The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) February 2026 notification has generated huge interest among teaching aspirants across India. With the CTET application closing on December 18, candidates must complete the registration process without delay. Conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), CTET is a mandatory eligibility exam for teaching positions in many central and state-run schools.
CTET 2026: Important Dates You Must Know
According to the official schedule, the CTET February 2026 exam will be held on 8 February 2026. The online application window remains open till 18 December. Candidates who make mistakes while filling the form will get a chance to edit their details during the correction period from 23 to 26 December.
- Last date to apply online: 18 December 2025
- Application correction window: 23–26 December 2025
- CTET exam date: 8 February 2026
Why CTET 2026 Is More Important Than Ever
The relevance of CTET has increased significantly after recent judicial directions making the Teacher Eligibility Test compulsory for teaching roles. Candidates without a valid TET certificate may face restrictions in promotions or future appointments. Several states including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Jharkhand have a large number of teachers impacted by these rules, which is why a surge in CTET applications is expected this year.
CTET Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
CTET is conducted in computer-based mode and consists of multiple-choice questions only. Each correct answer carries one mark, and there is no negative marking.
| Paper | Total Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I | 150 | 150 |
| Paper II | 150 | 150 |
Minimum qualifying marks are 60% for General category and 55% for SC/ST candidates.
CTET Eligibility Criteria for Paper I & Paper II
Candidates must carefully check eligibility before applying for CTET. Paper I is meant for teaching Classes 1 to 5, while Paper II is for Classes 6 to 8.
CTET Paper I Eligibility
12th pass with minimum 50% marks along with a Diploma in Elementary Education or a Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed). Special education diploma holders are also eligible as per norms.
CTET Paper II Eligibility
Graduation with a Diploma in Elementary Education or Graduation with 50% marks and B.Ed. Candidates with integrated teaching degrees such as B.A/B.Sc.Ed are also eligible.
CTET Score Validity: Lifetime Benefit
One of the biggest advantages for candidates is that CTET scores are now valid for a lifetime. Once qualified, candidates do not need to reappear for the exam again. This rule has encouraged even in-service teachers to apply for CTET to secure their careers.
How to Apply Online for CTET February 2026
The CTET application process is completely online. Candidates should follow these steps carefully:
- Visit the official CTET website.
- Click on the “Apply Online” link.
- Complete registration with personal details.
- Upload photograph and signature as per guidelines.
- Select paper, category, and educational qualifications.
- Pay the application fee using online payment modes.
- Submit the form and save the confirmation page.
For official instructions and detailed notifications, candidates should regularly visit the CBSE CTET portal. You can also explore other teaching exam updates on our website.
For more information about teacher eligibility rules, you may also refer to guidelines available on the CBSE official website cbse.gov.in
📌 Final Advice: If you are planning a teaching career, do not wait till the last day. Complete your CTET application well before December 18 to avoid technical issues.