CBSE Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026: Exam Scheduled For February 8

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially announced the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026 date. The exam will be conducted on Sunday, February 8, 2026, across 132 cities in 20 languages. This will be the 21st edition of CTET, organized for candidates aspiring to become teachers in central government and affiliated schools.

The detailed notification and Information Bulletin, which includes the syllabus, exam pattern, important dates, and application fee, will be released soon on the official CTET website — ctet.nic.in.

Key Highlights of CTET 2026

• Exam Name: Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026
• Conducting Body: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
• Exam Date: February 8, 2026
• Mode of Exam: OMR (Offline)
• Languages: 20
• Exam Cities: 132 across India
• Application Start Date: To be announced soon
• Official Website: ctet. nic.in

Eligibility Criteria for CTET 2026

The eligibility requirements for CTET are based on the norms prescribed by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE).

For Paper I (Classes I–V):

• Candidates must have passed Senior Secondary (or equivalent) with at least 50% marks and possess a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) or equivalent qualification.
• Those pursuing the final year of D.El.Ed are also eligible to apply.

For Paper II (Classes VI–VIII):

• Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree (Graduation) and have completed or be in the final year of a 2-year Bachelor in Education (B.Ed) or equivalent qualification.

It is advised that applicants verify the detailed eligibility once the official notification is released.

Exam Pattern and Structure

The CTET consists of two separate papers:

• Paper I: For candidates aspiring to teach Classes I–V.
• Paper II: For candidates aspiring to teach Classes VI–VIII.

Common Features

• Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Total Marks: 150 marks per paper
• Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Negative Marking: None

Paper I Subjects

1. Child Development and Pedagogy
2. Language I (compulsory)
3. Language II (compulsory)
4. Mathematics
5. Environmental Studies

Paper II Subjects

1. Child Development and Pedagogy
2. Language I (compulsory)
3. Language II (compulsory)
4. Mathematics & Science (for Science/Maths teachers)
5. Social Studies/Social Science (for Social Studies teachers)

Qualifying Marks and Validity

• Passing Marks: Minimum 60% (Relaxation applicable for reserved categories as per government norms).
• Certificate Validity: The CTET certificate is valid for a lifetime.
• Number of Attempts: There is no limit on the number of attempts. Candidates can appear multiple times to improve their scores.

Application Process for CTET 2026

Once the notification is released, candidates can apply online through the official portal. The expected steps are as follows:

1. Visit the official CTET website — ctet.nic.in.
2. Register using your valid email ID and mobile number.
3. Fill in the details such as personal information, educational qualifications, and choice of papers.
4. Upload scanned copies of your photograph and signature as per the prescribed format.
5. Pay the examination fee through online payment modes (debit/credit card or net banking).
6. Download and print the confirmation page for future reference.

Expected Application Fee (Based on Previous Session)

Note: The official notification will confirm the final fee structure for 2026.

Syllabus Overview

The CTET syllabus primarily focuses on evaluating a candidate’s teaching aptitude, conceptual understanding, and classroom management skills.

• Child Development & Pedagogy: Tests understanding of child psychology and teaching-learning methodologies.
• Language Papers: Assess proficiency in language comprehension and communication.
• Mathematics, Science & Social Studies: Evaluate subject knowledge and teaching aptitude for middle school level.

Admit Card, Answer Key & Result

The admit card for CTET 2026 will be available a few weeks before the exam date. After the examination, CBSE will release the answer keys and response sheets for candidates to review and challenge if needed.

The CTET result and eligibility certificates will be issued digitally through DigiLocker, allowing candidates to access them easily and securely.

Why CTET Matters

Qualifying in the Central Teacher Eligibility Test is essential for candidates aspiring to become teachers in Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, CBSE-affiliated schools, and other central government educational institutions. Many private schools across India also accept CTET qualification as part of their recruitment criteria.

Preparation Tips for CTET 2026

• Understand the syllabus thoroughly and focus on conceptual clarity.
• Practice previous years’ question papers to familiarize yourself with the question pattern.
• Use NCERT textbooks as the core study material for teaching-related subjects.
• Time management and regular revision are key to scoring well.

Final Takeaway

The CTET 2026 examination, scheduled for February 8, 2026, marks a crucial step for aspiring teachers across the country. With its nationwide reach and recognition, qualifying CTET not only enhances teaching credentials but also opens doors to prestigious teaching positions.

Candidates are advised to keep checking ctet.nic.in for the detailed Information Bulletin, application schedule, and other updates. Preparing early will give aspirants a clear edge in cracking one of the most important teacher eligibility tests in India.