CTET 2026 Notification, Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Certificate Validity – Complete Details
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is a national-level teacher eligibility examination conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Government of India. CTET is mandatory for candidates aspiring to become teachers in Central Government Schools such as Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVS), Central Tibetan Schools, and various CBSE-affiliated institutions. This article provides complete details about CTET 2026 Notification, Eligibility Criteria, Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Qualifying Marks, Certificate Validity, and Application Process.
- PUBLIC NOTICE: CTET SEP-2026 CORRECTION WINDOW
- CTET SEPT 2026 INFORMATION BULLETIN
- CTET PUBLIC NOTICE SEPT 2026
Table of Contents
- What is CTET?
- CTET-2026 Overview
- CTET 2026 Important Dates
- CTET Eligibility Criteria 2026
- CTET Age Limit
- CTET Exam Pattern 2026
- CTET Syllabus 2026
- CTET Qualifying Marks
- CTET Certificate Validity
- Benefits of Qualifying CTET
- How to Apply for CTET 2026?
What is CTET?
CTET stands for Central Teacher Eligibility Test. It is conducted to assess the eligibility of candidates for teaching positions in Classes I to VIII. Qualifying CTET enhances employment opportunities in central government schools and CBSE-affiliated schools across India.
Read Also: CET Syllabus Paper-1 & Paper-2
CTET 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Purpose | Eligibility Test for Teacher Recruitment in Classes I to VIII |
| Notification Release Date | 11 May 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 11 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 10 June 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | 15 June to 18 June 2026 |
| CTET Exam Date | 06 September 2026 (05 September also if required) |
| Mode of Examination | Offline (Pen & Paper Based) |
| Number of Papers | Paper I & Paper II |
| Paper I | For Classes I to V (Primary Stage) |
| Paper II | For Classes VI to VIII (Elementary Stage) |
| Duration of Exam | 2 Hours 30 Minutes |
| Total Questions | 150 Questions |
| Total Marks | 150 Marks |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Negative Marking | No Negative Marking |
| Qualifying Marks | 60% (90 Marks out of 150) for General Category |
| Certificate Validity | Lifetime |
| Official Website | https://ctet.nic.in |
Note: CTET is a qualifying examination and does not guarantee employment. It makes candidates eligible to apply for teaching posts in Central Government Schools, KVS, NVS, and CBSE-affiliated schools across India.
CTET 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 11 May 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 11 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 10 June 2026 |
| Correction Window | 15 June to 18 June 2026 |
| CTET Exam Date | 06 September 2026 |
| Result Declaration | To be Announced |
CTET Eligibility Criteria 2026
Eligibility for Paper I (Classes I-V)
- Senior Secondary with at least 50% marks and 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed).
- Senior Secondary with at least 50% marks and 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed).
- Graduation with 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education.
Read Also : CTET Old Previous Question Papers Download PDF
Eligibility for Paper II (Classes VI-VIII)
- Graduation with 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education.
- Graduation with at least 50% marks and B.Ed.
- Graduation with at least 45% marks and B.Ed as per NCTE norms.
- Senior Secondary with at least 50% marks and 4-year B.A.Ed/B.Sc.Ed programme.
CTET Age Limit
There is no upper age limit for appearing in CTET. Candidates meeting the prescribed educational qualifications can apply.
CTET Exam Pattern 2026
Paper I (Classes I-V)
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I | 30 | 30 |
| Language II | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| Environmental Studies | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
Paper II (Classes VI-VIII)
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I | 30 | 30 |
| Language II | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics & Science / Social Studies | 60 | 60 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
CTET Syllabus 2026
- Child Development & Pedagogy: Learning theories, inclusive education, child psychology.
- Language I & II: Reading comprehension, grammar, pedagogy.
- Mathematics: Numbers, geometry, algebra, data handling.
- Environmental Studies: Family, food, shelter, travel, teaching methods.
- Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, pedagogical concepts.
- Social Studies: History, Geography, Political Science, Economics.
CTET Qualifying Marks
| Category | Minimum Marks |
|---|---|
| General | 90 out of 150 (60%) |
| Reserved Categories | As per Government norms |
CTET Certificate Validity
The CTET certificate is valid for a lifetime. Candidates can use the certificate for future teacher recruitment notifications conducted by various organizations.
Benefits of Qualifying CTET
- Eligibility for KVS Recruitment.
- Eligibility for NVS Recruitment.
- Eligibility for Central Government Schools.
- Better opportunities in CBSE-affiliated schools.
- Additional weightage in several state teacher recruitment processes.
How to Apply for CTET 2026?
- Visit the official CTET website.
- Complete registration.
- Fill in the application form.
- Upload photograph and signature.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Submit the application form.
- Download the confirmation page for future reference.
Conclusion
CTET 2026 is one of the most important eligibility examinations for aspiring teachers in India. Candidates should thoroughly understand the syllabus, exam pattern, and eligibility criteria before applying. Regular preparation and a strong understanding of pedagogy and subject content can significantly improve the chances of qualifying the examination.