The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the official notification for the National Common Entrance Test (NCET) 2026 on 12th February 2026. The notification, available as a detailed Information Bulletin, outlines the process for admission to the 4-Year Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) for the academic session 2026-27.
This national-level entrance exam is the gateway for students seeking admission into prestigious institutions, including IITs, NITs, RIEs, and Government Colleges across India. As per the schedule, the online application window is now active and will remain open until 10th March 2026.
NTA NCET 2026: Overview
The NCET 2026 is designed to select candidates for a Dual Major Programme, where the first major focuses on Education with school-specific stage specialization, and the second is in a discipline of the candidate’s choice. The examination will be conducted in 13 mediums in a Computer Based Test (CBT) mode.
| Feature | Details |
| Name of Examination | National Common Entrance Test (NCET) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Program Offered | 4-Year Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) |
| Mode of Exam | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Application Start Date | 12 February 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 10 March 2026 (up to 11:50 PM) |
| Exam Date | 17 April 2026 (Friday) |
NCET 2026 Notification PDF Download
The official Information Bulletin for NCET 2026 is now live on the NTA website. It contains exhaustive details regarding the syllabus, examination scheme, and participating institutions.
Total Seats
| Exam Name | Total Seats |
|---|---|
| 4-Year Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) | 9750 |
Also Read: IISER Aptitude Test 2026
Application Fee for NCET 2026
The fee must be paid online through Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card, or UPI.
| Category | Fee (INR) |
| General (UR) | ₹ 1200/- |
| OBC-NCL / EWS | ₹ 1000/- |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Third Gender | ₹ 650/- |
How to Apply for NCET 2026
Candidates can apply for the examination through the “Online” mode only. Follow these steps:
- Registration: Visit the official website and register to generate a system-generated Application Number.
- Application Form: Log in and fill in personal details, educational qualifications, and select your preferred examination cities and university programmes.
- Upload Documents: Upload a live photograph, scanned signature, and category/disability certificates as required.
- Fee Payment: Pay the requisite fee online to complete the process.
- Print Confirmation: After successful payment, download and print the Confirmation Page for future reference.
NCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet the specific requirements set by the NTA and the participating universities.
- Educational Qualification: Candidates should have passed or be appearing in the Class 12 / Qualifying Examination. Specific minimum marks and subject requirements may vary by institution.
- Age Limit: Candidates should check the specific age criteria of the university/institution they are applying to.
- Nationality: Generally open to Indian citizens; however, specific university rules apply.
Also Read: DSSSB Exam Day Guidelines 2026
NCET 2026 Exam Pattern
The test consists of multiple sections designed to evaluate different competencies.
| Section | Major Topics Covered |
| Language | Reading Comprehension, Literary Aptitude, and Vocabulary |
| Domain Subjects | Based on the Class 12 syllabus only |
| General Test | General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Mental Ability, and Numerical Ability |
| Teaching Aptitude | Topics related to teaching Science, Arts, Mathematics, etc. |
FAQs
Q1. What is the last date to apply for NCET 2026?
Answer: The last date for online submission is 10th March 2026.
Q2. In how many languages will the exam be conducted?
Answer: The exam will be conducted in 13 languages, including Hindi, English, Assamese, Bengali, and others.
Q3. Can I apply for NCET in offline mode?
Answer: No, application forms are accepted through online mode only via the official NTA website.
