Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) February 2026 Exam Date Check Here: Official Notification and Key Details Released by CBSE
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially released the detailed notification for the 21st Edition of the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) February 2026 examination. This highly anticipated national-level examination serves as a qualifying test for candidates aspiring to become teachers in schools affiliated with the central government and various state governments across India. The CTET February 2026 examination is scheduled to take place in February 2026, marking a significant step for thousands of candidates seeking to establish their careers in education.
As per the official notice from the CBSE (Notice No. CBSE/CTET/Feb/2025/e-73233 dated 24 October 2025), the application process for the examination has concluded, and candidates are now focused on checking their CTET exam dates, downloading admit cards, and making final preparations. The CTET February 2026 exam will be conducted in a Computer Based Test (CBT) mode, aligning with modern examination practices and ensuring efficiency and fairness in the evaluation process. This article provides a comprehensive overview of all essential information regarding the CTET February 2026 examination, including key dates, examination pattern, eligibility criteria, and preparation tips for candidates.
Candidates preparing for the CTET February 2026 exam are advised to regularly check the official website of CTET (ctet.nic.in) and trusted educational portals like Sarkari Result All for the latest updates. The release of the official notification confirms the commencement of the new examination cycle and provides clarity on the procedures candidates must follow for the upcoming test.
Key Highlights of CTET February 2026 Examination
The CTET February 2026 examination is a crucial event for aspiring teachers across the country. The test is designed to assess a candidate's aptitude and knowledge necessary for teaching at the primary (Classes I-V) and elementary (Classes VI-VIII) levels. The CTET certification is mandatory for appointment as a teacher in schools like Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV), Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), and other central government schools. Many state governments also accept CTET scores for their teacher recruitment processes.
The 21st edition of CTET maintains a structure similar to previous exams, consisting of two papers: Paper I and Paper II. Paper I is for candidates who wish to teach Classes I to V, while Paper II is for candidates aspiring to teach Classes VI to VIII. Candidates can choose to appear for either one paper or both papers based on their educational qualifications and career goals. The CTET February 2026 notification details specify all necessary requirements and guidelines for candidates to ensure a smooth examination process.
CTET February 2026: Important Dates and Timeline
Based on the notification released by CBSE, here is a breakdown of the important dates related to the CTET February 2026 examination. As the current date is 22 January 2026, the application process has concluded, and the focus shifts to the upcoming exam date and admit card availability.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Release Date | 24 October 2025 |
| Online Application Start Date | October 2025 (Exact date in late October/early November) |
| Online Application Last Date | November 2025 (Exact date in late November) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | November 2025 (Exact date in late November/early December) |
| Correction Window for Application Form | December 2025 (Exact dates Not Available) |
| Admit Card Release Date | February 2026 (Approximately 10 days before the exam date) |
| CTET February 2026 Exam Date | February 2026 (Exact Dates Not Available) |
| Answer Key Release Date | Not Available (Expected in March 2026) |
| Result Declaration Date | Not Available (Expected in March/April 2026) |
Understanding the Application Process and Fee Structure
The application process for the CTET February 2026 examination was conducted entirely online through the official CTET website. Candidates were required to complete a multi-step process involving registration, filling out personal and academic details, uploading required documents, selecting preferred exam cities, and paying the examination fee. The application window typically lasts for about one month, allowing candidates sufficient time to submit their applications.
The fee structure for the CTET February 2026 exam varied based on the category of the candidate and the number of papers they chose to appear for. The fees are non-refundable and must be paid online through various payment gateways. Below is a summary of the standard fee structure for the CTET exam:
| Category | Fee for Paper I or Paper II Only | Fee for Both Paper I and Paper II |
|---|---|---|
| General/OBC | ₹1000/- | ₹1200/- |
| SC/ST/Differently Abled Person | ₹500/- | ₹600/- |
It is crucial for candidates who applied to keep track of their application status and confirmation page, as these documents are often required during the admit card download process and for future reference. The CTET notification provides specific instructions regarding the photo and signature specifications for the application form, and candidates must ensure adherence to these guidelines.
Eligibility Criteria for CTET February 2026: Paper I and Paper II
To be eligible for the CTET February 2026 examination, candidates must meet the minimum educational qualifications set forth by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) and specified in the official CBSE CTET notification. The eligibility criteria differ slightly for Paper I and Paper II.
Eligibility Criteria for Paper I (Primary Stage: Classes I-V):
A candidate must have one of the following qualifications:
- Senior Secondary (or its equivalent) with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed).
- Senior Secondary (or its equivalent) with at least 45% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education, as per NCTE Regulations, 2002.
- Senior Secondary (or its equivalent) with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed).
- Senior Secondary (or its equivalent) with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a 2-year Diploma in Education (Special Education).
- Graduation with at least 50% marks and Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) from an NCTE-recognized institution. (Note: B.Ed candidates are eligible for Paper I but must complete a 6-month Bridge Course in Elementary Education within two years of appointment as a primary teacher).
Eligibility Criteria for Paper II (Elementary Stage: Classes VI-VIII):
A candidate must have one of the following qualifications:
- Graduation and passed or appearing in the final year of a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed).
- Graduation with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a Bachelor in Education (B.Ed).
- Graduation with at least 45% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a Bachelor in Education (B.Ed), as per NCTE Regulations.
- Senior Secondary (or its equivalent) with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed).
- Senior Secondary (or its equivalent) with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a 4-year B.A./B.Sc.Ed or B.A. Ed/B.Sc.Ed.
- Graduation with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in a 1-year B.Ed. (Special Education).
The CTET notification also specifies that candidates appearing in the final year of their qualifying degree/diploma are eligible to apply. It is important for candidates to ensure they meet these criteria before proceeding with their exam preparations for CTET February 2026.
CTET February 2026 Exam Pattern and Structure
Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation for the CTET February 2026 exam. Both Paper I and Paper II consist of 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), each carrying one mark. The total duration for each paper is 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes). A significant feature of the CBSE CTET exam is that there is no negative marking, allowing candidates to attempt all questions without fear of penalty.
Exam Pattern for Paper I (Classes I-V):
| Section | Number of Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development and Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I (Compulsory) | 30 | 30 |
| Language II (Compulsory) | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| Environmental Studies (EVS) | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
Exam Pattern for Paper II (Classes VI-VIII):
| Section | Number of Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development and Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I (Compulsory) | 30 | 30 |
| Language II (Compulsory) | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics and Science (for Maths and Science Teachers) OR Social Studies/Social Science (for Social Studies Teachers) |
60 | 60 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
Admit Card and Final Preparation Strategy for CTET February 2026
The release of the CTET February 2026 admit card is the final confirmation for candidates about their exact exam date, time, and allotted test center. The admit cards are typically made available on the official CTET website approximately one to two weeks before the examination date. Candidates will need to download their admit cards using their application number and date of birth. It is essential to carefully check all details printed on the admit card, including name, photograph, signature, and exam center information. Any discrepancy should be reported immediately to the CBSE helpdesk.
With the CTET February 2026 exam date approaching, candidates should focus on high-yield preparation strategies. Given the CBT mode, practicing online mock tests is highly recommended to become familiar with the interface and manage time effectively. Key areas of focus should include:
- Child Development and Pedagogy: This section carries significant weight in both papers. A strong understanding of child psychology, teaching methods, and learning theories is crucial.
- Syllabus Coverage: Ensure complete coverage of the official syllabus provided by CBSE. For Paper I, focus on NCERT books from Classes I-V for Environmental Studies and Mathematics. For Paper II, focus on NCERT books from Classes VI-VIII for Mathematics/Science or Social Studies.
- Language Sections: The Language I and II sections test comprehension and pedagogy related to language learning. Candidates should practice reading comprehension and grammar.
- Previous Year Question Papers: Solving previous years' CTET exam papers helps identify patterns, manage time, and understand the difficulty level of the examination.
The CTET February 2026 examination is a qualifying test, meaning candidates need to achieve a minimum score to pass. The passing criteria for General category candidates is 60% (90 out of 150 marks), while for SC/ST/OBC/Differently Abled candidates, it is 55% (82 out of 150 marks). Candidates should set their preparation goals to comfortably exceed this minimum threshold.
Important Links and Resources
Candidates can find detailed information, download the CTET notification, access the application portal (now closed), and check the upcoming results on the official website. Key links for the CTET February 2026 exam are provided below:
- Official Website: ctet.nic.in
- CBSE Official Website: cbse.nic.in
- Sarkari Result All CTET Page: https://www.sarkariresultall.in/ctet-february-2026-exam-details/ (for updates on admit card, result, and news)
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) February 2026 represents a vital opportunity for aspiring teachers. By understanding the exam date, eligibility criteria, and preparation strategy, candidates can maximize their chances of success and move forward in their teaching careers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about CTET February 2026
1. What is the CTET February 2026 exam date?
The exact date for the CTET February 2026 examination has not been announced as of 22 January 2026, but based on previous trends, the examination is expected to be held in mid-February 2026. The specific date will be released on the official website and indicated on the candidates' CTET admit card when available.
2. When will the CTET February 2026 admit card be released?
The CTET February 2026 admit card is generally released approximately 10 to 14 days before the scheduled examination date. Candidates who have successfully applied for the exam will be able to download their admit card from the official CTET website (ctet.nic.in) using their application number and date of birth.
3. Is there negative marking in the CTET February 2026 examination?
No, there is no negative marking in the CTET February 2026 examination for either Paper I or Paper II. Candidates are encouraged to attempt all 150 questions as there will be no marks deducted for incorrect answers.
4. What is the validity period of the CTET certificate?
As per the new guidelines announced by the NCTE, the validity of the CTET certificate has been extended from seven years to "lifetime." This means that once a candidate qualifies for the CTET examination, their certificate remains valid indefinitely for eligibility purposes.
5. What is the difference between CTET Paper I and Paper II eligibility criteria?
CTET Paper I eligibility is for candidates aspiring to teach Classes I to V (Primary Stage) and requires a minimum qualification of Senior Secondary with a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education or equivalent. CTET Paper II eligibility is for candidates aspiring to teach Classes VI to VIII (Elementary Stage) and requires a minimum qualification of Graduation with a Bachelor in Education (B.Ed) or equivalent.
6. Can a candidate apply for both CTET Paper I and Paper II simultaneously?
Yes, candidates who meet the eligibility criteria for both papers can apply for both CTET Paper I and Paper II simultaneously during the application process. The examination fee for applying to both papers is slightly higher than applying for just one paper.
7. What documents are required for the CTET February 2026 admit card download?
To download the CTET February 2026 admit card, candidates will need their CTET application number and their date of birth as entered during the online application process. These details must match the information provided during registration for successful access to the admit card download portal.
8. What is the minimum qualifying score for CTET?
To qualify for the CTET exam, candidates need to score a minimum of 60% marks (90 out of 150) for the General category. For candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC and PwD categories, a minimum qualifying percentage of 55% marks (82 out of 150) is required.