CTET 2026 is a national-level teacher eligibility test conducted by CBSE for candidates aiming to teach in government and aided schools across India. The exam plays a crucial role in qualifying teachers for Classes 1 to 8 and evaluates their understanding of child development, pedagogy, language proficiency, and subject-specific knowledge. With the CTET 2026 notification expected soon, aspirants are searching for accurate details on exam date, application form, eligibility, syllabus, exam pattern, and cutoff to plan their preparation effectively.
CTET Notification
CTET, or Central Teacher Eligibility Test, is a national-level exam conducted by CBSE to determine the eligibility of candidates for teaching positions in Classes 1 to 8 in government and aided schools across India. The exam is held for two papers, Paper 1 for primary teachers and Paper 2 for upper primary teachers, covering subjects like child development and pedagogy, languages, mathematics, environmental studies, and subject-specific topics. CTET qualification is a mandatory requirement for many central and state teaching jobs, making it a key milestone for aspiring teachers.
CTET 2026 Detail’s
| Exam Name | Central Teacher Eligibility Test |
| Conducting Body | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year |
| Exam Mode | Offline, pen and paper based |
| Exam Duration | 150 minutes |
| Medium of Exam | English and Hindi |
| Official Website | ctet.nic.in |
CTET Notification Out 2026
CTET Notification Out 2026 confirms the release of the official schedule for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test conducted by CBSE for Classes 1 to 8. The online application process for the February 2026 session started on 27 November 2025, and the CTET exam is set to take place on 8 February 2026. Interested candidates can now check the complete notification PDF on the official website ctet.nic.in for details on exam dates, registration process, eligibility criteria, syllabus, and the full exam timetable.
CTET Answer key
CBSE will publish the CTET 2026 provisional answer key along with scanned OMR sheets on the official website after the exam is conducted. Candidates will be able to access the answer key by logging in with their roll number and date of birth, allowing them to verify their marked responses and estimate their expected score before the final result is announced. If any discrepancy is found, objections can be raised within the specified time window. After reviewing objections, CBSE will publish the final answer key.
CTET Exam Date 2026
| CTET Exam Events | Dates (Tentative) |
| CTET 2026 Exam Date | 8 February 2026 |
CTET Educational Qualification
The CTET educational qualification criteria define the minimum academic requirements for candidates applying for Paper 1 and Paper 2, as set by CBSE in line with NCTE norms. These requirements vary based on the teaching level and include specific combinations of graduation, diploma, or teacher training courses. Candidates must meet the prescribed qualifications at the time of application, so verifying eligibility for the chosen paper is essential before applying.
CTET Paper 1 Eligibility
CTET Paper 1 eligibility is meant for candidates aiming to teach Classes 1 to 5 at the primary level. Applicants must have passed Senior Secondary or an equivalent exam with the prescribed minimum marks and should have completed or be appearing in the final year of a recognized teacher education course. Eligible qualifications include Diploma in Elementary Education, Bachelor of Elementary Education, Diploma in Education Special Education, or Bachelor of Education, strictly as per NCTE guidelines.
CTET Paper 2 Eligibility
CTET Paper 2 eligibility applies to candidates who aim to teach students of Classes 6 to 8 at the upper primary level. Applicants must hold a graduation degree or be in the final year of a recognised teacher education programme. Accepted qualifications include Diploma in Elementary Education, Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Elementary Education, integrated BA or BSc with Education, and BEd in Special Education, all approved by NCTE. This eligibility ensures that candidates have both academic grounding and professional teaching training.
CTET Application Fee
| Category | One Paper (Paper 1 or Paper 2) | Both Papers (Paper 1 & Paper 2) |
| General / OBC (NCL) | INR 1000 | INR 1200 |
| SC / ST | INR 500 | INR 600 |
CTET Exam Pattern 2026
| Particulars | CTET Paper 1 | CTET Paper 2 |
| Subjects | Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I, Language II, Mathematics, Environmental Studies | Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I, Language II, Mathematics & Science or Social Studies/Social Science |
| Number of Questions | 150 | 150 |
| Total Marks | 150 | 150 |
| Exam Duration | 150 minutes | 150 minutes |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Marking Scheme | 1 mark as each correct answer, no negative marking | 1 mark for each correct answer, negative marking no |
CTET Cutoff Marks 2026
| Category | CTET Cutoff Marks | Qualifying Percentage |
| General | 90 out of 150 | 60% |
| OBC | 82 out of 150 | 55% |
| SC | 82 out of 150 | 55% |
| ST | 82 out of 150 | 55% |
| Differently Abled | 82 out of 150 | 55% |
Steps to apply for CTET 2026
- Now visit the official website ctet.nic.in.
- Complete register online using basic details such as name, email id, and mobile number.
- Fill in the application form with personal, educational qualification, and communication details.
- Upload scanned photograph and signature as per correct format.
- Pay the application fee through online payment modes.
- Review all details carefully and submit the form.
- Quick download and print the confirmation page and fee receipt.
Official Site: https://ctet.nic.in/