CTET 2026 Notification Out, Check Exam Date, Eligibility and Apply Online Link

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the CTET Notification 2026 on 27 November 2025, announcing the schedule, application window, and key rules for the 21st edition of the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET). The board confirmed that the exam was slated for 8 February 2026, to be held in two shifts for Paper I (Classes I-V) and Paper II (Classes VI-VIII).  The Application Window will be open from 27 November to 18 December 2025. For more information, read the following article.

CTET 2026: Recent Updates

• The 2026 cycle of CTET for February has been announced. The exam is scheduled on 8 February 2026.
• The application/register window has opened recently (from 27 November 2025) and will close by 18 December 2025.
  The exam will be conducted in an offline (OMR-based) mode — same as earlier.
• CTET continues to offer two papers:
• Paper 1 — For aspirants who wish to teach Classes I to V (primary).
  Paper 2 — For those aiming to teach Classes VI to VIII (upper primary/elementary

CTET 2026 Notification

The CTET 2026 notification has been released by CBSE, providing comprehensive details about the application process, eligibility requirements, fee structure, and exam mode. The announcement marked the beginning of a new cycle for teaching aspirants aiming to qualify for teaching positions across central and state-aided schools that accept CTET scores.

CBSE had uploaded the official notification PDF on the CTET portal. The CTET 2026 Notification PDF contained the full instructions: eligibility norms, fee details, exam cities, paper-wise pattern, syllabus outline, instructions for uploading documents, and the grievance/objection process for answer keys.

CTET 2026 Exam Date Out

As per the released notification, the CTET 2026 exam date has been officially confirmed as 8th February 2026 (Sunday). The test will be held in offline (pen-and-paper) mode, with two separate sessions for Paper I and Paper II.

CTET 2026 Exam- Overview

The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is a national-level examination conducted by the CBSE to assess the eligibility of candidates for teaching posts in primary and upper primary schools. It ensures quality standards in teaching recruitment across India. Qualifying CTET improves chances of getting appointed in government, aided, and private schools. Given below is the detailed overview of CTET:

CTET February 2026 Important Dates

The CTET Notification for the February 2026 cycle has been released on the official website, along with the complete exam schedule detailing registration and exam dates. 

• Notification publish Date: 27 November 2025
• Application Date: 27 November to 18 December 2025
• Application Correction window: 23 December to 26 December 2025
• Admit card release: A few days before the exam (usually 2 days before)
• Exam date: 8 February 2026 (two shifts)
• Result (tentative): March 2026

CTET Online Apply Link Active 2026

The CTET 2026 Apply Link has become active on 27 November 2025. Interested teaching aspirants can submit the CTET February 2026 Application Form on the official website www.ctet.nic.in from 27th November to 18th December 2025 (11:59 pm). Candidates are advised to keep all required documents ready before starting the online application. It is essential to read the instructions carefully and follow each step properly to avoid any mistakes during the application process.

CTET 2026 Apply Link [Active]

How to Apply for the CTET Application Form 2026?

Candidates must apply for CTET through the official CBSE portal within the notified registration window. The application form requires uploading scanned documents, personal details, academic records, and fee payment. Applicants must carefully verify information to avoid rejection or correction charges later. The online application process had been hosted on ctet.nic.in. Candidates were required to:

• Visit the official CTET website and click on New Candidate Registration / Apply Online.
• Complete the registration form with personal and contact details.
• Note the generated Application Number and password for login.
• Log in and fill out the detailed application form (education, category, address, etc.).
• Upload a recent passport-size photograph and a scanned signature as per prescribed specifications.
• Pay the application fee online and submit the form.
• Save the confirmation page and download the filled application for future reference.

(Applicants were advised to keep their academic certificates, identity proof, and scanned documents ready before starting the application.)

CTET Exam 2026 Application Fee

Candidates from the General and OBC categories must pay Rs. 1000/- for either Paper I or Paper II, and Rs. 1200/- if they choose to apply for both papers.
For SC/ST candidates, the fee is Rs. 600/- for either of the papers, and Rs. 600/- if applying for both papers. Fee Details for the CTET Exam are as follows:

CTET Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for CTET varies depending on the Primary (Class I-V) or Upper Primary (Class VI-VIII) level. Candidates must meet minimum educational qualifications, such as D.El.Ed, B.Ed., or a relevant diploma/degree from recognized institutions. There is no upper age limit, and students pursuing final-year teacher training programs can also apply.

Paper I (Primary – Classes I-V) – Eligible candidates had to satisfy one of the criteria below:

• Senior Secondary (or equivalent) with minimum 45% marks and 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed.), OR
• Senior Secondary (or equivalent) with minimum 45% marks and a 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed.), OR
• Graduate with B.Ed., OR other qualifying combinations as mentioned in the notification.

Paper II (Upper Primary – Classes VI-VIII) – Eligible candidates had to satisfy one of the criteria below:

• Graduate with 40-50% marks and a 2-year D.El.Ed., OR
• Graduate with B.Ed./B.El.Ed., OR
• Senior Secondary with 50% + B.A./B.Sc.Ed. / B.A.Ed. / B.Sc.Ed. (passed/appearing), OR
• Graduation with 50% and a 1-year B.Ed. (Special Education) (passed/appearing).
• Nationality: Indian
• Age limit: No upper age limit

CTET Selection Process 2025

CTET functioned as a qualifying test; candidates who obtained the prescribed cut-off were awarded a CTET certificate. Actual recruitment to teaching posts depended on hiring authorities and school boards that accepted CTET scores. The process was essentially:

• Written (CTET) examination – Paper I / Paper II as applicable.
• Certificate issuance for qualified candidates.
• Application to recruitment drives (state boards, central schools, state govt. vacancies) where the CTET qualification was required/accepted.

CTET Exam Pattern

CTET consists of two papers, Paper I for primary teachers and Paper II for upper primary teachers. Both papers include multiple-choice questions with no negative marking. The exam evaluates child development, teaching methodology, subject knowledge, and language proficiency through structured sections, details of which are provided below:

CTET Paper I Exam Pattern

CTET Paper II Exam Pattern

Nature and Standard of Questions 

• Child Development & Pedagogy: Questions will focus on the educational psychology of learners aged 6–11 years, covering learner needs, classroom interaction, and qualities of an effective teacher.
• Language I: Tests proficiency in the medium of instruction.
• Language II: Checks communication, comprehension, and overall language skills.
• Language Selection: Language II must be different from Language I. Candidates must choose two languages from the available options and specify them in the Confirmation Page.

CTET Syllabus – Papers I & II

The CTET syllabus focuses on child psychology, pedagogy, language comprehension, mathematics fundamentals, environmental studies, science concepts, and social sciences. It emphasizes conceptual clarity rather than rote learning. Candidates should focus on NCERT basics, classroom application, and topic-wise weightage while preparing. A detailed topic-wise syllabus is provided below:

CTET Syllabus 2025 – Click to Check

CTET Previous Year Papers with Answer Key PDF

The official answer keys will typically be released soon after the examination. Aspirants should compare their responses with provisional keys and, must permitted, submit representations. Practicing previous year papers was recommended to familiarise with the question style, recurring themes, and time management. Additionally, these papers help in understanding the exam’s trend, making them an essential tool for effective preparation.

Download CTET PYQs PDF

What Aspirants Should Do & How to Prepare?

• Given that you are already preparing for teaching-related exams (CTET, TET, PGT, TGT, etc.), here are the recommended steps:
  Check that your educational qualifications meet the eligibility criteria for whichever Paper (I or II) you plan to appear for.
• Mark the important date — 8 February 2026 — and ensure your application is completed by 18 December 2025.
• Familiarize with the exam pattern (MCQ, no negative marking, syllabus for child development, pedagogy, subject knowledge, etc.).
• Start a disciplined study plan: revision, mock-tests, time management — to improve accuracy and speed.
• Keep an eye on the official website for updates, admit cards, and official information bulletins.

CTET 2026 Admit Card

CBSE will make admit cards available on the CTET portal a few days before the exam. Candidates are advised to download hall tickets by logging into ctet.nic.in with their application credentials. They will be required to carry the printed admit card along with a valid photo ID to the exam centres. Candidates should download and print their admit cards well in advance of the exams to avoid last-minute hustle.

How to download:

• Visit ctet.nic.in.
• Click Admit Card.
• Enter Application Number and Date of Birth.
• Enter the Security PIN and submit.
• Download and save the admit card as a PDF.

CTET 2026 Result & Validity

Results are expected in March 2026 (tentative). CTET-certified candidates were eligible to apply for teaching vacancies; importantly, the CTET qualification is valid for a lifetime, enabling long-term use of the certificate for recruitment drives where CTET is a requirement.

CTET 2026 Salary & Career Prospects

CTET qualification is a stepping stone to roles such as Primary Teacher (PRT), Trained Graduate Teacher (TGT), and Post Graduate Teacher (PGT). Salaries varied by state, school type (central/state/private), and post. Typical in-hand packages ranged widely. Generally, CTET-qualified teachers could expect a gross/monthly compensation in the range of ₹35,000-₹50,000 along with standard allowances (HRA, TA) depending on the employer.

CTET 2026 Exam Centres

The exam is scheduled to be conducted across numerous cities nationwide. Exam centre allocation and details will be printed on the admit card, and candidates are instructed to verify venue details well in advance.

CTET Online Coaching & Mock Tests

Adda247 platform has rolled out CTET-focused coaching packages featuring video lessons, topic-wise lectures, practice quizzes, and full-length mock tests designed on the official pattern. Regular mock practice was emphasised as the single most effective way to refine speed, accuracy, and exam temperament.

Attempt CTET Mock Test 2025

How to Prepare for CTET 2026?

• Master pedagogy: Devote strong attention to Child Development & Pedagogy, it carries substantial weight.
• Consolidate language skills: Regular reading and grammar practice for both languages were essential.
• Practice maths & EVS basics: Prioritise conceptual clarity and simple problem-solving procedures.
• Solve previous papers & mocks: Time-bound practice, simulated exam pressure and revealed topic weaknesses.
• Revise systematically: Maintain short notes/flashcards for quick last-minute revision.
• Follow the official syllabus: Avoid peripheral content; stick to prescribed themes and pedagogical applications.

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