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The CTET exam is one of the biggest milestones for aspiring teachers, and every year, hundreds of students eagerly await the official notification. The official department has released the exam date for the CTET exam for 2026. In this blog, we break down the exam dates, important timelines, and preparation tips so you can stay ahead and step confidently into your teaching career journey.
| CTET Full Form | Central Teacher Eligibility Test |
| Administrating Body | CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) |
| Official Website | ctet.nic.in |
| Level of Exam | National |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Mode of Exam | Online |
| Duration of Exam | 150 minutes |
| Languages | 20 Languages |
| Total Papers | 2 Papers |
| Total Question | 150 MCQs |
Contents
What is the CTET Exam?
The CBSE is responsible for administering the national-level CTET( Central Teacher Eligibility Test) examination every year to recruit eligible individuals for various teaching posts (in government schools, private schools, etc.) across India. The frequency of the CTET exam is twice a year, i.e., it is held in July and December. Aspirants intending to pursue their career in the academic field of teaching must register themselves for the CTET 2026 Exam before the deadline.
CTET Exam Date 2026
The official department for the CTET exam has released the official exam date for 2026. Below, we have mentioned a detailed exam schedule for both exams conducted by the Central Teacher Eligibility Test.
| Event | Dates |
| Notification Release | 24 October 2025 |
| Online Application Start Date | November 2025 |
| Online Application Last Date / Application Fee Payment Last Date | 4th week of November, 2025 |
| CTET Exam Date | 08 February 2026 |
Also Read: Attempt CTET Sample Papers and Mock Tests
CTET December Exam Date Schedule 2026
CBSE conducts the CTET exam in two shifts for Paper 1 and Paper 2. The first shift (CTET Paper 1) will be administered in the morning, i.e., 9:30 am to 12:00 pm, and the second shift (CTET Paper 2) will be conducted during the afternoon, i.e., from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm. Below, we have mentioned the exam schedule for CTET 2026.
| Paper | Shifts | Exam Timing |
| Paper II | Shift 1 | 9:30 am to 12 noon |
| Paper I | Shift 2 | 2 pm to 4:30 pm |
CTET Exam Pattern 2026
The exam pattern for the CTET exam 2026 has been announced by the official authority. Awareness around this exam pattern can help you prepare better for this exam and strengthen your understanding of this exam. Here we have mentioned the exam pattern for CTET 2026.
| Particulars | CTET Paper 1 | CTET Paper 2 |
| Type of Questions | Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) | Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Exam Mode | Offline | Offline |
| Number of Subjects/Sections | 5 | 4 |
| Names of Subjects | – Child Development and Pedagogy- Language I- Language II- Mathematics- Environmental Studies | – Child Development and Pedagogy- Language I- Language II- Mathematics and Science or Social Studies/Social Science |
| CTET Exam Time Duration | 2.5 hours (150 minutes) | 2.5 hours (150 minutes) |
| Total Questions | 150 | 150 |
| Total Marks | 150 | 150 |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for correct answer (no negative marking) | +1 for correct answer (no negative marking) |
| Negative Marking | No | No |
| Language of Paper | English and Hindi (candidates can write the paper in either) | English and Hindi (candidates can write the paper in either) |
Also Read: CTET Previous Year Question Paper: Free PDF Download
Preparation Tips for CTET Exam 2026
Preparing for the CTET Exam 2026 is difficult but not impossible to crack. With the right method, you can score well. Here are some practical tips to help you clear the CTET exam:
1. Understand the Exam Pattern First: First of all, spend time understanding the CTET syllabus and exam structure to prepare your study plan.
2. Practice NCERT Books Thoroughly: NCERT from Classes 1 to 5 for Paper 1 and Classes 6 to 8 for Paper 2 are extremely important.
3. Make Short Notes for Quick Revision: Prepare easy and handwritten notes for important formulas and concepts. Short notes save time during revision and make learning faster.
4. Solve Mock Tests Regularly: Make it a habit to solve mock tests every week to understand your weak areas and improve speed
5. Revise Daily: CTET needs consistency, and daily revision sessions help you remember concepts better.
6. Practice Previous Year Papers: Previous papers tell you the question style and give you an upper hand.
FAQs
You can apply for CTET 2025 by visiting the official CTET website, filling out the online form, uploading documents, paying the fee, and submitting the application before the deadline.
The new CTET exam date is 8th February 2026, as on the official website. Students should regularly check CTET notifications for updated schedules and important announcements.
The Central Board of Secondary Education is responsible for conducting the national-level CTET Examinations every year.
No, 82 marks do not qualify for CTET. General category students need 90 marks, while reserved category students need 82 marks to pass the exam.
There is no limit on the number of attempts for CTET. Students can appear for the exam as many times as they wish to improve their scores or qualify for teaching jobs.
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