CTET February 2026: Registration Deadline Approaches Amid Supreme Court Mandate
The registration window for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) February 2026 session is set to close tomorrow, December 18, 2025. Aspiring and in-service teachers across India are making a final rush to submit their applications on the official portal, ctet.nic.in. This edition of the exam holds unprecedented importance following a landmark Supreme Court ruling that has made clearing the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) compulsory for teachers, directly linking it to job security and promotions.
Key Dates and Exam Significance
Candidates must note the critical timeline for CTET February 2026. After the application window shuts on December 18, a correction facility will be available from December 23 to 26, 2025. The examination itself is scheduled for February 8, 2026. The Supreme Court's directive has transformed CTET from a qualifying advantage to a mandatory requirement. Teachers who fail the exam risk job loss or becoming ineligible for promotions. While teachers with less than five years of service remaining are exempt from immediate retirement, they must clear CTET to qualify for any future career advancement. This ruling impacts millions of educators in states like Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, leading to a record number of expected applicants.
Eligibility Criteria and Exam Pattern
CTET consists of two papers, each targeting different teaching levels. Paper-I is for those aiming to teach classes 1 to 5, and Paper-II is for classes 6 to 8. The eligibility is strictly based on educational qualifications.
Paper-I (Classes 1-5): Candidates must have passed Senior Secondary (or equivalent) with at least 50% marks and passed or be appearing in the final year of a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (or equivalent). Alternative qualifications include a 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed) or a 2-year Diploma in Education (Special Education).
Paper-II (Classes 6-8): Candidates must be a graduate and have passed or be appearing in the final year of a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education. Other accepted paths include Graduation with at least 50% marks and a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed), or specific integrated teacher education programs like B.A.Ed/B.Sc.Ed.
The exam is a multiple-choice test with 150 questions worth 150 marks. The minimum qualifying marks are 90 (60%) for the General category and 82 (55%) for SC/ST candidates. The test evaluates teaching aptitude, subject knowledge, and understanding of child psychology and development.
Lifetime Validity and Previous Trends
A significant factor driving applications is the lifetime validity of the CTET certificate. Once qualified, candidates do not need to retake the exam. This policy change has encouraged many in-service teachers to secure their certification. However, the challenge level remains high. Data from the December 2024 session reveals a tough pass percentage: only 24.17% cleared Paper-I (1,38,389 out of 5,72,489 who appeared), and a mere 12.31% passed Paper-II (1,39,888 out of 11,36,087 appeared). Qualifying opens doors to teaching positions in prestigious institutions like Central Schools (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalayas, and Army Schools across the country.
How to Apply Online for CTET February 2026
Prospective candidates should follow these steps before the deadline:
- Visit the official website: ctet.nic.in.
- Click on the 'Apply Online' link for the February 2026 examination.
- Complete the registration by providing basic personal details.
- Upload scanned images of a recent passport-sized photograph and your signature as per the specified format and size.
- Fill in the detailed application form with educational qualifications, category, and your choice of paper (Paper-I or Paper-II).
- Pay the application fee online using net banking, credit/debit card, or UPI.
- Review all details thoroughly, submit the form, and keep a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.
Applicants are strongly advised to double-check all information, as corrections can only be made during the designated window from December 23 to 26, 2025.
