CTET 2026 Notification Released – The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially released the CTET February 2026 Notification for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test on 27 November 2025. The application process has started and will continue till 18 December 2025 (before 11:59 PM). All eligible candidates who want to become teachers for Classes I to VIII in government or private schools must qualify CTET.
This exam is essential for recruitment in Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVS), Army Schools, Government Schools, and even many private institutions across India.
CTET will be conducted in offline (pen-and-paper) mode, and the exam will consist of two papers:
- Paper-I: For Primary Level (Class I to V teachers)
- Paper-II: For Elementary Level (Class VI to VIII teachers)
CTET 2026 Notification – Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) February 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen & Paper / OMR Based) |
| Application Start | 27 November 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 18 December 2025 (11:59 PM) |
| Fee Payment Deadline | 18 December 2025 |
| Exam Date | 08 February 2026 (Sunday) |
| Exam Shifts | Paper-II (Morning), Paper-I (Evening) |
| Exam Mode | MCQ Based (No Negative Marking) |
| Validity of CTET | Lifetime |
| Official Website | https://ctet.nic.in |
CTET 2026 Eligibility & Qualification
CTET has two different eligibility criteria depending on whether a candidate is applying for Paper-I (Primary Stage) or Paper-II (Elementary Stage).
Paper I (Class I to V – Primary Level)
Must fulfill ANY ONE of the following:
- Senior Secondary (10+2) with 50% marks + 2-year D.El.Ed
- Senior Secondary with 45% marks + 2-year D.El.Ed as per NCTE norms
- Senior Secondary with 50% marks + 4-year B.El.Ed
- Senior Secondary with 50% marks + 2-year Diploma in Special Education
- Graduation + 2-year D.El.Ed
Paper II (Class VI to VIII – Elementary Level)
Must fulfill ANY ONE of the following:
- Graduation + 2-year D.El.Ed
- Graduation with 50% marks + 1-year B.Ed
- Graduation with 45% marks + NCTE approved B.Ed
- Senior Secondary with 50% marks + 4-year B.El.Ed
- Senior Secondary with 50% marks + 4-year B.A.Ed / B.Sc.Ed
- Graduation + B.Ed (Special Education)
Exam Pattern for CTET 2026
Paper-I (For Classes I to V Teachers)
Duration: 2.5 Hours | Total Questions: 150 | Marks: 150
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| Environmental Studies (EVS) | 30 | 30 |
| Language I | 30 | 30 |
| Language II | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
Paper-II (For Classes VI to VIII Teachers)
Duration: 2.5 Hours | Total Questions: 150 | Marks: 150
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics & Science (for Science teacher) OR | 60 | 60 |
| Social Science / Social Studies (for SST teacher) | 60 | 60 |
| Language I | 30 | 30 |
| Language II | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
👉 Note:
- No Negative Marking
- All questions are Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- A candidate can appear in both papers if eligible
CTET 2026 Exam Date & Shift Timings
| Date | Paper Code | Shift | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08 February 2026 | Paper-II | Morning | 09:30 AM to 12:00 Noon |
| 08 February 2026 | Paper-I | Evening | 02:30 PM to 05:00 PM |
How to Apply for CTET 2026
- Visit the official website – ctet.nic.in
- Click on “Apply Online – CTET February 2026”
- Register yourself by entering basic details
- Fill in the application form carefully
- Upload required documents:
- Photograph
- Signature
- Certificates (if required)
- Pay the exam fees online
- Submit and download confirmation page
- Take a printout for future reference
Application Fees – CTET 2026
| Category | Paper-I or Paper-II | Both Papers |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC (NCL) | ₹1000 | ₹1200 |
| SC / ST / PwD | ₹500 | ₹600 |
Important Dates for CTET February 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 27 November 2025 |
| Online Registration Starts | 27 November 2025 |
| Last Date for Application | 18 December 2025 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 18 December 2025 |
| Correction Window | Notify Later |
| Exam City Announcement | January 2026 |
| CTET Exam Date | 08 February 2026 |
This CTET exam remains a significant gateway for aspirants wishing to secure teaching jobs in reputed central government schools, ensuring the quality of education by certifying competent educators. Early application and proper preparation using previous years’ question papers and study materials are recommended for success in the CTET 2026 exam.
Should you need detailed syllabus information or preparation tips, you can also find resources and mock tests online to sharpen your skills for both Paper I and Paper II.
FAQ – CTET 2026 Notification
Which organization conducts CTET?
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
When was the CTET February 2026 notification released?
27 November 2025.
What is the last date to apply for CTET 2026?
18 December 2025 (before 11:59 PM).
What is the exam date of CTET February 2026?
08 February 2026 (Sunday).
In which mode will the CTET 2026 exam be conducted?
Offline (Pen-and-paper / OMR-based).
How many papers are there in CTET?
Two papers – Paper-I and Paper-II.
What qualification is required for Paper-I (Primary Teacher)?
Senior Secondary (50%) + 2-year D.El.Ed OR equivalent qualification.
What is one qualification for Paper-II (Elementary Teacher)?
Graduation with 50% marks + B.Ed (or equivalent).
What is the official website to apply online?
https://ctet.nic.in
