CTET 2026 February Examination: Key Dates and Registration Process
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially announced the schedule for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) to be held in February 2026. Aspiring teachers across India can now mark their calendars as the CTET 2026 examination is scheduled for February 8, 2026. The board opened the application window on November 27, 2025, and candidates have until December 18, 2025, to complete their registration process.
How to Apply for CTET February 2026
Prospective candidates must follow a straightforward online application procedure through the official CTET portal. Here is the step-by-step guide to filling the CTET application form:
- Visit the official CTET website at ctet.nic.in
- Click on the active link labeled 'Apply for CTET February 2026'
- Complete the new registration process to generate your credentials
- Fill in all required details in the application form carefully
- Proceed to pay the examination fee and upload necessary documents
- Finally submit the form and download the confirmation page for future reference
Examination Details and Fee Structure
The CTET 2026 will be conducted as a computer-based test across 136 cities throughout India. Applicants are required to provide four different city preferences in order of priority. The examination consists of two papers: Paper 1 for teachers targeting Class 1 to 5 and Paper 2 for those aspiring to teach Class 6 to 8.
The examination fee structure has been clearly defined by the board. General and OBC category applicants need to pay Rs 1,000 for one paper and Rs 1,200 for both papers. For candidates belonging to SC, ST, and differently-abled categories, the fee is reduced to Rs 500 for one paper and Rs 600 for both papers.
Important Regulations and Validity Period
In a significant benefit for qualified candidates, the CTET qualifying certificate remains valid for a lifetime for all categories. There is no restriction on the number of attempts an individual can make to acquire the CTET certificate. Even those who have previously qualified may reappear for the examination to improve their scores.
The CTET certification applies to schools under the central government including Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVS), and central Tibetan schools. It is also mandatory for schools under the administrative control of Union Territories such as Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, and NCT of Delhi. Additionally, many unaided private schools may choose to consider CTET scores during their teacher recruitment processes.
The comprehensive information bulletin containing detailed examination syllabus, language options, eligibility criteria, and other important instructions is now available for download on the official CTET website at ctet.nic.in. Candidates are advised to thoroughly review all guidelines before proceeding with their application to ensure a smooth registration experience.
