CTET 2026 Exam Rescheduled: New December Dates and What Candidates Must Know Now

CBSE has officially moved the Central Teacher Eligibility Test 2026 September cycle to December 12 and 13, citing a public notice dated September 14. The shift replaces the earlier September 6 plan and gives candidates a longer preparation runway. No fresh application window has been announced alongside the reschedule. City slips and admit cards will follow the notified timeline.

For aspirants anxious about pattern changes, nothing fundamental shifts. CTET will continue with two papers in offline mode using Optical Mark Recognition sheets, with multiple choice questions and no negative marking. This preserves preparation strategies already in motion while reducing uncertainty around test format and delivery.

CTET 2026 new exam dates: what changed

The September 6 schedule, with a possible spillover day, is now replaced by December 12–13. Earlier, CBSE reopened applications from August 25 to September 1; that window has since closed. Candidates should note that exam cities are allotted by CBSE, not chosen by applicants, so travel planning should begin once city slips arrive.

CTET city intimation and admit card timeline

CBSE will release the city intimation and allotted test date around 15 days before the examination, followed by admit cards closer to the test—typically two days prior. Verify personal details, photo, paper, and shift on download, and flag discrepancies immediately through official channels rather than relying on third‑party posts.

CTET exam mode and papers unchanged

The structure remains standard: Paper I for Classes 1–5, Paper II for Classes 6–8; 150 questions each, 150 marks, two hours thirty minutes per paper. Typical shifts run 9:30 am–12:00 noon and 2:30 pm–5:00 pm, so pacing practice should mirror these blocks. There is no negative marking.

Reporting time and documents checklist for CTET 2026

Report 120 minutes before your shift; late entry after start time is barred. Carry a printed admit card, an original photo ID such as Aadhaar, PAN, passport, or driving licence, and two black or blue ballpoint pens. Avoid watches, phones, calculators, or metallic items. Trust updates only on official CTET and CBSE websites.

What the CTET 2026 shift means for B.Ed. and D.El.Ed. aspirants

December dates buy meaningful revision time: consolidate pedagogy, practise classroom scenarios, and sharpen speed‑accuracy with full‑length mocks in actual shift slots. Track the 15‑day city slip and two‑day admit card cadence, and avoid unverified links promising early downloads. No new application window is part of the reschedule notice.

Bottom line for candidates: mark December 12–13, watch for city slips in late November, and expect admit cards just before the exam. Keep documents ready, reach early, and practise within official time blocks. Staying aligned with verified notices will protect your plans and keep preparation focused where it counts.