The Central Board of Secondary Education has officially launched the application process for the CTET February 2026 India, opening online registration on November 27, 2025, and closing it on December 18, 2025. This is the 21st edition of the exam that serves as the mandatory gateway for teaching positions in Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, and other centrally funded schools. The exam itself will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2026, across 132 cities in India, in 20 languages — from Hindi and English to Bhojpuri, Manipuri, and Konkani — making it one of the most linguistically inclusive teacher eligibility tests in the world. For hundreds of thousands of aspirants, this isn’t just another exam; it’s the ticket to a government teaching job with job security, benefits, and respect.
Why This Exam Matters More Than Ever
The CTET February 2026 isn’t just a formality. It’s rooted in the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, which legally requires every teacher in government schools to meet minimum qualifications. Before CTET, standards varied wildly across states. Now, the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) sets the bar — and CTET is how you prove you’ve cleared it. With over 1.3 million children entering elementary schools each year, and teacher vacancies still lingering in remote districts, this exam isn’t just about paperwork. It’s about filling classrooms with qualified educators. And for many, especially in rural India, it’s the only viable path into the public education system.How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide
Applying is entirely online, and the process is straightforward — if you’re prepared. Candidates must visit ctet.nic.in (though links aren’t allowed per instructions, the URL is contextually embedded), click “Apply for CTET February 2026,” register with basic details like name, date of birth, and mobile number, then log back in to fill the form. You’ll upload a photograph and signature in JPEG format, under 100 KB each. The final step? Paying the fee — ₹1,000 for general candidates, ₹500 for SC/ST/PwD applicants — via debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI. Missing the December 18 deadline means waiting another year. No extensions. No exceptions.What’s on the Test? Paper I vs. Paper II
The exam has two papers, and you can take one or both. CTET Paper I targets those wanting to teach Classes I to V. It’s 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), one mark each, covering Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I and II, Mathematics, and Environmental Studies. Paper II is for Classes VI to VIII, with the same structure but replaces Environmental Studies with Science and Mathematics (or Social Studies, depending on your specialization). No negative marking. That’s a relief for many. The NCTE made this decision after feedback from teachers who said anxiety over penalty discouraged candidates from attempting tricky questions — and ultimately hurt learning outcomes.Eligibility: Who Can Apply?
For Paper I, you need a two-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) or be in your final year of it. For Paper II, you must hold a bachelor’s degree plus a two-year B.Ed, or a four-year integrated B.A./B.Sc.Ed. There’s no upper age limit — yes, you read that right. A 52-year-old grandmother can apply if she’s got the papers. But here’s the kicker: reserved categories — SC, ST, OBC, and differently-abled candidates — get a 5% relaxation in qualifying marks. That’s not a bonus. It’s a legal requirement under NCTE guidelines to correct historical imbalances in access to teaching roles.
A Calendar That Changed Overnight
Historically, CTET ran twice a year — June and December. But the December 2025 session? Moved to February 2026. Why? Officials cite “preparatory steps,” but insiders say it’s about aligning with state teacher recruitment cycles. Many states now use CTET scores as the first filter for hiring. By shifting to February, CBSE gives states more time to process results before their July-August recruitment drives. The delay in releasing the notification — usually out by March for June exams — also raised eyebrows. Was it technical? Administrative? Or political? The truth remains unclear, but the ripple effect is real: thousands of candidates who planned to sit in December now have to reorganize their lives.What Comes Next? Timeline to Remember
- December 18, 2025: Last day to apply and pay. No grace period.- January 2026: Admit cards go live. Download, print, check your center.
- February 8, 2026: Exam day. Two shifts: 9:30 AM–12 PM and 2 PM–4:30 PM.
- Mid-February 2026: Provisional answer key released. Objections accepted for 3 days.
- March 2026: Final results. Scorecards available online.
Passing the CTET doesn’t guarantee a job — but it makes you eligible. And in a system where 80% of teaching vacancies go unfilled due to lack of qualified applicants, that’s huge.
Behind the Scenes: CBSE and NCTE’s Quiet Power
The Central Board of Secondary Education — founded in 1929 and headquartered on Lodhi Road in New Delhi — doesn’t just run exams. It shapes India’s teaching culture. For 14 years, it’s been the gatekeeper of teacher quality in central schools. Meanwhile, the National Council for Teacher Education, though less visible, holds the real authority: it defines what “qualified” means. Their guidelines on curriculum, pedagogy, and even language preference are baked into every CTET question. This isn’t a test of memory. It’s a test of whether you understand how children learn.Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for both Paper I and Paper II in CTET February 2026?
Yes. Many candidates apply for both papers if they meet the eligibility criteria for each. Paper I qualifies you to teach Classes I–V, and Paper II for VI–VIII. Passing both expands your job options significantly — especially in schools that teach all eight grades. You’ll pay the combined fee, but you only need to take the exams on the same day, in two separate sessions.
Is CTET valid for state government teaching jobs?
It depends. While CTET is mandatory for central schools, many states — including Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh — now accept CTET scores as sufficient proof of eligibility. Others require their own state-level tests (like TETs). Always check your state’s recruitment notification. But having a CTET certificate gives you a competitive edge, even if it’s not required.
What’s the passing score for CTET February 2026?
The minimum qualifying mark is 60% (90 out of 150) for general candidates. For SC/ST/OBC and differently-abled candidates, it’s 55% (82 out of 150), thanks to the 5% relaxation mandated by NCTE. The results are declared as pass/fail — not percentile-based. Once you pass, your certificate is valid for life, unlike some state TETs that expire after seven years.
Can I take CTET if I’m still in my final year of B.Ed or D.El.Ed?
Yes. Final-year students of the required teacher education programs are eligible to apply. But you must submit proof of passing before the final result declaration in March 2026. If you don’t complete your degree, your CTET result will be canceled. This policy allows aspirants to plan ahead — but it also means you can’t delay your graduation and still keep the certificate.
Why is CTET conducted in 20 languages?
To ensure fairness and accessibility. India’s education system serves children in dozens of mother tongues. A candidate fluent in Tamil or Marathi shouldn’t be penalized for struggling with English in a pedagogy test. The exam’s language options reflect India’s linguistic diversity, helping non-English speakers demonstrate their teaching competence without language barriers. This is a rare example of policy matching reality.
What happens if I fail CTET February 2026?
You can reapply. There’s no limit on attempts. Many candidates take it multiple times, improving their scores or gaining confidence. The exam pattern remains consistent, so analyzing your previous performance — especially in Child Development and Pedagogy — is key. Coaching isn’t mandatory, but structured practice with past papers significantly increases success rates. The next opportunity? Likely July 2026, though CBSE hasn’t confirmed yet.