CBSE CTET 2026: Important dates, application fee, certificate validity and steps to apply here

CBSE CTET 2026

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has begun the online registration process for the Common Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2025. The notification, which sets the stage for the February 2026 examination, was released on November 27, 2025. Candidates can now submit their applications exclusively through the official portal: https://ctet.nic.in.

The CTET certificate is a mandatory qualification for individuals seeking teaching positions for classes I to VIII in central government schools like KVS, NVS, and Central Tibetan Schools, as well as in schools under the administrative control of UTs and states that recognize the credential.

CTET 2026: Key Dates

Aspiring candidates must mark their calendars with the following critical deadlines to ensure a smooth application process.

The application process is only considered complete upon successful payment of the fee. The category-wise fee details are as follows:

Steps to Apply for CTET 2026

To avoid last-minute hassles, candidates are advised to keep scanned copies of their photograph, signature, and relevant documents ready before starting the application.

Step 1. Visit the official website at https://ctet.nic.in.
Step 2. On the homepage, click on the link that reads “Apply for CTET 2025.”
Step 3. For first-time users, click "New Registration." Fill in essential details like your full name, parents' names, and date of birth in capital letters.
Step 4. Choose your preferred exam city and the language in which you wish to take the test (English or Hindi).
Step 5. Provide your Aadhaar number, gender, category, employment status, and detailed educational qualifications, including marks obtained.
Step 6. Carefully enter your active communication address, mobile number, and a valid email ID for all correspondence.
Step 7. Upload a recent passport-sized photograph and your signature in the prescribed JPG/JPEG format against a white background.
Step 8. Proceed to the payment gateway and complete the transaction using your preferred mode.
Step 9. Review all details carefully and click the “SUBMIT” button. Download and print the final confirmation page for your records.

Direct Link: CTET 2026 Registration

With the registration window now open, eligible and interested candidates are encouraged to complete their CTET 2025 application well before the December 18 deadline to avoid any technical issues or last-minute rush.