CTET Registration 2026 Reopens: Complete Application Window from Dec 27 to Dec 30

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is set to reopen the application window for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026 registration. This special facility is aimed at candidates whose earlier registrations remained incomplete. Aspiring teachers must complete their applications between 11 am on December 27 and 11:59 pm on December 30, 2025.

It is important to note that no fresh registrations will be allowed during this special window. The reopening is intended only for those applicants who had started the registration process earlier but did not finalize it.

Why the Window Is Reopened

CBSE stated that 1,61,127 registrations for the CTET February 2026 exam were left incomplete. Recognizing the large number of candidates affected, the Board decided to offer a one-time facility to help these applicants complete their submissions.

Candidates are advised to carefully verify all personal and academic details before final submission, as no further corrections will be permitted after this period.

Previous Registration Statistics

The online registration for the 21st edition of CTET initially opened on November 27, 2025, and closed on December 18, 2025. Over 25 lakh candidates applied, with a significant spike on the final days:

• 3,53,218 applications were submitted on the second last day
• 4,14,981 applications were submitted on the last day

This demonstrates the high demand for CTET certification, reflecting its importance for teaching careers in India.

About CTET

The Central Teacher Eligibility Test is a national-level exam that certifies eligibility for teaching in Classes 1 to 8 across centrally administered and recognized schools in India. It is often mandatory for recruitment in:

• Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs)
• Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVS)
• Other government and aided schools

CTET is conducted twice a year by CBSE and serves as a key credential for aspiring teachers.

How to Complete the Application

Candidates must register exclusively through the official CTET portal at ctet.nic.in. The registration process involves the following steps:

1. Completing personal and academic details – Candidates should fill in accurate information and ensure all required fields are completed.
2. Uploading a recent photograph and signature – Digital copies of the photograph and signature must meet the specifications mentioned on the portal.
3. Paying the application fee online – The applicable fee varies depending on the paper(s) chosen.
4. Reviewing and submitting the form – Applicants must check all details before final submission.
5. Saving confirmation page and application number – Candidates should keep these for future reference and examination purposes.

This special window is strictly for completion of existing applications, and no new registrations will be entertained.

CTET Exam Structure 2026

CTET consists of two papers, allowing candidates to choose based on their teaching aspirations:

• Paper I: For those aspiring to teach Classes 1 to 5
• Paper II: For those aiming to teach Classes 6 to 8

Both papers feature multiple-choice questions and cover a variety of topics, including:

• Child Development & Pedagogy
• Language I and II
• Mathematics
• Environmental Studies
• Subject-specific areas based on the teaching level chosen

Eligible candidates can choose to appear for one or both papers depending on their qualifications and career goals.

Eligibility and Fees

To register for CTET 2026, candidates must meet the academic criteria prescribed by CBSE. The exam fee must be paid online during registration. The fee structure varies based on the paper(s) chosen and the candidate’s category.

Key Points to Remember

• The CTET registration window reopens from December 27, 11 am to December 30, 11:59 pm, 2025.
• Only incomplete applications can be finalized; no new registrations will be accepted.
• Carefully verify personal and academic details during final submission.
• Keep a copy of the confirmation page and application number for reference.
• CTET is essential for teaching positions in central government and recognized schools across India.

CBSE’s decision to reopen the registration window demonstrates its commitment to ensuring that eligible candidates have every opportunity to complete their applications. Aspiring teachers should use this one-time facility wisely to avoid missing out on the 2026 CTET examination.