CTET 2026 Exam on February 8: CBSE Opens Registration, Bulletin to Be Released Soon

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially announced that the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026 will be held on February 8, 2026 (Sunday). The national-level qualifying exam for teacher recruitment will be conducted offline (OMR-based) across 132 cities in 20 languages, covering both Paper I and Paper II.

CBSE has said that the detailed information bulletin—including the syllabus, exam pattern, eligibility norms, fee structure, and full schedule—will be released soon on the official portal ctet.nic.in. Candidates have been advised to download and thoroughly review the bulletin before submitting their applications.

CTET 2026 Registration Now Open

The registration process for the February 2026 session, which began after a brief delay, opened on November 27, 2025. Applications and exam fee payments will be accepted until December 18, 2025 (11:59 pm).

CTET remains a mandatory qualification for teaching positions at the primary (Classes I–V) and upper primary (Classes VI–VIII) levels in CBSE-affiliated schools and institutions that follow NCTE guidelines.

CTET February 2026: Key Dates

• Registration begins: November 27, 2025

• Last date to apply & pay fee: December 18, 2025 (11:59 pm)

• Exam date: February 8, 2026

• Mode: Offline, OMR-based

How to Apply for CTET 2026

Candidates must apply exclusively through ctet.nic.in. The application process includes:

• Filling personal and academic details

• Uploading required documents

• Paying the prescribed fee

CBSE has reminded applicants to confirm their eligibility and ensure accuracy, as incorrect or incomplete applications may be rejected.

Eligibility Criteria

Paper I (Classes I–V):
Candidates must meet any one of the following:

• Senior Secondary (10+2) with 50% marks + 2-year D.El.Ed

• Senior Secondary with 50% marks + 4-year B.El.Ed

  

• Senior Secondary with 50% marks + 2-year Diploma in Special Education

• Graduation with 50% marks + B.Ed as per NCTE norms

Paper II (Classes VI–VIII):

• Graduation with required marks + B.Ed (completed or in final year)

Minimum age: 18 years
Upper age limit: None

Exam Pattern

CTET consists solely of multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

• 1 mark for each correct answer

• No negative marking

Candidates can choose from multiple language options while filling out the application form. Full subject-wise details will be available in the upcoming bulletin.

What Candidates Should Do Next

CBSE recommends that candidates:

• Download and read the information bulletin once released

• Confirm their educational eligibility

• Scan and upload documents in correct format

• Save a copy of the application confirmation page

The CTET certificate, once issued, will be valid for recruitment across central schools and institutions governed by CBSE or NCTE norms.

Candidates are urged to regularly check ctet.nic.in for updates on the February 2026 exam cycle.