The CTET (Central Teacher Eligibility Test) July 2026 session is a national-level exam conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to determine eligibility for teaching positions in classes 1-8 across central government schools and affiliated state schools in India. As of February 2026, no official notification for the July session has been released yet, but it typically follows the February cycle with tentative timelines starting around April-May 2026. Aspiring teachers can apply online via ctet.nic.in once the notification drops, focusing on Papers I and II for primary and upper primary levels.
Key Dates (Tentative)
Notification release: April 2026 (first week).
Online application start: April 2026.
Last date to apply: May 2026 (mid-month).
Exam: July 2026.
Application Process
Visit ctet.nic.in and select “Apply Online” for new registration. Fill personal, educational details, upload photo/signature, pay fees (₹1,000 for one paper, ₹1,200 for both for the General category), and submit. Eligibility requires a senior secondary degree with at least 50% marks and relevant training, varying by category.
CTET July 2026 eligibility criteria
CTET July 2026 eligibility follows NCTE guidelines, focusing on educational qualifications for teaching classes 1-8, with no upper age limit but a minimum age of 17-18 years. Candidates must be Indian citizens or meet NCTE nationality norms, and reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/PwD) get 5% marks relaxation in the minimum requirements.
Paper I (Classes 1-5)
Senior Secondary (or equivalent) with 50% marks + 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El. Ed) or 4-year B.El.Ed, or passed/appearing in the final year.
Graduation + 2-year D.El.Ed with 50% marks (relaxed to 45% for some reserved cases).
Appearing candidates in the final year of qualifying courses are eligible.
Paper II (Classes 6-8)
Graduation with 50% marks + 1/2-year B.Ed or B.Ed (Special Education).
Post-Graduation with 55% + 3-year integrated B.Ed-M.Ed, or Senior Secondary 50% + 4-year B.A/B.Sc.Ed.
Relaxation of 5% for reserved categories applies across qualifications.
Additional Rules
No limit on attempts; qualifying marks are 60% (General) or 55% (reserved). Final verification occurs during school recruitment, so check ctet.nic.in for July-specific updates.
CTET July 2026 application process and last date
CTET July 2026 applications are not yet open as of February 2026, with the official notification expected around April-May 2026 following the typical biannual cycle after the February session. The process is fully online via ctet. nic.in, involving registration, form filling, document upload, fee payment, and submission, with corrections usually allowed briefly afterward.
Step-by-Step Process
Visit ctet.nic.in and click “Apply Online” for new registration using personal details like name, email, and mobile.
Fill in educational qualifications, select Paper I/II (or both), choose exam center/language, and upload a recent photo/signature (specific size/format per notification).
Pay fees online (₹1000 for one General category paper, ₹1200 for both; less for reserved categories) via debit/credit/net banking.
Submit and download confirmation; print for records.
Tentative Dates
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | Early April 2026 |
| Application Start | April 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply & Fee Payment | Mid-May 2026 |
| Correction Window | Late May 2026 |
Steps to download the CTET 2026 admit card
Downloading the CTET 2026 admit card is a simple online process via ctet. nic. in, typically available 7-10 days before the exam date. For the July 2026 session, expect the release around late June 2026; carry it with a valid photo ID to the exam center—no entry without it.
Steps to Download
Visit ctet.nic.in and click the “CTET Admit Card” or “Download Admit Card” link on the homepage.
Enter your application number, date of birth (as registered), and security pin/captcha shown on screen.
Click “Submit” to view the hall ticket on screen; verify details like name, photo, exam center, and date/shift.
Download the PDF, print 2 copies, and store safely—no postal dispatch by CBSE.
Key Details on Admit Card
Candidate name, roll/application number, DOB, category.
Exam date/shift (e.g., 9:30 AM-12 PM or 2:30-5 PM), center address, paper opted.
Photo/signature, instructions (arrive 90 mins early).
If details are incorrect, contact the CTET helpdesk immediately via site contacts.
Documents required on the CTET 2026 exam day
Candidates must carry specific documents to the CTET 2026 exam center for verification, as entry is strictly prohibited without them. These rules apply uniformly to both July sessions and recent February 2026 exams, ensuring security and eligibility checks.
Mandatory Documents
Printed CTET Admit Card 2026 (original, clear copy from ctet.nic.in).
Valid Original Photo ID Proof: Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Driving License, Voter ID (name/DOB must match application).
One recent passport-size photograph (matching the uploaded one).
Optional/Conditional Items
PwD Certificate (if applicable, for scribe/extra time).
Blue/Black ballpoint pen for OMR sheet; transparent water bottle (500ml).
Arrive 90 minutes early for frisking; no electronics, bags, or prohibited items allowed inside.
CTET 2026 exam day prohibited items and dress code
CTET 2026 enforces strict rules on prohibited items and dress code to ensure security during the exam, applicable to the July session, just likethe recent February exams. Violating these can lead to entry denial or disqualification, so arrive in simple attire 90 minutes early for frisking.
Prohibited Items
Electronic devices: Mobile phones (even off), smartwatches, earphones, calculators, Bluetooth gadgets.
Stationery/study aids: Books, notes, papers, pencils, erasers, geometry boxes (only blue/black ballpoint pen allowed).
Personal belongings: Wallets, handbags, belts, goggles, metallic ornaments/jewelry (rings, chains, bangles).
Food/drinks: Snacks (transparent water bottle allowed); no tea/coffee.
Dress Code Guidelines
Clothing: Light-colored, half-sleeve shirts/T-shirts/kurtas; avoid heavy embroidery, multiple pockets, zippers, or full sleeves.
Footwear: Slippers or flat sandals (no thick-soled shoes/boots).
Accessories: No jewelry, watches, or metallic items; religious attire (hijab/turban) allowed with early reporting.
CTET 2026 exam pattern and marking scheme
CTET 2026 follows a consistent offline pen-and-paper pattern for both Paper I (classes 1-5) and Paper II (classes 6-8), each with 150 MCQs worth 150 marks. The exam lasts 2.5 hours per paper, conducted in English/Hindi (or 20 Indian languages), with no negative marking. Candidates can opt for Paper I, II, or both on the same day.
Exam Pattern Overview
| Aspect | Paper I | Paper II |
|---|---|---|
| Total Questions/Marks | 150 / 150 | 150 / 150 |
| Duration | 2.5 hours | 2.5 hours |
| Question Type | MCQs (4 options) | MCQs (4 options) |
| Mode | Offline | Offline |
Child Development & Pedagogy: 30Q/30M
Language I: 30Q/30M
Language II: 30Q/30M
Mathematics: 30Q/30M
Environmental Studies: 30Q/30M
Paper II Structure (Classes 6-8)
Child Development & Pedagogy: 30Q/30M
Language I: 30Q/30M
Language II: 30Q/30M
Mathematics & Science OR Social Studies: 60Q/60M
Marking Scheme
+1 mark per correct answer; 0 for incorrect/unattempted. Qualifying marks: 60% (90/150) General, 55% reserved categories.
Official Websites
| Resource | Official Link | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Main CTET Portal | https://ctet.nic.in | Notifications, Admit Cards, Results, Downloads |
| Online Application | https://examinationservices.nic.in/examsysctet | Registration, Form Filling, Fee Payment |
| Information Bulletin | https://ctet.nic.in/information-bulletin | Exam Guidelines, Syllabus, Eligibility PDFs |
| CBSE (Overseeing Body) | https://cbse.gov.in | General Updates (Directs to CTET Site) |
Faq’s
Application & Eligibility
Q: When will the CTET July 2026 applications open?
A: Expected early April 2026, with last date mid-May; check ctet.nic.in for notification.
Q: Can final-year B.Ed students apply?
A: Yes, appearing candidates in the final year of qualifying courses are eligible.
Q: Is there an age limit?
A: No upper age limit; minimum around 17-18 years depending on qualification.
Admit Card & Exam Day
Q: How to download the admit card?
A: Visit ctet. nic. in, enter application number/DOB, submit, download PDF; available 7-10 days before exam.
Q: What documents are required at the center?
A: Printed admit card, original photo ID (Aadhaar/Voter ID), passport photo.
Q: What items are prohibited?
A: Mobiles, calculators, bags, jewelry, extra stationery; only blue/black pen allowed.
Exam Pattern & Results
Q: What is the marking scheme?
A: +1 per correct answer, no negative marking; 60% qualifying for General (90/150).
Q: Can I appear for both papers?
A: Yes, on the same day; Paper I for classes 1-5, Paper II for 6-8.
Q: How long is the CTET certificate valid?
A: Lifetime validity as per the latest NCTE norms.