CBSE CTET Admit Card 2026: Key Exam Details and Download Process
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially announced that the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) for the year 2026 will be conducted on February 8, 2026. This national-level examination will be administered in the traditional pen-and-paper mode across 132 cities throughout India, making it one of the most significant teacher recruitment assessments in the country.
Important Updates and Admit Card Information
The board has communicated to all registered candidates that crucial examination details, including the admit card, examination scheme, reporting time, and qualifying marks, will be published imminently on the official websites: ctet.nic.in and cbse.gov.in. It is essential to note that the admit card is a mandatory document for entry into the examination center, and candidates must carry a printed copy with them on the exam day.
CTET 2026 Exam Schedule and Session Details
The CTET 2026 examination will be held in two distinct sessions on the same day, catering to different teaching levels:
- Paper 1: Designed for candidates aspiring to teach Classes 1 to 5, this session will take place from 9:30 am to 12:00 noon. Candidates are required to report at the examination center by 7:30 am, with entry gates closing strictly at 9:30 am.
- Paper 2: Intended for those aiming to teach Classes 6 to 8, this session will be conducted from 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm. The reporting time for this shift is 12:30 pm, and gates will close at 2:30 pm.
Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
Each paper in the CTET 2026 examination will consist of 150 multiple-choice questions, with each question carrying one mark. The total duration for completing the exam is two and a half hours. A significant relief for candidates is that there is no negative marking for incorrect answers, allowing them to attempt all questions without fear of penalty.
The examination places a strong emphasis on Child Development and Pedagogy, which forms a major portion of the paper. The test is meticulously designed to evaluate candidates' teaching skills, subject understanding, and reading comprehension abilities, ensuring that only qualified individuals enter the teaching profession.
Qualifying Marks for CTET 2026
To successfully qualify for the CTET 2026, candidates must achieve the following minimum scores:
- General Category: Candidates need to secure at least 60 per cent, which translates to 90 marks out of 150.
- Reserved Categories (SC, ST, OBC, PwD): Candidates from these categories must obtain a minimum of 55 per cent, equivalent to 82 marks out of 150.
Steps to Download CTET Admit Card 2026
As the examination date approaches, candidates are advised to follow these detailed steps to download their admit cards from the official website:
- Visit the official CTET website: ctet.nic.in or cbse.gov.in.
- On the homepage, locate and click on the link labeled “CTET 2026 Admit Card.”
- A new window will open, prompting you to enter your login credentials.
- Carefully input your Application Number, Date of Birth, and Security Pin.
- Click on the Submit button to proceed.
- Your admit card will be displayed on the screen.
- Download the admit card and take a clear printout for examination day use.
- Thoroughly verify all details on the admit card, including your name, examination center, date, and shift timings.
With only a few days remaining until the examination, candidates are strongly urged to regularly monitor the official websites for any updates or announcements. It is equally important to focus on calm and systematic preparation, emphasizing conceptual clarity and effective time management strategies to perform optimally in the CTET 2026 examination.
