The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) February 2026 is a national-level exam conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to select teachers for primary and upper primary schools. The exam will be held on February 8, 2026, offering opportunities for aspiring educators to qualify for teaching positions in Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, and other central and state government schools.
CTET 2026: Exam Structure and Important Dates
The February 2026 CTET exam is designed to assess the eligibility of candidates for teaching positions in Classes 1-8. The exam will be conducted in two separate papers: Paper I for primary level (Classes 1-5) and Paper II for upper primary level (Classes 6-8). Candidates can appear for either one or both papers based on their educational qualifications and career goals. The exam will be held offline using the OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) sheet method, featuring 150 multiple-choice questions in each paper. Importantly, there will be no negative marking, allowing candidates to attempt all questions without fear of losing marks. Candidates should carefully note the exam date of February 8, 2026, and prepare accordingly by reviewing the official notification and exam guidelines.
Eligibility and Application Process for CTET 2026
To be eligible for the CTET 2026, candidates must have completed or be pursuing a recognized teacher training program such as D.El.Ed or B.Ed. The educational qualifications differ for Paper I and Paper II. For Paper I (primary level), candidates typically need a senior secondary (12th) qualification with a diploma in elementary education. For Paper II (upper primary level), a graduation degree with a B.Ed or equivalent teaching qualification is required. The application process will be conducted online through the official website ctet.nic.in. Candidates will need to register, fill out the application form, upload necessary documents like photographs and signatures, and pay the prescribed examination fee. A short correction window is expected to be provided after the initial registration period, allowing candidates to make minor modifications to their application.
Exam Pattern and Preparation Strategy
The CTET 2026 exam will test candidates' knowledge across multiple domains. Paper I and Paper II will each contain questions on Child Development & Pedagogy, Language Proficiency, Mathematics, and either Environmental Studies (for Paper I) or Social Studies (for Paper II). The exam pattern remains consistent with previous years, focusing on assessing teaching aptitude, subject knowledge, and pedagogical understanding. Candidates are advised to study previous years' question papers, focus on understanding key concepts in child psychology, teaching methodologies, and subject-specific content. The exam will be available in multiple Indian languages, giving candidates the flexibility to choose a language they are most comfortable with. Mock tests and sample OMR sheets can help candidates familiarize themselves with the exam format and improve their time management skills.
Certificate Validity and Career Opportunities
The CTET 2026 certificate will carry a lifetime validity, providing candidates with long-term opportunities in the education sector. Qualifying the exam opens doors to teaching positions in various central and state government schools, including prestigious institutions like Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas. Successful candidates can expect a pay scale typically ranging from INR 9,300 to INR 34,800. The certificate is not just a qualifying document but a testament to a candidate's teaching potential. Different categories have slightly varied qualifying marks: the general category needs 60% marks, while SC, ST, and OBC categories have a relaxed qualifying threshold of 55%. Candidates should aim to score well to enhance their employability and increase their chances of selection in competitive teaching recruitment processes.
Document Requirements and Verification
Candidates must be meticulous about document preparation for the CTET 2026 application. Recent passport-sized photographs and signatures must meet specific guidelines regarding size, clarity, and background. Digital copies should be scanned at the correct resolution and file size. Educational certificates, teacher training diplomas, and identification proofs will be crucial for verifying eligibility. During the registration process, candidates should ensure that all personal and academic details match their official documents exactly. The DigiLocker system will be used for certificate storage, providing a secure and convenient method for accessing and sharing credentials. Candidates are advised to keep both digital and physical copies of all relevant documents handy throughout the application and recruitment process.
Exam Day Guidelines and Preparation
On the CTET 2026 exam day (February 8), candidates must follow strict guidelines to ensure smooth entry and participation. Essential items to carry include the printed admit card, a valid photo ID, recent passport-sized photographs, and permitted stationery like pencils and erasers. Candidates should reach the examination center well in advance, ideally at least an hour before the reporting time. The exam will be conducted in two shifts – morning for Paper I and afternoon for Paper II. Time management and careful reading of instructions will be crucial. Candidates should practice filling OMR sheets to avoid common mistakes like overwriting or incomplete shading. Mental preparation is equally important; candidates should remain calm, focused, and confident during the examination.
Result and Post-Exam Procedures
After the CTET 2026 exam, candidates can expect the results around March 2026. The scorecard will provide detailed marks for each section, helping candidates understand their performance. A provisional answer key will be released first, allowing candidates to raise objections if they find any discrepancies. The final answer key will be published after considering these objections. Qualified candidates will receive their certificates through DigiLocker, which they can download and use for future job applications. The certificate will be valid for lifetime recruitment opportunities. Those who do not qualify can analyze their performance, identify weak areas, and prepare for subsequent CTET attempts. Coaching centers and online resources can provide additional guidance for improving exam preparation strategies.
Language Options and Accessibility
The CTET 2026 exam will be conducted in multiple Indian languages, ensuring broader accessibility for candidates from different linguistic backgrounds. Candidates can choose their preferred language medium during the application process. This multilingual approach reflects the exam's commitment to inclusivity and understanding of India's diverse educational landscape. The language options will be clearly listed in the official notification, allowing candidates to select the medium they are most comfortable with. This flexibility helps reduce language-based barriers and allows candidates to demonstrate their teaching potential more effectively. Candidates should carefully review the language codes and make their selection during registration to avoid any last-minute confusion or errors.
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