The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the 21st edition of the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET), scheduled for February 2026. This exam is essential for aspirants wishing to teach classes I to VIII in central government schools like KVS, NVS, and other affiliated institutions. The examination will take place across 132 cities nationwide.
| Exam Name | Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) |
|---|---|
| Edition | 21st Edition, February 2026 |
| Organization | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Qualification | As per NCTE norms |
| Apply Mode | Online |
| Apply Fee | ₹500 – ₹1200 |
| Start Date | 27 November 2025 |
| Last Date | 18 December 2025 |
CTET February Notification 2026
Candidates interested in appearing for the CTET February 2026 exam can submit their applications online through the official website, ctet.nic.in. Registration began on 27 November 2025 and will continue until 18 December 2025. The examination is scheduled for 8 February 2026.
The CTET qualifying certificate is valid for a lifetime and is mandatory for teaching positions in central government schools.
Applicants are advised to review the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) eligibility norms before applying. Detailed guidelines are available in the Information Bulletin on the CTET website.
CTET February Details
Application fees differ by category and paper selection. General/OBC (NCL) candidates must pay ₹1000 for a single paper or ₹1200 for both papers. SC/ST/Differently Abled candidates pay ₹500 for one paper or ₹600 for both papers. Fees are payable online via Debit/Credit Card or Net Banking, with applicable GST charged by the bank.
| Category | Only Paper I or II | Both Papers I & II |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC (NCL) | ₹1000 | ₹1200 |
| SC / ST / Differently Abled Person | ₹500 | ₹600 |
Exam schedule: Paper-II will be conducted in the morning shift from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM, and Paper-I in the evening shift from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM. Each paper lasts 2 hours 30 minutes.
| Paper | Shift | Timing | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-II | Morning | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Paper-I | Evening | 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM | 2 hours 30 minutes |
Documents required: Candidates must upload a recent photograph (JPG/JPEG, 10 KB–100 KB, 3.5 cm × 4.5 cm) and signature (JPG/JPEG, 3 KB–30 KB, 3.5 cm × 1.5 cm) during online registration.
Application process: Visit the CTET website, click “Apply Online,” complete registration to receive a Registration Number, fill out personal and educational details, upload photograph and signature, pay the fee online, and save/print the confirmation page.
Important dates: Notification released on 25 November 2025, Online applications open 27 November 2025, Deadline 18 December 2025, Exam 8 February 2026.
CTET Notification 2026 FAQ
What is the last date to apply for CTET February 2026?
The last date for submitting the online application is 18 December 2025.
When will the CTET February 2026 exam be held?
The examination is scheduled for 8 February 2026.
What is the application fee for General category candidates for both papers?
A General/OBC (NCL) candidate applying for both Paper I and II must pay ₹1200.
Is there any negative marking in the CTET exam?
No, there is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
What is the validity of the CTET certificate?
The CTET qualifying certificate is valid for a lifetime.
