The registration window for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) scheduled for February 2026 has officially closed. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) reported an overwhelming response, with more than 25.3 lakh candidates submitting their applications for the crucial teaching eligibility examination.
Record-Breaking Application Numbers for CTET
The final tally for CTET February 2026 applications has crossed the 25.3 lakh (2.53 million) mark. This massive figure underscores the test's continued significance as a gateway to teaching careers in central government schools like Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, as well as many state government institutions. The application process was conducted entirely online through the official CTET portal.
Key Dates and Examination Details
With the registration phase now complete, the focus shifts to the next critical milestones. The CTET February 2026 examination itself is slated to be conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode on February 1, 2026. Candidates can expect the release of their admit cards for download in the third week of January 2026. The board has clearly stated that no physical admit cards will be dispatched by post.
The examination will consist of two papers. Paper I is for those aspiring to teach classes I to V, while Paper II is for candidates targeting classes VI to VIII. Individuals who wish to teach across all levels from I to VIII are required to appear for and qualify in both papers.
What Applicants Need to Do Next
For the over 25.3 lakh registered candidates, the immediate task is to intensify their preparation. The CBSE will not be providing any physical copies of hall tickets. Therefore, applicants must vigilantly monitor the official CTET website (ctet.nic.in) in January 2026 to download their e-admit cards. It is mandatory to carry a printed copy of this admit card along with a valid photo ID proof to the examination center.
The structure of the test remains consistent with previous sessions. Each paper will contain 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to be solved within a duration of two and a half hours. The syllabus is based on the NCERT curriculum for classes I to VIII, covering child development, pedagogy, and specific subject areas.
Successfully clearing the CTET awards a certificate that remains valid for a lifetime, a major change implemented a few years ago. This lifetime validity has made the certification even more valuable for teaching job aspirants across India, contributing to the record application numbers seen for the February 2026 session.
