The application window for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) February 2026 session closes today, December 18, 2025, at 11:59 PM. Teaching aspirants aiming to qualify for positions in central government schools like Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas must complete both their form submission and fee payment before the clock strikes midnight.
Candidates who successfully apply can expect the exam to be held on February 8, 2026, in a traditional pen-and-paper format across numerous test centers in India. This is the final call for registration, which began on November 27, 2025.
Key Dates
| Event | Date | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Application Deadline | December 18, 2025 | Closes at 11:59 PM; includes fee payment |
| Correction Window | December 23 – 26, 2025 | Limited opportunity to edit submitted form details |
| Examination Date | February 8, 2026 | Conducted in offline (OMR-based) mode |
| Exam Timing – Paper II | February 8, 2026 | 9:30 AM – 12:00 Noon (for Classes 6–8 teachers) |
| Exam Timing – Paper I | February 8, 2026 | 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM (for Classes 1–5 teachers) |
If you are applying at the last minute, follow these steps carefully and avoid rushing to prevent errors:
Step 1. Go directly to the CTET website at ctet.nic.in and click on "Apply Online" or "Apply for CTET Feb 2026".
Step 2. Create an account using a valid mobile number and email ID. Note down the system-generated Application Number for all future logins.
Step 3. Log in and meticulously fill in all personal, educational, and communication details. Carefully select whether you are applying for Paper I (Classes 1-5), Paper II (Classes 6-8), or Both.
Step 4. Proceed to pay the fee online using credit/debit card, net banking, or other available UPI methods. The form is only submitted upon successful fee payment.
Step 5. After payment, download and print the confirmation page. This is your proof of application and is necessary for future reference.
Direct Link: CBSE CTET 2026
Pro Tip for Last-Minute Applicants: Keep all necessary documents—mark sheets, category certificate (if applicable), photo ID, and payment details—open and ready before starting the process to save crucial time.
Exam Structure and Lifelong Validity
The CTET is a qualifying exam with two papers, each comprising 150 multiple-choice questions to be solved in 150 minutes. There is no negative marking.
Paper I is for aspiring primary teachers (Classes 1-5) and tests subjects like Child Development, Mathematics, Environmental Studies, and two languages.
Paper II is for upper primary teachers (Classes 6-8). It has a similar structure but allows candidates to choose between a section on Mathematics & Science or Social Studies/Social Science.
A significant advantage for qualifiers is that the CTET certificate now has lifetime validity. Once you pass, the certificate remains valid indefinitely for applying to teaching positions, removing the need to retake the exam periodically.
Essential Eligibility Criteria
Your eligibility depends on which paper you choose to take. Below is a summary of the minimum educational qualifications required.
Paper I (For Classes 1 to 5):
Senior Secondary (Class 12) with at least 50% marks AND passed or appearing in the final year of a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed).
Alternatively: Class 12 (50% marks) with a 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed), or a Graduation degree with a 2-year D.El.Ed.
Paper II (For Classes 6 to 8):
A Graduation degree AND passed or appearing in the final year of a 2-year D.El.Ed.
Alternatively: Graduation with at least 50% marks AND passed or appearing in a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) program.
Important Note: There is no upper age limit to appear for the CTET.
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