The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will conduct the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) on February 8 . This national-level examination determines eligibility for teaching positions in central government schools. For the upcoming CTET February 2026 exam, approximately 25,30,436 candidates have submitted applications.
The application period for the CTET February 2026 exam spanned 22 days, from November 27 to December 18, 2025 . This latest registration total represents a significant increase in candidate interest compared to previous CTET sessions, reflecting growing competition for teaching roles across the country.
Record Registration Numbers
The CTET February 2026 session recorded a total of 25,30,436 registrations. This figure marks a substantial rise in applications compared to the two preceding CTET examinations. The increase underscores a growing pool of individuals seeking to qualify for teaching positions.
| CTET Session | Total Applicants |
|---|---|
| February 2026 | 25,30,436 |
| July 2024 | 20,25,554 |
| December 2024 | 16,72,748 |
Analysis of the registration data reveals a strong upward trend. Applications for the CTET February 2026 exam rose by 51.3% when compared to the December 2024 session. Furthermore, registrations increased by 25.4% from the July 2024 session. These percentages highlight the expanding scale of the teacher eligibility test.
Application Surge in Final Days
The closing days of the registration window experienced a notable surge in applications. The CBSE’s official X handle reported a sharp increase in candidate submissions during the final three days of December 2025.
| Date (2025) | Applicants |
|---|---|
| December 16 | 1,93,182 |
| December 17 | 3,53,218 |
| December 18 | 4,14,981 |
On December 17, application numbers jumped by 82.8% compared to the previous day. This momentum continued into December 18, when registrations climbed an additional 17.5% . This late rush contributed significantly to the overall applicant count for the February 2026 exam.
CTET Exam Structure and Schedule
The CTET February 2026 examination will occur on February 8 , structured into two distinct shifts. Each shift accommodates candidates aspiring to teach different levels within the school system.
- Morning Session: This session will run from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM.
- Afternoon Session: This session is scheduled from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM.
Candidates must verify their specific shift and reporting times upon receiving their admit cards. The dual-shift format allows for efficient management of the large number of participants.
Admit Card Release Details
The Central Board of Secondary Education will issue admit cards for the CTET February 2026 exam during the first week of February. Based on past examination cycles, the probable release date for these admit cards is February 6 . Candidates should regularly check the official CTET website for updates and download instructions.
Purpose of the CTET Examination
The CTET serves as a critical eligibility criterion for teaching roles. It is mandatory for candidates seeking employment as teachers for Classes 1 to 8. This includes positions within various central government educational institutions.
These institutions include Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) and Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVs). Additionally, numerous other schools and educational bodies across India accept CTET scores as proof of eligibility for teaching posts. Passing the CTET opens avenues for securing a teaching career in the public education sector.