CBSE CTET 2026 Exam Guidelines: Essential Instructions & Admit Card Updates
CTET 2026 Alert: CBSE conducts the exam on Feb 7-8. Admit cards are LIVE (released Feb 5). Shift 1 (9:30 AM) and Shift 2 (2:30 PM) require reporting 2 hours early. Mandatory: Original ID + Admit Card. Strictly NO electronics or jewelry. Follow the dress code to ensure entry.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is set to conduct the 21st edition of the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) on February 7 and 8, 2026. With over 2.5 million candidates appearing across 140 cities, strictly following the CBSE CTET 2026 Exam Guidelines is mandatory to avoid disqualification.
Also Read: CTET 2026 Hall Ticket Link Live, Available @ ctet.nic.in, Download Now
CTET 2026 Exam Schedule & Reporting Time
The exam will be held in two shifts (Paper I and Paper II). Candidates are advised to reach the center 120 minutes before the commencement of the test.
| CTET 2026 Exam Schedule & Reporting Time | ||
| Event | Paper II (Shift 1) | Paper I (Shift 2) |
| Reporting Time | 07:30 AM | 12:30 PM |
| Gate Closing Time | 09:30 AM (Sharp) | 02:30 PM (Sharp) |
| Exam Timings | 09:30 AM – 12:00 PM | 02:30 PM – 05:00 PM |
Critical Alert: No candidate will be allowed to enter the examination hall after the gate closing time. No requests for change in exam city or center will be entertained.
How to Download CTET Admit Card 2026
The CTET Admit Card 2026 was officially released on February 5, 2026. Follow these steps to secure your hall ticket:
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Visit the official portal: ctet.nic.in.
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Click on the link "Download Admit Card - CTET Feb 2026".
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Enter your Application Number and Date of Birth.
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Verify the security pin and click Submit.
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Important: Download and print a clear copy. Ensure your photograph and signature are visible.
Discrepancy in Admit Card?
If you find any error in your name, date of birth, category, or photograph compared to your confirmation page, contact the CTET Unit immediately at the official helpline to rectify it before the exam date.
Mandatory Documents to Carry
To pass the primary security perimeter, you must have:
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Printed CTET Admit Card 2026.
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Valid Original Photo ID Proof: (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License).
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Two Passport-size Photos: (Preferably the same as uploaded in the application).
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Ballpoint Pen: Good quality Blue or Black pen for OMR marking (CBSE will not provide pens this year).
CBSE CTET 2026 Prohibited Items List
The board follows a zero-tolerance policy regarding unfair means. The following items are strictly forbidden:
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Electronics: Mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, smartwatches, earphones, health bands, cameras, and calculators.
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Stationery: Geometry boxes, plastic pouches, pencils, erasers, writing pads, log tables, or loose papers.
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Personal Items: Wallets, handbags, goggles, belts, and ornaments (rings, chains, earrings).
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Eatables: Any food items (except for diabetic candidates with a medical certificate) or opaque water bottles.
CTET 2026 Dress Code & Security Frisking
To ensure a smooth entry, candidates are encouraged to follow a simple dress code:
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Clothing: Wear light-colored, simple clothes with half-sleeves. Avoid large buttons, brooches, or heavy embroidery.
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Footwear: Slippers or flat sandals are recommended. Avoid shoes with thick soles or heels as they may be removed during frisking.
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Frisking: Every candidate will undergo mandatory frisking via handheld metal detectors.