Detailed information on CTET (Central Teacher Eligibility Test) by CBSE. Check eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, and career prospects for teaching vacancies.
Conducted by: CBSE
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is a crucial examination for aspiring teachers in India, organized twice a year by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). The primary purpose of CTET is to establish a benchmark for the quality of teachers in schools, particularly those under the Central Government (like KVS, NVS, Central Tibetan Schools, etc.) and schools under the administrative control of Union Territories. It also serves as a qualifying criterion that various state governments and private schools may adopt for their teacher recruitment processes. A successful CTET qualification is mandatory for appointment as a teacher for classes I to VIII in the aforementioned schools. Candidates who qualify CTET are deemed eligible to apply for teaching positions such as Primary Teacher (PRT) for classes I-V (by clearing Paper I) and Trained Graduate Teacher (TGT) for classes VI-VIII (by clearing Paper II). This certification significantly enhances career prospects by opening doors to a wide range of teaching opportunities in reputed educational institutions nationwide, ensuring that only qualified and competent individuals enter the teaching profession. The CTET examination assesses a candidate's proficiency in key areas vital for effective teaching, including child development and pedagogy, language comprehension, and subject-specific knowledge in mathematics, environmental studies, science, and social science. The introduction of a lifetime validity for the CTET certificate further emphasizes its importance, making it a valuable asset for any individual passionate about a long-term career in teaching in the Indian education system.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start | 2026-07-15 |
| Application End | 2026-08-15 |
| Admit Card | 2026-11-25 |
| Exam Date | 2026-12-07 |
Nationality: Candidate must be an Indian citizen. Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for appearing in the CTET examination. Academic Qualification for Paper I (for Classes I-V): Senior Secondary (or its equivalent) with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in final year of 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education. Senior Secondary (or its equivalent) with at least 45% marks and passed or appearing in final year of 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (as per NCTE Regulations, 2002). Senior Secondary (or its equivalent) with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in final year of 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed). Graduation with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in final year of Bachelor of Education (B.Ed). Academic Qualification for Paper II (for Classes VI-VIII): Graduation and passed or appearing in final year of 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education. Graduation with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in Bachelor in Education (B.Ed). Graduation with at least 45% marks and passed or appearing in B.Ed (as per NCTE Regulations, 2002). Senior Secondary (or its equivalent) with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in final year of 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed). Senior Secondary (or its equivalent) with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in final year of 4-year B.A./B.Sc.Ed or B.A.Ed./B.Sc.Ed. Graduation with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in 1-year B.Ed. (Special Education). Reservation/Relaxation: A relaxation of 5% in the minimum qualifying marks in the academic qualification is provided for candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/PwD categories. Number of Attempts: There is no restriction on the number of attempts a candidate can make for CTET.
| Stage | Type | Duration | Subjects | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I (For Classes I-V) | MCQ | 2 hours 30 minutes | Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I, Language II, Mathematics, Environmental Studies | 150 (30 marks for each subject) |
| Paper II (For Classes VI-VIII) | MCQ | 2 hours 30 minutes | Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I, Language II, Mathematics & Science OR Social Studies/Social Science | 150 (30 marks for CDP, Language I, Language II each; 60 marks for Mathematics & Science OR Social Studies/Social Science) |
Visit the official CTET website (ctet.nic.in). Click on the "Apply Online" link available on the homepage. Register by providing your personal details, email ID, and mobile number to generate a unique application number and password. Fill out the comprehensive online application form with all required information, including academic qualifications, choice of examination centers, and selection of Paper(s) (Paper I, Paper II, or both). Upload scanned images of your recent photograph and signature strictly adhering to the specified format and size guidelines. Proceed to pay the examination fee online using a debit card, credit card, or net banking. Fees vary based on the number of papers opted for and candidate category (General/OBC vs. SC/ST/PwD). Review the entire application form thoroughly for any errors or discrepancies before final submission. After successful submission, download and print the confirmation page for your records and future reference.
The validity period of the CTET qualifying certificate for appointment has been extended to a lifetime from the earlier seven years.
No, there is no negative marking in the CTET examination. Candidates are encouraged to attempt all questions.
Yes, candidates can apply for both Paper I and Paper II by selecting the appropriate option during the application process and paying the combined application fee.
General category candidates need to score 60% (90 out of 150) to qualify. SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates typically receive a relaxation, needing 55% (82 out of 150) to qualify.
CTET scores are accepted by Central Government schools (like KVS, NVS, Central Tibetan Schools), schools under UTs, private schools, and many state government schools that choose to adopt CTET for their recruitment.
No, there is no upper age limit for appearing in the CTET examination, allowing candidates of all eligible ages to apply.
Yes, candidates appearing in the final year of their D.El.Ed or B.Ed programs are eligible to apply for CTET, provided they fulfill other academic criteria.