The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has recorded a massive response for the upcoming Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET). More than 25 lakh (2.5 million) candidates have successfully completed the online registration process for the CTET February 2026 examination. This marks a substantial increase in interest for the national-level teaching eligibility exam.
Registration Surge and Comparative Analysis
The registration window was active for a period of 22 days, from November 27 to December 18, 2025. A notable trend was the last-minute rush of applications in the final three days. On December 16, a total of 1,93,182 candidates registered. This number nearly doubled the next day, December 17, with 3,53,218 registrations. The final day, December 18, saw the highest single-day tally of 4,14,981 candidates completing their applications.
When compared to the previous two cycles, the growth is evident. For the CTET July 2024 exam, a total of 20,25,554 candidates had registered. The CTET December 2024 session saw 16,72,748 registrants. The figure for the February 2026 exam thus represents a significant upward jump, highlighting the growing number of aspirants seeking teaching careers in India.
CTET 2026 Exam Pattern and Structure
The CTET is a mandatory qualification for those aiming to teach in central government schools like KVS, NVS, and other central and state government institutions. The exam is divided into two papers.
Paper I is intended for candidates who wish to teach classes 1 to 5 (Primary Stage). Paper II is for those targeting classes 6 to 8 (Elementary Stage). Aspirants can choose to appear for one or both papers based on their career goals.
Each paper consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, each carrying one mark. There is no negative marking in the test. Candidates are given a duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete each paper.
Next Steps for Registered Candidates
With the registration phase now closed, candidates must focus on the forthcoming stages. The first crucial step is downloading the admit card. CBSE will release the CTET February 2026 admit cards a few weeks before the exam date, which is scheduled for February 8, 2026. Admit cards must be downloaded exclusively from the official CTET website.
Once obtained, candidates should meticulously verify all details on the admit card, including their name, exam date, centre, and the paper applied for. Any discrepancy must be reported to CBSE immediately to avoid complications on exam day.
Preparation should now enter its final phase. Experts recommend a structured approach:
- Thoroughly revising the prescribed syllabus.
- Solving previous years' question papers to understand the pattern.
- Practicing time management to efficiently handle the 150-question paper in the allotted 150 minutes.
Finally, candidates must carefully read and follow all exam day instructions provided by CBSE. This includes knowing the reporting time, understanding the list of permitted and prohibited items in the exam hall, and adhering to any safety protocols. Regularly checking the official CTET website for updates on results and other announcements is also essential for a smooth experience.
