NCET 2026

National Common Entrance Test (for ITEP)

The NCET is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to the 4-Year Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP). This innovative program allows students to complete their graduation (B.A., B.Sc., or B.Com.) alongside a B.Ed. degree, saving one academic year.

📅 2026 Important Timeline

  • Registration Period: 12 February – 10 March 2026

  • Correction Window: 12 March – 14 March 2026

  • Exam City Announcement: Early April 2026

  • Admit Card Release: 3 days before the exam

  • Examination Date: 17 April 2026

  • Result Declaration: May 2026

🎓 Eligibility & Admissions

  • Academic: Passed or appearing in Class 12 (10+2) or equivalent in 2026.

  • Age Limit: No age limit for appearing in NCET 2026.

  • Stream: Open to all streams (Science, Commerce, Humanities). Your choice of ITEP course (B.A. B.Ed. vs B.Sc. B.Ed.) must align with your Class 12 subjects.

  • Objective: Direct entry into teaching stages: Foundational, Preparatory, Middle, or Secondary.

📝 Exam Pattern (CBT Mode)

The NCET is a 180-minute (3-hour) Computer-Based Test. It features a unique structure where you have internal choices in every section.

  • Total Questions: 181 (You must attempt 160)

  • Section 1 (Languages): 2 Languages to be chosen. (Attempt 20 out of 23 questions per language).

  • Section 2 (Domain Subjects): 3 Subjects to be chosen based on Class 12. (Attempt 25 out of 28 questions per subject).

  • Section 3 (General Test): Mandatory. (Attempt 25 out of 28 questions).

  • Section 4 (Teaching Aptitude): Mandatory. (Attempt 20 out of 23 questions).

  • Marking Scheme: +4 for correct; No Negative Marking (as per 2026 guidelines).

💰 Application Fee

  • General: ₹1,200

  • OBC-NCL / EWS: ₹1,000

  • SC / ST / PwD / Third Gender: ₹650

🏛️ Top Participating Institutes

NCET scores are accepted by 223 institutions for the 2026-27 session, including:

  • IITs: Kharagpur, Bhubaneswar, Jodhpur, Ropar, ISM Dhanbad.

  • NITs: Jalandhar, Calicut, Warangal, Tiruchirappalli, Agartala.

  • Central Universities: University of Delhi (DU), AMU, IGNOU, BHU.

  • RIEs: All Regional Institutes of Education (NCERT) like RIE Ajmer, Bhopal, etc.

🔗 Official Links

Pro-Tip for 2026: Since there is no negative marking this year, ensure you attempt all 160 required questions. Use the current correction window to double-check that your "Domain Subjects" exactly match the requirements of the specific University you are targeting.