If you want to become a government school teacher in India, CTET (Central Teacher Eligibility Test) is not optional — it’s mandatory. Every year, lakhs of candidates search for CTET notification, syllabus, exam date, and preparation strategy, and CTET Feb 2026 is already gaining attention.
This guide is written in simple, India-friendly language, so even a first-time aspirant can understand everything clearly — no confusing jargon, no filler.

What is CTET?
CTET stands for Central Teacher Eligibility Test, conducted by Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on behalf of the Government of India.
CTET qualifies candidates to teach in:
- Central Government Schools
- Kendriya Vidyalaya (KVS)
- Navodaya Vidyalaya (NVS)
- Central Tibetan Schools
- Many State Government & Private Schools also accept CTET.
⚠️ Important truth:
CTET is a qualifying exam, not a job guarantee.
But without CTET, you cannot even apply for most teaching jobs.
CTET February 2026 – Latest Status (Important)
As of now:
- CTET Feb 2026 notification is EXPECTED
- Official notification will be released on ctet.nic.in
- CBSE usually conducts CTET twice a year
- Exam months generally fall around January–February and July–August
👉 This blog will be updated instantly once the official notification is released.
CTET Feb 2026 – Expected Important Dates
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | November–December 2025 |
| Online Application Start | December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | January 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | February 2026 |
| CTET Exam Date | February 2026 (Expected) |
| Answer Key | Within 1 week |
| Result Declaration | 4–6 weeks after exam |
CTET 2026 – Papers Explained
CTET has two papers:
| Paper | For Teaching |
|---|---|
| Paper I | Classes I to V (Primary) |
| Paper II | Classes VI to VIII (Upper Primary) |
👉 You can apply for Paper I, Paper II, or both.CTET Eligibility Criteria (Simple Language)
Educational Qualification – Paper I (Class 1–5)
You must have any one of the following:
- Senior Secondary (12th) with 50% marks + D.El.Ed
- Graduation + D.El.Ed
- Graduation + B.Ed (as per NCTE norms)
Educational Qualification – Paper II (Class 6–8)
- Graduation + B.Ed
- OR Graduation + D.El.Ed
📌 Final-year students can also apply.
Age Limit
✅ No age limit for CTET.
CTET Exam Pattern 2026
Paper I & Paper II (Same structure)
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I | 30 | 30 |
| Language II | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| EVS / Science / Social Science | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
Exam Mode: CBT (Computer Based Test)
Time Duration: 2.5 hours
Negative Marking: ❌ No negative marking
CTET Syllabus 2026 (Topic-Wise Overview)
Child Development & Pedagogy
- Child development (6–11 / 11–14 years)
- Learning theories
- Inclusive education
- Teaching–learning process
Language I & II
- Reading comprehension
- Grammar
- Pedagogy of language development
Mathematics (Paper I)
- Number system
- Geometry
- Measurement
- Pedagogical issues
EVS (Paper I)
- Family & friends
- Environment
- Food, shelter, water
Science / Social Science (Paper II)
- Physics, Chemistry, Biology (basic level)
- History, Geography, Civics
- Pedagogical concepts
📥 Download CTET Detailed Syllabus PDF
👉 (Link will be updated after notification)
CTET 2026 – Qualifying Marks
| Category | Minimum Marks |
|---|---|
| General | 90/150 (60%) |
| OBC / SC / ST | 82/150 (55%) |
🎯 CTET certificate validity: LifetimeCTET Preparation Strategy (Beginner to Serious Aspirant)
If you are starting from ZERO
- Understand syllabus clearly
- Focus first on Child Development
- Study NCERT (Class 1–8) thoroughly
- Practice daily MCQs
If you already prepared earlier
- Revise pedagogy concepts
- Solve previous year CTET papers
- Take weekly mock tests
Recommended Books
CTET Previous Year Question Papers
CTET & TET Child Development – Arihant
NCERT textbooks (Class 1–8)
Common Mistakes CTET Aspirants Make
❌ Ignoring pedagogy
❌ Studying advanced topics unnecessarily
❌ Not practicing previous year papers
❌ Focusing only on content, not teaching method
CTET checks how you teach, not just what you know.
CTET Online Application – How to Apply
- Visit official website: ctet.nic.in
- Register with email & mobile number
- Fill application form
- Upload photo & signature
- Pay application fee
- Download confirmation page
CTET Application Fee (Expected)
| Category | One Paper | Both Papers |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC | ₹1000 | ₹1200 |
| SC / ST / PwD | ₹500 | ₹600 |
CTET Feb 2026 – Who Should Apply?
✅ B.Ed students
✅ D.El.Ed students
✅ Private school teachers
✅ Government teacher aspirants
❌ Those looking for direct job without qualification