CTET February 2026 Notification Out-Eligibility, Fee & Exam Pattern . The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the much-awaited CTET Notification 2026 for the February cycle, bringing fresh opportunities for aspiring teachers across India.
With the exam scheduled for 8 February 2026, this cycle is especially important for those planning to secure eligibility for teaching positions at the Primary (Class 1–5) and Upper Primary (Class 6–8) levels. Since the application deadline of 18 December 2025 is approaching fast, candidates must act quickly to complete their forms.
“The right preparation at the right time can turn a simple opportunity into a lifelong achievement.”
This detailed guide walks you through the CTET 2026 schedule, eligibility, exam pattern, and the latest changes, offering clarity for every teaching aspirant.
Overview of CTET February 2026 Notification
| Particulars | Details |
| Name of Scheme / Exam | Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) – February 2026 |
| Conducting Department | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Country | India |
| Notification Release | 27 November 2025 |
| Registration Window | 27 Nov – 18 Dec 2025 |
| Important Change | Examination will be held offline (OMR-based) across 136 cities |
| Relevant Fee Details | ₹1000 for one paper (General/OBC-NCL), ₹1200 for both papers |
| Beneficiaries / Target Group | Teaching aspirants for Classes 1–5 and 6–8 |
| Exam Date | 8 February 2026 (Sunday) |
| Validity of Certificate | Lifetime |
| Official Website | ctet.nic.in |
| Mode of Exam | Pen-and-Paper (Offline) |
| Result Timeline | End of March 2026 (tentative) |
CTET February 2026: What Candidates Should Know
The February cycle of CTET is one of the most awaited national-level teacher eligibility exams. Each session attracts lakhs of candidates because clearing CTET opens doors to government, aided, and private school teaching positions. The shift to an offline OMR format continues for 2026, which many candidates find helpful for time management.
Since the form closing date is 18 December 2025, candidates should ensure they complete registration, upload documents, and make fee payments before the deadline to avoid technical delays. This cycle is especially crucial because a large number of government and state-aided schools are expected to announce new teacher recruitment notifications in 2026, making CTET eligibility extremely valuable.
Important Dates for CTET Feb 2026
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release | 27 November 2025 |
| Registration Begins | 27 November 2025 |
| Registration Closes | 18 December 2025 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 18 December 2025 (11:59 PM) |
| Correction Window | 23 – 26 December 2025 |
| City Intimation Slip | Late January 2026 (Tentative) |
| Admit Card Issue | 6 February 2026 |
| Exam Date | 8 February 2026 |
| Result Announcement | End of March 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria for CTET 2026
Paper I (Primary: Classes 1–5)
Applicants must meet one of the following:
- Senior Secondary with 50% marks + 2-year D.El.Ed (passed or appearing)
- Senior Secondary with 45% marks + D.El.Ed as per NCTE 2002 norms
- Senior Secondary with 50% marks + 4-year B.El.Ed
- Graduation with 50% marks + B.Ed (subject to SC rulings)
Paper II (Upper Primary: Classes 6–8)
Candidates must meet one of the following:
- Graduation + 2-year D.El.Ed
- Graduation with 50% marks + 1-year B.Ed (including Special Education)
- Graduation with 50% marks + B.Ed (final year appearing allowed)
- Any candidate with an NCTE-recognized B.Ed can appear for Paper II
These streamlined guidelines ensure that candidates with diverse educational backgrounds may still pursue teaching careers.
CTET 2026 Application Process (Step-by-Step)
The form is available at ctet.nic.in. Candidates must complete the following steps:
- Registration
Enter basic details, create a password, and generate an application number. - Filling the Application Form
Choose Paper I, Paper II, or both; enter academic details; and select four preferred exam cities. - Upload Documents
- Photo: 10–100 KB (JPG/JPEG)
- Signature: 3–30 KB (JPG/JPEG)
- Fee Payment
Done through credit/debit card or net banking. - Download Confirmation Page
This verifies successful submission and must be saved for future use.
Exam Pattern for CTET February 2026
CTET does not test memorisation; it evaluates teaching aptitude and child-centred pedagogy. Both papers are 150-mark tests with no negative marking.
Paper I Structure
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I | 30 | 30 |
| Language II | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| Environmental Studies | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
Paper II Structure
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I | 30 | 30 |
| Language II | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics & Science OR Social Studies | 60 | 60 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
Candidates must score 60% (90 marks) to qualify, while reserved-category candidates may receive score relaxations depending on school authority rules.
Why CTET 2026 Matters
With rising demand for trained teachers and the expanding role of NEP-aligned schools, qualifying CTET enhances employability across India. The lifetime validity also allows candidates to apply for teaching jobs at any stage of their careers.
FAQs for CTET February 2026 Notification
Is CTET Feb 2026 offline or online?
Offline (OMR-based).
Can I apply for both papers?
Yes, by paying the combined fee.
What is the CTET 2026 exam date?
8 February 2026.
Is there negative marking?
No.
What is the certificate validity?
Lifetime.
