The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has initiated the registration process for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) February 2026. Individuals aspiring to become teachers for Classes 1 to 8 in central government schools can submit their applications online through the official website, ctet.nic.in .
The registration window remains open until December 18 . The CTET examination itself is scheduled to take place on February 8 . The test will be administered across two distinct sessions on the designated exam day.
Understanding CTET: Purpose and Scope
The CTET serves as a national-level eligibility examination. Its primary function is to assess candidates’ suitability for teaching roles within various central government educational institutions. This includes prominent school chains such as Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas, along with numerous other schools that recognize and mandate CTET qualification for their teaching staff.
The examination is bifurcated into two papers: Paper 1 is designed for candidates intending to teach Classes 1 to 5 (Primary Stage), while Paper 2 is for those who aim to teach Classes 6 to 8 (Elementary Stage). Candidates can choose to appear for either Paper 1, Paper 2, or both, depending on their desired teaching level.
On February 8 , the morning session for the examination will run from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM . The afternoon session is scheduled from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM . This structured schedule facilitates the smooth conduct of the test for all applicants.
Application Fee Structure
Prospective candidates are required to pay an application fee. This fee varies based on the applicant’s category and whether they choose to appear for one or both papers. The detailed fee structure is provided below:
| Category | Fee for Paper 1 OR Paper 2 Only | Fee for Both Paper 1 & 2 |
|---|---|---|
| General / Other Backward Classes (OBC) – Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) | Rs 1,000 | Rs 1,200 |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) / Differently Abled Persons | Rs 500 | Rs 600 |
Fees are non-refundable and must be paid online during the application process. Candidates should verify the correct fee based on their eligibility and paper choice.
Mandatory Document Upload Guidelines
The online application form requires candidates to upload scanned images of their latest photograph and signature. Strict specifications regarding file format, size, and dimensions must be followed for these uploads:
- File Format: Both photograph and signature files must be in JPEG or JPG format.
- Photograph File Size: The scanned photograph should be between 10 KB and 100 KB.
- Photograph Dimensions: The image dimensions must be 3.5 cm in width and 4.5 cm in height.
- Signature File Size: The scanned signature should be between 3 KB and 30 KB.
- Signature Dimensions: The image dimensions for the signature must be 3.5 cm in length and 1.5 cm in height.
Incorrectly sized or formatted documents may lead to rejection of the application. Candidates should prepare these files before beginning the online registration.
How to Complete Your Application
To apply for the CTET February 2026 examination, candidates must navigate to the official CBSE CTET website, ctet.nic.in . The application process typically involves three main steps:
- Online Registration: Fill out the primary registration form with personal and contact details to generate an application number.
- Fill Application Form: Complete the detailed application form, selecting exam centers, preferred papers (Paper 1, Paper 2, or both), and educational qualifications.
- Upload Documents & Pay Fee: Upload the scanned photograph and signature as per specifications, then proceed to pay the applicable examination fee through available online payment gateways.
After completing all steps, candidates are strongly advised to download and print the confirmation page for their records. Careful review of all entered information before final submission is critical, as opportunities for correction after the deadline may be limited or unavailable.
Key Dates for CTET February 2026
Prospective teachers should mark these important dates:
- Registration Start Date: Ongoing
- Application Deadline: December 18
- Examination Date: February 8
This eligibility test is a gateway for many to secure teaching positions in central government schools across India. Adherence to deadlines and careful completion of the application are essential for all aspiring educators.