CTET Notification 2026 Out – Eligibility, Apply Online Dates & Complete Details

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 Notification 2026

According to the official notice, the CTET 2026 Exam has been scheduled to be conducted on 8th February 2026 in two shifts- one for Paper I and the other for Paper II. This exam served as a crucial gateway for aspiring teachers seeking recruitment in schools recognized under the provisions of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009.

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 Notification – 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 2026 – Important Dates Overview

• 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 Apply Link Active 2026

The CTET 2026 Apply Link has become active on 27 November 2025. Candidates must click on the following link to access the online application form. They need to fill it and submit it by the end of 18 December 2025.

CTET 2026 Apply Link 

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:

1. Visit the official CTET website and click on New Candidate Registration / Apply Online.

2. Complete the registration form with personal and contact details.

3. Note the generated Application Number and password for login.

4. Log in and fill out the detailed application form (education, category, address, etc.).

5. Upload a recent passport-size photograph and a scanned signature as per prescribed specifications.

6. Pay the application fee online and submit the form.

7. 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 2026 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 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed.), OR
• Senior Secondary (or equivalent) with minimum 45% marks and 4 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 1-year B.Ed. (Special Education) (passed/appearing).
• Nationality: Indian
• Age limit: No upper age limit

CTET 2026 Selection Process

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:

1. Written (CTET) examination – Paper I / Paper II as applicable.

2. Certificate issuance for qualified candidates.

3. Application to recruitment drives (state boards, central schools, state govt. vacancies) where CTET qualification was required/accepted.

CTET 2026 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 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. Detailed Topic wise syllabus is provided below:

CTET Syllabus 2025 – Click to Check

CTET Previous Year Papers & Answer Key

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

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 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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