CBSE has announced the date for the CTET 2026 examination. The exam will be conducted on February 8, 2026, across 132 cities nationwide. Aspiring teachers can soon apply at ctet.nic.in. The examination will be held for both Paper-1 and Paper-2 and will be conducted in 20 languages.
CTET 2026: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially announced the date for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET 2026). The examination will be conducted on February 8, 2026, across 132 cities nationwide. CTET 2026 will include both Paper-1 and Paper-2, and this examination is crucial for determining eligibility for teacher recruitment. Candidates can soon apply by visiting the ctet.nic.in website and can also check information regarding the syllabus, eligibility criteria, and examination centers from time to time.
CTET 2026 Examination Details
CBSE is organizing the 21st edition of CTET this year. The examination will comprise both Paper-1 and Paper-2. Paper-1 is for candidates aspiring to become primary teachers (Classes 1 to 5), while Paper-2 is for those interested in becoming upper primary teachers (Classes 6 to 8). The examination will be conducted in 20 languages to enable candidates from various states across the country to participate.
CBSE will soon release detailed information related to the examination on its website ctet.nic.in. This will include the syllabus, eligibility criteria, examination fee, language options, and a complete list of examination centers. Candidates should regularly check the website for updates.
Eligibility to Apply
The CTET examination is conducted at two levels.
- Paper-1: For becoming a primary teacher. Candidates who have completed a two-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) or are in their final year of the program can apply for this paper. Additionally, some B.Ed holders may also be eligible.
- Paper-2: For becoming an upper primary teacher. For this, candidates must possess a two-year B.Ed, a four-year integrated B.Ed, a B.Sc B.Ed, or a B.A B.Ed degree.
These eligibility criteria are determined according to CBSE regulations and are mandatory for candidates appearing in the examination.
Examination Fee
Although the official announcement for this year's fee has not yet been made, it can be estimated based on previous years' experience. For General and OBC category candidates, the fee for one paper might be approximately ₹1000, and for both papers, it could be ₹1200. For SC, ST, and PwD (Persons with Disability) candidates, this fee might range from approximately ₹500 to ₹600.
Application Process
Candidates should first visit the official CTET website ctet.nic.in. On the homepage, click on the “CTET February 2026 Registration” link. Subsequently, fill in the required personal information such as name, email ID, phone number, and educational qualifications. Upload your photograph and signature. After that, submit the examination fee online. Before submitting the application form, verify all the entered information. In the final step, take a printout of the form and keep it safe.
The application process is simple and can be completed entirely online. Candidates are advised to apply well in advance to avoid any obstacles in appearing for the examination.
Significance of CTET
The CTET examination is mandatory for aspiring teachers. Passing this examination is considered essential for certifying one's eligibility to become a teacher. This exam evaluates a candidate's academic qualifications, subject understanding, and teaching skills. Based on its results, candidates are deemed eligible for the teacher recruitment process.
National Level Examination Centers
The CTET 2026 examination will be conducted in 132 cities across the country. This will enable candidates from different states to easily participate in the examination. The exam will be held simultaneously at a national level, providing equal opportunities to all candidates.
