CTET Eligibility Criteria 2026, Check Complete Details

The CTET 2026 Feb session notification is out on the official CTET website. Candidates must review the eligibility criteria carefully before applying. Paper 1 targets aspirants aiming to teach Classes 1 to 5, while Paper 2 is for those targeting Classes 6 to 8. Candidates wishing to teach both levels must appear for both papers. Basic eligibility includes a 12th pass with at least 50% marks or a graduation degree with 50% aggregate. Detailed eligibility requirements, age limits, and reservation policies will be provided in the official notification.

CTET Eligibility Criteria 2026

CTET Eligibility Criteria 2026 is crucial for all aspirants aiming for a teaching career, especially in government schools across India. Candidates must be aware of the eligibility requirements for both Paper 1 (Primary Level) and Paper 2 (Upper Primary Level). With recent updates to the exam, it is essential that applicants carefully review the CTET Eligibility Criteria 2026 before submitting their online application form to ensure their candidature is valid.

Key Updates for CTET 2026

• The National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) has revised eligibility rules for candidates pursuing Teacher Training Courses (TTC).
• As per NCTE, candidates currently enrolled in a TTC program (“Pursuing”) are now eligible to apply for CTET.
• Even candidates whose appointments were previously challenged can appear for CTET while pursuing TTC.

CTET Educational Qualification

• Paper 1 (Classes 1-5): Senior Secondary (12th) with at least 50% marks + 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (or equivalent).
• Paper 2 (Classes 6-8): Graduation with 50% marks + B.Ed. (or 4-year B.El.Ed / 2-year Diploma in Education.
• Integrated B.Ed.-M.Ed. (3-year program) Or Postgraduates (55% marks) may also qualify as per NCTE norms.
• Subject Combinations: Must align with the chosen teaching subject(s) in Paper 2.

CTET Notification 2025 OUT – Click to Check

CTET Paper 1 Eligibility Criteria

The candidates who wish to teach students from Classes 1 to 5 must appear for the CTET Paper I. Here is the complete Eligibility For CTET Paper 1.

• Senior Secondary (or its equivalent) with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education. OR
• Secondary (or its equivalent) with at least 45% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education. OR
• Senior Secondary (or its equivalent) with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a 2-year Diploma in Education (Special Education)*. OR
• Candidates who possess a “Graduation with at least 50% marks and a 2-year Diploma in Education”.

CTET Paper 2 Eligibility Criteria

The candidates who wish to teach students from Class 1 to 5 must appear for the CTET Paper II. Here is the complete Eligibility For CTET Paper 2.

• Senior Secondary (or its equivalent) with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of 4 a four-year Bachelor’s in Elementary Education (B.El.Ed)/B.A/B.Sc.Ed or B.A.Ed/B.Sc.Ed. OR
• Graduation with at least 50% marks and passing or appearing in a 1-year Bachelor’s in Education (B.Ed)/B.Ed. (Special Education). OR
• Graduation with at least 45% marks and passed or appearing in a 1-year Bachelor’s in Education (B.Ed), by the NCTE (Recognition Norms and Procedure). OR
• Any candidate having a qualified B.Ed Programme recognized by the NCTE is eligible to appear in TET/CTET. OR
• Post-graduation candidate with a minimum of 55% marks or equivalent grade and a three-year integrated B.Ed.-M.Ed.

CTET Age Limit 2026

Candidates aspiring to teach Classes I–V (Primary Level) or VI–VIII (Upper Primary Level) must be at least 18 years old, with no upper age limit. This flexible approach encourages professionals from diverse backgrounds to enter teaching without age-related restrictions. Additionally, there is no limit on the number of attempts for the CTET exam, giving candidates the freedom to retake it as often as needed to improve their scores.

• Candidates applying for the position of teacher for Classes I-V (Primary Stage) must be at least 18 years old, with no upper age limit.
• Similarly, for those applying for the position of teacher for Classes VI-VIII (Elementary Stage), the minimum age requirement is 18 years, and there is no maximum age limit.
• There are no age restrictions for applying to the CTET exam.

CTET Eligibility For SC/ST/OBC

There is no provision for seat reservations for the reserved category (SC/ ST/ OBC and PwD candidates). However, they are granted a relaxation of 5% marks in the qualifying exam of the CTET Exam.

CTET Eligibility for Reserved Category

For CTET 2026, candidates from the General category must secure 60% (90/150 marks) to qualify, while reserved category candidates (SC/ST/OBC/PwD) need 55% (82/150 marks). The exam has no negative marking, allowing aspirants to attempt all questions without penalty. These qualifying marks reflect inclusive reservation policies, promoting fair opportunities across categories. However, clearing CTET does not guarantee appointment, as final recruitment depends on the requirements of schools or authorities. Understanding these benchmarks helps candidates plan preparation effectively while balancing merit with equitable access to teaching positions.

Conclusion: The candidate may get a clear idea about the CTET eligibility Criteria & age limit category-wise.  So, candidates must fulfil the CTET Eligibility Criteria before applying for the exam.

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