The CTET Notification 2026 has been officially published, marking the beginning of the application process for aspiring teachers across India. The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is a crucial qualifying examination managed by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for candidates aiming to become teachers in classes I to VIII in central and several state government schools.
Every year, thousands of applicants prepare rigorously for this competitive exam, as clearing CTET not only enhances employment opportunities but also fulfills eligibility requirements mandated by the Right to Education (RTE) Act. The CTET 2026 exam will be held in February, and the notification includes essential details such as eligibility criteria, important dates, application procedures, syllabus breakdown, exam pattern, and subject wise sections.
The release of the CTET Notification 2026 serves as a signal for aspirants to begin structured preparation and complete the online application well before the deadline. With the exam conducted in multiple languages and dozens of examination centers nationwide, it is one of the most sought-after teacher eligibility tests in India. Understanding the complete CTET 2026 notification, including exam dates and syllabus highlights, is key to planning an effective preparation strategy.
Overview: CTET Notification 2026
| Parameter | Details |
| Exam Name | Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Notification Status | Released |
| Exam Date | February 2026 |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Number of Papers | Paper I & Paper II |
| Eligibility | Class 12 / Diploma / Graduation (As per post) |
| Official Website | CTET Government Portal |
What Is CTET 2026?
The CTET 2026 (Central Teacher Eligibility Test) is a national level eligibility test conducted for candidates who aspire to teach in primary (Class I-V) and upper primary (Class VI-VIII) schools. Qualified candidates become eligible for teaching positions in schools governed by the Central Government, Union Territories, and many private institutions that consider CTET scores as a benchmark for hiring. The CTET Notification 2026 officially announces the exam date as February 2026 and opens the online application process for candidates who meet the eligibility requirements.
Important Dates – CTET 2026
The CTET 2026 exam schedule defines the timeline candidates must follow to apply and prepare effectively:
- CTET Notification Release: December 2025
- Online Application Period: December 2025 – January 2026
- CTET 2026 Exam Date: February 2026
- Admit Card Release: January/February 2026
- Answer Key Release: After Exam (Tentative)
- Result Declaration: March/April 2026 (Estimated)
These dates help aspiring teachers plan their preparation and submission activities efficiently.
Eligibility Criteria for CTET 2026
Candidates applying for CTET 2026 must meet the prescribed eligibility standards:
For Paper I (Class I-V Teachers)
- Minimum Qualification: 12th pass with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a teacher training course such as Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed), B.Ed, or equivalent.
For Paper II (Class VI-VIII Teachers)
- Minimum Qualification: Graduation degree with at least 50% marks and passing or appearing in the final year of a teacher education program such as B.Ed or equivalent.
For Both Papers
- There is no upper age limit for CTET 2026, making it accessible to aspirants of all age groups.
These eligibility norms must be satisfied before applying for the CTET 2026 exam, otherwise applications may be rejected during verification.
How to Apply for CTET 2026?
Candidates need to follow a simple online process to complete their CTET 2026 application:
- Visit the official registration portal dedicated to CTET.
- Register with valid personal, educational, and contact details.
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph and signature as per specifications.
- Choose your preferred paper – Paper I, Paper II, or both.
- Pay the application fee through online modes such as debit card, credit card, or net banking.
- Review and submit the application form before the deadline.
- Take a printout of the submitted form for future reference.
It is essential to verify all details carefully before submission to avoid discrepancies.
CTET 2026 Application Fee
The application fee for CTET 2026 is structured based on the paper and category:
| Category | Fee for One Paper | Fee for Both Papers |
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹1,000 | ₹1,200 |
| SC / ST / PwBD | ₹500 | ₹750 |
The fee must be paid at the time of application submission. Applications without a completed fee payment will not be accepted.
CTET 2026 Exam Pattern
Understanding the CTET exam pattern is critical for effective preparation.
Paper I (Primary Level: Class I-V)
- Total Questions: 150
- Total Marks: 150
- Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Sections include Child Development & Pedagogy, Language I, Language II, Mathematics, and Environmental Studies.
Paper II (Upper Primary Level: Class VI-VIII)
- Total Questions: 150
- Total Marks: 150
- Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Sections include Child Development & Pedagogy, Language I, Language II, Mathematics & Science OR Social Studies / Social Science.
All questions are multiple choice and each correct answer carries one mark. There is no negative marking.
CTET 2026 Syllabus Highlights
The CTET Syllabus 2026 covers essential teaching concepts, classroom methodologies, and subject knowledge:
Child Development & Pedagogy
- Understanding child psychology and learning processes
- Inclusive education and teaching instructions
- Classroom management approaches
Language I & II
- Comprehension passages
- Language pedagogy, grammar, and communication skills
Mathematics
- Arithmetic, algebra, geometry fundamentals
- Application-based teaching concepts
Environmental Studies / Social Studies
- EVS topics for primary level
- History, Geography, Civics for upper primary level
This syllabus outline helps candidates focus on topics that frequently appear in the CTET 2026 exam.
Admit Card & Result Details
- The CTET 2026 admit card will be issued a few weeks before the exam and should be downloaded by eligible candidates.
- The CTET result 2026 is expected to be declared within a few weeks after the exam, indicating scores and qualifying status.
Candidates should regularly check official updates for admit card availability and result announcements.
Preparation Tips for CTET 2026
To succeed in the CTET 2026 exam, aspirants should:
- Understand the syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly.
- Create a realistic study schedule.
- Practice previous years’ question papers.
- Focus on conceptual clarity and time management.
- Take mock tests to track performance.
Consistent practice and revision are essential to achieving qualifying marks.
FAQs for the CTET 2026
1. When is the CTET 2026 exam scheduled?
The CTET 2026 exam will be held in February 2026.
2. How many papers are there in CTET 2026?
There are two papers – Paper I and Paper II.
3. Is there any negative marking in CTET 2026?
No, there is no negative marking in the CTET exam.
4. What is the eligibility for CTET 2026?
Eligibility ranges from Class 12 with teacher training to graduation with B.Ed depending on the paper.
5. How can I apply for CTET 2026?
Candidates must apply online through the CTET application portal before the deadline.
