The CTET Admit Card 2026 for the 22nd edition will be released on the official CTET portal two days before the exam. CBSE has fixed the exam for 12 and 13 December 2026. Before that, each candidate’s exam city and date will appear on the portal 15 days ahead. This page explains the admit card timeline, exam pattern, reporting rules and the download steps, using only CBSE’s official notices.
CTET Admit Card 2026: Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam | Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET), 22nd edition |
| Conducting body | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), CTET Unit |
| Exam dates | 12 and 13 December 2026 |
| City and date intimation | On the CTET portal, 15 days before the exam |
| Admit card release | On the CTET portal, 2 days before the exam |
| Official website | ctet.nic.in |
Why the CTET Exam Moved to December
The Information Bulletin first fixed the exam for 6 September 2026. However, CBSE reopened applications from 25 August to 1 September 2026. It did so after a Supreme Court ruling that stressed a fair chance for eligible teachers to get TET-qualified. CBSE then said it would announce a revised date after the portal closed. Finally, its public notice of 14 September 2026 fixed the exam for 12 and 13 December 2026.
CTET Admit Card 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Original application window | 11 May to 10 June 2026 |
| Reopened application window | 25 August to 1 September 2026 |
| Exam date notice | 14 September 2026 |
| Exam city and date slip | 15 days before the exam |
| Admit card download | 2 days before the exam |
| CTET exam | 12 and 13 December 2026 |
CBSE has not given a separate calendar date for the admit card. Therefore, check the portal regularly from late November.
How to Download the CTET Admit Card 2026
- First, go to ctet.nic.in.
- Next, click the admit card link for the December 2026 exam once it is live.
- Then enter the login details the portal asks for, such as your application number.
- Check your name, photo, paper, centre, date and reporting time.
- Finally, download the admit card and take a clear printout.
If any detail is wrong, contact the CTET Unit at once. Also, keep your photo ID ready, as our DigiLocker guide explains.
CTET 2026 Exam Pattern
Both papers have 150 multiple-choice questions for 150 marks. Each paper lasts 2 hours 30 minutes, and there is no negative marking.
| Paper | For classes | Sections (marks) |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I | I to V | Child Development and Pedagogy (30), Mathematics (30), Environmental Studies (30), Language I (30), Language II (30) |
| Paper II | VI to VIII | Child Development and Pedagogy (30), Maths and Science or Social Studies (60), Language I (30), Language II (30) |
In the Information Bulletin, Paper II was in the morning (9:30 AM to 12:00 noon) and Paper I in the evening (2:30 PM to 5:00 PM). However, the December notice does not repeat these timings. So, follow the shift printed on your admit card.
Reporting Rules on Exam Day
- Reporting time (as per bulletin): 7:30 AM for Paper II and 12:30 PM for Paper I.
- Entry closes: 9:30 AM for Paper II and 2:30 PM for Paper I.
- Carry: the admit card and your own black or blue ball point pen.
- Not allowed: mobile phones, watches and calculators.
- Centre: the city is allotted randomly, and you cannot choose it.
Qualifying Marks, Answer Key and Certificate
You need 60% or more to pass CTET. After the exam, CBSE will publish a provisional answer key. You can challenge it by paying ₹1,000 per question, which is non-refundable. Moreover, the CTET certificate is valid for life for all categories. For more updates, see our admit card section and education news.
Important Links
| Link | Open |
|---|---|
| CTET official website | ctet.nic.in |
| Exam date notice (14 September 2026) | Download PDF |
| Reopening notice (August 2026) | Download PDF |
| CTET Information Bulletin 2026 | Download PDF |
CTET Admit Card 2026 FAQs
When will the CTET Admit Card 2026 be released?
CBSE will release it on ctet.nic.in two days before the exam. The exam is on 12 and 13 December 2026.
When will I know my CTET exam city?
Your allotted city and exam date will appear on the CTET portal 15 days before the exam.
Is there negative marking in CTET?
No. Each question carries one mark, and wrong answers do not lose marks.
What are the CTET passing marks?
You need 60% or more to be declared TET pass.
How long is the CTET certificate valid?
The certificate is valid for life for all categories.
Sources
- CBSE CTET Unit – Public Notice: Exam Dates for 22nd edition of CTET (14 September 2026): exam dates, city intimation and admit card timeline.
- CBSE CTET Unit – Public Notice on reopening of online applications (August 2026): reopened window, original window and reason.
- CBSE – CTET Information Bulletin 2026: exam pattern, original date, timings, reporting rules, qualifying marks, challenge fee and certificate validity.
Always confirm details on the official website before applying.