CTET February 2026 Registration Begins: Complete Paper-Wise Eligibility, Exam Pattern, and Application Guide

The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) February 2026 registration is officially underway. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) opened the application window on 27 November 2025, following a minor delay. Aspirants now have until 18 December 2025 (11:59 PM) to complete the registration process.

The CTET is a mandatory examination to determine the teaching eligibility of candidates aspiring to work in central government schools, CBSE-affiliated schools, and institutions following NCTE norms. The upcoming exam is scheduled to be conducted on 8 February 2026 across 132 cities in India, with question papers available in 20 different languages.

CTET February 2026 Schedule

CBSE has provided a clear schedule for the February 2026 session. Candidates are advised to note the following important dates:

Candidates must register only through the official CTET website: ctet.nic.in.

How to Apply for CTET February 2026

The CTET application process is fully online and involves several steps:

1. Visit the official portal: ctet.nic.in.
2. Register with a valid email ID and mobile number.
3. Fill in personal and academic details accurately, as discrepancies can lead to cancellation.
4. Upload required documents, including scanned copies of:
    
   • Passport-size photograph
   • Signature
   • Academic certificates as proof of eligibility
5. Pay the application fee as specified in the official notification.
6. Submit the application and download a confirmation page for future reference.

Candidates are advised to cross-check eligibility and documents before submission, as incomplete or incorrect forms may be rejected.

Paper-Wise Eligibility Criteria

The CTET exam consists of two papers, each targeting different levels of teaching:

Paper I – Classes I to V

This paper is for candidates aspiring to teach primary school students. Eligible candidates must meet one of the following academic qualifications:

• Senior Secondary (10+2) with at least 50% marks and a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed.)
• Senior Secondary with 50% marks and 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed.)
• Senior Secondary with 50% marks and 2-year Diploma in Special Education
• Graduation with 50% marks and B.Ed. (as per NCTE norms)

Paper II – Classes VI to VIII

Paper II is intended for candidates aiming to teach upper primary school students. Eligibility requires:

• Graduation degree with minimum prescribed marks
• B.Ed. either completed or in the final year
• Minimum age for all candidates is 18 years; there is no upper age limit

Candidates can appear for either one paper or both, depending on the classes they wish to teach.

CTET Exam Pattern and Question Paper Details

The CTET follows a multiple-choice question (MCQ) format. Key highlights of the exam pattern include:

• Each question carries one mark
• There is no negative marking, allowing candidates to attempt all questions
• The test is available in multiple language mediums, selectable at the time of registration
• Paper I and Paper II cover topics such as:
   
  • Child Development and Pedagogy
  • Language I and II
  • Mathematics (for relevant papers)
  • Environmental Studies (for Paper I)
  • Subject-specific content for classes VI–VIII (for Paper II)

Candidates should refer to the official information bulletin for complete details on syllabus distribution and section-wise marks.

Steps Candidates Should Take Next

To ensure a smooth registration and exam preparation, candidates should follow these steps:

1. Download and review the information bulletin from ctet.nic.in.
2. Verify academic eligibility for the chosen paper(s).
3. Scan and prepare documents in the required format as specified in the bulletin.
4. Retain a printed copy of the confirmation page for future reference, including admit card collection and result verification.
5. Plan exam preparation according to the paper-specific syllabus.

The CTET certificate, once issued, will serve as a mandatory credential for recruitment in CBSE schools, central schools, and other recognized institutions adhering to NCTE norms.

Why CTET is Important

The CTET is a national-level eligibility test recognized by schools under the central government and CBSE. Clearing the CTET is a key step for candidates who wish to:

• Work as a teacher in primary or upper primary schools
• Secure teaching positions in Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, and other government institutions
• Strengthen their career prospects in education with a nationally recognized certification

The exam evaluates not only subject knowledge but also pedagogical skills, child development understanding, and teaching methodology.

Tips for Candidates

• Apply early: Avoid last-minute submissions to prevent technical issues on the official portal.
• Double-check documents and personal details: Errors can lead to rejection.
• Select the appropriate paper: Paper I for classes I–V, Paper II for classes VI–VIII, or both if eligible.
• Follow the syllabus strictly: Focus on pedagogy, language, and subject-specific content.
• Stay updated: Regularly visit the official CTET website for announcements, exam date confirmations, and corrections.

Conclusion

The CTET February 2026 session offers aspiring teachers a crucial opportunity to validate their eligibility for teaching positions in central and CBSE-affiliated schools. With the registration window open from 27 November to 18 December 2025, candidates must act promptly to secure their place in this competitive exam.

By carefully reviewing eligibility, completing the application process, and preparing strategically for the MCQ-based exam, candidates can enhance their chances of success. A CTET certification not only opens doors to teaching positions but also strengthens long-term career prospects in India’s education sector.

For registration and more details, visit the official CTET website: ctet.nic.in.