The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has provided a crucial opportunity for aspiring teachers across India. The registration window for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) July 2026 has been reopened today, December 27, 2025. This reopening is a significant chance for candidates who missed the earlier application deadline to now submit their forms on the official website, ctet.nic.in.
Key Dates and Application Details for CTET 2026
Prospective applicants must act swiftly as the reopened registration period is limited. According to the official notification, the last date to submit the online application form is January 5, 2026. The correction window, which allows candidates to rectify any mistakes in their submitted forms, will be open from January 7 to January 9, 2026. The CTET examination itself is scheduled to be conducted in July 2026, although the exact date is yet to be announced by the board.
The application process is conducted entirely online. Candidates are required to visit the official CTET portal and complete the registration by providing necessary personal, academic, and communication details. A critical step involves uploading scanned images of the candidate's recent photograph, signature, and relevant documents like category certificate (if applicable). The submission process is only complete after the payment of the application fee.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for CTET Online
To ensure a smooth application process, candidates should follow these steps meticulously:
- Visit the official website: ctet.nic.in.
- Click on the link for 'Apply Online for CTET - July 2026' or a similar notification.
- Complete the one-time registration by entering basic details to generate a provisional registration number and password.
- Log in using these credentials and fill out the detailed application form with educational qualifications, choice of exam center, and other required information.
- Upload the necessary documents in the prescribed format and size.
- Proceed to pay the application fee through the available online payment modes.
- Finally, review the submitted application, take a printout of the confirmation page, and keep it safe for future reference.
Application Fee Structure and Eligibility Criteria
The application fee for CTET 2026 varies based on the category of the candidate and whether they are applying for Paper I, Paper II, or both papers. For General/OBC category candidates applying for either Paper I or Paper II, the fee is Rs. 1,000. If applying for both papers, the fee is Rs. 1,200. For SC/ST/Differently Abled candidates, the fee is Rs. 500 for one paper and Rs. 600 for both papers.
Regarding eligibility, Paper I is for those intending to teach classes I to V (Primary Stage). The minimum qualification is Senior Secondary (or its equivalent) with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education. Paper II is for those aiming to teach classes VI to VIII (Elementary Stage). This requires graduation and passed or appearing in the final year of a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education or a 1-year B.Ed. Candidates wishing to teach all levels (I to VIII) must appear for and qualify in both papers.
Importance of CTET Certification for Teaching Careers
Clearing the CTET exam is a mandatory requirement for securing teaching positions in central government schools like Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs), as well as schools under the administrative control of Union Territories (UTs). Additionally, many state governments and private schools across India also consider CTET qualification as a benchmark for recruitment. The validity of the CTET certificate is now for a lifetime, as per the latest guidelines, making it a valuable and permanent credential for a teaching career in India.
With the window now open, candidates are advised to avoid last-minute rushes and complete their registration well before the January 5 deadline. They should double-check all entered information and uploaded documents to prevent any discrepancies that could lead to rejection. Keeping a close watch on the official CTET website for any further updates or notifications regarding the admit card and exam schedule is also crucial.
