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If your dream is to become a teacher in schools such as Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVS), Army Public Schools, or other reputed private schools across India, then the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is one of the most important exams you need to clear.
Many beginners often have confusion about CTET, including topics like its meaning, conducting authority, exam frequency, eligibility criteria, difference between Paper I and Paper II, eligibility for B.Ed candidates, and the benefits of qualifying the exam.
This complete guide provides all the important information in simple and easy-to-understand language.
About CTET
CTET (Central Teacher Eligibility Test) is a national-level eligibility examination conducted for candidates who aspire to become teachers for Classes I to VIII in schools across India. It is designed to ensure that only qualified and competent candidates enter the teaching profession and maintain the quality of education.
CTET is conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on behalf of the Government of India under the Ministry of Education. The official website for CTET is https://ctet.nic.in, and it is the responsibility of CBSE as the conducting body to organize the exam and issue eligibility certificates to qualified candidates.
Exam Overview
- CTET is a national level teacher eligibility exam conducted by CBSE for Classes 1 to 8
- It is generally held twice a year as per CBSE notification
- Exam is conducted in offline OMR mode with MCQs
- After qualifying CTET, candidates become eligible for teaching jobs in KVS, NVS, Army Schools and private schools
- It does not guarantee a job, but is mandatory eligibility for teaching recruitment
- CTET certificate is valid for lifetime and candidates can reappear to improve score
Eligibility
Paper 1 Class 1 to 5
- Senior Secondary or 12th with at least 50 percent marks plus 2 Year D.El.Ed Diploma in Elementary Education
- Senior Secondary or 12th with at least 45 percent marks plus 2 Year D.El.Ed as per NCTE norms
- Senior Secondary or 12th with at least 50 percent marks plus 4 Year B.El.Ed Bachelor of Elementary Education
- Senior Secondary or 12th with at least 50 percent marks plus 2 Year Diploma in Education Special Education
Paper 2 Class 6 to 8
Candidate must have Senior Secondary or Graduation with following qualifications
- Graduation plus 2 Year Diploma in Elementary Education D.El.Ed
- Graduation with at least 50 percent marks plus B.Ed 1 Year or 2 Year
- Graduation with at least 45 percent marks plus B.Ed as per NCTE norms
- Senior Secondary 12th with at least 50 percent marks plus 4 Year B.A.Ed or B.Sc.Ed integrated teacher education course
- Senior Secondary 12th with at least 50 percent marks plus 4 Year B.El.Ed
- Graduation with at least 50 percent marks plus 1 Year B.Ed in Special Education
- Post Graduation with at least 55 percent marks plus 3 Year Integrated B.Ed M.Ed
Important
- Final year appearing candidates are also eligible if they are pursuing the required qualifying course
- Reserved category candidates may get relaxation in marks as per government norms
- CTET qualification only gives eligibility for teaching recruitment and final selection depends on school rules
If you have a Graduation degree and a Diploma in Education (D.El.Ed / B.El.Ed / Special Education), you are eligible to apply for both Paper I and Paper II.
Paper 1 & Paper 2 Highlights
| Particulars | CTET Paper 1 Highlights | CTET Paper 2 Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Exam mode | Offline (OMR Based) | Offline (OMR Based) |
| Number of subjects/sections | 5 | 4 |
| Names of subjects | Child Development and Pedagogy Language I Language II Mathematics Environmental Studies | Child Development and Pedagogy Language I Language II Mathematics and Science OR Social Studies/Social Science |
| Duration of exam | 2 hours 30 minutes (150 minutes) | 2 hours 30 minutes (150 minutes) |
| Total questions | 150 | 150 |
| Type of questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total marks | 150 | 150 |
| Marking scheme | +1 for correct answer, 0 for incorrect answer | +1 for correct answer, 0 for incorrect answer |
| Language of question paper | English and Hindi (candidate can attempt in either language) | English and Hindi (candidate can attempt in either language) |
| Exam shift | Morning shift (9:30 AM – 12:00 Noon) | Afternoon shift (2:30 PM – 5:00 PM) |
Exam Pattern 2026
Paper 1 (Classes I–V)
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development and Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| Environmental Studies | 30 | 30 |
| Language I (Compulsory) | 30 | 30 |
| Language II (Compulsory) | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
Paper 2 (Classes VI–VIII)
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development and Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I (Compulsory) | 30 | 30 |
| Language II (Compulsory) | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics & Science OR Social Science | 60 | 60 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
Languages List and Important Instructions for Language Selection
- Language I focuses on the proficiency related to the medium of instruction and basic understanding skills
- Language II focuses on communication, comprehension and language elements and it must be different from Language I
- It is compulsory to choose two different languages while filling the CTET application for
- Language I and Language II must not be the same and both should be selected from the available list of languages
- Candidates can choose any two languages from the given options
English 01, Hindi 02, Assamese 03, Bengali 04, Garo 05, Gujarati 06, Kannada 07, Khasi 08, Malayalam 09, Manipuri 10, Marathi 11, Mizo 12, Nepali 13, Odia 14, Punjabi 15, Sanskrit 16, Tamil 17, Telugu 18, Tibetan 19, Urdu 20, Bodo 21, Dogri 22, Kashmiri 23, Konkani 24, Maithili 25, Santhali 26, Sindhi 27
Important Dates of CTET 2026 Exam
Here are all the important dates for CTET September 2026 that candidates must note carefully:
| Event | Important Date |
|---|---|
| Notice Published | 08 May 2026 |
| Start of Online Application | 11 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Online Application | 10 June 2026 (till 11:59 PM) |
| Last Date to Submit Examination Fee | 10 June 2026 (till 11:59 PM) |
| Online Correction Window | 15 June 2026 to 18 June 2026 |
| Admit Card Download | Two days before the exam date |
| Date of Examination | 06 September 2026 (Sunday) (tentative) |
| Result Declaration | By end of October 2026 (tentative) |
Qualifying Marks
| Category | Qualifying Marks | Out of 150 |
|---|---|---|
| General | 60% | 90 Marks |
| Reserved Category (as per recruitment rules) | Relaxation applicable (around 55% approx) | Around 82 Marks |
Application Process
- Step 1 Visit the official CTET or CBSE website and click on Apply Online link
- Step 2 Fill the Authentication Form with basic details
- Step 3 Complete the Online Application Form and create a password and note down the Registration Number or Application Number
- Step 4 Upload scanned photograph and signature in the prescribed size and format
- Step 5 Pay the examination fee online using Debit Card Credit Card or Net Banking
- Step 6 Submit the application form and download the Confirmation Page for future reference
CTET 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Only Paper I or II | Both Papers I & II |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC (NCL) | Rs. 1000 | Rs. 1200 |
| SC / ST / Differently Abled | Rs. 500 | Rs. 600 |
- Payment through any other mode like Money Order, Demand Draft or IPO will not be accepted
- Mode of payment is online only through Debit Card, Credit Card or Net Banking
- GST will be charged extra by the bank as applicable
- Fee once paid is non-refundable under any circumstances
Conclusion
CTET is one of the most important eligibility exams for aspiring teachers in India. It serves as a gateway for candidates who wish to teach in Central Government schools such as Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, and other schools that accept CTET scores.
The exam not only tests your understanding of teaching concepts and child psychology but also strengthens your teaching profile. With lifetime validity and unlimited attempts, CTET provides candidates with multiple opportunities to qualify and improve their scores.
If you are passionate about teaching and want to build a stable and respected career in education, CTET is an excellent first step. With the right preparation strategy, consistent practice, and a clear understanding of the syllabus and exam pattern, you can confidently crack the exam and move closer to your dream of becoming a teacher.
Start your CTET preparation today and take the first step toward a rewarding teaching career.
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