CTET Notification 2026 Released: February Exam Date, Apply Online Link, Eligibility & Syllabus PDF, the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is one of the most prestigious eligibility tests for aspiring teachers in India. Conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), qualifying the CTET opens the doors to teaching jobs in central schools such as Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs), Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVs) and many state government and private institutions recognized under the RTE Act. This year, the CTET Notification 2026 for the February session has been officially released and carries exciting opportunities for thousands of candidates across India.
CTET Notification 2026 Released
| Article on | CTET Notification 2026 Released: February Exam Date, Apply Online Link, Eligibility & Syllabus PDF |
| Exam Name | Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) |
| Conducting Body | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Exam Date | 8 February 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | ctet.nic.in |
CTET 2026 Notification Released
The CTET 2026 Notification was released by CBSE on 27th November 2025, officially announcing the schedule and application process for the February 2026 session. This announcement was made public through the official notification and information bulletin hosted on the CTET official portal.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Notification Released | 27 November 2025 |
| Online Application Start | 27 November 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 18 December 2025 (until 11:59 PM) |
| Application Correction Window | 23–26 December 2025 |
| CTET Exam | 8 February 2026 (Sunday) |
| Admit Card Release | Around 6 February 2026 |
| Result Declaration | March 2026 (Tentative) |
What is CTET and Why Does It Matters?
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is a national eligibility test mandated by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act. Its primary purpose is to assess the aptitude and teaching ability of candidates who aspire to become teachers for Classes I–VIII.
Why is CTET Important?
- Mandatory eligibility for teacher recruitment in many central and government schools.
- Score validity is currently lifetime, meaning candidates can use the qualification indefinitely once they qualify.
- Acts as a benchmark to maintain quality standards in teaching.
- Preferred (and sometimes required) for recruitment in:
- Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs)
- Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVs)
- State government and private schools follow the CBSE curriculum.
CTET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for CTET is defined by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) and varies depending on whether a candidate wishes to appear for Paper I (Primary Level: Classes I–V) or Paper II (Upper Primary Level: Classes VI–VIII).
Eligibility for Paper I (Classes I–V)
Candidates must satisfy at least one of the criteria below:
- Senior Secondary (or equivalent) with minimum 50% marks + Pass or Final Year of 2-year D.El.Ed program.
- Senior Secondary with 45% marks + Final year D.El.Ed (as per earlier norms).
- Senior Secondary with 50% marks + 4-year B.El.Ed.
- Graduation with at least 50% marks + B.Ed.
Eligibility for Paper II (Classes VI–VIII)
Candidates must satisfy at least one of the following:
- Graduation with 2-year D.El.Ed.
- Graduation with 50% marks + 1-year B.Ed.
- Graduation with 50% marks + B.Ed (Special Education).
How to Apply Online for CTET 2026?
The entire registration process is conducted online through the official website i.e. ctet.nic.in. Follow these steps to apply successfully:
Step-by-Step Guide
- Visit the official CTET portal i.e https://ctet.nic.in.
- Click on “Apply for CTET Feb 2026”.
- New Registration: Enter basic information such as name, date of birth, and parent details.
- Generate your Application Number and Password.
- Complete the Application Form with academic and personal details.
- Upload scanned copies of photo and signature in the required format.
- Pay the Application Fee through Debit Card, Credit Card or Net Banking.
- Submit and Print the confirmation page for future reference.
Application Fee Structure (Indicative)
- General / OBC: ₹1000 for one paper, ₹1200 for both papers.
- SC / ST / PwD: ₹500 for one paper, ₹600 for both papers.
CTET 2026 Exam Pattern & Syllabus (PDF Available)
Understanding the exam pattern and syllabus is vital to planning your preparation strategy. While the official syllabus PDF is shared in the information bulletin, here’s a clear breakdown:
Exam Mode
- Offline (OMR-based) paper.
Exam Duration
- 2 hours 30 minutes for each paper.
Structure
Each paper contains 150 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) carrying 1 mark each. There is no negative marking.
Paper I: Primary Level (Classes I–V)
| Section | Questions | Marks |
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I | 30 | 30 |
| Language II | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| Environmental Studies | 30 | 30 |
Paper II: Upper Primary (Classes VI–VIII)
| Section | Questions | Marks |
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I | 30 | 30 |
| Language II | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics & Science or Social Studies | 60 | 60 |
Qualifying Marks & Score Validity
To qualify CTET:
- General category candidates should score 60% (90/150).
- Relaxation for reserved categories is often applicable as per norms.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the CTET 2026 notification released?
The CTET 2026 notification was released on 27 November 2025.
When will the CTET 2026 exam be conducted?
The CTET February 2026 exam will be held on 8 February 2026.
What is the last date to apply for CTET 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is 18 December 2025.
Where can I apply for CTET 2026?
Candidates can apply online through the official website ctet.nic.in.
How many papers are there in CTET?
There are two papers:
Paper I for Classes I–V
Paper II for Classes VI–VIII