NCET is a computer based test in which candidates choose a combination of papers rather than sitting one fixed paper. The structure has typically required a selection of language papers, domain subject papers drawn from the school curriculum such as sciences, mathematics, social sciences and languages, a general test, and a teaching aptitude section that assesses suitability for the profession. The National Testing Agency publishes the paper combinations, the number of questions, the duration and the marking scheme in the information bulletin for each cycle, and questions are offered in multiple languages. Scores are used by participating institutions offering the Integrated Teacher Education Programme, which have included Indian Institutes of Technology, National Institutes of Technology, Regional Institutes of Education and central and state universities. Each institution then conducts its own counselling and admission formalities.

Candidates are expected to have passed or to be appearing in class 12 or an equivalent examination from a recognised board, and the subjects studied at that level matter because the domain papers a candidate chooses in the test must match the subject specialisation applied for in the programme. Candidates appearing in the qualifying examination in the same year may apply subject to producing their results before admission is confirmed. Age limits, minimum qualifying marks, relaxations for reserved and specially abled candidates, and institution specific conditions on subject combinations are stated only in the official National Testing Agency information bulletin and in the notifications of the participating institutions for that admission year.