CTET 2026 Exam Date Announced: CBSE to Conduct Central Teacher Eligibility Test on February 8
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially announced the CTET 2026 Exam Date, bringing relief and clarity to lakhs of aspiring teachers across India.
According to the latest notification, the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET 2026) will be conducted on Sunday, February 8, 2026, in 132 cities across the country. The examination will be available in 20 languages, allowing candidates from diverse regions to appear in their preferred medium.
The following details outline the exam date, eligibility criteria, syllabus, exam pattern, registration process, and other key highlights as per the CBSE notification.
🧾 CTET 2026 Overview
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is a national-level examination conducted by the CBSE to assess the eligibility of candidates for teaching positions in schools affiliated with the Central Government, including Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVS), and schools under Union Territories.
Candidates qualifying CTET become eligible to teach Classes I to VIII in various government and private schools across India.
CTET 2026 Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Date | February 8, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen and Paper Mode) |
| Languages | 20 Languages |
| Validity of Certificate | Lifetime |
| Official Website | ctet.nic.in |
📅 CTET 2026 Exam Date and Schedule
The CTET 2026 will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2026, in two shifts:
- Paper I (Morning Session)
- Paper II (Afternoon Session)
A detailed notification including the exam city list, syllabus, and fee details will soon be published on the official website ctet.nic.in.
📘 Structure of CTET 2026 Papers
CTET consists of two papers designed for different teaching levels:
Paper I (Primary Level: Classes I–V)
- Child Development & Pedagogy
- Language I
- Language II
- Mathematics
- Environmental Studies
Paper II (Upper Primary Level: Classes VI–VIII)
- Child Development & Pedagogy
- Language I
- Language II
- Mathematics & Science (for Science stream)
- Social Studies/Social Science (for Arts stream)
Each paper carries 150 marks and has a duration of 2.5 hours.
📚 CTET 2026 Syllabus Overview
The syllabus focuses on understanding child development, teaching-learning processes, and pedagogical concepts.
Paper I (Classes 1–5)
- Child Development and Pedagogy – 30 Marks
- Language I – 30 Marks
- Language II – 30 Marks
- Mathematics – 30 Marks
- Environmental Studies – 30 Marks
Paper II (Classes 6–8)
- Child Development and Pedagogy – 30 Marks
- Language I – 30 Marks
- Language II – 30 Marks
- Mathematics and Science / Social Studies – 60 Marks
🧩 CTET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must fulfill the required educational qualifications before applying.
For Paper I (Primary Stage: Classes I–V)
- Senior Secondary (or equivalent) with at least 50% marks and passed/appearing in the final year of a 2-year D.El.Ed.,
OR - Senior Secondary with 45% marks and passed/appearing in the final year of a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (as per NCTE norms),
OR - Graduation with 50% marks and a B.Ed. qualification.
For Paper II (Upper Primary Stage: Classes VI–VIII)
- Graduation with 50% marks and passed/appearing in a 1-year B.Ed.,
OR - Graduation with 45% marks and passed/appearing in a 1-year B.Ed. (as per NCTE norms),
OR - Senior Secondary with 50% marks and passed/appearing in a 4-year B.El.Ed. program.
💰 CTET 2026 Application Fee
| Category | For One Paper (I or II) | For Both Papers |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC (NCL) | ₹1,000 | ₹1,200 |
| SC / ST / Differently Abled Persons | ₹500 | ₹600 |
Payment can be made through Credit/Debit Card, UPI, or Net Banking.
📝 CTET 2026 Registration Process
- Visit ctet.nic.in.
- Click on “Apply for CTET 2026” under the Candidate Activity section.
- Fill in personal and academic details.
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph and signature.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page.
⚠️ Note: Verify all details before submission — major corrections may not be allowed later.
🏆 CTET 2026 Certificate Validity and Benefits
- The CTET certificate is now valid for a lifetime.
- Qualified candidates can apply for teaching positions in:
- Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS)
- Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVS)
- CBSE-affiliated schools
- Schools under Union Territories and Government institutions
📈 CTET 2026 Preparation Tips
- Understand the exam pattern and syllabus clearly.
- Focus on NCERT textbooks (Classes 1–8).
- Practice previous year papers and mock tests.
- Prioritize Child Development & Pedagogy.
- Strengthen language and pedagogy skills.
- Plan a realistic study schedule and revise regularly.
🔔 Important Dates (Tentative)
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| CTET 2026 Notification Release | October 2025 |
| Registration Start Date | October/November 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | December 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | January 2026 |
| CTET 2026 Exam Date | February 8, 2026 |
| Result Declaration | March 2026 |
🌐 Official Links and Helpline
- Official Website: https://ctet.nic.in
- Helpline (CBSE CTET Unit): 011–22240112
- Email: ctet.cbse@nic.in
Candidates are advised to refer only to the official website for updates.

