The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially confirmed the revised CTET December 2026 exam date. The 22nd edition of the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET), originally scheduled for 6 September 2026, will now be conducted on 12 and 13 December 2026 in offline, OMR-based mode.
This update is important for lakhs of aspiring teachers across India who are preparing for CTET 2026. Here’s everything you need to know about the new schedule, exam pattern, shift timings, and admit card details.
Why Was CTET 2026 Postponed to December?
The CTET 2026 exam, initially planned for 6 September 2026, was postponed following directions from the Supreme Court, which asked CBSE to give eligible candidates who had missed the original application deadline another opportunity to apply.
Following this direction, CBSE:
- Reopened the CTET 2026 application window from 25 August to 1 September 2026
- Provided a correction facility for both new and existing applicants
- Postponed the exam and later announced the revised CTET December 2026 date through an official public notice dated 14 September 2026
Candidates who had already applied under the original or reopened application window do not need to reapply. Their existing application will be valid for the December exam cycle.
CTET December 2026 Exam Date: Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | 22nd Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) |
| Conducting Body | CBSE |
| Original Exam Date | 6 September 2026 |
| Revised Exam Date | 12 & 13 December 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Offline (OMR-based) |
| Official Website | ctet.nic.in |
CTET 2026 Shift Timings
As per the revised schedule, CTET Paper I and Paper II will be conducted in two separate shifts on both exam days:
- CTET Paper II (for Classes VI to VIII): Morning shift, 9:30 AM to 12:00 Noon
- CTET Paper I (for Classes I to V): Afternoon shift, 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Candidates who wish to teach at both primary and upper-primary levels can appear for both papers on the same day.
CTET Exam Pattern 2026
- Paper I: For candidates aspiring to teach Classes I to V
- Paper II: For candidates aspiring to teach Classes VI to VIII
- 150 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) in each paper
- No negative marking
- Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes per paper
CTET Admit Card and Exam City Slip 2026
Candidates must keep track of two key documents ahead of the exam:
- Exam City Slip: Expected to be released around 15 days before the examination
- Admit Card: Expected to be released around 2 days before the exam date
Both documents will be available for download only through the official CTET portal, ctet.nic.in. Candidates should log in using their application number and date of birth to download these documents once released.
Important Advice for CTET Candidates
- Continue your preparation as per the revised December 2026 CTET schedule
- Regularly check the official CTET website (ctet.nic.in) for authentic updates
- Avoid relying on unofficial sources, social media forwards, or unverified websites for exam-related news
- Keep your application number, ID proof, and registered mobile number handy for admit card download
- Note that qualifying CTET does not guarantee a teaching appointment by itself — candidates must still meet the specific recruitment requirements of the hiring school or authority
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the new CTET exam date for December 2026? CBSE has revised the CTET 2026 exam date to 12 and 13 December 2026.
Q2. Why was the CTET 2026 exam postponed? The exam was postponed following Supreme Court directions asking CBSE to allow eligible candidates who missed the original deadline a fresh opportunity to apply.
Q3. Do candidates who already applied need to reapply for the December exam? No. Candidates who applied during the original or reopened application window do not need to reapply.
Q4. When will the CTET 2026 admit card be released? The CTET admit card is expected to be released around 2 days before the exam date.
Q5. Where can candidates check CTET exam city and admit card details? Candidates can check these details only on the official CTET website, ctet.nic.in.
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