NCET (National Common Entrance Test) is the entrance exam for admission to the 4-Year Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP).
What is ITEP?
ITEP is a 4-year dual-major undergraduate programme (e.g., BA-B.Ed., B.Sc.-B.Ed.) introduced under NEP 2020. It prepares teachers for Foundational, Preparatory, Middle, and Secondary stages of school education. It combines subject knowledge with pedagogy, teaching practice, and multidisciplinary education. Admissions occur in selected Central/State Universities, IITs, NITs, RIEs, and government colleges. Qualifying in NCET is mandatory for these seats.
Key Details for NCET 2026
- Conducting Body: National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of NCTE.
- Exam Date: April 17, 2026 (Computer-Based Test).
- Application Period: February 12 to March 10, 2026 (with correction window later).
- Current Status (as of early May 2026): Exam completed. Provisional answer keys released around April 28, 2026. Candidates can challenge them. Results expected in May 2026.
Official Website: exams.nta.nic.in/ncet/ — Check here for admit cards, answer keys, results, and updates.
Exam Pattern (Typical)
- Mode: CBT (Computer-Based Test).
- Total Questions: Around 160.
- Sections (candidates select based on programme/stream):
- Languages: Choose 2 languages (20+20 questions).
- Domain Subjects: Relevant subjects (e.g., Physics, Mathematics, History) + Teaching Aptitude (mandatory).
- General Test: Reasoning, General Knowledge, etc.
- Medium: Available in 13+ languages.
- Marking: Usually +4 for correct, -1 for incorrect (confirm in latest bulletin).
Syllabus: Available on the NTA site. It includes:
- Language papers (Literature/Communication).
- Domain-specific (Class 12 level: Science, Arts, Commerce streams).
- Teaching Aptitude (pedagogy, classroom management, child development, etc.).
- General Test.
Detailed PDFs for each subject are linked on the syllabus page.
Eligibility
- Passed or appearing in Class 12 (10+2) from a recognized board.
- No upper age limit.
- Specific subject requirements may vary by ITEP stream (e.g., Science for B.Sc.-B.Ed.).