CBSE Opens CTET February 2026 Application Window: Important Dates and Eligibility Guide
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially commenced the application process for the **Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET)** February 2026 examination. Aspiring teachers aiming for positions in central government schools (like KVS, NVS) and other affiliated institutions are strongly encouraged to submit their **CTET online form 2026** before the stipulated deadline. The detailed notification for **CTET February 2026** outlines the eligibility criteria, examination structure, application fee details, and important dates for both Paper I (Level 1) and Paper II (Level 2).
According to official sources, the online application window for **CTET February 2026** opened on 27 November 2025. Candidates must complete their registration and fee payment through the official website, **ctet.nic.in**. The examination serves as a crucial gateway for candidates aspiring to teach at the primary stage (Classes 1-5) and elementary stage (Classes 6-8).
This article provides a comprehensive guide for candidates seeking to complete the **CTET 2026 application process**. From understanding the **CTET eligibility criteria** to navigating the online form submission steps, candidates can find all necessary information here to avoid errors and ensure a successful application. Prospective applicants should carefully review all requirements before proceeding, as any errors during registration can lead to complications later in the process.
Key Dates for CTET February 2026 Online Application
Candidates preparing for the **CTET February 2026** exam should keep track of key dates related to the application and examination schedule. The following table provides an overview of important events in the **CTET 2026 notification** timeline.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| CTET February 2026 Notification Release Date | 27 November 2025 |
| Application Start Date | 27 November 2025 |
| Last Date to Submit Online Application | Not Available (To be announced shortly) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | Not Available (To be announced shortly) |
| Correction Window Opening Date | Not Available |
| Admit Card Release Date | Not Available (Typically 1-2 weeks before exam) |
| CTET February 2026 Exam Date | February 2026 (Tentatively) |
| Result Declaration Date | Not Available (Approximately 4-6 weeks after exam) |
Understanding CTET Eligibility Criteria 2026
Before proceeding with the **CTET online form 2026**, candidates must verify their eligibility based on the official requirements released by CBSE. The eligibility criteria differ based on whether a candidate applies for Paper I (Primary Level) or Paper II (Elementary Level). It is possible to apply for both papers, provided the candidate meets the specific qualifications for both.
Eligibility for CTET Paper I (Level 1: Primary Stage, Classes 1-5)
Candidates applying for Paper I must meet one of the following criteria:
- Senior Secondary (or its equivalent) with a minimum of 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 a minimum of 45% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education, in accordance with the NCTE Regulations, 2002.
- Senior Secondary (or its equivalent) with a minimum of 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 a minimum of 50% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a 2-year Diploma in Education (Special Education).
- Graduation with a minimum of 50% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.). Candidates with a B.Ed. qualification will have to undergo a 6-month Bridge Course in Elementary Education within two years of appointment as a primary teacher.
Eligibility for CTET Paper II (Level 2: Elementary Stage, Classes 6-8)
Candidates applying for Paper II must meet one of the following criteria:
- Graduation and passed or appearing in the final year of a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education.
- Graduation with a minimum of 50% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a Bachelor in Education (B.Ed.).
- Graduation with a minimum of 45% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a Bachelor in Education (B.Ed.), in accordance with the NCTE Regulations, 2002.
- Senior Secondary (or its equivalent) with a minimum of 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 a minimum of 50% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a 4-year BA/B.Sc.Ed. or BA.Ed/B.Sc.Ed.
- Graduation with a minimum of 50% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a B.Ed. (Special Education).
Candidates who are in the final year of their qualifying examination (such as D.El.Ed. or B.Ed.) are also eligible to apply for the **CTET February 2026** examination. However, they must complete their qualification by the time of appointment.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Complete the CTET Online Form 2026
The **CTET 2026 application process** is conducted entirely online through the official CBSE website, **ctet.nic.in**. Candidates should ensure they have access to all required documents and information before starting the registration process. The following steps guide candidates through the online submission:
Step 1: New Registration on ctet.nic.in
Visit the official website **ctet.nic.in**. On the homepage, locate and click on the link titled "Apply Online for **CTET February 2026**." This will redirect you to the application portal. Click on "New Registration." Read the instructions carefully and accept the declaration to proceed. Fill in basic details such as name, parent's name, date of birth, mobile number, email address, and desired password. Upon successful registration, a unique registration number/application number will be generated. Note this number down carefully, as it will be used for all future communications regarding the **CTET online form 2026** and admit card.
Step 2: Fill Application Details and Select Exam Centers
Log back into the portal using the registration number and password generated in Step 1. The application form requires detailed personal information, educational qualifications, and preferred exam centers. Candidates must indicate whether they are applying for Paper I, Paper II, or both papers. Select two languages (Language I and Language II) from the available options. Choose a minimum of four preferred examination centers in order of preference. The allocation of exam centers is based on availability and candidate preference, and a center may change depending on demand in different areas.
Step 3: Upload Scanned Images (Photo and Signature)
This is a critical step in the **CTET application process**. Candidates must upload scanned images of their recent passport-size photograph and signature in the specified format and size. Ensure the photo is clear, recent, and taken against a plain background. The signature must be clear and signed on a white paper. The specifications for image dimensions and file size (usually in KB range) must be strictly followed. Failure to adhere to these guidelines can lead to rejection of the application form.
Step 4: Fee Payment and Final Submission
After completing all details and uploading images, proceed to the fee payment section. The **CTET 2026 application fee** varies based on the number of papers a candidate chooses to appear for and their category (General/OBC, SC/ST/PwD).
| Category | Fee for Paper I or Paper II (Single Paper) | Fee for Both Paper I and Paper II |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC | ₹1000 | ₹1200 |
| SC / ST / PwD | ₹500 | ₹600 |
The payment can be made online using a credit card, debit card, or Net Banking. Once the payment is successful, print the final confirmation page. This page serves as proof of successful submission of the **CTET online form 2026** and should be kept safely for future reference. Without this confirmation page, the application is considered incomplete.
Understanding the CTET Examination Pattern 2026
The **CTET February 2026** examination consists of two papers, each with a duration of 2.5 hours. Both papers are multiple-choice question (MCQ) based and carry a total of 150 marks. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers in the CTET examination.
Paper I (Classes 1-5) Structure:
- Child Development and Pedagogy: 30 Questions, 30 Marks
- Language I (compulsory): 30 Questions, 30 Marks
- Language II (compulsory): 30 Questions, 30 Marks
- Mathematics: 30 Questions, 30 Marks
- Environmental Studies (EVS): 30 Questions, 30 Marks
- Total: 150 Questions, 150 Marks
Paper II (Classes 6-8) Structure:
- Child Development and Pedagogy: 30 Questions, 30 Marks
- Language I (compulsory): 30 Questions, 30 Marks
- Language II (compulsory): 30 Questions, 30 Marks
- Mathematics and Science (for Maths/Science teachers): 60 Questions, 60 Marks OR Social Studies/Social Science (for Social Studies teachers): 60 Questions, 60 Marks
- Total: 150 Questions, 150 Marks
The examination requires a minimum qualifying score of 60% (90 out of 150 marks) for the general category. Reserved category candidates (SC/ST/OBC) often receive relaxations in the qualifying percentage, typically requiring 55% (82 out of 150 marks).
Important Guidelines for CTET February 2026 Candidates
Prospective candidates for **CTET February 2026** should note several critical guidelines before and during the application process to ensure a smooth experience. The **CBSE CTET 2026 notification** emphasizes accuracy and adherence to deadlines.
1. Review Notification Thoroughly: Before starting the registration, candidates must download and carefully read the complete **CTET February 2026** information bulletin available on **ctet.nic.in**. This ensures full awareness of eligibility, exam pattern, and guidelines. The notification provides comprehensive details on syllabus, marking scheme, and reservation policies. Checking a reliable resource like **Sarkari Result All** can provide easy access to these documents and updates.
2. Use Correct Personal Details: Ensure all personal details entered during registration (name, date of birth, mother's name, father's name) match exactly with the details in academic certificates (Class X mark sheet). Discrepancies in personal information can cause major issues during document verification and certificate issuance.
3. Photo and Signature Specifications: The images uploaded must meet the size and format requirements as specified in the official notification. Poor-quality images may lead to the rejection of the application. It is advisable to use a professional scanning service to ensure compliance.
4. Fee Payment Confirmation: Always ensure the transaction for the application fee is completed successfully. A pending or failed transaction means the **CTET online form 2026** submission is incomplete. Candidates should keep a record of the transaction ID and print the final confirmation page after payment.
5. Correction Window: While a correction window will likely be provided after the application deadline, it is intended for minor corrections. Avoid making mistakes that require extensive changes, as some fields might not be editable during this window. Filling out the **CTET 2026 application process** correctly the first time is crucial.
6. Admit Card Release: The **CTET admit card** for the February 2026 examination will be released approximately two weeks before the exam date. Candidates must download and print the admit card from **ctet.nic.in**. No hard copy of the admit card will be sent via post.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about CTET February 2026 Application
Here are answers to common questions regarding the **CTET February 2026** examination and application process:
Is B.Ed. a valid qualification for CTET Paper 1?
Yes, as per recent Supreme Court rulings and subsequent NCTE guidelines, B.Ed. candidates are eligible to apply for **CTET Paper I (Level 1)** for teaching classes 1-5. However, successful B.Ed. candidates who get appointed as primary teachers must undergo a mandatory 6-month Bridge Course in Elementary Education within two years of appointment.
What is the validity period of the CTET Certificate?
The **CTET** certificate's validity has been extended to a lifetime period. Once a candidate qualifies for **CTET**, the certificate remains valid indefinitely. This means candidates do not need to reappear for the exam after qualifying, unless they wish to improve their score.
Can I apply for both Paper I and Paper II for CTET February 2026?
Yes, eligible candidates can apply for both papers simultaneously. The application fee will be slightly higher when applying for both papers together compared to applying for a single paper. Ensure you meet the specific **eligibility criteria** for both papers before applying.
What are the essential documents required for CTET online application?
You need a valid email ID, mobile number, scanned passport-size photograph, scanned signature, and details of your academic qualifications (mark sheets and certificates of 10th, 12th, graduation, and B.Ed./D.El.Ed.). Keep these ready before you start filling the **CTET online form 2026**.
What subjects should I choose for Language I and Language II?
Candidates must select two languages from the list of 20 available languages. Language I is generally chosen as the medium of instruction for the examination and a stronger subject, while Language II can be another language from the list. The choices must be different from each other. The syllabus for Language I often focuses on comprehension and language pedagogy, while Language II focuses more on language development and learning principles.
Is there negative marking in the CTET February 2026 exam?
No, there is no negative marking in the **CTET** examination. Candidates should attempt all 150 questions in each paper without fear of losing marks for incorrect answers.
When will the CTET February 2026 results be announced?
The results for the **CTET February 2026** examination are typically released approximately 4 to 6 weeks after the exam date. Candidates can check their results on the official website **ctet.nic.in** by logging in with their registration credentials. Updates regarding the result announcement will also be available on **Sarkari Result All**.
Where can I find the official syllabus for CTET February 2026?
The detailed syllabus for both Paper I and Paper II is provided in the **CTET February 2026** information bulletin available on the official website **ctet.nic.in**. The syllabus covers topics in Child Development and Pedagogy, Languages, Mathematics, Environmental Studies, and Science/Social Science. Candidates should thoroughly study the syllabus to prepare effectively for the upcoming exam.
For more updates on government job notifications, admit cards, results, and syllabus information, visit Sarkari Result All.