The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the official notification for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) February 2026. The application process has started from 27 November 2025, and candidates can submit their forms online till 18 December 2025 (11:59 PM). This national-level eligibility test is mandatory for candidates aspiring to become teachers for Classes 1 to 8 in government, government-aided and recognized private schools.
According to the notification, the CTET February 2026 examination will be conducted on 08 February 2026 in offline OMR mode. The exam city intimation slip will be released in January 2026, while the admit card will be available two days before the examination.
The application fee for General and OBC candidates is ₹1000 for one paper and ₹1200 for both papers. For SC, ST and PwD candidates, the fee is ₹500 for one paper and ₹600 for both papers. Fee payment can be made exclusively through online modes.
The CTET consists of two papers. Paper I is for candidates aiming to teach Classes 1 to 5, while Paper II is for those applying to teach Classes 6 to 8. The eligibility criteria vary for each paper. For Paper I, candidates must have passed 12th with a two-year D.El.Ed, or 12th with a four-year B.El.Ed, or graduation with a two-year D.El.Ed. For Paper II, the eligibility includes graduation with a two-year D.El.Ed, graduation with B.Ed, 12th with a four-year B.El.Ed, or 12th with B.A./B.Sc.Ed. There is no upper age limit, and candidates above 18 years can apply.
The exam pattern remains unchanged. Each paper carries 150 multiple-choice questions for a total of 150 marks, and there is no negative marking. Paper I includes Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I, Language II, Mathematics and Environmental Studies. Paper II includes Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I, Language II, and either Mathematics & Science or Social Science, depending on the candidate’s preference.
CBSE has advised all aspirants to apply early and ensure their documents are correctly uploaded. The official notification, application link and further updates are available on the CTET website ctet.nic.in.
Q1-When will CTET February 2026 exam be conducted?
A1-The CTET February 2026 exam will be held on 08 February 2026 in offline OMR mode.
Q2-What is the last date to apply for CTET 2026?
A2-The last date to submit the CTET February 2026 online application form is 18 December 2025.
Q3-What are the eligibility criteria for CTET Paper?
A3-For Paper II, eligibility includes graduation with D.El.Ed, graduation with B.Ed, 12th with 4-year B.El.Ed, or 12th with B.A./B.Sc.Ed.