What you should know about CTET 2025–26

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially released the notification for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) for the 2025–26 cycle. This national-level eligibility examination, which determines the teaching aptitude of aspiring educators, will be conducted on February 8, 2026, across multiple centres in India.

As per the notification, the application process is expected to begin shortly, with candidates advised to keep a close watch on the official CTET portal for updates on registration dates and detailed guidelines. Applicants must complete the online form, upload essential documents, and pay the requisite fee within the stipulated window to be eligible for the examination.

The CTET is a mandatory qualification for candidates seeking teaching positions in government schools, including Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, and schools under State and Union Territory administrations. Private schools across the country also widely accept CTET scores as a benchmark for teacher recruitment.

The exam comprises two papers: Paper I, for those intending to teach Classes I to V, and Paper II, for Classes VI to VIII. Candidates may appear for either one or both papers, depending on their eligibility and career goals. The CTET syllabus covers Child Development and Pedagogy, Language Proficiency, Math, Environmental Studies, Science, and Social Studies, depending on the chosen paper.

The exam follows a multiple-choice format with no negative marking, allowing candidates to attempt all questions without penalty. The qualifying marks remain at 60%, though relaxation applies to reserved categories as per government norms.

Aspirants are encouraged to begin their preparation in alignment with the updated exam pattern and syllabus. More details, including application dates and admit card release, will soon be available on the official CBSE CTET website.