CTET Eligibility 2026: Check Paper 1 and Paper 2 Eligibility Criteria, Age Limit and Qualification

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) released the CTET Eligibility 2026 along with the official CTET 2026 notification on 27 November 2025. Candidates planning to appear in the February 2026 CTET exam must check the complete eligibility criteria for both Paper 1 (Primary Level) and Paper 2 (Upper Primary Level). This article explains the age limit, minimum educational qualifications, relaxation rules, reservation benefits and all important conditions required for applying to CTET 2026.

CTET Eligibility 2026 Overview

CTET Age Limit 2026

CBSE has clearly mentioned that there is no upper age limit to appear for the CTET exam.

This means candidates can attempt the CTET exam any number of times, and age will never be a barrier for eligibility.

CTET Educational Qualification 2026

The educational qualification for CTET differs for both papers. Candidates must fulfil the minimum academic criteria set by CBSE and NCTE (National Council for Teacher Education).

CTET Eligibility 2026 for Paper 1 (Classes 1 to 5)

To become a Primary Teacher (Class 1 to 5), candidates must have any one of the following:

• 12th Pass with minimum 50% marks + 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) – Passed or Appearing
• 12th Pass with 50% marks + 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed)
• 12th Pass with 50% marks + 2-year Diploma in Education (Special Education)
• Graduation + 2-year D.El.Ed

Important Note: As per Supreme Court orders and NCTE regulations, B.Ed candidates are no longer eligible for CTET Paper 1 for Primary Teacher posts.

CTET Eligibility 2026 for Paper 2 (Classes 6 to 8)

For Upper Primary Teacher (Class 6 to 8), candidates must have any one of the following qualifications:

• Graduation + 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed)
• Graduation with 50% marks + B.Ed (Passed or Appearing)
• Graduation with 45% marks + B.Ed as per NCTE norms
• 12th with 50% marks + 4-year B.El.Ed
• 12th with 50% marks + 4-year B.A.Ed/B.Sc.Ed
• Post-Graduation with 55% marks + 3-year Integrated B.Ed-M.Ed

Final-year D.El.Ed, B.Ed, B.El.Ed and Education Diploma candidates are also eligible to apply.

Revised CTET Eligibility Guidelines (Updated as per NCTE)

• Candidates pursuing any Teacher Training Course (TTC) such as D.El.Ed, B.El.Ed, B.Ed are eligible to apply.
• Postgraduate candidates must have 55% marks + integrated B.Ed-M.Ed to qualify for Paper 2.
• Candidates must satisfy the minimum educational qualifications defined by NCTE and the recruitment rules of Central Schools such as KVS and NVS.
• Qualifying CTET does not guarantee teaching job selection; it only makes candidates eligible to apply for teaching vacancies.
• CTET Certificate is now valid for a lifetime.

CTET Nationality Criteria

The candidate must be:

• A citizen of India, or
• A subject of Nepal, or
• A subject of Bhutan, or
• A Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1 January 1962, or
• A migrant from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Ethiopia, Vietnam or Burma intending permanent settlement in India.

CTET Eligibility Criteria for Reserved Category

Reserved category candidates get relaxation in qualifying marks.

Candidates meeting the reserved category norms will get benefits as per CBSE and Government rules.

CTET Passing Marks and Certificate Validity

• General category: 60% (90 Marks)
• OBC/SC/ST/PwD: 55% (82 Marks)

CTET Certificate is now valid for lifetime. Candidates can take CTET any number of times to improve their score.

Key Points About CTET Eligibility 2026

• Degree or Diploma must be recognized by NCTE.
• Special Education candidates must have RCI-recognized programs.
• D.Ed (Special Education) candidates must complete a 6-month NCTE-approved additional course.
• Eligibility conditions differ for Language, Social Science, Maths and Science teachers.
• Final-year TTC students can apply for CTET.
• CTET qualification does not guarantee job selection; recruitment authorities verify eligibility.

CTET Eligibility 2026 FAQs

• Q. What is the minimum qualification for CTET Paper 1?
  Ans. 12th with 50% marks + D.El.Ed or B.El.Ed or Special Education Diploma.
• Q. Can final-year B.Ed students apply for CTET?
  Ans. Yes, final-year B.Ed candidates are eligible for Paper 2 only.
• Q. Is there any age limit for CTET?
  Ans. No upper age limit.
• Q. Can I apply for both CTET Paper 1 and Paper 2?
  Ans. Yes, if you meet the qualifications for both papers.
• Q. Is 45% marks enough for CTET eligibility?
  Ans. Yes, for Paper 2 if B.Ed is completed as per NCTE norms.