CTET 2026 Postponed: Applications Reopen August 25 at ctet.nic.in; New Exam Date Awaited

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has postponed the 22nd Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026 examination, originally scheduled for September 6, 2026. While the revised exam date is yet to be announced, the application window for CTET 2026 has reopened from August 25 to September 1, 2026, on the official portal, ctet.nic.in, offering a crucial second chance for eligible candidates who missed the initial registration period.

This decision by CBSE to reopen applications and defer the exam date stems from a recent Supreme Court judgment. The judgment underscored the necessity of providing sufficient time for eligible teachers to acquire the mandatory Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) qualification, ensuring broader participation in the eligibility assessment for teaching positions across India.

CTET 2026 Application Window Reopened

The CBSE, entrusted by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, with conducting the CTET, has reopened the online application portal specifically for the 22nd edition of the examination. This move allows candidates who could not register during the earlier window, which ran from May 11 to June 10, 2026, to now submit their applications. According to a CBSE notice, this measure is taken “in view of the aforesaid and in the larger interest of candidates” to provide an additional opportunity.

Candidates who successfully submitted their applications during the initial registration period do not need to reapply. The current application window will remain active until September 1, 2026, after which the portal will close. The CTET exam is a national-level test conducted to determine eligibility for teaching posts as per applicable recruitment rules.

CTET 2026: Important Dates

The postponement has led to a revised schedule for the application process, with the examination date yet to be announced. The CBSE has indicated that the new date for the CTET 2026 examination will be released only after the reopened application window concludes on September 1, 2026.

How to Apply for CTET 2026

Eligible candidates who wish to apply for the CTET 2026 examination during this reopened window must follow the online application process on the official CBSE CTET website. This is make-or-break for applicants to complete all steps, including fee payment, before the September 1, 2026 deadline.

1. Go to the official website, ctet.nic.in.
2. Click on the link for “Apply for CTET 2026” or “Online Application Form for CTET 2026”.
3. Register by providing the necessary details to generate login credentials.
4. Log in using the generated registration number and password.
5. Fill out the CTET 2026 application form with accurate personal and educational details.
6. Upload scanned copies of photographs and signatures as per the specified guidelines.
7. Pay the application fee through the available online payment modes.
8. Review the application form carefully before final submission.
9. Download and print the confirmation page for future reference.

What Happens Next for CTET 2026 Candidates?

Following the closure of the reopened application window on September 1, 2026, the CBSE will proceed with the announcement of the revised examination date for CTET 2026. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official CTET website, ctet.nic.in, for updates regarding the new exam schedule and admit card release. The examination is a crucial step for aspiring teachers, and the board aims to conduct it efficiently after ensuring all eligible candidates have had the opportunity to apply.

Written by Nishit Kumar

Nishit Kumar is a senior EdTech industry leader with over a decade of experience in building and scaling education platforms, shaping their product, content, and growth strategy. At FindMyCollege, Nishit oversees content and editorial strategy, guiding topic selection and content frameworks to ensure accuracy, relevance, and student-first value across the website.

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