CTET February 2026 registration online form – Apply now

CTET February 2026 registration online form is now live at ctet.nic.in. Check exam date, eligibility, fee and step-by-step application details for CTET Feb 2026.

Overview

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially opened the registration window for Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) February 2026 session. Aspirants across the country can apply via the official portal from 27 November 2025 until 18 December 2025, ahead of the exam scheduled for 8 February 2026.

For teaching-aspirants, this represents a key opportunity — the CTET certificate is often required for recruitment into central and central-affiliated schools. Given the competition and volume of applications, it’s critical to understand eligibility, fees, exam structure, and application steps clearly.

This article unpacks everything you need to know about CTET Feb 2026 — from how to apply to what to expect in the exam — while offering additional context, expert insight, and helpful preparation pointers.

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What is CTET and Why It Matters

• CTET is a national-level teacher eligibility test — clearing it is a prerequisite for applying to many central-government and central-affiliated schools such as Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVS), and other CBSE-linked institutions.
• The February 2026 edition will mark the 21st iteration of the exam, open to aspirants aiming to teach Classes I–V (Paper I) or Classes VI–VIII (Paper II).
• CTET certification enhances employability, opening doors to stable teaching jobs — a major draw for graduates and diploma-holders across India.

Expert insight: According to education-sector analysts, for many teaching candidates, the CTET credential is more than just a formal requirement — it acts as a quality filter for schools, ensuring baseline pedagogic competency. As demand for qualified teachers grows, having a valid CTET certificate improves chances in recruitment cycles.

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Key Dates, Application Window & Exam Schedule

Here’s a quick snapshot of the important dates and timeline for CTET February 2026:

Event	Date / Time
Registration start date	27 November 2025
Last date to submit application & pay fee	18 December 2025 (by 11:59 PM)
Exam date	8 February 2026 (Sunday)
Exam shift – Paper II (Classes VI–VIII)	9:30 AM – 12:00 Noon
Exam shift – Paper I (Classes I–V)	2:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Candidates must ensure that both the application form and fee payment are completed before the deadline. Late or incomplete submissions may be rejected.

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Who Can Apply: Eligibility Criteria

CTET has different eligibility requirements depending on whether you’re applying for Paper I or Paper II.

Paper I (Classes I–V) — Minimum Requirements:

• Senior Secondary (10+2) with at least 50% marks + a two-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed), or
• Senior Secondary with 50% marks + four-year B.El.Ed, or
• Senior Secondary with 50% marks + two-year Diploma in Special Education, or
• Graduation (with 50% marks) + B.Ed (as per NCTE norms)

Paper II (Classes VI–VIII) — Minimum Requirements:

• Graduation (with 50% marks) + B.Ed or equivalent teaching qualification (as per NCTE norms)

Candidates should check their eligibility carefully before applying; incomplete or under-qualified submissions can lead to disqualification.

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Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Filling out the CTET Feb 2026 application is fully online via the official portal. Here are the general steps for registration and submission:

1. Visit the official website (ctet.nic.in) — this is the only authorised portal for CTET applications.
2. Click on “Apply Online” for CTET February 2026 session.
3. Fill in personal details (name, contact, identification, etc.) and academic qualifications.
4. Upload required photographs and signature in prescribed format.
5. Select whether you’re applying for Paper I, Paper II, or both.
6. Pay the application fee (fee structure detailed below).
7. Submit the form and download / print the confirmation page for future reference.

It is highly recommended that you double-check all information before final submission, and ensure payment is completed by the deadline. Incomplete forms or failed payments can lead to application rejection.

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Application Fee & Exam Details

According to the official notification:

• General / OBC (NCL): ₹1,000 for one paper; ₹1,200 for both papers
• SC / ST / PwBD: ₹500 for one paper; ₹600 for both papers

The exam will be pen-and-paper (OMR-based), conducted in offline mode across more than ~130 cities nationwide, giving flexibility to applicants in different states.

Each paper consists of 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), with no negative marking, which allows aspirants to attempt all questions without penalty for wrong answers.

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Why This February 2026 Session Matters

• For many aspirants who missed previous CTET sessions — this new window (Feb 2026) presents a fresh opportunity.
• With a gap of about two months between application deadline and exam date, candidates get sufficient time to strategize and prepare. Historically, similar gaps have ranged between 60–90 days, allowing adequate prep time for serious aspirants.
• Clearing CTET now — given demand — can help secure teaching positions quickly once recruitment cycles begin.

Education-sector experts suggest that, in the post-pandemic era, demand for qualified teachers — especially in central-affiliated schools — is rising. Having a valid CTET certificate thus becomes a strong differentiator when applying for teaching roles. The February 2026 session could be a strategic chance for eligible candidates to position themselves for upcoming recruitment rounds.

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Important Tips for Applicants

• Check eligibility carefully — mismatches in education credentials can lead to rejection after form submission.
• Keep documents ready — academic certificates, ID proofs, scanned photos and signatures. Upload as per required format to avoid last-minute hassles.
• Apply early, don’t wait last minute — avoid server-load issues and delays in fee payment.
• Download / print confirmation — once form is submitted and fee is paid, save a copy for future reference.
• Start exam preparation early — use the gap between application deadline and exam date to revise syllabus broadly.

Also, for aspirants looking for teaching-related resources: you can leverage quality study material (notes, MCQs, syllabus PDFs) from our platform by exploring sections like Notes, MCQ’s, and Syllabus. These can provide structured support during your CTET preparation journey.

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Broader Context: CTET’s Role in Teacher Recruitment Landscape

CTET holds significance not just as a qualifying exam — but as a standard of teacher quality across India’s central and central-affiliated schools. Over the years, CBSE’s emphasis on CTET certification has increased, making it a critical step for hopeful educators.

Moreover, as more private and public schools align with central standards, the importance of a valid CTET certificate for both fresh and experienced teachers has grown. For many aspirants — especially those from rural or under-represented regions — CTET offers an equal opportunity to compete on a national level, independent of regional educational disparities.

With this February 2026 session, CBSE continues to uphold the standardisation of teacher eligibility — giving fresh aspirants a chance to join the teaching workforce under fair, transparent conditions.

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FAQs — CTET February 2026 Registration & Exam

Q1. When does CTET February 2026 registration start and end?
CTET February 2026 registration opens on 27 November 2025 and closes on 18 December 2025 (by 11:59 PM).

Q2. What is the exam date for CTET Feb 2026?
The exam is scheduled for Sunday, 8 February 2026.

Q3. Where can I apply for CTET Feb 2026?
You must apply online at the official portal — ctet.nic.in — the only authorised website for CTET applications.

Q4. What is the fee for CTET Feb 2026 application?
For General / OBC (NCL): ₹1,000 for one paper or ₹1,200 for both. For SC / ST / PwBD: ₹500 for one paper or ₹600 for both.

Q5. What are the eligibility criteria for Paper I (Classes I–V)?
Senior Secondary (10+2) with 50% marks + D.El.Ed / B.El.Ed / Diploma in Special Ed; or Graduation (50%) + B.Ed per NCTE norms.

Q6. What are the eligibility criteria for Paper II (Classes VI–VIII)?
Graduation (with 50% marks) plus B.Ed or equivalent teaching qualification as per NCTE norms.

Q7. How many papers does CTET 2026 have and what is exam pattern?
Two papers: Paper I (Classes I–V) and Paper II (Classes VI–VIII). Each paper has 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). There is no negative marking.

Q8. In how many shifts will CTET Feb 2026 be held?
Yes, two shifts — Paper II in the morning (9:30 AM – 12:00 Noon) and Paper I in the afternoon (2:30 PM – 5:00 PM).

Q9. Is CTET validity lifetime or limited?
As per recent CBSE/NCTE norms, CTET certificate validity is typically for lifetime — meaning once you clear CTET, you can use it for future teacher recruitment cycles.

Q10. After clearing CTET, where all can I apply for teaching jobs?
You can apply to central-government-affiliated institutions like Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVS), Central Tibetan Schools, and many other CBSE-linked schools that require CTET for teacher recruitment.