The CTET 2026 February session is now open for online registration. CTET (Central Teacher Eligibility Test) is a national-level exam conducted by CBSE for candidates who want to become teachers for Classes 1 to 8 in government, government-aided, and many private schools across India.
In this article, you will get complete information about CTET 2026 important dates, eligibility, exam fees, important links, exam pattern, exam date and schedule.
Table of Contents
CTET 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Session | February 2026 (21st Edition) |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen-Paper OMR) |
| Papers | Paper I (Class 1–5), Paper II (Class 6–8) |
| Exam Level | National-level Eligibility Test |
| CTET 2026 Notification Date | 27 November 2025 |
| CTET 2026 Exam Date | 8 February 2026 (Sunday) |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Form Start | 27 November 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 18 December 2025 |
| Last Date Fee Payment | 18 December 2025 (11:59 PM) |
| Application Correction Window | 23 December – 26 December 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | January 2026 (tentative) |
| CTET 2026 Exam Date | 8 February 2026 (Sunday) |
| CTET 2026 Result (Expected) | March 2026 |
Application Fee
| Category | Only Paper I or II | Both Paper I & II |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC (NCL) | ₹1000 | ₹1200 |
| SC / ST / PwD | ₹500 | ₹600 |
CTET Age Limit
There is no upper age limit for appearing in the CTET exam. Any candidate who meets the required educational eligibility criteria can apply, regardless of age.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 17 Years (Recommended) |
| Maximum Age | No upper age limit |
| Age Relaxation | Not applicable (since there is no maximum age restriction) |
CTET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for CTET 2026 is based on the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) guidelines. The requirements are different for Paper I and Paper II, depending on the level of teaching.
Paper I Eligibility (Primary Level – Class 1 to 5)
| Qualification Option | Required Qualification |
|---|---|
| Option 1 | Senior Secondary (12th or equivalent) with at least 50 percent marks and passed or pursuing 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) |
| Option 2 | Senior Secondary with at least 45 percent marks and passed or pursuing 2-year D.El.Ed (as per NCTE norms) |
| Option 3 | Senior Secondary with at least 50 percent marks and passed or pursuing 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed) |
| Option 4 | Senior Secondary with at least 50 percent marks and passed or pursuing 2-year Diploma in Special Education |
| Option 5 | Graduation and passed or pursuing 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) |
Paper II Eligibility (Upper Primary Level – Class 6 to 8)
| Qualification Option | Required Qualification |
|---|---|
| Option 1 | Graduation and passed or pursuing 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) |
| Option 2 | Graduation or Post-Graduation with at least 50 percent marks and passed or pursuing Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) |
| Option 3 | Graduation with at least 45 percent marks and passed or pursuing B.Ed (as per NCTE norms) |
| Option 4 | Senior Secondary with at least 50 percent marks and passed or pursuing 4-year B.El.Ed |
| Option 5 | Senior Secondary with at least 50 percent marks and passed or pursuing 4-year B.A.Ed / B.Sc.Ed / B.A.B.Ed / B.Sc.B.Ed |
| Option 6 | Graduation with at least 50 percent marks and passed or pursuing B.Ed (Special Education) |
| Option 7 | Candidates who have completed any NCTE-recognized B.Ed programme are eligible |
| Option 8 | Post-Graduation with at least 55 percent marks and passed or pursuing 3-year Integrated B.Ed-M.Ed |
Important Notes
- Candidates should verify qualifications with the latest CTET Information Bulletin and NCTE guidelines before applying.
- Candidates who have already completed the qualification or are in the final year of the required teacher training program are eligible to apply (as per CTET rules).
- A relaxation of up to 5 percent in minimum qualifying marks may be given to SC/ ST/ OBC/ PwD candidates.
- Qualifying CTET does not guarantee a job; appointment depends on respective recruitment rules and selection procedures.
How to Apply Online for CTET 2026
- Click on Apply Online / Apply for CTET Feb 2026.
- Complete New Registration and save your registration number.
- Login and fill personal and educational details, exam paper (Paper I/II/both), language and exam city.
- Upload scanned photo and signature as per guidelines.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Submit the form and download/print the confirmation page for future use.
Important Links
| Description | Link / Website |
|---|---|
| edit application form | Click Here |
| CTET 2026 Apply Online | Click Here |
| CTET 2026 Information Bulletin | Download PDF |
| CTET Official Website | ctet.nic.in |
CTET Exam Pattern
Common Points:
- Mode: Offline OMR (pen-paper).
- Type of Questions: MCQ (Objective).
- Correct Answer: 1 mark; no negative marking.
- Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes per paper.
CTET 2026 Paper I Exam Pattern (Class 1–5)
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I (Hindi/English etc.) | 30 | 30 |
| Language II | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| Environmental Studies (EVS) | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
CTET 2026 Paper II Exam Pattern (Class 6–8)
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I (Hindi/English etc.) | 30 | 30 |
| Language II | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics & Science / Social Studies | 60 | 60 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
(The last section will depend on the selected subject group either Mathematics and Science or Social Studies/Social Science.
CTET 2026 Exam Date and Schedule
- CTET February 2026 Exam Date: 8 February 2026 (Sunday)
- The exam will be conducted in two shifts:
| Paper | Shift | Timing (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Morning | 09:30 AM to 12:00 Noon |
| Paper II | Afternoon | 02:30 PM to 05:00 PM |
The exact timing, reporting instructions and exam centre address will be mentioned on your CTET Admit Card, so make sure to check it carefully before the exam.
CTET Passing Marks
Candidates must score the minimum qualifying marks as per their category to receive the CTET qualifying certificate.
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Percentage | Minimum Marks Out of 150 |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (UR) | 60% | 90 Marks |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 55% | 82-83 Marks (Approx.) |
| SC / ST | 55% | 82-83 Marks (Approx.) |
| PwD (Any Category) | 55% | 82-83 Marks (Approx.) |
What Happens After Qualifying CTET
CTET is only an eligibility test, and candidates who pass the exam receive a CTET qualifying certificate, which is now valid for a lifetime.
With this certificate, you can apply for teaching posts in:
- Central Government Schools (KVS, NVS, etc.)
- State Government Schools (where CTET score is accepted)
- Private Schools across India
Final selection and appointment will depend on the recruitment rules and selection process of the respective school or organisation.
FAQs: CTET febuary 2026
What is the exam date for CTET 2026?
The CTET February 2026 exam will be conducted on 8 February 2026 (Sunday) in a single day for both Paper I and Paper II.
What are the CTET 2026 form dates?
The CTET February 2026 online application process has started from 27 November 2025, and the last date to apply is 18 December 2025, including fee payment.
Can I fill the CTET form using a mobile phone?
Yes, the form can be submitted using both mobile or laptop. However, using a laptop or desktop with a stable internet connection is recommended to avoid errors.
What are the minimum qualifying marks to clear CTET?
General category candidates must score at least 60 percent (90 out of 150). Reserved category candidates may get relaxation as per rules of the appointing authority.
Is there any age limit for CTET 2026?
No upper age limit is mentioned in the notification. Candidates only need to meet the required educational qualification.
What is the difference between CTET Paper I and Paper II?
Paper I: For candidates who want to teach Class 1 to 5 (Primary level)
Paper II: For candidates who wish to teach Class 6 to 8 (Upper Primary level)
Both papers have different patterns and subject focus.
conclusion
CTET 2026 is a great opportunity for candidates who want to build their career in the teaching sector. If you are planning to appear in this exam, make sure you understand the eligibility criteria, syllabus, exam pattern and important dates properly. Also, keep checking the official website for updates, admit card and notices.
