CTET Feb 2026 Registration Opens—Here’s Your Complete Guide to Eligibility & Exam Pattern

Published on: November 28, 2025

CTET Feb 2026 Registration Opens—Here’s Your Complete Guide to Eligibility & Exam Pattern

The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) for February 2026 is now open for registration—a crucial opportunity for aspiring teachers across India. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know: eligibility, exam pattern, important dates, application procedure, and more.

📅 Key Dates & Registration Window

The registration for CTET February 2026 opened on November 27, 2025.
The last date to submit the application and pay the fee is December 18, 2025 (11:59 PM).
The exam is scheduled for Sunday, February 8, 2026, across multiple cities.

Candidates must complete registration, upload necessary documents, and pay the fee before the deadline to be eligible.

📝 What is CTET—Overview and Why It Matters

CTET is a national-level test conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). It serves as a mandatory eligibility exam for those aiming to teach in central government schools, such as Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), and other CBSE-affiliated institutions.

The test is split into two papers:

Paper I—For candidates who wish to teach Classes I to V (Primary stage)
Paper II—For candidates aiming to teach Classes VI to VIII (Upper primary/elementary stage)

If you intend to teach both levels, you can appear for both papers.

✅ Who Can Apply: Paper-Wise Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility criteria differ depending on whether you apply for Paper I or Paper II.

Paper I (Classes I–V)

You must have either:

Passed Senior Secondary (10+2) or equivalent with at least 50% marks and
Completed or be in final year of a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed), or
Completed a 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed), or
Completed a 2-year diploma in special education.
OR, have a graduation degree with B.Ed as per NCTE norms. Paper II (Classes VI–VIII)

You need:

A Bachelor’s degree (in any stream) plus a B.Ed. degree (completed or in final year)
— or any equivalent teacher-education qualification as per NCTE rules.
Age: Minimum 18 years. There is no upper age limit. 🧮 CTET Feb 2026 Exam Pattern—What to Expect

Here’s the structure of the test, as per the latest notification.

Mode: Offline pen-and-paper, MCQ-based test.
Questions: 150 multiple-choice questions per paper.
Marking Scheme: Each correct answer earns 1 mark; no negative marking for wrong answers.
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes per paper.
Languages: The test will be available in multiple languages (as per previous CTET sessions, up to 20 languages).

Paper-wise Focus Areas

Paper I covers areas relevant for primary teaching: child development & pedagogy, language(s), mathematics, environmental studies, and social studies (depending on the NCERT syllabus).
Paper II includes pedagogy, languages, and subject-specific sections (like mathematics, science, and social studies), reflecting the curriculum for Classes VI–VIII. 💻 How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Visit the official CTET portal at ctet.nic.in.
Click on the link “Apply for CTET February 2026” (or “New Registration”).
Download and read the Information Bulletin carefully to ensure you meet eligibility criteria.
Fill in the application form with accurate personal and educational details. Upload scanned copies of the photograph and signature (in the correct format and size, as specified).
Pay the examination fee online (through debit/credit card or net banking). The fee structure is as follows:

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

Submit the form and download/print the confirmation page for reference.

Make sure all information is correct before final submission—incorrect or incomplete applications may get rejected.

🎯 Who Should Apply & How to Choose Paper I or II

If you aim to teach primary classes (I–V), go for Paper I.
For teaching upper primary (VI–VIII), choose Paper II.
If you wish to keep your options open to teach both levels, you can appear for both papers—just pay the fee accordingly.

Also check your own qualifications carefully before registering—especially if you are relying on “in-final-year-of-course” status (some allowances are for appearing candidates).

📚 Important Advice for Applicants

Download and read the Information Bulletin thoroughly as soon as it’s out—it contains detailed instructions, guidelines, and a syllabus breakdown.
Double-check your eligibility before applying, especially educational qualifications and document requirements.
Keep a scanned copy of your photo and signature ready as per specifications—it helps avoid last-minute issues.
If you plan to attempt both papers, ensure you are prepared for both levels: primary and upper primary.
Once you register and pay the fee, note down the application number / confirmation page for future reference.

🌟 Final Word: CTET 2026—A Major Step Toward Teaching Career

CTET remains the national benchmark for screening teaching candidates for Classes I–VIII in central and many state-run/recognized schools. The February 2026 session presents another golden opportunity for eligible aspirants to secure their credentials.

If you meet the criteria, carefully fill out the application on time, manage prerequisites, and set off on your journey toward becoming a certified teacher. Best of luck to all aspirants!