The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially announced the dates for the CTET 2026 examination. Aspiring teachers mark your calendars! The 21st edition of the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is scheduled to be held on February 8, 2026 (Sunday). This crucial announcement was made via a short notice released on October 24, 2025, setting the stage for thousands of candidates across the nation to begin their preparation. The CTET 2026 exam is a gateway to teaching positions in various central and state government schools, including prestigious institutions like KVS and NVS, as well as private schools that recognize CTET scores.
The CTET 2026 examination will be conducted in twenty languages across 132 cities throughout the country, ensuring accessibility for a diverse range of candidates. The detailed Information Bulletin, a comprehensive guide containing vital information regarding the examination, syllabus, languages, eligibility criteria, examination fee, examination cities, and important dates, will be made available shortly on the official CTET website, ctet.nic.in. Candidates are strongly advised to meticulously review this bulletin before proceeding with their application.
How to Apply for CTET 2026: A Step-by-Step Guide
The application process for CTET 2026 will be entirely online, and candidates will have approximately 30 days to submit their forms once the registration window opens. To ensure a smooth application experience, follow these steps:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to the official CTET website at ctet.nic.in.
- Locate the Application Link: Click on the link that reads “apply for CTET 2026” under the “Candidate Activity” section.
- Complete Registration: Fill in all required personal and academic details accurately to complete your registration.
- Select Preferences: Choose your preferred exam centre, indicate whether you are applying for Paper I, Paper II, or both, and select your preferred language for the examination.
- Upload Documents: Candidates must upload their passport-size photograph and signature, ensuring they adhere to the specified format and size requirements.
- Review and Submit: Carefully review all the information provided in the application form before final submission.
- Pay Application Fee: Pay the application fee online through the available payment gateway.
- Confirmation and Printout: After successful submission, a confirmation page will be generated. Download this page and take a printout for future reference.
CTET 2026 Application Fee Structure
The application fee for CTET 2026 varies based on the candidate’s category and the number of papers they opt for:
- General and OBC Candidates:
- For one paper: Rs 1,000
- For both papers: Rs 1,200
- SC, ST, and PwD Candidates:
- For one paper: Rs 500
- For both papers: Rs 600
CTET 2026 Examination Pattern
The CTET 2026 exam is structured into two papers:
- Paper I: This paper is designed for candidates who aspire to teach classes I to V (primary school).
- Paper II: This paper is for those who intend to teach classes VI to VIII (upper primary school).
Both papers consist of 150 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), and there is no negative marking for incorrect answers. Candidates are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the detailed syllabus which will be released in the information bulletin to prepare effectively.
Importance and Validity of CTET Certificate
Qualifying the CTET exam significantly enhances a candidate’s job prospects in teaching roles. The CTET certificate is a mandatory qualification for employment in government schools, including those run by state governments, Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS), and Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVS). It also opens doors to various private institutions that accept CTET scores for recruitment. An invaluable benefit for all aspiring teachers is that the CTET certificate issued by CBSE is now valid indefinitely, meaning once qualified, candidates do not need to reappear for the exam.
Stay updated by frequently visiting the official website, ctet.nic.in, for the latest announcements regarding the CTET 2026 information bulletin and application window. This is your chance to secure a bright future in the teaching profession!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When is the CTET 2026 exam scheduled?
The CTET 2026 exam will be conducted on February 8, 2026 (Sunday).
2. Where can I find the official CTET 2026 notification and information bulletin?
The detailed Information Bulletin for CTET 2026 will be released shortly on the official website: ctet.nic.in.
3. What is the eligibility criteria for CTET 2026?
The complete eligibility criteria, including educational qualifications and age limits, will be detailed in the official CTET 2026 Information Bulletin. Candidates are advised to check the bulletin carefully once released on ctet.nic.in.
4. How can I apply for CTET 2026?
Applications for CTET 2026 must be submitted online through the official website, ctet.nic.in. The application link will be available under the “Candidate Activity” section once the registration process begins.
5. What is the application fee for CTET 2026?
The application fee for CTET 2026 is:
- General/OBC: Rs 1,000 for one paper, Rs 1,200 for both papers.
- SC/ST/PwD: Rs 500 for one paper, Rs 600 for both papers.
6. How many papers are there in CTET 2026, and what do they cover?
There are two papers in the CTET 2026 exam:
- Paper I: For candidates wishing to teach Classes I to V.
- Paper II: For candidates wishing to teach Classes VI to VIII.
Candidates can opt for either one or both papers.
7. Is there negative marking in the CTET 2026 exam?
No, there is no negative marking in the CTET 2026 examination.
8. What is the validity period of the CTET certificate?
The CTET certificate issued by CBSE is now valid indefinitely. Once qualified, it remains valid for life.
9. In how many languages and cities will CTET be conducted?
The CTET 2026 exam will be conducted in twenty languages across 132 cities throughout the country.
10. What kind of job opportunities does a CTET certificate provide?
A CTET certificate certifies candidates to teach Classes 1-8 in central and state government schools, including Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVS), and other private institutions that accept CTET scores. It enhances job prospects for Primary Teacher (PRT) and Trained Graduate Teacher (TGT) roles.
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