The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) has once again drawn national attention as the Central Board of Secondary Education confirmed the full schedule for the February 2026 session. Along with the exam date, the application window, eligibility details, syllabus outline, and city options have also been released for aspiring teachers across India. The announcements make this one of the most important updates for candidates preparing to begin their teaching career in government and private schools.
When Will the CTET February 2026 Exam Take Place?
The exam will be held on February 8, 2026, and this date has been officially confirmed for both Paper I and Paper II. Candidates can now plan their revision strategy, practice mock tests, and complete their syllabus in a systematic manner.
The exam will be conducted in 136 cities across India, ensuring accessibility for candidates from almost every region. The centralized schedule helps candidates finalise their travel and stay arrangements well in advance.
The test is designed to assess classroom readiness and teaching aptitude for primary and upper primary levels. With this date confirmed, the focus for candidates now shifts entirely toward preparation.
Below is a quick summary:
CTET 2026 Exam Summary:
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) |
| Conducting Body | CBSE |
| CTET February 2026 Exam Date | February 8, 2026 |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (OMR based) |
| Papers | Paper I & Paper II |
| Exam Cities | 136 cities |
What Are the Important Dates for CTET February 2026?
The application window opened on November 27, 2025, giving candidates enough time to complete the registration steps smoothly. The last date to apply is December 18, 2025, making the registration window around three weeks long.
Candidates must complete all steps application form, fee payment, and document uploading—before the deadline. Any delay can lead to rejection, as the board does not allow late submissions.
The availability of the official information bulletin also marks the release of detailed guidelines including exam fee, exam structure, languages, and eligibility criteria.
Important Dates:
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Registration Starts | November 27, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | December 18, 2025 |
| Exam Date | February 8, 2026 |
| Information Bulletin Released | Available Online |
| Admit Card Release | To be announced |
How Can Candidates Register for the CTET 2026 Exam?
The registration process is simple and fully online. Candidates need to visit the official CTET portal, fill in the application form, upload documents, pay the examination fee, and submit the final application.
Before applying, candidates should go through the information bulletin to ensure they meet all eligibility requirements for either Paper I or Paper II.
Steps to Apply:
- Visit the CTET official website.
- Click on the registration link for CTET February 2026.
- Fill in basic details and generate login credentials.
- Upload photo, signature, and required documents.
- Pay the examination fee through online modes.
- Download and save the confirmation page.
What Does the CTET 2026 Information Bulletin Contain?
The information bulletin is a key document for aspirants. It provides structured details to help candidates understand the exam format and avoid confusion during preparation. The bulletin outlines all major components such as exam pattern, marking scheme, languages, syllabus for both papers, and key guidelines for exam day.
The bulletin also contains a list of exam cities, instructions for selecting preferences, and the complete fee structure for different categories.
The Bulletin Covers the Following Areas:
- Eligibility criteria for both levels
- Syllabus for all sections
- Fee details for various categories
- List of exam cities and center selection rules
- Guidelines for exam-day conduct
- Steps to resolve application errors
What Eligibility Criteria Should Candidates Check Before Applying?
Eligibility for CTET depends on whether a candidate is applying for the primary level (Classes 1–5) or upper primary level (Classes 6–8). Educational qualifications vary for each level, and candidates must ensure they meet these conditions before submitting the form.
The bulletin provides clear academic requirements, but candidates should also verify additional criteria such as age requirements, training programs, and minimum marks.
Basic Eligibility Highlights
- Candidates must hold essential teacher training qualifications.
- Minimum educational qualifications differ for Paper I and Paper II.
- There is no upper age limit for appearing.
- Final-year teacher training candidates may also apply, subject to conditions.
Which Cities Will Host the CTET February 2026 Exam?
The exam will be conducted across 136 cities in India. Candidates must choose four test city preferences in the application form. This ensures flexibility and increases the chances of receiving a preferred center. The wide distribution of exam centers ensures accessibility for aspirants from metropolitan areas as well as small towns.
Why Multiple Preferences Are Important?
- Helps candidates secure a closer exam centre
- Reduces travel challenges
- Increases chances of allocation during high application volumes
- Ensures smoother conduct of the examination
Why Is CTET February 2026 Significant for Teaching Aspirants?
The CTET certificate is a crucial qualification for candidates aspiring to teach in central schools and many state schools. The certification is often used as a benchmark for teaching aptitude and subject competence.
Clearing CTET makes candidates eligible for:
- Teaching jobs in Kendriya Vidyalayas
- Navodaya Vidyalayas
- Schools under Union Territories
- Private schools accepting CTET as a valid qualification
- State teaching jobs (in states that accept CTET scores)
FAQs About CTET February 2026 Exam
What is the CTET February 2026 exam date?
The CTET February 2026 exam will be conducted on 8 February 2026 across India.
When did CTET 2026 registration start?
The registration began on 27 November 2025 through the official online portal.
What is the last date to apply for CTET February 2026?
The last date to submit the application form is 18 December 2025.
How many cities will host the CTET 2026 exam?
The exam will be held in 136 cities, giving candidates wide location choices.
How many city preferences can candidates choose?
Applicants must select four different exam city options while filling the form.
What documents are needed for CTET 2026 registration?
A photo, signature, educational documents, and category certificate (if any) are required.
Who is eligible to apply for CTET 2026?
Candidates meeting the required teacher training and academic criteria can apply for Paper I or II.
Is there any age limit for the CTET exam?
There is no upper age limit, so any eligible candidate can appear.
Where can candidates find the CTET 2026 syllabus and exam pattern?
The complete syllabus and pattern are available in the official information bulletin.
Why is CTET 2026 important for teaching aspirants?
Clearing CTET opens opportunities to apply for teaching jobs in central and several private schools.