The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially commenced the registration process for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) for the December 2025 session. Aspiring teachers aiming to secure teaching positions in central government schools like Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas must mark their calendars. The online application window is now open on the official portal.
Key Dates and Application Deadlines for CTET December 2025
Prospective candidates must pay close attention to the critical timelines announced by the CBSE. The board has set the last date to submit the CTET December 2025 application form as November 2025. While the exact date in November is yet to be specified, applicants are advised not to wait until the final days to avoid last-minute technical glitches or server issues.
The application process is conducted entirely online through the dedicated website ctet.nic.in. The CTET examination itself is scheduled to be held in December 2025. Candidates should regularly check the official website for any updates or notifications regarding the exact exam dates and admit card release.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online
Applying for the CTET is a multi-step process that requires careful attention to detail. First, visit the official CTET website at ctet.nic.in. New users need to complete the one-time registration by providing basic details to generate a registration number and password.
Following registration, log in to fill out the detailed application form. This involves entering personal information, academic qualifications, and communication details. The next crucial step is uploading scanned images of your recent photograph, signature, and relevant documents like caste or disability certificates if applicable. Ensure the files meet the specified size and format requirements to avoid rejection.
The final step is the payment of the application fee. The fee structure for CTET December 2025 is as follows:
- General/OBC candidates: Rs. 1,000 for Paper I or II; Rs. 1,200 for both Papers.
- SC/ST/Differently Abled candidates: Rs. 500 for Paper I or II; Rs. 600 for both Papers.
Payment can be made using various online modes such as credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI. Once the fee is successfully paid, download and print a copy of the confirmation page for your future records. Do not exit the portal without confirming the successful submission of your fee.
Exam Structure and Eligibility Criteria
The CTET is conducted in two papers. Paper I is for those who intend to teach classes I to V (Primary Stage), while Paper II is for aspiring teachers of classes VI to VIII (Elementary Stage). Candidates who wish to teach all levels from I to VIII can choose to appear for both papers.
The eligibility criteria require candidates to have specific educational qualifications. For Paper I, a 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 is mandatory. For Paper II, a graduation degree and passed or appearing in a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education or a 1-year B.Ed. is required. It is essential to review the detailed notification on the official site for all qualifying norms.
Successfully clearing the CTET awards a "CTET Eligibility Certificate," which is valid for a lifetime, as per recent government guidelines. This certificate is a mandatory qualification for teaching appointments in the central government school system and is also recognized by many private schools across India.
With the registration process now live, lakhs of teaching aspirants across the country are expected to apply. Experts recommend starting the application process early to ensure all details are correctly filled and documents are properly formatted. Missing the November deadline would mean waiting another full year for the next opportunity, so timely action is paramount for a smooth application experience.
