Overview & Important Highlights
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has re-opened the online application window for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) September 2026 examination. This serves as an excellent opportunity for candidates who missed the initial application window or need to complete their submission to qualify for teaching positions across Central and State Government schools such as KVS, NVS, Army Schools, and Union Territory institutions. CTET certification is a mandatory prerequisite for candidates aspiring to teach primary (Classes I to V) and upper primary (Classes VI to VIII) students.
Eligibility & Selection Criteria
Candidates must ensure they meet the essential academic qualification criteria specified for either or both papers before filling out the re-opened application form:
- Primary Stage (Paper I - Classes I to V): Senior Secondary (or equivalent) with at least 50% marks and passed or pursuing the final year of 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) or 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed).
- Elementary Stage (Paper II - Classes VI to VIII): Graduation with passed or pursuing the final year of 2-year D.El.Ed, or Graduation with at least 50% marks and passed or pursuing 1-year/2-year Bachelor in Education (B.Ed).
- Age Criteria: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. There is no upper age limit restriction for taking the CTET examination.
- Selection Procedure: Qualifying the Computer Based Test (CBT) or Offline OMR-based Examination with a minimum score of 60% (55% for reserved categories).
Step-by-Step Application / Download Process
Eligible candidates can apply for the re-opened CTET September 2026 session by following the step-by-step instructions below:
- Visit the official portal at ctet.nic.in.
- Click on the prominent link labeled 'Apply for CTET September 2026 (Re-Opened)' on the homepage.
- Complete the initial registration process by providing basic personal details, contact number, and email ID to generate your Application Number and Password.
- Log in with your credentials and fill out the complete online application form, selecting your preferred paper choice (Paper I, Paper II, or Both).
- Upload scanned copies of required documents including a recent passport-sized photograph and signature strictly as per prescribed dimensions.
- Pay the applicable examination fee using online payment channels (Debit Card, Credit Card, or Net Banking).
- Verify all filled entries carefully and submit the final application form. Download and retain a printed copy of the Confirmation Page for future reference.
Important Instructions & Advice
Candidates are strongly advised to double-check their eligibility, category, exam city preference, and document uploads before finalizing the form submission. Ensure that the photograph and signature uploaded are clear to avoid rejection at the admit card stage. The CTET qualification certificate holds lifetime validity, granting eligible candidates long-term benefits across various government teaching job recruitment drives. Regularly check the official CBSE CTET website for updates regarding examination schedules and hall ticket releases.