NCTE directs ITEP institutions to admit students only through NCET for 2026-27 academic session

The National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) has issued a fresh advisory to all institutions offering the Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP), directing them to admit students for the 2026-27 academic session only through the National Common Entrance Test (NCET) 2026.

In the advisory issued on June 17, 2026, the NCTE reminded institutions that the four-year ITEP was introduced under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The admissions to the programme are based on the NCET, which assesses candidates on subject knowledge and aptitude.

The council also noted that the National Testing Agency (NTA) conducted NCET 2026 on April 17 and 18, while the results were announced on June 4, 2026.

NCET mandatory for ITEP admissions

The advisory makes it clear that admissions to ITEP for the 2026-27 session must be carried out only through NCET 2026, which serves as the single-window national entrance examination for the programme.

It further states that only those candidates who appeared for NCET 2026 will be considered for admission. However, they must also satisfy the eligibility requirements laid down by the concerned institution, affiliating university, State Government and other regulatory authorities.

Counselling to follow NCET results

The recognised ITEP institutions and universities should begin their counselling and admission process only after the declaration of the NCET 2026 results. Merit lists must be prepared on the basis of NCET scores and the admission rules applicable to the respective institutions.

The advisory also states that admissions should not be granted to candidates who did not appear for NCET 2026. Any admission made in violation of these directions will be treated as unauthorised and against the prescribed admission framework for ITEP.

Strict compliance expected from institutions

The council has warned that any institution found deviating from these instructions may face action under the NCTE Act, 1993, relevant regulations and other applicable rules.

All NCTE-recognised institutions have been directed to strictly follow the advisory while conducting admissions for the 2026-27 academic session. The advisory has been issued with the approval of the competent authority.