The final opportunity for aspiring teachers to apply for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) for the February 2026 session ends today, December 18. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will close the online application portal at 11:59 PM sharp. Candidates aiming for teaching roles in central government schools like Kendriya Vidyalayas and other CTET-recognised institutions must complete their registration and fee payment before the deadline to avoid disqualification.
Critical Dates and Application Process for CTET 2026
The registration drive for CTET February 2026 commenced on November 27, 2025. With the window closing tonight, the board has urged candidates to steer clear of last-minute rushes to prevent technical glitches. The examination itself is scheduled for February 8, 2026, and will be administered in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode across various national centres. Successful applicants will get a chance to make limited corrections in their forms during a correction window expected later this month.
For those yet to apply, the step-by-step process is straightforward:
- Visit the official website: ctet.nic.in.
- Click on the 'Apply for CTET February 2026' link.
- Complete new registration to generate an application number.
- Log in and fill in personal, educational, and paper preference details.
- Upload scanned photograph and signature as per specifications.
- Review all details and pay the fee online via debit/credit card or net banking.
- Submit and download the confirmation page for records.
Understanding Paper Eligibility and Fee Structure
The CTET exam consists of two papers. Paper I is for candidates targeting teaching positions for Classes 1 to 5 (Primary Level). Paper II is for those aiming to teach Classes 6 to 8 (Upper Primary Level). Eligible candidates can apply for both papers simultaneously, but the choice must be made carefully during application as changes later are restricted.
The eligibility criteria are specific:
For Paper I: Candidates must have passed Senior Secondary (Class 12) with at least 50% marks and completed or be in the final year of a two-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed). Alternatives include a four-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed) or a B.Ed degree under certain conditions.
For Paper II: A graduation degree is mandatory, along with a two-year D.El.Ed or a B.Ed with minimum 50% marks. Degrees like B.A.Ed/B.Sc.Ed or other NCTE-recognised qualifications are also valid. Notably, there is no upper age limit for appearing in CTET.
The application fee is set at Rs. 1,000 for one paper and Rs. 1,200 for both papers for General and OBC (NCL) candidates. For SC, ST, and PwD candidates, the fee is reduced to Rs. 500 for one paper and Rs. 600 for both.
Why CTET Qualification is Essential for Teaching Careers
Clearing the CTET is a mandatory prerequisite for recruitment to teaching positions in a wide array of schools, including central government schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, and many state government and private institutions that recognise the score. While qualifying the test does not automatically guarantee a job, it is a fundamental eligibility criterion advertised in recruitment notifications by various education authorities across the country.
Prospective teachers are strongly advised to complete their application process immediately on the official CTET website to secure their chance for the February 2026 examination. Missing today's deadline will mean waiting for the next cycle of the crucial eligibility test.
