CBSE Has Officially Announced That The 21st Edition Of The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) Will Be Held On February 8, 2026, Across 132 Cities In India. Check Details, Syllabus, Eligibility, And Application Process.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially announced the exam date for the next Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET 2026). According to the public notice (F. No. CBSE/CTET/Feb/2026/e-73233) dated 24 October 2025, the 21st edition of CTET will be conducted on 8 February 2026 (Sunday). The exam will be held in offline mode across 132 cities in India and will be available in 20 different languages.

About CTET 2026

The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is a national-level eligibility exam conducted by CBSE for candidates aspiring to become teachers for Classes I to VIII in central schools such as Kendriya Vidyalaya (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalaya (NVS) and other schools under Union Territories and state governments. Qualifying CTET is mandatory for teaching posts in these institutions.

CTET 2026 Exam Overview

CTET 2026 Paper Details

• Paper I – For candidates intending to teach Classes I to V (Primary Level)
• Paper II – For candidates intending to teach Classes VI to VIII (Upper Primary Level)
• Candidates who wish to teach both levels must appear for both papers.

Availability of Information Bulletin

CBSE will soon release the detailed CTET 2026 Information Bulletin on its official website ctet.nic.in. The bulletin will include information about eligibility criteria, syllabus, languages, examination fee, exam cities and important dates. Candidates must download the official bulletin only from the CTET website and read it carefully before applying.

CTET 2026 Eligibility Criteria (General Guidelines)

• For Paper I (Classes I to V): Senior Secondary (or 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) or B.El.Ed.
• For Paper II (Classes VI to VIII): Graduation with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in 1-year B.Ed or 2-year D.El.Ed program.
• Candidates should refer to the official bulletin for complete eligibility details for various categories.

Application Process for CTET 2026

1. Visit the official CTET website — ctet.nic.in
2. Click on the link for “Apply Online – CTET February 2026.”
3. Register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
4. Fill in personal, academic, and contact details accurately.
5. Upload your photo and signature in the specified format.
6. Pay the examination fee via debit/credit card, UPI or net banking.
7. Download and print the confirmation page for future reference.

CTET 2026 Exam Pattern (Overview)

• Total Questions: 150 MCQs per paper
• Marks: 150 marks (each question carries 1 mark)
• Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Negative Marking: No

CTET 2026 Syllabus Highlights

The syllabus includes Child Development & Pedagogy, Language I and II, Mathematics, Environmental Studies, Social Studies and Science (for Paper II). Candidates should refer to the latest bulletin for topic-wise details.

CTET Certificate & Validity

The CTET certificate is now valid for a lifetime. Candidates qualifying the exam will be eligible to apply for teaching positions in central and state government schools, including KVS, NVS, and Army Public Schools.

CTET 2026 Preparation Tips

• Start your preparation early and follow the official syllabus.
• Attempt previous years’ question papers to understand the pattern.
• Focus on concepts in Child Pedagogy and Teaching Aptitude.
• Practice mock tests and manage time effectively during the exam.

Important Instructions for Candidates

• Applications will be accepted only through online mode.
• Offline or postal applications will not be considered.
• Ensure all details are accurate before final submission.
• Keep checking the official website for updates on admit cards and exam centres.

FAQs on CTET 2026

Q1. When will CTET 2026 be conducted?
The CTET 2026 exam will be held on 8 February 2026 (Sunday).

Q2. How many papers are in CTET 2026?
There are two papers — Paper I (for Classes I–V) and Paper II (for Classes VI–VIII).

Q3. Is there negative marking in CTET 2026?
No, there is no negative marking in CTET exams.

Q4. What is the validity of the CTET certificate?
The CTET certificate is valid for a lifetime from the date of issue.

Q5. Where can I apply for CTET 2026?
Candidates must apply online through the official CTET portal — ctet.nic.in.