The National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) has denied claims regarding the restoration of BEd eligibility for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026 primary level examination.
NCTE confirmed it has not issued any official notification or circular concerning BEd eligibility for CTET 2026 Paper 1. The clarification addresses “fake claims” circulating, particularly on social media platforms.
The council emphasized that all official announcements are published solely on its website, ncte.gov.in, and its verified X account, @NCTE_Official. No other source should be considered valid for such information.
What is CTET?
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is a national-level examination. It assesses candidates’ eligibility for teaching positions. Successful candidates are certified to teach Classes 1 to 8.
CTET qualification is essential for recruitment in central government schools. These include prestigious institutions like Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas, along with others accepting CTET scores.
The exam ensures a standardized minimum level of teaching quality across various educational institutions. It serves as a crucial benchmark for entry into the teaching profession at foundational and elementary levels.
CTET February 2026 Application Details
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) manages the CTET examination. CBSE has commenced the application process for the CTET February 2026 session. Aspiring teachers must complete their applications online.
The official application portal isctet.nic.in. All eligible candidates should visit this website to register and submit their forms. Instructions and guidelines for the application process are available on the portal.
The absolute deadline for submitting applications for the CTET February 2026 examination is December 18 . Candidates are advised to apply well before this date. This prevents last-minute technical difficulties or server overload, ensuring their application is processed successfully.
CTET 2026 Examination Schedule
CBSE will conduct the CTET 2026 exam on February 8, 2026 . The examination will take place across various centers in India. It is structured into two distinct shifts to accommodate all registered candidates.
The first shift, designated for Paper 1 (Primary Level), will run from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM. This paper assesses eligibility for teaching Classes 1 to 5. The second shift, for Paper 2 (Elementary Level), is scheduled from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM. Paper 2 qualifies candidates to teach Classes 6 to 8.
Candidates have the option to appear for either Paper 1, Paper 2, or both, depending on their qualifications and teaching aspirations. Each paper has a duration of two and a half hours.
CTET 2026 Application Fees
Specific fees apply for candidates registering for the CTET 2026 exam. These fees vary based on the candidate’s social category and whether they apply for one or both papers. The detailed fee structure is outlined in the table below:
| Category | Fee for Paper 1 (Primary Level) | Fee for Both Papers (Paper 1 & 2) |
|---|---|---|
| General, OBC, Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) | Rs 1,000 | Rs 1,200 |
| Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), Differently Abled Persons | Rs 500 | Rs 600 |
Candidates must make payments online through the CTET application portal. They should retain a copy of their fee payment receipt for future reference.
Official Guidance for Candidates
The NCTE’s clarification is crucial for BEd degree holders. It confirms that BEd qualifications do not currently meet the eligibility criteria for CTET 2026 Paper 1 (Primary Level). This ruling aligns with previous judgments regarding primary school teacher eligibility.
Candidates with BEd degrees are still eligible to apply for CTET Paper 2. Paper 2 qualifies teachers for Classes 6 to 8. All applicants must review the official information bulletin for the CTET 2026 examination thoroughly. This ensures compliance with all eligibility requirements before applying.
Relying only on official government sources like ctet.nic.in and ncte.gov.in prevents misinformation. These platforms provide accurate and updated information directly from the exam conducting and regulatory bodies.