CTET Exam Date 2026 has been officially announced by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). The examination is scheduled to be held on 8 February 2026, and will be conducted in two shifts for Paper I and Paper II. This national-level eligibility test is an important step for candidates who wish to become teachers for Classes 1 to 8 in central government and recognized schools. Knowing the exam date early helps candidates plan their preparation and stay updated with all upcoming events related to CTET 2026.
What is CTET Exam?
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is a national-level exam conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). This test checks the teaching skills and basic qualifications needed for teaching students from Class 1 to Class 8. CTET has two papers: Paper I is for those who want to teach Classes 1 to 5, and Paper II is for those planning to teach Classes 6 to 8. After qualifying CTET, candidates become eligible to apply for teaching jobs in central government schools such as Kendriya Vidyalaya, Navodaya Vidyalaya, and many recognized private schools.
CTET Exam Date 2026 Overview
CTET Exam date 2026 is scheduled to be held on 8 February 2026. The exam will take place in two shifts: Paper II will be conducted in the morning from 9:30 AM to 12:00 Noon, while Paper I will be held in the evening from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM. Candidates are advised to reach their allotted exam centres well before the reporting time to complete the verification and security procedures smoothly.
| Event | Date (Tentative) | Details |
| CTET Notification 2026 | 28 November 2025 | Official notification release on ctet.nic.in |
| CTET Exam Date 2026 | 8 February 2026 | National-level examination |
| Paper II Timing | 9:30 AM – 12:00 Noon | Morning session |
| Paper I Timing | 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Evening session |
| Admit Card Release Date | 10 days Before Exam | Available for download on ctet.nic.in |
| Answer Key Release Date | 6 weeks after exam (Tentative) | Published a few weeks after the exam |
Candidates should regularly check the official website www.ctet.nic.in for the latest updates.
CTET Exam Notification 2026 Date
The official CTET Exam Notification 2026 was released on 28 November 2025. This notification provides complete and authentic information related to the CTET Exam Date 2026, application schedule, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, and other important instructions for candidates.
- Eligibility criteria
- Application procedure
- Important dates
- Exam pattern and syllabus
Candidates should constantly check the official website www.ctet.nic.in for the latest updates and announcements.
CTET Exam Date 2026 Application Eligibility Criteria
CTET Exam Date 2026 Application Eligibility Criteria include nationality, age limit, and educational qualifications. Candidates must meet all conditions before applying.
| Eligibility | Details |
| Nationality | Indian citizen, or citizen of Nepal, or citizen of Bhutan, or Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1 January 1962 for permanent settlement, or person of Indian origin migrated from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Ethiopia, Vietnam, or Myanmar |
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Maximum Age | No upper age limit |
| Age Relaxation | Applicable for reserved categories as per government rules |
| Educational Qualification | Varies for Paper 1 (Classes 1–5) and Paper 2 (Classes 6–8) |
CTET Exam Date 2026 Educational Qualification
CTET Exam Date 2026 Educational Qualification depends on the paper chosen by the candidate. Eligibility requirements are different for Paper I (Classes 1–5) and Paper II (Classes 6–8), so applicants must carefully check the prescribed qualifications before applying for CTET 2026.
| CTET Paper | Classes Covered | Who Should Apply | Eligibility Requirement |
| Paper 1 | Classes 1 to 5 | Candidates who want to teach at the primary level | Must appear only for Paper 1 |
| Paper 2 | Classes 6 to 8 | Candidates who want to teach at the upper primary level | Must appear only for Paper 2 |
| Paper 1 + Paper 2 | Classes 1 to 8 | Candidates who want to teach both primary plus upper primary levels | Must qualify both Paper 1 and Paper 2 |
CTET Admit Card 2026 Release Date
The CTET Admit Card 2026 is expected to be released around 10 days before the CTET Exam Date 2026. Candidates can download the admit card from the official CTET website by using their registration number and date of birth. It is a mandatory document that must be carried to the exam centre along with a valid photo ID. Entry to the examination hall will not be permitted without the admit card.
CTET Application Form 2026 Fee
Candidates must pay the CTET Application Form 2026 fee to complete their registration before the CTET Exam Date 2026. The application fee varies according to the candidate’s category and paper selection, as outlined below.
| Category | Only Paper I or Paper II | Both Paper I & Paper II |
| General / OBC | INR 1000 | INR 1200 |
| SC/ST/Differently Abled | INR 500 | INR 600 |
CTET Application Form 2026 Correction Window
CBSE offers a one-time correction window for candidates who have submitted the CTET Application Form 2026, allowing them to edit errors before the CTET Exam Date 2026. This online facility will be available for a limited period, so candidates must complete all necessary corrections within the given timeline.
CTET Answer Key 2026 Date
CTET Answer Key 2026 will be released by CBSE on the official website ctet.nic.in. It is generally published within 15 days after the exam, which is scheduled for 8 February 2026. Candidates can download the provisional answer key along with their OMR sheet by using their Application Number and Date of Birth. With the help of the provisional key, candidates can calculate their probable scores and raise objections if they find any errors. An objection fee is charged for each question. After checking all objections, CBSE releases the final answer key, which is used for result preparation.
How to Download CTET 2026 Answer Key
Visit the Official Website: Go to ctet.nic.in.
Find the Answer Key Link: Click on “CTET Provisional Answer Key” or “Challenge Answer Key”.
Login: Enter your Application Number and Date of Birth or Password.
View Answer Key: Click on ‘Sign In’ to check your OMR sheet and provisional key.
Download: Save the answer key PDF for further review.
Important Points
- Provisional Answer Key: Released first to allow candidates to check answers.
- Objection Facility: Candidates can challenge answers by paying a fee (around ₹1000 per question). Valid challenges are refunded.
- Final Answer Key: Released after reviewing all objections and used for preparing the CTET 2026 result.
How to Challenge CTET Answer Key 2026
After the provisional answer key is released, candidates appearing for the exam can raise objections if they find any incorrect answers. The challenge process must be completed within the time limit announced by CBSE, well before the CTET Exam Date 2026 result declaration.
To submit an objection, candidates need to log in to the official CTET portal, select the question they want to challenge, upload proper justification from authentic sources, and pay a fee of ₹1,000 per question.
Steps to Raise Objection Against CTET Answer Key
- Visit the official CTET website ctet.nic.in.
- Click on the option related to “Answer Key Challenge” available in the latest updates section.
- Log in using your roll number and date of birth.
- View the provisional answer key and your OMR sheet.
- Choose the question(s) you want to challenge.
- Upload supporting documents or references to justify your claim.
- Submit the objection and complete the payment process online.
- Download and keep the confirmation receipt for future reference.
Important Guidelines to Remember
- Provisional Answer Key Only: Challenges can be raised only against the provisional answer key released after the exam.
- Final Answer Key: CBSE releases the final answer key after expert review, which is considered final for result preparation related to the CTET Exam Date 2026.
- Refund Policy: If the objection is accepted, the fee paid for that question is refunded to the original payment method.
- Strict Deadline: Objections submitted after the specified timeline will not be accepted.
- Final Authority: The decision of CBSE and subject experts will be final, and no further requests will be entertained.
Candidates are advised to regularly check the official website for updates related to the CTET Exam Date 2026, answer key release, and objection window to avoid missing important deadlines.
CTET Exam Date 2026 Certificate Validity
Previously, the CTET certificate was valid for a period of seven years from the date of issue. However, on 3 June 2021, the Ministry of Education extended the validity of the CTET certificate to lifetime, with retrospective effect from 2011. Following this decision, all States and Union Territories were instructed to revalidate or reissue certificates for candidates whose earlier seven-year validity had already expired.
CTET Exam Date 2026 Salary
Teachers appointed on the basis of CTET qualification receive salaries as per their post, school type, and educational qualifications. Generally, the pay scale for CTET-qualified teachers ranges from ₹9,300 to ₹34,800. Depending on allowances and location, the monthly in-hand salary can reach up to ₹48,000.
CTET Exam Date 2026 Career Opportunities
Clearing the CTET 2026 exam opens the door to a stable and rewarding career in the teaching sector. Candidates who qualify can apply for teaching positions across a wide range of schools. Key career options after CTET include:
- Teaching jobs in central government institutions such as Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVS), and Central Tibetan Schools.
- Opportunities in schools that fall under the administrative control of Union Territories.
- Employment in several private schools that consider CTET qualification as a preferred or mandatory criterion.
- Teaching positions in state government and municipal body–run schools.
Overall, CTET acts as a strong foundation for long-term growth and security in the teaching profession.
CTET February 2026 Exam Day Guidelines
If you are appearing for the CTET February 2026 exam, make sure you carefully follow all the instructions mentioned on your admit card. These guidelines are issued by CBSE and are meant to ensure a smooth and fair examination process.
Important Instructions for Exam Day
- Carry Admit Card & ID
You must bring a printed copy of your CTET Admit Card along with one valid original photo ID, such as Aadhaar Card, Passport, or Voter ID. Entry will not be allowed without these documents. - Reach the Exam Centre Early
Candidates are advised to reach the exam centre at least 1 to 2 hours before the reporting time mentioned on the admit card. Late entry is usually not permitted under any circumstances. - Items Not Allowed Inside the Exam Hall
Electronic devices like mobile phones, calculators, smartwatches, as well as bags, wallets, and other accessories are strictly prohibited inside the examination hall. - Follow Centre Instructions
Always cooperate with invigilators and security staff at the test centre. Follow seating arrangements and instructions carefully to avoid any issues during the exam. - After the Exam
Do not discard your admit card after the exam. Keep it safe until the entire selection and appointment process is completed.
Things to Do Before Leaving Home
- Download your admit card from the official website ctet.nic.in a few days before the exam.
- Check all details such as your name, photograph, exam date, centre address, and timings.
- Plan your travel in advance and locate your exam centre to avoid last-minute stress.
- Keep your documents ready the night before the exam.
Note: The dates mentioned above are based on the February 2026 session, but these instructions remain largely the same for the December CTET exam as well.
CTET Exam Date 2026 Conclusion
CTET 2026 opens an important pathway for aspirants who aim to build a career in teaching across government and private schools. As the examination is scheduled for 8 February 2026, candidates should closely track all key updates related to the notification, admit card, and answer key through the official website www.ctet.nic.in. Starting preparation well in advance, staying consistent with a smart study strategy, and relying only on official information will significantly improve performance. With focused planning and timely awareness, candidates can confidently clear CTET 2026 and take a strong step toward their teaching goals.
CTET Exam Date 2026 FAQs
Who conducts the CTET exam?
The Central Board of Secondary Education conducts the Central Teacher Eligibility Test at the national level.
When will the CTET Admit Card 2026 be released?
CTET Admit Card 2026 is expected to be released around 10 days before the exam date on the official website ctet.nic.in.
What are the exam timings for CTET 2026?
Paper II will be held from 9:30 AM to 12:00 Noon. Paper I will take place from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM.
What is the CTET Application Form 2026 fee?
General or OBC candidates need to pay ₹1000 for one paper or ₹1200 for both papers. SC, ST, differently abled candidates pay ₹500 or ₹600.
When will the CTET Answer Key 2026 be released?
The CTET provisional answer key is usually released within 15 days after the examination on ctet.nic.in.
