CTET exam date 2026: The CTET exam date 2026 has finally been confirmed. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the dates for the 22nd edition of the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026. According to the public notice issued on September 14, the exam will now be held on December 12 and 13, 2026.
This announcement puts an end to weeks of uncertainty around the exam’s revised schedule, following its earlier postponement.
Why the Exam Was Delayed?
The CTET exam was originally scheduled for September 6, but CBSE postponed it after reopening the application window for candidates who had missed the earlier deadline. Candidates who applied during the September 2026 session can now refer to this newly announced schedule for their exam.
CTET Exam City Slip 2026
As per the CBSE notice, the CTET exam city intimation slip will be released at least 15 days before the exam. This slip will inform candidates about the city where their examination centre will be located, though it will not yet confirm the exact venue.
Candidates are advised to regularly check the official CTET website for updates regarding the release of this slip, since it is typically the first official communication candidates receive ahead of the admit card.
CTET Admit Card 2026
According to the notice, the CTET admit card will be made available for download two days before the examination. Candidates will be able to download their admit card through the Candidate Login section on the official CTET website.
Given the short two-day gap between admit card release and the exam itself, candidates are advised to download and verify their admit card immediately upon release, checking details such as exam centre, reporting time, and personal information, to avoid any last-minute issues.
Key Dates at a Glance
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam | CTET 2026 (22nd edition) |
| Conducted by | CBSE |
| Original exam date | September 6, 2026 (postponed) |
| Revised exam date | December 12–13, 2026 |
| Notice issued on | September 14, 2026 |
| City intimation slip | At least 15 days before exam |
| Admit card release | 2 days before exam |
What Should CTET Candidates Do Now?
With the exam dates officially announced, candidates can now plan their preparation schedule with certainty rather than continuing to prepare under an uncertain timeline. Here’s what candidates should focus on:
- Those who have already completed the syllabus can shift focus toward revision, previous-year question papers, and mock tests
- Candidates can take section-wise tests to identify specific topics where they need more practice, rather than revising everything uniformly
- Regular mock tests can help improve speed and time management, both of which are critical for performing well in a strictly timed exam like CTET
Given that candidates now have a clear three-month runway until the exam, this is a good opportunity to structure a study plan divided into concept revision, focused practice, and full-length mock tests as the exam date approaches.
Why This Matters?
For lakhs of aspiring teachers across the country, the confirmation of the CTET exam date 2026 brings much-needed clarity after a prolonged delay caused by the reopened application window. With CBSE conducting the exam for central government teaching eligibility, including for schools like KVS and NVS, and several state governments and private institutions also recognising the CTET certificate, this exam remains a critical step for candidates pursuing a teaching career.
Candidates are advised to rely only on the official CTET/CBSE website for further updates regarding the city intimation slip, admit card, and any additional exam-day guidelines, rather than unofficial sources, especially given how the exam date itself went through multiple rounds of uncertainty before this official confirmation.
