Major Update for Teaching Aspirants: B.Ed. Qualification Returns to CTET
In a significant move for aspiring teachers across India, the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) has announced a pivotal update for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026. The council has officially reintroduced the B.Ed. option for candidates appearing in both the primary and junior level examinations. This development marks a notable shift in eligibility criteria, providing a wider pathway for qualified individuals aiming to secure teaching positions in central government schools.
CTET 2026: Key Dates and Application Process
The online application process for CTET February 2026 is now officially active. Aspiring candidates can submit their forms through the authorized portal, ctet.nic.in. The registration window opened on November 27, 2025, and will remain active until December 18, 2025. It is crucial to note that both the form submission and the examination fee payment must be completed by 11:59 PM on the final day.
The examination itself is scheduled for February 8, 2026. The timing for the papers is as follows: Paper-II for the junior level will be held in the morning shift from 9:30 AM to 12:00 Noon, while Paper-I for the primary level will be conducted in the evening shift from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online for CTET 2026
To ensure a smooth application process, candidates should follow these steps carefully:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to the CTET portal at https://ctet.nic.in.
- Click on ‘Apply Online’: This will redirect you to the registration page to begin the process.
- Fill the Authentication Form: Provide necessary details like your state, identification type, name, date of birth, and gender. A unique Registration Number will be generated upon submission.
- Complete the Application Form: Enter your personal information, academic qualifications, and contact details. You will be required to set a secure password between 8–13 characters, incorporating uppercase, lowercase, numeric, and special characters. The system prevents the reuse of your last three passwords.
- Upload Documents and Pay Fee: Upload a scanned photograph (10–100 KB, 3.5 cm × 4.5 cm) and signature (3–30 KB, 3.5 cm × 1.5 cm) as per specifications. Pay the examination fee using a debit/credit card or net banking. After successful payment, download the confirmation page as proof.
Understanding the CTET 2026 Fee Structure and Important Changes
The fee structure for CTET 2026 remains consistent with previous sessions. For General and OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates, the fee is Rs. 1,000 for a single paper and Rs. 1,200 for both papers. For candidates belonging to SC, ST, and Differently Abled categories, the fee is Rs. 500 for a single paper and Rs. 600 for both papers.
The most notable change in the CTET 2026 form is the reintroduction of the B.Ed. qualification option. This allows candidates who hold a B.Ed. degree to select the relevant option during the application process, streamlining their eligibility for teaching roles at both primary and junior levels. All other standard procedures, including examination timings, remain unchanged. Candidates are advised to download the official notification from the website for complete and accurate information.
