The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially announced the examination date for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2025. The upcoming CTET examination is scheduled for February 8, 2026 . Prospective applicants should note that the application forms for the December 2025 session will be released shortly on the official CTET website, ctet.nic.in. This national-level test is crucial for individuals aspiring to teach in various schools across India.
The CTET serves as a mandatory qualification for teaching positions in central government schools, such as KVS and NVS, and private schools opting to use the CTET certification. It ensures that candidates possess the minimum standard competencies required to teach at different educational levels. The examination assesses a candidate’s aptitude and knowledge for teaching primary stage (Class 1 to 5) and elementary stage (Class 6 to 8) students.
CBSE conducts the CTET twice annually, providing multiple opportunities for candidates to achieve certification. The examination is administered in an offline, pen-and-paper mode. This approach ensures uniformity and accessibility for candidates nationwide. The test is offered in 20 different languages and conducted across 132 cities throughout the country, facilitating wide participation.
Candidates have the option to appear for Paper 1, Paper 2, or both. Paper 1 is specifically designed for those who wish to teach primary classes, from Class 1 to 5. Paper 2 is intended for candidates aiming to teach elementary classes, from Class 6 to 8. Appearing for both papers allows candidates to be eligible for teaching across both primary and elementary stages, broadening their career opportunities within the education sector.
Application Process for CTET 2025
Applicants must follow a structured online procedure to successfully submit their CTET 2025 application. Adhering to these steps is essential to avoid errors and ensure a valid submission:
- Candidates must first register on the official CTET portal, accessible at ctet.nic.in. This involves creating a unique login ID and password.
- After successful registration, log in to the portal using the newly created credentials.
- Proceed to fill the comprehensive online application form. This section requires accurate personal information, contact details, and educational background.
- Upload scanned copies of a recent passport-sized photograph and the candidate’s signature. Strict adherence to the specified file format (e.g., JPEG) and size limits is mandatory.
- Complete the application by paying the requisite examination fee. Payment can be made online through various modes, including debit card, credit card, Unified Payments Interface (UPI), or net banking facilities.
- Before final submission, carefully review all entered information on the application form. Any discrepancies should be corrected at this stage.
- Upon successful submission, download and print the confirmation page. This page serves as proof of application and should be retained for future reference.
Required Details for Application
To facilitate a smooth application process, candidates should gather all necessary personal information before starting. The online form will require the following specific details:
- The candidate’s declared State of residence.
- A chosen identification type from the provided options, such as an Aadhaar Card, Passport, or Voter ID.
- The candidate’s full name, matching official government identification documents.
- Accurate Date of Birth.
- Gender.
CTET 2025 Application Fees
The application fee structure for CTET 2025 varies based on the candidate’s social category and their choice of examination papers. These fees are non-refundable. Candidates must pay the applicable fee online during the application submission process. Refer to the table below for a detailed breakdown of the fees:
| Category | Fee for Paper-I or Paper-II | Fee for both Paper-I & II |
|---|---|---|
| General/OBC (NCL) | Rs. 1000 | Rs. 1200 |
| SC/ST/Diff. Abled Person | Rs. 500 | Rs. 600 |
It is imperative for all candidates to thoroughly read the complete official notification for CTET 2025. This document, available on ctet.nic.in, provides comprehensive information regarding eligibility criteria, detailed syllabus, examination pattern, and other essential guidelines. Strict adherence to these instructions is crucial for a successful application and preparation for the examination.