CTET February 2026 Registration Open: Apply by December 18

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has opened the registration window for the CTET February 2026 examination, providing a vital opportunity for aspiring teachers to secure their eligibility for teaching positions in schools across the country.

The application window is active until December 18, 2025, and all eligible candidates must complete the online application form at the official website before the deadline. CTET serves as a national qualifying test for candidates aiming to become teachers for Primary Level (Class 1 to 5) and Upper Primary Level (Class 6 to 8).

The CTET February 2026 examination will be held on 8 February 2026, and it will follow the traditional offline (OMR-based) format, allowing candidates to attempt the test in a pen-and-paper mode. This exam is conducted twice a year, and clearing it is mandatory for candidates who wish to apply for teaching positions in schools under the central government, such as Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), CBSE-affiliated schools, as well as numerous private and state government schools that accept CTET as an eligibility benchmark.

CTET February 2026: Paper-Wise Eligibility Criteria

Paper 1 (Classes 1 to 5 - Primary Level)

Candidates applying for Paper 1 must meet any one of the following criteria:

• Senior Secondary (Class 12) with at least 50% marks and a 2-year D.El.Ed (Diploma in Elementary Education).
• Senior Secondary with at least 45% marks and a 2-year D.El.Ed as per NCTE norms.
• Senior Secondary with 50% marks and a 4-year B.El.Ed (Bachelor of Elementary Education).
• Senior Secondary with at least 50% marks and a 2-year Diploma in Education (Special Education).
• Graduation with a 2-year D.El.Ed.

Paper 2 (Classes 6 to 8 - Upper Primary Level)

Candidates applying for Paper 2 must meet any one of the following criteria:

• Graduation with a 2-year D.El.Ed.
• Graduation with at least 50% marks and a 1-year B.Ed.
• Graduation with 45% marks and a 1-year B.Ed as per NCTE norms.
• Senior Secondary with 50% marks and a 4-year B.El.Ed.
• Senior Secondary with 50% marks and a 4-year B.A./B.Sc.Ed or B.A.Ed/B.Sc.Ed.
• Graduation with 50% marks and 1-year B.Ed (Special Education).

Candidates can apply for either one or both papers depending on eligibility and career goals.

CTET February 2026: Exam Pattern Overview

Paper 1 Exam Pattern (Primary Stage)

Duration: 2.5 hours

Total Marks: 150

Sections:

• Child Development & Pedagogy
• Language I
• Language II
• Mathematics
• Environmental Studies

Each section carries 30 marks, and all questions are MCQs.

Paper 2 Exam Pattern (Upper Primary Stage)

Duration: 2.5 hours

Total Marks: 150

Sections:

• Child Development & Pedagogy
• Language I
• Language II
• Mathematics & Science (for Science/Maths teachers)
• Social Studies/Social Science (for Social Science teachers)

Candidates choose between Maths & Science or Social Studies based on career preference.

There is no negative marking in CTET, making careful attempts critical to achieving a qualifying score.

How to Apply for CTET February 2026?

1. Visit the official CTET portal.

2. Click on the "Apply Online" link.

3. Register using your basic details.

4. Fill the application form correctly.

5. Upload photograph, signature & documents.

6. Pay the examination fee through online mode.

7. Download and print the application confirmation page.

Final Note

Candidates planning to appear for the CTET February 2026 should complete the registration at the earliest, verify eligibility requirements carefully, and start their preparation aligned with the updated CTET syllabus and exam structure. Clearing CTET not only enhances career prospects but also opens doors to teaching jobs in prestigious schools across India.