CTET Feb. 2026 Exam Dates Declared
Exciting news for aspiring teachers across India! The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially announced the exam date for the upcoming Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) December 2025 session. If you've been waiting to qualify for teaching positions at prestigious Central Government Schools like Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), this is your cue to gear up.
What's the Big Announcement?
The 21st edition of CTET is set to take place on February 8, 2026. Yes, you read that right—both Paper 1 (for Classes 1-5) and Paper 2 (for Classes 6-8) will be conducted on the same day in two shifts. The exam will be held in offline mode (pen-and-paper, OMR-based), spanning 132 cities across the country and available in 20 languages to ensure accessibility for every candidate.
This biannual test, aligned with the standards of the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), opens doors to a rewarding career in education. Whether you're a fresh graduate or a working professional looking to switch tracks, CTET certification is a golden ticket.
Key Dates and Next Steps
While the detailed notification is expected to drop soon on the official website ctet.nic.in, here's what we know so far:
Application Window:
Likely to open in the coming weeks—keep an eye on the site for the exact start date.
Exam Date: February 8, 2026 (shifts to be confirmed via admit card).
Admit Card Release: Typically 10-15 days before the exam.
Result Declaration: Post-exam, usually within 4-6 weeks.
To apply, you'll need to:Register on ctet.nic.in using your email and phone.
Fill out the online form with personal and educational details.
Upload a recent passport-size photo and signature (as per specs).
Pay the fee: Rs.1,000 for one paper or Rs.1,200 for both (relaxations for reserved categories).
Download the confirmation page for your records.
Pro Tip: Double-check your details during application—corrections aren't always free!
Who Can Apply? Quick Eligibility Check
CTET is open to a wide range of candidates, but here's a snapshot:
Educational Qualification: Senior Secondary with 50% marks + 4-year B.El.Ed/BTC/D.El.Ed, or Graduation + 2-year D.El.Ed (relaxations for SC/ST/OBC).
Age Limit: No upper limit—teaching dreams have no expiry date!
Nationality: Indian citizens, with provisions for certain others.
For the full, updated criteria, wait for the official notification. If you're unsure, the NCTE guidelines are your best friend.
Preparation Tips to Ace CTET 2026
With over three months until the exam, now's the perfect time to start (or ramp up) your prep. Here's a game plan:
Understand the Syllabus: Child Development & Pedagogy (30 marks), Language I & II (30 each), Maths/Science or Social Studies (60), and EVS (for Paper 1).
Practice with Mock Tests: Solve previous years' papers and take timed mocks to build stamina.
Focus on Weak Areas: Pedagogy often trips people up—dive into psychological theories and inclusive education.
Resources: Books like "CTET Success Master" by Arihant, online platforms like Unacademy or BYJU'S, and the official sample papers.
Stay Updated: Follow ctet.nic.in and NCTE alerts.
Remember, consistency beats cramming every time. Join study groups or forums for motivation and doubt-clearing.
Why CTET Matters Now More Than Ever
In a post-pandemic world, quality education is the backbone of India's future. Qualifying CTET not only validates your teaching aptitude but also boosts your employability in government and private schools. With vacancies surging in KVS and NVS, this could be your breakthrough year.
The detailed notification is just around the corner, so bookmark ctet.nic.in and set reminders.
Disclaimer:
All dates and details are based on the latest announcements as of October 24, 2025. Always refer to official sources for confirmations.