The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has set February 8, 2026 , as the examination date for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026. This national-level examination qualifies candidates for teaching positions in central government schools across India. The official notification and application forms for CTET 2026 will be released soon on the official website, ctet.nic.in . Candidates must thoroughly review the comprehensive notification once it is published.
CBSE conducts the CTET examination twice each year. CBSE will conduct the CTET 2026 exam in an offline format. The board plans to hold the examination in 132 cities across India. The test will be offered in twenty different languages.
The Supreme Court mandates that all teacher candidates must pass the CTET exam. However, certain exemptions apply. Teachers hired before the Right to Education (RTE) Act qualify for exemption from CTET. This exemption applies if they have less than five years of service remaining.
CTET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet specific criteria for eligibility to the CTET 2026 examination. Only Indian citizens can apply. Eligibility requirements differ for Paper 1 (teaching Classes 1-5) and Paper 2 (teaching Classes 6-8).
For Paper 1 (Classes 1-5 Teacher)
- Candidates must have passed Class 12 with 50% marks. Specific categories qualify with 45% marks.
- Additionally, candidates need a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education or a 2-year Diploma in Education.
- Alternatively, a 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed) qualifies candidates.
- A Bachelor’s degree combined with a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree also fulfills the requirement.
For Paper 2 (Classes 6-8 Teacher)
- Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks. Specific categories qualify with 40% marks.
- They also require a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education or a B.Ed degree.
- Another option is a 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed).
- Senior Secondary with 50% marks also qualifies, provided the candidate has cleared or is appearing in the final year of a B.A.Ed/B.Sc.Ed or a B.A/B.Sc.Ed program.
CTET 2026 Application Fees
The application fee varies based on the candidate’s category and the number of papers they attempt. Candidates can find the detailed fee structure below.
| 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 |
How to Apply for CTET 2026
Eligible candidates can register for the CTET 2026 exam by following these steps on the official website:
- Visit the official CTET website: ctet.nic.in .
- Navigate to the “New Candidate Registration” section. Select “Apply.”
- Enter all required contact and personal information to complete initial registration.
- After successful registration, use the generated application number and password to log in.
- Fill out the detailed CTET application form.
- Upload a scanned copy of your passport-sized photograph and signature.
- Proceed to pay the application fee.
- Submit the completed application form.
Candidates should frequently check ctet.nic.in for the official notification release. This notification will provide all detailed instructions, specific dates, and complete guidelines for the CTET 2026 examination process.