NCET 2026 Registration Now Open for Four-Year ITEP Programme
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially opened the application window for the National Common Entrance Test (NCET) 2026. This examination serves as the gateway for admission into the four-year Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) offered at participating institutions across the country. Candidates who have completed their Class 12 examinations are eligible to apply through the official NTA portal.
Application Timeline and Key Deadlines
Prospective applicants can submit their forms starting February 12, 2026. The registration portal will remain active until March 10, 2026. Those applying must ensure that their application fees are paid by March 11, 2026, using any of the available online payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, net banking, or UPI.
A dedicated correction window has also been scheduled from March 12 to March 14, 2026, allowing candidates to make necessary amendments to their submitted details. The NTA will announce the examination city and admit card release dates at a later stage.
Examination Schedule
The NCET 2026 examination is scheduled to take place on April 17, 2026. Candidates who successfully clear this entrance test will become eligible to participate in the counselling and admission processes of various central and state universities, along with premier institutions such as IITs, NITs, Regional Institutes of Education, and government colleges. These institutions will fill their available ITEP seats from the pool of qualified candidates for the academic session 2026-27.
Application Fee Structure
The application fee varies according to the candidate’s category. General category applicants are required to pay Rs. 1,200, while candidates belonging to OBC-NCL and EWS categories need to submit Rs. 1,000. The fee for Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, Persons with Disabilities, and Third Gender categories has been set at Rs. 650.
All fee payments must be made exclusively through online modes. For detailed information regarding the payment process and other procedural requirements, candidates are advised to refer to the official NTA NCET portal.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Applicants can complete their registration by following these straightforward steps:
- Navigate to the official NTA website and locate the NCET 2026 section on the homepage.
- Click on the registration link specifically designated for NCET 2026.
- Fill in the required registration details on the newly opened page and submit the information.
- Log in to the created account and proceed to complete the application form with accurate personal and academic information.
- Pay the applicable application fee using the available online payment options.
- Review the completed form thoroughly and submit it for final processing.
Applicants are encouraged to complete their submissions well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical difficulties. Keeping all necessary documents and information ready beforehand can help streamline the application process. It is also advisable to retain a copy of the submitted application and payment receipt for future reference during the admission process.
The NCET serves as a crucial stepping stone for aspirants looking to build a career in teaching. With the registration process now underway, eligible candidates should take prompt action to secure their participation in this competitive examination.
