CTET 2026 Online Application Last Date 18 December – Apply Now

CTET 2026 online application last date 18 December. Read full eligibility, fee, exam date and application process for CTET February 2026 registration.

CTET 2026 Registration Opens: Key Highlights

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially launched the registration window for CTET February 2026 session. As of 27 November 2025, candidates can begin filling out the CTET 2026 online application form via the official portal. The application window will remain open until 18 December 2025 (11:59 PM IST).

The examination date for CTET 2026 has been scheduled for 8 February 2026. The exam will be held in offline (pen-and-paper) mode across numerous centres in India.

Candidates aiming for teaching positions in Classes 1 to 8 — in central government or other recognized schools — must pay close attention to the timelines as well as eligibility requirements before applying.

Below, we provide a comprehensive breakdown of what aspirants need to know: eligibility criteria, application steps, fee details, exam pattern, and expert pointers for a successful application.

Who Is Eligible: CTET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Before you proceed to fill the form, ensure you meet the eligibility norms set by CBSE under the guidelines of the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE).

For Paper I (Classes 1–5)

• Senior Secondary (or its equivalent) with at least 50% marks plus: two-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) / four-year B.El.Ed / D.Ed (Special Education) recognized by NCTE.
• Or Senior Secondary with at least 45% marks (as per older qualifications under some regulations) + D.El.Ed.

For Paper II (Classes 6–8)

• Graduation (or equivalent) in any discipline + B.Ed (or equivalent) from a recognized institution.
• Alternatively, graduation + two-year Diploma in Elementary Education (or equivalent) recognized by NCTE in certain categories

Note: Meeting minimum eligibility enables candidates to appear in CTET, but does not guarantee appointment — final verification will be done by recruiting authorities.

CTET 2026 Application: Step-by-Step Guide

To help aspirants avoid last-minute rush or errors, here’s a clear step-by-step process to complete the CTET 2026 online application:

1. Visit the official CTET website (ctet.nic.in) and click on “Apply Online”.
2. Register as a new user — you will receive a Registration/Application Number. Save it securely.
3. Fill in personal details, educational qualifications, and choose preferred exam centres.
4. Upload scanned photograph and signature as per specifications (usually JPG/JPEG format; photograph 10–100 KB; signature 3–30 KB).
5. Pay the application fee via Debit/Credit Card or Net Banking, and ensure transaction status is “OK”.
6. Download and print the confirmation page for future reference — important for admit card and verification.

Candidates are advised to complete both the form submission and fee payment on or before 18 December 2025 (11:59 PM IST).

Application Fee Structure & Category-wise Charges

Candidates from reserved and differently-abled categories should ensure they meet the relaxed eligibility norms (as per NCTE/CBSE guidelines) before applying.

Exam Date, Pattern & Important Timings

• Exam Date: 8 February 2026 (Sunday)
• Shifts: Two shifts — Paper II (Classes 6–8) in the morning; Paper I (Classes 1–5) in the evening.
• Mode: Offline, pen-and-paper.
• Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). Typically 150 questions, each carrying one mark. No negative marking.

This structure has been consistent with previous editions of CTET and helps aspirants plan their preparation effectively.

Why Clearing CTET Matters

• CTET certificate is often a mandatory requirement for recruitment as a teacher in central government schools such as Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), and many private/affiliated institutions.
• It serves as a national benchmark for teacher quality across India, ensuring that only candidates meeting certain academic and pedagogical standards are eligible for teaching.
• For many aspirants, CTET is the gateway to a stable teaching career — especially if they aim to teach in central schools or institutions following CBSE/NCTE standards.

Expert Insights & Preparation Tips

• Since CTET 2026 will likely witness a surge in applications (given its nationwide scope), apply early — preferably within the first few days of registration to avoid server issues or last-minute rush.
• Keep all necessary documents ready: scan your latest photograph and signature as per specifications, have educational certificate details handy for accurate form filling.
• Make sure to use a valid and active email and mobile number during registration, as admit card and future updates will be communicated via these channels.
• Even after registration, start preparing immediately — practise MCQs, cover pedagogy, child development, language, and subject-wise syllabus thoroughly (helps especially for Papers I & II).
• Maintain a digital copy of confirmation page, fee receipt, and application number — this will be useful during admit card download, verification, or future recruitment.

What Happens After Application — What To Watch Out For

• Admit cards are usually released a few weeks before the exam — candidates must keep track of official site for updates.
• Post exam, results will be declared — candidates need to secure minimum qualifying marks (usually 60% for general, with relaxations for reserved categories) to be considered “CTET Qualified”.
• Clearing CTET does not guarantee a job, but makes you eligible to apply wherever teaching vacancies arise in CBSE-affiliated or recognized schools. Final appointment depends on recruitment rules of the hiring agency.

Conclusion

For thousands of aspiring teachers across India, the announcement of CTET 2026 registration opens a crucial window. With the CTET 2026 online application last date 18 December, eligible candidates must act fast, complete their application with diligence, and begin their preparation without delay. This cycle offers a real opportunity to embark on—or renew—a teaching career across central and recognized schools nationwide.

If you’re planning to apply for CTET 2026, make sure you’ve carefully checked eligibility, followed the application steps correctly, and kept a copy of the confirmation. A successful application is the first step in a demanding but rewarding journey to becoming a certified teacher.

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FAQs — (Common queries about CTET 2026)

1. When does CTET 2026 online application start and end?
   • CTET 2026 online application started on 27 November 2025 and closes on 18 December 2025 (11:59 PM IST).
2. What is the exam date for CTET February 2026 session?
   • The exam is scheduled for 8 February 2026 (Sunday).
3. What is the fee for CTET 2026 application?
   • For General/OBC/EWS: ₹ 1,000 for one paper, ₹ 1,200 for both papers; For SC/ST/PwBD: ₹ 500 for one paper, ₹ 600 for both papers.
4. What are the eligibility criteria for Paper I (Classes 1–5)?
   • Senior Secondary (50% or 45% under older norms) + D.El.Ed / B.El.Ed / recognized teaching diploma — as per NCTE norms.
5. What are the eligibility criteria for Paper II (Classes 6–8)?
   • Graduation + B.Ed (or equivalent recognized teaching qualification). In some cases, Graduation + Diploma in Education may also be considered.
6. How do I apply for CTET 2026 — what’s the process?
   • Visit the official CTET website → Register as a new user → Fill application form → Upload photograph & signature → Pay fee → Download confirmation.
7. What documents/format are required for photograph and signature upload?
   • Photograph: JPG/JPEG, 10–100 KB (3.5 cm × 4.5 cm); Signature: JPG/JPEG, 3–30 KB (3.5 cm × 1.5 cm).
8. Is CTET qualifying guarantee a teaching job?
   • No. Qualifying CTET makes you eligible to apply for teaching posts, but actual hiring depends on vacancies and recruitment rules of the hiring agency.
9. Is there negative marking in CTET exam?
   • No. All questions are MCQs (four options); each carries one mark and there is no negative marking.
10. Can reserved or differently-abled candidates get relaxation in CTET eligibility or fee?
    • Yes. Fee concessions apply for SC/ST/PwBD candidates. Also, minimum qualifying marks are often relaxed (as per NCTE/CBSE norms) for reserved categories.