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CTET Qualifying Marks 2026 set the minimum score a candidate must achieve to be considered eligible for teaching positions in central government schools. CBSE conducts this exam in two papers – Paper 1 for Classes 1 to 5 and Paper 2 for Classes 6 to 8 – and the passing threshold applies equally to both. Whether you are a first-time applicant or reappearing, knowing the exact category-wise marks lets you set a real target before you begin preparing.
CTET Qualifying Marks 2026 Out
CBSE has set the CTET qualifying marks as the passing criteria, which are based on a total of 150 marks, and the required percentage differs by category. General category candidates must score at least 90 marks, which equals 60 percent of the total. Candidates from OBC, SC, ST, and PWD categories need a minimum of 82 marks, which corresponds to 55 percent. These numbers apply to both papers, so there is no difference in the passing bar based on which level a candidate is targeting.
CTET Passing Marks 2026: Overview
The CTET Passing Marks 2026 overview gives a clear snapshot of the exam structure, total marks, and qualifying criteria. Conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), the CTET exam is held for a total of 150 marks for both Paper 1 and Paper 2.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) |
| Conducted By | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Application Opens | 11 May 2026 |
| Exam Date | 06 September 2026 |
| Total Marks | 150 (Paper 1 and Paper 2) |
| General Category Passing Marks | 90 out of 150 (60%) |
| Reserved Category Passing Marks | 82 out of 150 (55%) |
| Categories Covered | General, OBC, SC, ST, PWD |
| Certificate Validity | Lifetime |
CTET Qualifying Marks 2026
CTET Qualifying Marks 2026 define the minimum score candidates must secure to qualify for the exam. General category candidates need 90 marks (60%), while OBC, SC, and ST candidates must score at least 82 marks (55%). Meeting these marks is essential to obtain the CTET eligibility certificate.
| Category | Passing Percentage | Passing Marks |
| General / Unreserved Passing Scores | 60% | 90 marks |
| CTET OBC Qualifying Marks | 55% | 82 marks |
| CTET Passing Marks for SC | 55% | 82 marks |
| ST | 55% | 82 marks |
| PWD Qualifying Marks | 55% | 82 marks |
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CTET Qualifying Marks 2026 for OBC
Candidates belonging to the OBC category must score at least 82 marks out of 150 to qualify for the CTET 2026 exam. This equals 55 per cent. Once you meet this threshold, you become eligible for teaching opportunities in central schools and other institutions that accept CTET scores.
CTET Qualifying Marks 2026 for ST
For ST candidates, the minimum qualifying marks are also set at 82 out of 150. The relaxed cut-off helps ensure fair access to teaching opportunities while maintaining the standard required for classroom teaching.
CTET Qualifying Marks 2026 for SC
SC candidates need to secure 82 marks to clear the exam. This aligns with the 55 percent qualifying rule for reserved categories. Scoring above this mark confirms your eligibility, but higher scores can strengthen your profile during recruitment.
CTET Qualifying Marks 2026 for General
Candidates from the General category must score at least 90 marks out of 150, which equals 60 percent. This is the highest qualifying benchmark among all categories. Reaching or crossing this mark is essential to obtain the CTET certificate.
CTET Qualifying Marks for Female Candidates
CTET Qualifying Marks for female candidates are the same as those set for their respective categories. There is no separate cutoff based on gender. Female candidates from the General category must score at least 90 out of 150, while those from OBC, SC, and ST categories need a minimum of 82 marks. The eligibility criteria remain uniform, ensuring equal standards for all candidates.
Impact of CTET Passing Marks 2026
CTET passing marks decide whether you receive the CTET eligibility certificate. This certificate is mandatory for applying to teaching jobs in central government schools like KVS and NVS. It’s important to understand that CTET is a qualifying exam, not a recruitment test. There is no ranking system. Still, a higher score can give you an advantage during the final selection process conducted by recruiting bodies.
CTET Certificate Validity 2026
Once you qualify, the CTET certificate remains valid for a lifetime. You can use it anytime to apply for teaching jobs without worrying about reappearing for the exam.
CTET Passing Marks 2026 FAQs
Q1. What are the CTET qualifying marks for 2026?
General category candidates need 90 marks, while OBC, SC, and ST candidates must score 82 marks out of 150.
Q2. What is the passing percentage for CTET 2026?
The passing percentage is 60% for General and 55% for reserved categories.
Q3. Do CTET qualifying marks differ for Paper 1 and Paper 2?
No, the qualifying marks remain the same for both papers.
Q4. Is CTET a qualifying exam or a competitive exam?
CTET is a qualifying exam. It does not offer direct recruitment or ranking.
Q5. Does scoring higher than the qualifying marks help in selection?
Yes, higher scores can improve your chances during teacher recruitment, even though CTET itself is a qualifying exam.





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