The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the official CTET 2026 Notification for candidates aspiring to build a teaching career in central government schools like KVS, NVS, and other CBSE-affiliated institutions. The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is a mandatory qualifying exam for teachers from Class I to Class VIII across India.
The CTET 2026 exam will be conducted in offline mode (OMR-based) on 08 February 2026, and the online application process begins on 27 November 2025. Interested candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria before applying for the exam.
CTET 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Mode of Examination | Offline (OMR-based) |
| Duration | 2.5 Hours per Paper |
| Validity of Certificate | Lifetime |
| Official Website | www.ctet.nic.in |
CTET 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Apply Start Date | 27 November 2025 |
| Apply Last Date | 18 December 2025 |
| Exam Date | 08 February 2026 |
Candidates should complete the registration process within the given timeline to avoid last-minute issues.
CTET 2026 Application Fee
| Category | For One Paper | For Both Papers |
|---|---|---|
| General/OBC (NCL) | ₹1000/- | ₹1200/- |
| SC/ST/PwD | ₹500/- | ₹600/- |
The fee can be paid online via net banking, UPI, credit card, or debit card.
CTET 2026 Qualification Criteria
Primary Teacher (PRT) – Level I
- 12th Pass with D.Ed./JBT or equivalent diploma in elementary education.
Secondary Teacher (TGT) – Level II
- Graduate with B.Ed. or B.El.Ed degree.
Candidates must ensure their qualifications are from recognized institutions.
CTET 2026 Exam Pattern
Paper I – For Classes I to V (Primary Teacher)
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development and Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I | 30 | 30 |
| Language II | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| Environmental Studies | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
Paper II – For Classes VI to VIII (Elementary Teacher)
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development and Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I | 30 | 30 |
| Language II | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics & Science OR Social Studies/Social Science | 60 | 60 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
Note:
- No negative marking
- Minimum qualifying marks: 60% (90/150)
- Relaxations applicable for SC/ST/OBC/PwD categories
How to Apply for CTET 2026
Follow the steps below to apply online:
- Visit the official website: www.ctet.nic.in
- Click on “Apply Online – CTET February 2026”.
- Register using your mobile number and email ID.
- Fill in personal, educational, and communication details.
- Upload required documents (photo, signature, certificates).
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit the application and take a printout of the confirmation page.
CTET 2026 Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| CTET Exam Date Notice | Notice |
| CTET 2026 Apply Online | Apply Online |
| Official Notification PDF | Notification |
| CTET Official Website | CTET |
FAQs on CTET 2026
1. When will the CTET 2026 exam be conducted?
The CTET 2026 exam is scheduled for 08 February 2026 in offline mode.
2. Is the CTET certificate valid for lifetime?
Yes, the CTET certificate is now valid for lifetime, as per government notification.
3. Can I apply for both Paper I and Paper II?
Yes, candidates eligible for both levels can apply for both papers by paying the combined fee.
4. What is the minimum qualifying marks for CTET 2026?
A minimum of 60% (90 marks out of 150) is required to qualify. Relaxations apply for reserved categories.
5. Is there any negative marking in CTET?
No, CTET does not have negative marking.
