Candidates aspiring to become teachers in government and aided schools across India must take note of an important update. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that the last date to apply for the CTET 2026 February examination is 18 December 2025. The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is a mandatory qualification for candidates seeking teaching jobs for Classes 1 to 8.
With the deadline approaching quickly, eligible candidates who have not yet submitted their application form should complete the registration process as soon as possible to avoid last-minute technical issues. The CTET 2026 examination will be conducted on 8 February 2026.
What is CTET and Why is it Important?
CTET is a national-level eligibility examination conducted by CBSE to determine the eligibility of candidates for teaching positions in:
- Central Government schools
- Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs)
- Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs)
- Schools under Union Territories
- Other schools that accept CTET qualification
Clearing CTET does not guarantee a job but makes candidates eligible to apply for teaching recruitment conducted by various government bodies.
CTET February 2026: Key Dates at a Glance
- Application Start Date: Already started
- Last Date to Apply: 18 December 2025
- Last Date for Fee Payment: As per application schedule
- CTET Exam Date: 8 February 2026
- Mode of Application: Online
- Official Website: ctet.nic.in
Candidates are strongly advised not to wait until the last day to submit the form.
CTET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility requirements for the respective paper.
CTET Paper 1 Eligibility (Classes 1 to 5)
To appear for Paper 1, candidates must fulfill one of the following:
- Passed 12th class with at least 50% marks and completed 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) or equivalent
- Graduation with B.Ed degree (as per applicable norms)
Paper 1 is for candidates who wish to become teachers for Primary Classes (I–V).
CTET Paper 2 Eligibility (Classes 6 to 8)
For Paper 2, candidates must have:
- A Bachelor’s degree and
- 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) or equivalent qualification
Paper 2 is meant for candidates aiming to teach Upper Primary Classes (VI–VIII).
Note: Detailed eligibility conditions may vary. Candidates should refer to the official CTET notification for complete information.
CTET 2026 Application Fee Details
The application fee varies based on the number of papers selected and the candidate’s category.
General / OBC Category
- One Paper: ₹1000
- Both Paper 1 & 2: ₹1200
SC / ST / PwD Category
- One Paper: ₹500
- Both Paper 1 & 2: ₹600
The fee must be paid online through debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI.
How to Apply Online for CTET 2026?
Candidates can follow the step-by-step process given below to complete the CTET 2026 online application:
- Visit the official CTET website: ctet.nic.in
- Click on “Apply for CTET Feb 2026” under the latest notifications section
- Complete the new registration by entering basic details
- Log in using the generated credentials
- Fill in personal, academic, and exam-related details carefully
- Upload scanned photograph and signature in the prescribed format
- Select the paper (Paper 1 / Paper 2 / Both)
- Pay the application fee online
- Submit the application form
- Download and print the confirmation page for future reference
Candidates should double-check all details before final submission, as corrections may not be allowed later.
CTET Exam Pattern Overview
- Mode of Exam: Offline (OMR-based)
- Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Questions: 150
- Total Marks: 150
- Negative Marking: No
Each question carries 1 mark, making CTET a scoring exam with proper preparation.
Why You Should Apply Early
Applying early for CTET 2026 helps candidates:
- Avoid website traffic and server issues
- Get sufficient time for exam preparation
- Ensure error-free application submission
- Stay stress-free during the last days
With only a few days left before the deadline, delaying the application could result in missing this important opportunity.
Final Words
The CTET February 2026 exam is a crucial step for candidates dreaming of a teaching career. With the application deadline set for 18 December, eligible aspirants should complete the registration process without delay. Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria, pay the correct fee, and keep a copy of the submitted form safely.
Stay connected with bharatnaukri.com for the latest updates on CTET admit cards, exam pattern, answer keys, and results.
