By announcing the examination date for the 21st edition of the CTET 2026 (Central Teacher Eligibility Test), the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has brought opportunities for teaching aspirants across India. The exam will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2026, in 132 cities nationwide and in 20 different languages.
The CTET is one of the most important teaching qualification exams in India, to select the skilled and competent candidates for the teaching profession. This announcement marks the beginning of a new journey for those who want to be teachers in central government schools such as Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS) and Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVS) or even in private and state-aided schools.
CTET 2026 Registration
The CTET 2026 registration process will start soon on the official website. Interested candidates have been advised to keep their scanned photograph and signature ready before the application window opens. The application fees for one paper (Paper I or Paper II) are ₹1,000 and for both papers, ₹1,200. During the submission of the form, the candidates should also ensure that their personal details are correctly entered to avoid errors.
How to apply for CTET 2026?
Candidates have to visit the official website: https://ctet.nic.in. On the homepage, candidates have to click on “Apply Online”, fill out the online form and note down their Registration/Application Number. Then the candidates have to upload their latest scanned photograph and signature in the prescribed format. Candidates also have to pay the examination fee using a Debit/Credit Card or Net Banking. After this process, candidates have to download and take printouts of the confirmation page for their future reference.
Exam Pattern and Structure
The CTET 2026 will be held in two sessions for two papers, Paper I and Paper II. The candidates who aspire to teach Classes 1 to 5 have to appear in Paper I. Those who want to teach Classes 6 to 8 have to appear in Paper II.
Both papers will consist of 150 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). Each question will carry one mark, and there will be no negative marking.
Candidates need to choose either English or Hindi as their preferred language. The exam aims to test the subject knowledge, pedagogy, and child development understanding of the candidates.
Use of the CTET Qualification
Qualified CTET candidates not only enhance their teaching credentials with the qualification but also become eligible for nationwide teaching opportunities in both government and private institutions.
A valid CTET qualification is essential for applying to Central Government Schools like KVS, NVS, and Central Tibetan Schools. The schools run by Union Territories, including Delhi, Chandigarh, Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and Daman & Diu, also require this qualification.
Private unaided schools often accept CTET scores for the recruitment of teachers. It is also required for the State Government schools that adopt CTET in place of their own State TET.
CTET 2026 Information Bulletin to Be Released Soon
The detailed information of CTET 2026 will soon be made available on the official website. It will include the exam syllabus and structure, eligibility criteria and educational qualifications, fee details and city list, language options and important dates. The CBSE has advised all candidates to read it thoroughly before applying to avoid discrepancies or mistakes in their applications.
The CTET is always regarded as a benchmark for teaching excellence. The candidates having a CTET qualification indicate that the candidate is able to deliver quality education, manage classrooms effectively, and contribute to holistic child development.
For thousands of aspiring teachers, CTET 2026 represents a chance to start a stable and respected career in India in the field of education. The National Education Policy (NEP) emphasises teacher eligibility, and for that reason, clearing CTET has become a career-defining milestone.
Disclaimer:
This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only. For official notifications, registration details, and updates, please visit the official CTET website: https://ctet.nic.in. Always verify information through official sources before applying.
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Pronita Devi, an M.A. in Political Science, has spent over a decade in electronic and digital media. She regularly contributes insightful articles on geopolitics and current affairs, bringing clarity and depth to complex global issues.