The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially announced the exam date for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026. As per the latest update, the exam will be held on February 8, 2026. This national-level examination will be conducted in twenty different languages across 132 cities in India. The CTET is a mandatory test for candidates aspiring to become teachers for classes I to VIII in central government schools such as Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, and other schools under administrative control of Union Territories.
CBSE has confirmed that the detailed Information Bulletin—including important information about the syllabus, exam structure, eligibility criteria, exam cities, and fees—will soon be available on the official CTET website (ctet.nic.in). Interested candidates are advised to regularly check the website for updates and to begin their preparation early.
The registration process for CTET 2026 will be available soon on the official website. To apply, candidates will need to visit ctet.nic.in and click on the link that reads “Apply for CTET 2026.” They must first complete their registration by providing personal and academic details. After that, applicants should choose their preferred exam centre, paper type (I or II, or both), and the language in which they wish to take the exam.
Candidates will also have to upload their passport-size photograph and signature in the required format. Once all details are filled in, applicants must pay the application fee online before submitting the form. After submission, they should download the confirmation page and take a printout for future reference.
The application fee for the CTET 2026 exam varies according to category:
General and OBC candidates: ₹1,000 for one paper, ₹1,200 for both papers
SC, ST, and PwD candidates: ₹500 for one paper, ₹600 for both papers
These payments can be made through any online mode such as debit card, credit card, or net banking. Candidates are advised to carefully check all details before final submission to avoid errors in their application.
The CTET exam consists of two separate papers, each designed for different teaching levels. Paper I is for candidates who want to teach Classes I to V (primary level), while Paper II is meant for those aiming to teach Classes VI to VIII (upper primary level). Candidates who wish to be eligible for both levels can appear for both papers.
Each paper includes 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), and every question carries one mark. Importantly, there is no negative marking, which means that candidates can attempt all questions without losing marks for incorrect answers.
The Paper I includes the following sections:
Child Development and Pedagogy
Language I (compulsory)
Language II (compulsory)
Mathematics
Environmental Studies
The Paper II includes:
Child Development and Pedagogy
Language I (compulsory)
Language II (compulsory)
Mathematics and Science (for Maths and Science teachers) or Social Studies/Social Science (for Social Studies teachers)
The total duration for each paper is two and a half hours (150 minutes). The exam aims to test the candidate’s teaching aptitude, subject understanding, and classroom handling skills.
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The CTET certificate is valid for a lifetime, as per recent CBSE guidelines. Earlier, it was valid for seven years, but this change has benefited many candidates who wish to apply for teaching positions at any stage of their careers.
Passing the CTET not only makes candidates eligible for teaching positions in central schools but also in many state government and private institutions that accept CTET scores as part of their recruitment process. Therefore, it is considered a key qualifying step for anyone planning to enter the teaching profession.
Education experts suggest that candidates should begin preparing early, focusing on child psychology, pedagogy, and subject-specific content. CBSE also provides sample papers and mock tests to help candidates understand the exam format and difficulty level.
As the CTET 2026 exam date is now confirmed, aspiring teachers across the country are expected to start their preparations in full swing. With exams being held in multiple languages and cities, CBSE aims to make the process inclusive and accessible for all candidates.
The release of the Information Bulletin and application form on ctet.nic.in will mark the next step for interested candidates to begin the registration process. Those aiming for a teaching career should keep their documents, photographs, and academic details ready for quick and smooth registration once the portal opens.
In summary, the announcement of the CTET 2026 exam date marks the beginning of another major phase for teacher eligibility testing in India. The February 8 exam will give aspiring educators a chance to prove their skills and secure a step closer to their teaching dreams.
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