Overview

The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026 is a nationwide examination organized by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Candidates who achieve the required qualifying marks are declared CTET qualified and become eligible to apply for teaching jobs for Classes I to VIII in schools that accept CTET scores, including central government institutions. The exam is conducted across India in 20 different languages, allowing candidates from various regions and language backgrounds to participate easily.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility conditions differ for candidates who want to teach Classes I–V (Primary Level) and those who want to teach Classes VI–VIII (Upper Primary Level). The eligibility is based on nationality, age, educational qualification, and certificate validity.

Nationality
Applicants must be citizens of India to appear for the CTET examination.

Age Limit

• Minimum age required: 17 years

• There is no upper age limit set by CBSE.

Educational Qualification – Primary Level (Classes I–V)

Candidates must satisfy any one of the following conditions:

• Passed Senior Secondary (or equivalent) with at least 50% marks and completed or appearing in the final year of a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed)

• Passed Senior Secondary with at least 45% marks and pursuing or completed D.El.Ed as per NCTE norms

• Passed Senior Secondary with minimum 50% marks and pursuing or completed 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed)

• Passed Senior Secondary with at least 50% marks and pursuing or completed 2-year Diploma in Education (D.Ed)

• Graduation along with completed or appearing in 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education

Educational Qualification – Upper Primary Level (Classes VI–VIII)

Candidates must meet any one of the following:

• Graduation and completed or appearing in 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education

• Graduation with at least 50% marks and completed or appearing in B.Ed

• Graduation with at least 40% marks and completed or appearing in B.Ed as per NCTE rules

• Senior Secondary with minimum 50% marks and completed or appearing in 4-year B.El.Ed

• Senior Secondary with 50% marks and completed or appearing in B.A.Ed / B.Sc.Ed (4-year integrated course)

• Graduation with at least 50% marks and completed or appearing in 1-year B.Ed

Relaxation

Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/PwD categories are eligible for a 5% relaxation in the minimum qualifying marks required for eligibility.

Important Notes

• Candidates who are currently pursuing any teacher education course recognized by NCTE or RCI are eligible to apply.

• It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure eligibility before applying.

• Being allowed to appear in CTET does not confirm eligibility for appointment.

• Final eligibility verification is done by the recruiting authority at the time of job selection.

Validity of Certificate and Attempts

• The CTET qualifying certificate is valid for seven years from the date of result declaration.

• There is no limit on the number of attempts.

• Candidates who have already qualified can appear again to improve their score.

Exam Pattern

The CTET 2026 exam will be conducted in offline mode (OMR-based). It includes two papers:

• Paper I – For Classes I to V

• Paper II – For Classes VI to VIII

Each paper contains 150 multiple-choice questions, carries 150 marks, and has a duration of 2 hours 30 minutes. There is no negative marking.

Paper I Structure

Paper II Structure

Note: Language I and Language II must be different.

Nature of Questions

• Questions from Child Development & Pedagogy focus on educational psychology and understanding learners.

• Language sections test comprehension, communication, and language teaching skills.

• Mathematics, Environmental Studies, Science, and Social Studies focus on subject concepts along with teaching methodology.

• Questions are based on NCERT syllabus, but the difficulty level may extend up to secondary stage.

Mode and Medium of Examination

• Mode: Offline (Pen-and-paper/OMR)

• Medium: Bilingual (Hindi and English)

Marking Scheme

• +1 mark for each correct answer

• No negative marking

• Unattempted questions carry zero marks

• Total marks per paper: 150

Exam Syllabus

The CTET syllabus is based on the official Information Bulletin and NCERT curriculum.

Paper I (Classes I–V) includes:

• Child Development and Pedagogy

• Language I & II (Comprehension and Teaching Methods)

• Mathematics (Concepts + Pedagogy)

• Environmental Studies (Content + Teaching Approach)

Paper II (Classes VI–VIII) includes:

• Child Development and Pedagogy

• Language I & II

• Mathematics & Science (for Science/Math teachers)
  OR

• Social Studies/Social Science (for Social Science teachers)

The questions are designed to test conceptual clarity, problem-solving ability, and teaching understanding.

Selection Process

CTET is only a qualifying examination and does not directly provide a job. It makes candidates eligible to apply for teaching positions in schools such as KVS, NVS, and other institutions.

Steps in the Process

1. Check eligibility as per NCTE guidelines.

2. Apply online through the official website.

3. Download the admit card.

4. Appear for the examination.

5. Check result and qualifying status.

6. Use the CTET certificate to apply for teaching vacancies.

Application Fee

Admit Card

The admit card will be available on the official website. Candidates must download it and verify details such as exam date, time, and centre. It is mandatory to carry a printed admit card and a valid photo ID to the examination centre. Candidates should report at least 120 minutes before the exam time.

Exam Schedule (8 February 2026)

Evaluation and Result

• OMR sheets will be evaluated by CBSE.

• Answer keys will be released for objections.

• Minimum qualifying marks: 60% (90 out of 150).

• Relaxation is provided for reserved categories as per government rules.

• Results will be available on the official website.

Certificate and Marksheet

Qualified candidates will receive their digital certificate and marksheet through DigiLocker.

• The certificate is digitally signed and legally valid.

• Validity: Lifetime.

• Candidates can reappear to improve their score if needed.

After Qualification

• Candidates can apply for teaching jobs in eligible schools.

• Final eligibility verification is done by the recruiting authority.

• Providing incorrect information may lead to cancellation and legal action.