The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the exam date for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) February 2026. This important exam will take place on February 8, 2026 . Students who want to become teachers in central and state government schools, as well as some private schools, should note this date.
The official information bulletin for the CTET February 2026 exam will be released shortly on the website ctet.nic.in . This bulletin will have all the important details like who can apply, how the exam is structured, and how to fill out the application form. Candidates will have about 30 days to apply online once the application window opens.
What is the CTET Exam?
The CTET exam is for candidates who want to teach children in Classes 1 to 8. If you pass this exam, you get a certificate that makes you eligible for teaching jobs in schools like Kendriya Vidyalaya (KVS) and Navodaya Vidyalaya (NVS). It also helps you get jobs in many state government and private schools that accept CTET scores. Passing this exam greatly improves your chances of becoming a primary teacher (for Classes 1-5) or an upper primary teacher (for Classes 6-8).
Key Dates and Application Process
While the detailed schedule will be in the information bulletin, here is what candidates can expect:
- The exam will be held on February 8, 2026 .
- The information bulletin will be released shortly on ctet.nic.in .
- Candidates will have roughly 30 days to fill the application form online.
- An application correction window will open for 2-3 days after the registration closes.
- Admit cards will be available for download about two weeks before the exam.
- Results will be released as a scorecard on results.cbse.nic.in .
Candidates should keep documents like their ID proofs , mark sheets , and scanned photographs and signatures ready for a smooth application process.
Eligibility Criteria for CTET 2026
To apply for the CTET exam, candidates must meet certain requirements:
- Nationality: Only Indian citizens can apply.
- Minimum Age: Candidates must be at least 18 years old . There is no upper age limit.
For Paper 1 (to teach Classes 1 to 5):
You need to have passed Class 12 with at least 50% (or 45% for some reserved categories) marks. Also, you must have completed or be in the final year of a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education or 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed) . Another option is a Bachelor’s degree along with a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) .
For Paper 2 (to teach Classes 6 to 8):
You need a Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% (or 40% for some reserved categories) marks. Also, you must have completed or be in the final year of a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education , a B.Ed degree , or a 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed) . If you have passed Senior Secondary with 50% marks and are in the final year of B.A.Ed/B.Sc.Ed or B.A/B.Sc.Ed, you can also apply.
CTET Exam Pattern
The CTET exam is conducted offline, using a pen and paper. There are two papers:
- Paper I: For those who want to teach Classes 1 to 5.
- Paper II: For those who want to teach Classes 6 to 8.
Each paper has 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) , and each question carries 1 mark . There are no negative marks for wrong answers. The syllabus for the February 2026 exam is expected to be the same as the previous CTET July 2024 cycle.
Paper 1 Subjects Breakdown:
| CTET Subjects | Number of Questions | Total Marks |
| Child Development and Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language-I (compulsory) | 30 | 30 |
| Language-II (compulsory) | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| Environmental Studies | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
Application Fee
The application fees for CTET 2026 are as follows:
| Category | Fee for One Paper (in INR) | Fee for Two Papers (in INR) |
| General/OBC | 1,000 | 1,200 |
| SC/ST/PwD | 500 | 600 |
Important Highlights
- Lifetime Validity: Since 2021, the CTET eligibility certificate is valid for a lifetime . This means once you qualify, you don't need to take the exam again.
- Mock Tests: CBSE may provide mock test links on ctet.nic.in to help candidates practice for the exam format.
- Exam Centres: More exam cities are expected this session to make it easier for candidates from smaller towns.
- Helpline: CBSE has set up a helpline and email support for any questions about the CTET application.
How to Apply Online
Once the application link is active on ctet.nic.in , follow these steps:
- Visit the official website: ctet.nic.in .
- Click on the "Apply Online" link for CTET 2026.
- Register as a new user by providing basic details like name, email ID, and mobile number.
- Fill out the detailed application form with your personal and educational information.
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph and signature in the specified size and format.
- Pay the application fee using a debit/credit card, UPI, or net banking.
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page. Keep a printout for your records.
Stay updated by regularly checking the official website for the latest announcements.
