The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the official notification for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) February 2026. The CTET Online Application Form 2026 started on 27 November 2025, and eligible candidates can apply until 18 December 2025 at the official website ctet.nic.in.
This national-level eligibility test is conducted for candidates who want to become teachers for Class 1–5 (Level 1) and Class 6–8 (Level 2). The CTET certificate is now valid for a lifetime, making it one of the most important exams for teaching aspirants in India.
This article covers the eligibility, fee details, exam date, exam pattern, selection process, and direct apply links for CTET 2026.
CTET 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 25 November 2025 |
| Application Start | 27 November 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 18 December 2025 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 18 December 2025 |
| Correction Window | As Per Schedule |
| Admit Card | February 2026 |
| CTET Exam Date | 08 February 2026 |
| Result Date | Notify Later |
Candidates must verify all dates on the official CTET website before applying.
CTET 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Paper 1 or Paper 2 | Both Papers |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹1000/- | ₹1200/- |
| SC / ST / PH | ₹500/- | ₹600/- |
Payment Modes: Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, or Offline E-Challan.
CTET 2026 Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 17 Years
- Maximum Age: No upper age limit
- Candidates must meet educational qualifications for Level 1 or Level 2.
CTET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
CTET Level 1 Eligibility (Class 1 to 5)
Candidates must meet any one of the following criteria:
- Code 01: Senior Secondary with 50% marks + 2-year D.El.Ed
- Code 02: Senior Secondary with 45% marks + 2-year D.El.Ed as per NCTE norms
- Code 03: Senior Secondary with 50% marks + 4-year B.El.Ed
- Code 04: Senior Secondary with 50% marks + 2-year Diploma in Special Education
- Further details will be confirmed in the official CTET notification.
CTET Level 2 Eligibility (Class 6 to 8)
Candidates must meet any one of the following:
- Code 01: Bachelor’s Degree + 2-year D.El.Ed
- Code 02: Graduation with 50% marks + 1-year B.Ed
- Code 03: Graduation with 45% marks + 1-year B.Ed (NCTE norms)
- Code 04: Senior Secondary with 50% marks + 4-year B.El.Ed
- Code 05: Senior Secondary with 50% + 4-year B.A/B.Sc.Ed
- Code 06: Graduation with 50% marks + B.Ed (Special Education)
- Code 07: Any NCTE-recognized B.Ed candidates can appear in CTET.
CTET 2026 Exam Pattern
CTET Paper 1 Exam Pattern (Class 1 to 5)
| Subjects | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I | 30 | 30 |
| Language II | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| Environmental Studies | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
| Duration: 2.5 Hours |
CTET Paper 2 Exam Pattern (Class 6 to 8)
| Subjects | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I | 30 | 30 |
| Language II | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics & Science OR Social Studies | 60 | 60 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
| Duration: 2.5 Hours |
CTET Teacher Salary 2026
| Category | Pay Scale |
|---|---|
| CTET Level 1 Teacher (Class 1–5) | ₹9,300 – ₹34,800 + GP ₹4200 |
| CTET Level 2 Teacher (Class 6–8) | ₹9,300 – ₹34,800 + GP ₹4600 |
| Other allowances: DA, HRA, TA, and benefits as per government norms. |
CTET 2026 Selection Process
The selection process includes:
- Written Examination
- Merit List Preparation
- Document Verification
Candidates must score at least 60% (General) and 55% (Reserved categories) to qualify.
How to Apply Online for CTET 2026
Follow these steps to apply for CTET 2026:
- Visit the official website ctet.nic.in
- Click on “Apply Online for CTET 2026”
- Register using your name, mobile number, and email ID
- Fill out the application form carefully
- Upload required documents: photo, signature, certificates
- Pay application fee online
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page
Important Links
| Action | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Information Bulletin | Click Here |
| Exam Date Notice | Click Here |
| Official Website | ctet.nic.in |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – CTET 2026
1. When will the CTET 2026 online application start?
The CTET 2026 application process started on 27 November 2025 through the official website ctet.nic.in.
2. What is the last date to apply for CTET 2026?
The last date to submit the CTET 2026 online form is 18 December 2025.
3. What is the exam date for CTET February 2026?
CBSE will conduct the CTET 2026 exam on 08 February 2026.
4. Is there any age limit for CTET 2026?
Minimum age is 17 years, and there is no upper age limit for appearing in CTET.
What is the application fee for CTET 2026?
Paper 1 or Paper 2:
General/OBC/EWS: ₹1000
SC/ST/PH: ₹500
Both Papers:
General/OBC/EWS: ₹1200
SC/ST/PH: ₹600
6. What is the eligibility for CTET Level 1 (Class 1–5)?
Candidates must have completed Senior Secondary (50% or 45% marks depending on norms) with D.El.Ed / B.El.Ed / Special Education Diploma.
7. What is the eligibility for CTET Level 2 (Class 6–8)?
Candidates must have a Bachelor’s Degree along with B.Ed or D.El.Ed or equivalent qualification as per NCTE norms.
8. Is the CTET certificate valid for lifetime?
Yes, CTET certificate validity is lifetime, and candidates can use it for multiple government teaching recruitment exams.
9. Can candidates apply for both CTET Level 1 and Level 2?
Yes, candidates can apply for both papers. They must pay the combined application fee.
How to apply for CTET 2026 online?
Visit ctet.nic.in, click on Apply Online, fill the form, upload documents, pay the fee, and submit the application form.
