The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) February 2026 session has been officially scheduled by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for candidates aspiring to teach from Class I to VIII in central and CBSEaffiliated schools. The CTET February 2026 is a mandatory qualification exam for teachers in institutions such as Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) and other central government schools. According to the latest update, the CTET February 2026 exam will be conducted in offline (pen-and-paper) mode across India.
While the notification for CTET 2026 is expected very soon on the official website ctet.nic.in, candidates should begin preparing now, as the exam date has been set for 8 February 2026.
Table of Contents
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) |
| Conducting Authority | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Mode of Examination | Offline (OMR-based) |
| Duration | 2 hours 30 minutes per paper |
| Validity of Certificate | Lifetime (for eligible candidates) |
| Official Website | www.ctet.nic.in |
This overview sums up what the CTET February 2026 empowers you to do: qualify to teach primary or elementary levels with a certificate that remains valid for a lifetime, giving you flexibility in your teaching career.
CTET 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release | November 2025 (Expected) |
| Apply Start Date | To be updated |
| Apply Last Date | To be updated |
| Exam Date | 08 February 2026 |
CTET 2026 Application Fee
To apply for the CTET February 2026, fees will be structured as follows:
| Category | For One Paper | For Both Papers |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC (NCL) | ₹1,000/- | ₹1,200/- |
| SC / ST / PwD | ₹500/- | ₹600/- |
This fee structure is consistent with previous CTET cycles and applies to the upcoming CTET Feb 2026 session as indicated in recent updates.
Candidates planning to appear for both Paper I and Paper II should plan the higher fee accordingly and keep their credentials ready ahead of the registration opening.
CTET 2026 Qualification & Exam Pattern
Qualification
For the CTET February 2026 session, eligibility is divided by teaching level:
| Post | Qualification |
|---|---|
| Primary Teacher (PRT) – Paper I | 12th Pass + Diploma in Education (D.Ed) / JBT |
| Secondary Teacher (TGT) – Paper II | Graduate + Degree in Education (B.Ed / B.El.Ed) |
Exam Pattern
Paper I – Classes I to V (Primary Teacher)
| 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 – Classes VI to VIII (Elementary Teacher)
| 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 |
Important Notes for CTET February 2026:
There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
Minimum qualifying marks are 60% (90/150) for general category; relaxations apply for reserved categories.
These details for CTET February 2026 help aspirants prepare strategically, focusing on important sections and marks distribution.
How to Apply for CTET 2026
Here is a step-by-step guide to registering for the CTET February 2026 exam:
Visit the official website: www.ctet.nic.in
Click on “Apply Online” link specified for the CTET February 2026 session.
Register using your email ID and mobile number to obtain login credentials.
Fill in the online form with accurate personal, educational and competitive details.
Upload the necessary documents: photograph, signature, educational certificate, etc.
Pay the examination fee as per your category and paper choice.
Submit the application and keep a print-out of the confirmation page for future reference.
While the application window date is yet to be confirmed, you should gather scanned documents and plan the payment ahead to avoid last-minute technical issues when the CTET Feb 2026 registration opens.
CTET 2026 Important Links
FAQs – CTET February 2026
The CTET February 2026 is a national-level teacher eligibility exam conducted by CBSE that qualifies candidates to teach classes I through VIII in central government and CBSE-affiliated schools. Clearing the exam enhances employment prospects across India and is a mandatory credential in many teaching recruitments.
Candidates aiming for the CTET February 2026 must meet educational requirements: for Paper I, 12th pass plus diploma; for Paper II, graduate plus B.Ed/B.El.Ed. Valid age criteria and other norms as defined in the official notification must also be fulfilled before applying.
While the notification for CTET February 2026 is expected in November 2025, the exact date for registration has not been announced. Applicants should frequently check the official website and prepare documents ahead of the “Apply Online” link going live.
For the CTET February 2026 session, general and OBC (NCL) candidates will pay ₹1,000 for one paper and ₹1,200 for both. SC/ST/PwD candidates will pay ₹500 for one paper and ₹600 for both. Payments will be required online through the portal.
The CTET February 2026 consists of two papers: Paper I (for Classes I–V) and Paper II (for Classes VI–VIII). You can choose to appear in either or both. Each paper includes five or four major sections, totalling 150 questions and 150 marks.
Each paper for CTET Feb 2026 will be 2 hours 30 minutes in duration. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers. Performance is based solely on the number of correct responses, encouraging candidates to attempt all questions.
Candidates must score at least 60 % (i.e., 90 out of 150) in each paper of CTET Feb 2026 to be considered qualified. Reserved category candidates may receive relaxation in qualifying percentage according to CBSE norms mentioned in the notification.
Once you qualify the CTET Feb 2026 exam and receive your eligibility certificate, it remains valid for a lifetime as per current guidelines. This means successful candidates can use the certificate for teaching recruitments until further notice.
Yes, candidates for the CTET Feb 2026 cycle can apply for both Paper I and Paper II provided they pay the combined fee and satisfy qualifications for both levels. Appearing in both expands job opportunities across primary and elementary teaching positions.
For the CTET Feb 2026 exam, you should refer to the official syllabus released by CBSE, previous year question papers, and recommended books by trusted publishers. Regular mock tests, sectional study, and revision of pedagogy, language, maths and general studies are highly advised.
