BEd Restored for CTET 2026: Candidates Can Now Apply for Both Primary and Junior Levels

In a major relief for teaching aspirants across India, the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) has officially reinstated the BEd qualification as a valid eligibility criterion for both Primary (Class 1–5) and Junior (Class 6–8) levels of the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026.

This reform returns CTET eligibility norms to earlier standards and opens significantly wider opportunities for candidates holding a BEd degree.

CTET 2026 Registration Begins

The CTET February 2026 registration window is now active on ctet.nic.in. Candidates can submit applications and complete fee payment until December 18, 2025 (11:59 pm).

The CTET 2026 exam will be held on February 8, 2026, in two shifts:

• Paper II (Class 6–8): 9:30 am – 12:00 pm

• Paper I (Class 1–5): 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm

  

BEd Option Reintroduced for Both Levels

The biggest update in the CTET 2026 application form is the restored BEd pathway. With this:

• BEd-qualified candidates can apply for both Primary and Junior level papers

• Aspirants gain broader eligibility for recruitment in government and aided schools

• The change aligns with NCTE’s earlier norms and supports wider participation

All other processes — including the application steps, fee structure, and exam schedule — remain unchanged.

A Boost for Teaching Aspirants

The decision is expected to benefit thousands of candidates who previously faced restrictions under updated CTET eligibility guidelines. With registration now open, candidates are advised to apply early and ensure accurate completion of forms to avoid last-minute issues.

The February 8 exam will determine eligibility for several upcoming recruitment cycles, making timely registration crucial.