authorities have warned that no edits will be allowed after this period, so applicants are advised to double-check their photo, signature, and personal details carefully.

Admit cards will be available for download two days before the exam. The results are tentatively scheduled for release by the end of October 2026.

A Crucial Gateway for Teaching Aspirants

The CTET qualification remains a mandatory requirement for recruitment as a teacher in central government schools, including Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas, as well as schools under the administrative control of the UT of Chandigarh and other aided institutions.

With lakhs of candidates expected to apply, the random city allotment is expected to be the most closely watched change this cycle. Local coaching centres in Delhi's Mukherjee Nagar and Rajendra Nagar reported a rush of queries on Saturday morning from students trying to understand the new rule.

The Board has urged applicants to only download the information bulletin from the official website and to remain cautious of misleading information circulating on social media.